Thechildamusedusinanastonishingwayalldinnertime，Paulinekeepingherearsopenandnotsayingaword，sosurprisedwasshetohearachildofheragetalkinawaythatwouldhaveexcitedattentioninawomanoftwenty。Althoughperfectlyrespectfulshecondemnedhermother’sconduct，andsaidthatshewasunfortunateinbeingobligedtogiveherablindobedience。
　　"Iwouldwagerthatyoudon’tlovehermuch。"
　　"Irespect，butIcannotloveher，forIamalwaysafraid。Ineverseeherwithoutfearingher。"
　　"Whydoyouweep，then，atherfate？"
　　"Ipityher，andherfamilystillmore，andtheexpressionssheusedinsendingmetoyouwereveryaffecting。"
　　"Whatweretheseexpressions？"
　　"’Go，’saidshe，’kneelbeforehim，foryouandyoualonecansoftenhisheart。’"
　　"Thenyoukneltbeforemebecauseyourmothertoldyoutodoso。"
　　"Yes，forifIhadfollowedmyowninclinationIshouldhaverushedtoyourarms。"
　　"Youanswerwell。Butareyousureofpersuadingme？"
　　"No，foronecanneverbesureofanything；butIhavegoodhopesofsuccess，rememberingwhatyoutoldmeattheHague。MymothertoldmethatIwasonlythreethen，butIknowIwasfive。SheitwaswhotoldmenottolookatyouwhenIspoketoyou，butfortunatelyyoumadeherremoveherprohibition。Everybodysaysthatyouaremyfather，andattheHagueshetoldmesoherself；butheresheisalwaysdinningitintomyearsthatIamthedaughterofM。deMonpernis。"
　　"But，Sophiedear，yourmotherdoeswronginmakingyouabastardwhenyouarethelegitimatedaughterofthedancerPompeati，whokilledhimselfatVienna。"
　　"ThenIamnotyourdaughter？"
　　"Clearly，foryoucannothavetwofathers，canyou？"
　　"ButhowisitthatIamyourimage？"
　　"It’samerechance。"
　　"Youdeprivemeofadreamwhichhasmademehappy。"
　　Paulinesaidnothing，butcoveredherwithkisses，whichSophiereturnedeffusively。Sheaskedmeiftheladywasmywife，andonmyreplyingintheaffirmativeshecalledPaulineher"dearmamma，"
　　whichmade"dearmamma"laughmerrily。
　　WhenthedessertwasservedIdrewfourfifty—poundnotesoutofmypocket—book，andgivingthemtoSophietoldherthatshemighthandthemovertohermotherifsheliked，butthatthepresentwasforherandnotforhermother。
　　"Ifyougiveherthemoney，"Isaid，"shewillbeabletosleepto—
　　nightinthefinehousewhereshegavemesuchapoorreception。"
　　"Itmakesmeunhappytothinkofit，butyoumustforgiveher。"
　　"Yes，Sophie；butoutofloveforyou。"
　　"Writetohertotheeffectthatitistomeyougivethemoney，nottoher；Idarenottellhersomyself。"
　　"Icouldnotdothat，mydear；itwouldbeinsultingherinheraffliction。Doyouunderstandthat？"
　　"Yes，quitewell。"
　　"Youmaytellherthatwhenevershesendsyoutodineorsupwithme，shewillpleasemeverymuch。"
　　"Butyoucanwritethatdownwithoutwoundingher，canyounot？Doso，Ientreatyou。Dearmamma，"saidshe，addressingPauline，"askpapatodoso，andthenIwillcomeanddinewithyousometimes。"
　　Paulinelaughedwithallherheartassheaddressedmeashusband，andbeggedmetowritethedesiredepistle。TheeffectonthemothercouldonlyletherknowhowmuchIlovedherdaughter，andwouldconsequentlyincreaseherloveforherchild。Igavein，sayingthatIcouldnotrefuseanythingtotheadorablewomanwhohadhonouredmewiththenameofhusband。Sophiekissedus，andwentawayinahappymood。
　　"It’salongtimesinceIhavelaughedsomuch，"saidPauline，"andI
　　don’tthinkIhaveeverhadsuchanagreeablemeal。Thatchildisaperfecttreasure。Sheisunhappy，poorlittlegirl，butshewouldnotbesoifIwerehermother。"
　　IthentoldherofthetruerelationshipbetweenSophieandmyself，andthereasonsIhadfordespisinghermother。
　　"IwonderwhatshewillsaywhenSophietellsherthatshefoundyouattablewithyourwife。"
　　"Shewon’tbelieveit，assheknowsmyhorrorforthesacramentofmatrimony。"
　　"Howisthat？"
　　"Ihateitbecauseitisthegraveoflove。"
　　"Notalways。"
　　AsshesaidthisPaulinesighed，andloweringhereyeschangedtheconversation。SheaskedmehowlongIintendedtostayinLondonandwhenIhadreplied，"Nineortenmonths，"Ifeltmyselfentitledtoaskherthesamequestion。
　　"Ireallycan’tsay，"sheanswered，"myreturntomycountrydependsonmygettingaletter。"
　　"MayIaskyouwhatcountryyoucomefrom？"
　　"IseeIshallsoonhavenosecretsfromyou，butletmehavealittletime。Ihaveonlymadeyouracquaintanceto—day，andinamannerwhichmakesmehaveaveryhighopinionofyou。"
　　"Ishalltrymybesttodeservethegoodopinionsyouhaveconceivedofmycharacter。"
　　"Youhaveshewnyourselftomeinathoroughlyestimablelight。"
　　"Givemeyouresteem，Idesireitearnestly，butdon’tsayanythingofrespect，forthatseemstoshutoutfriendship；Iaspiretoyours，andIwarnyouthatIshalldomybesttogainit。"
　　"Ihavenodoubtyouareverycleverinthatway，butyouaregeneroustoo，andIhopeyouwillspareme。Ifthefriendshipbetweenusbecametooardent，apartingwouldbedreadful，andwemaybepartedatanymoment，indeedIoughttobelookingforwardtoit。"
　　Ourdialoguewasgettingrathersentimental，andwiththateasewhichisonlyacquiredinthebestsociety，Paulineturnedittoothertopics，andsoonaskedmetoallowhertogoupstairs。Iwouldhavegladlyspentthewholedaywithher，forIhavenevermetawomanwhosemannersweresodistinguishedandatthesametimesopleasant。
　　WhensheleftmeIfeltasortofvoid，andwenttoseeMadameBinetti，whoaskedmefornewsofPembroke。Shewasinaragewithhim。
　　"Heisadetestablefellow，"saidshe；"hewouldliketohaveafreshwifeeveryday！Whatdoyouthinkofsuchconduct？"
　　"Ienvyhimhishappiness。"
　　"Heenjoysitbecauseallwomenaresuchfools。Hecaughtmethroughmeetingmeatyourhouse；hewouldneverhavedonesootherwise。
　　Whatareyoulaughingat？"
　　"Becauseifhehascaughtyou，youhavealsocaughthim；youarethereforequits。"
　　"Youdon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout。"
　　Icamehomeateighto’clock，andassoonasFannyhadtoldPaulinethatIhadreturnedshecamedownstairs。Ifanciedshewastryingtocaptivatemebyherattentions，andastheprospectwasquiteagreeabletomeIthoughtweshouldcometoanunderstandingbeforeverylong。
　　Supperwasbroughtinandwestayedattabletillmidnight，talkingabouttrifles，butsopleasantlythatthetimepassedawayveryquickly。Whensheleftmeshewishedmegoodnight，andsaidmyconversationhadmadeherforgethersorrows。
　　Pembrokecamenextmorningtoaskmetogivehimbreakfast，andcongratulatedmeonthedisappearanceofthebillfrommywindow。
　　"Ishouldverymuchliketoseeyourboarder，"saidhe。
　　"Idaresay，mylord，butIcan’tgratifyyourcuriosityjustnow，fortheladylikestobealone，andonlyputsupwithmycompanybecauseshecan’thelpit。"
　　Hedidnotinsist，andtoturntheconversationItoldhimthatMadameBinettiwasfuriouswithhimforhisinconstancy，whichwasatestimonytohismerits。Thatmadehimlaugh，andwithoutgivingmeanyanswerheaskedmeifIdinedathomethatday。
　　"No，mylord，notto—day。"
　　"Iunderstand。Well，it’sverynatural；bringtheaffairtoahappyconclusion。"
　　"Iwilldomybest。"
　　MartinellihadfoundtwoorthreeparodiesofmynoticeintheAdvertiser，andcameandreadthemtome。Iwasmuchamusedwiththem；theyweremostlyindecent，forthelibertyofthepressismuchabusedinLondon。AsforMartinellihewastoodiscreetanddelicateamantoaskmeaboutmynewboarder。AsitwasSunday，IbeggedhimtotakemetomassattheBavarianambassador’schapel；andhereI
　　mustconfessthatIwasnotmovedbyanyfeelingsofdevotion，butbythehopeofseeingPauline。Ihadmytroublefornothing，for，asI
　　heardafterwards，shesatinadarkcornerwherenoonecouldseeher。Thechapelwasfull，andMartinellipointedoutseverallordsandladieswhowereCatholics，anddidnotconcealtheirreligion。
　　WhenIgothomeIreceivedanotefromMadameCornelis，sayingthatasitwasSundayandshecouldgooutfreely，shehopedIwouldlethercometodinner。IshewedthelettertoPauline，notknowingwhethershewouldobjecttodiningwithher，andshesaidshewouldbehappytodoso，providedtherewerenomen。IwroteinanswertoMadameCornelisthatIshouldbegladtoseeherandhercharmingdaughteratdinner。Shecame，andSophiedidnotleavemysideforamoment。MadameCornelis，whowasconstrainedinPauline’spresence，tookmeasidetoexpresshergratitudeandtocommunicatetomesomechimericalschemesofherswhichweresoontomakeherrich。
　　Sophiewasthelifeandsouloftheparty，butasIhappenedtotellhermotherthatPaulinewasaladywhowaslodginginmyhouse，shesaid，"Thensheisnotyourwife？"
　　"No；suchhappinessisnotforme。Itwasajokeofmine，andtheladyamusedherselfattheexpenseofyourcredulity。"
　　"Well，Ishouldliketosleepwithher。"
　　"Really？When？"
　　"Whenevermammawillletme。"
　　"Wemustfirstascertain，"saidthemother，"whattheladythinksofthearrangement。"
　　"Sheneedn’tfeararefusal，"saidPauline，givingthechildakiss。
　　"Thenyoushallhaveherwithpleasure，madam。Iwillgethergovernesstofetchherawayto—morrow。"
　　"Atthreeo’clock，"saidI，"forshemustdinewithus。"
　　Sophie，takinghermother’ssilenceforconsent，wentuptoherandkissedher，buttheseattentionswerebutcoldlyreceived。Sheunfortunatelydidnotknowhowtoinspirelove。
　　AfterMadameCornelishadgone，IaskedPaulineifshewouldliketotakeawalkwithSophieandmyselfinthesuburbs，wherenobodywouldknowher。
　　"Inprudence，"saidshe，"IcannotgooutunlessIamalone。"
　　"Thenshallwestayhere？"
　　"Wecouldnotdobetter。"
　　PaulineandSophiesangItalian，French，andEnglishduets，andtheconcertoftheirvoicesseemedtomeravishing。Wesuppedgaily，andatmidnightIescortedthemtothethirdfloor，tellingSophiethatI
　　wouldcomeandbreakfastwithherinthemorning，butthatIshouldexpecttofindherinbed。Iwantedtoseeifherbodywasasbeautifulasherface。IwouldgladlyhaveaskedPaulinetograntmethesamefavour，butIdidnotthinkthingshadadvancedfarenoughforthat。InthemorningIfoundPaulineupanddressed。
　　WhenSophiesawmeshelaughedandhidherheadunderthesheets，butassoonasshefeltmenearhershesoonletmeseeherprettylittleface，whichIcoveredwithkisses。
　　Whenshehadgotupwebreakfastedtogether，andthetimewentbyaspleasantlyaspossibletillMadameRancourcameforherlittlecharge，whowentawaywithasadheart。ThusIwasleftalonewithmyPaulinewhobegantoinspiremewithsuchardentdesiresthatI
　　dreadedanexplosioneverymoment。AndyetIhadnotsomuchaskissedherhand。
　　WhenSophiehadgoneImadehersitbesideme，andtakingherhandI
　　kisseditrapturously，saying，"Areyoumarried，Pauline？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Doyouknowwhatitistobeamother？"
　　"No，butIcanpartlyimaginewhathappinessitmustbe。"
　　"Areyouseparatedfromyourhusband？"
　　"Yes，bycircumstancesandagainstourwill。Wewereseparatedbeforewehadcohabitedtogether。"
　　"IsheatLondon？"
　　"No，heisfaraway，butpleasedon’tsayanythingmoreaboutit。"
　　"Onlytellmewhethermylosswillbehisgain。"
　　"Yes，andIpromisenottoleaveyoutillIhavetoleaveEngland——
　　thatis，unlessyoudismissme——andIshallleavethishappyislandtobehappywiththehusbandofmychoice。"
　　"ButI，dearPauline，willbeleftunhappy，forIloveyouwithallmyheart，andamafraidtogiveyouanyproofofmylove。"
　　"Begenerousandspareme，forIamnotmyownmistress，andhavenorighttogivemyselftoyou；andperhaps，ifyouweresoungenerousastoattackme，Ishouldnothavethestrengthtoresist。"
　　"Iwillobey，butIshallstilllanguish。IcannotbeunhappyunlessIforfeityourfavour。"
　　"Ihavedutiestoperform，mydearfriend，andIcannotneglectthemwithoutbecomingcontemptibleinmyowneyesandyourstoo。"
　　"IshoulddeemmyselfthemostmiserableofmenifIdespisedawomanformakingmehappy。"
　　"Well，Ilikeyoutoowelltothinkyoucapableofsuchconduct，butletusbemoderate，forwemayhavetopartto—morrow。Youmustconfessthatifweyieldedtodesire，thispartingwouldbeallthemorebitter。Ifyouareofanotheropinion，thatonlyshewsthatyourideasofloveandminearedifferent。"
　　"ThentellmeofwhatsortofloveisthatwithwhichIamhappyenoughtohaveinspiredyou？"
　　"Itisofsuchakindthatenjoymentwouldonlyincreaseit，andyetenjoymentseemstomeamereaccident。"
　　"Thenwhatisitsessence？"
　　"Tolivetogetherinperfectunity。"
　　"That’sablessingwecanenjoyfrommorningtoeve，butwhyshouldwenotaddtheharmlessaccidentwhichwouldtakesoshortatime，andgiveussuchpeaceandtranquillity。Youmustconfess，Pauline，thattheessencecannotexistlongwithouttheaccident。"
　　"Yes，butyouinyourturn，youwillagreethatthefoodoftenprovesintimetobedeadly。"
　　"No，notwhenonelovestruly，asIdo。Doyouthinkthatyouwillnotlovemesowellafterhavingpossessedme？"
　　"No，it’sbecauseIthinkquiteotherwise，thatIdreadtomakethemomentofpartingsobitter。"
　　"IseeImustyieldtoyourlogic。Ishouldliketoseethefoodonwhichyoufeedyourbrain，otherwiseyourbooks。Willyouletmecomeupstairs？"
　　"Certainly，butyouwillbecaught。"
　　"How？"
　　"Comeandsee。"
　　Wewenttoherroom，andIfoundthatallherbookswerePortuguese，withtheexceptionofMilton，inEnglish，Ariosto，inItalian，andLabruyere’s"Characters，"inFrench。
　　"Yourselectiongivesmeahighideaofyourmentalqualities，"saidI，"buttellme，whydoyougivesuchapreferencetoCamoensandallthesePortugueseauthors？"
　　"Foraverygoodreason，IamPortuguesemyself。"
　　"YouPortuguese？IthoughtyouwereItalian。Andsoyoualreadyknowfivelanguages，foryoudoubtlessknowSpanish。"
　　"Yes，althoughSpanishisnotabsolutelynecessary。"
　　"Whataneducationyouhavehad！"
　　"Iamtwenty—twonow，butIknewalltheselanguagesateighteen。"
　　"Tellmewhoyouare，tellmeallaboutyourself。Iamworthyofyourconfidence。"
　　"Ithinksotoo，andtogiveyouaproofofmytrustinyouIamgoingtotellyoumyhistory，forsinceyoulovemeyoucanonlywishtodomegood。"
　　"Whatareallthesemanuscripts？"
　　"Myhistory，whichIhavewrittendownmyself。Letussitdown:"
　　CHAPTERIX
　　Pauline’sStory——IAmHappy——PaulineLeavesMeIamtheonlydaughteroftheunfortunateCountX————o，whomCarvailhoOeiraskilledinprisononsuspicionofbeingconcernedintheattemptontheking’slife，inwhichtheJesuitsweresupposedtohavehadahand。Idonotknowwhethermyfatherwasinnocentorguilty，butIdoknowthatthetyrannicalministerdidnotdaretohavehimtried，ortoconfiscatetheestates，whichremaininmypossession，thoughIcanonlyenjoythembyreturningtomynativeland。
　　"Mymotherhadmebroughtupinaconventwherehersisterwasabbess。Ihadallkindsofmasters，especiallyanItalianfromLeghorn，whoinsixyearstaughtmeallthathethoughtproperformetoknow。HewouldansweranyquestionsIchosetoputhim，saveonreligiousmatters，butImustconfessthathisreservemademeallthefonderofhim，forinleavingmetoreflectoncertainsubjectsbymyselfhedidagreatdealtoformmyjudgment。
　　"Iwaseighteenwhenmygrandfatherremovedmsfromtheconvent，althoughIprotestedthatIwouldgladlystaytheretillIgotmarried。Iwasfondlyattachedtomyaunt，whodidallinherpoweraftermymother’sdeathtomakemeforgetthedoublelossIhadsustained。Myleavingtheconventalteredthewholecourseofmyexistence，andasitwasnotavoluntaryactionIhavenothingtorepentof。
　　"Mygrandfatherplacedmewithhissister—in—law，theMarchionessX————o，whogavemeuphalfherhouse。Ihadagoverness，acompanion，maids，pages，andfootmen，allofwhom，thoughinmyservice，wereundertheordersofmygoverness，awell—bornlady，whowashappilyhonestandtrustworthy。
　　"AyearafterIhadlefttheconventmygrandfathercameandtoldmeinthepresenceofmygovernessthatCountFl————hadaskedmyhandforhisson，whowascomingfromMadridendwouldarrivethatday。
　　"’Whatanswerdidyougivehim，deargrandfather？’
　　"’Thatthemarriagewouldbeacceptabletothewholeofthenobility，andalsotothekingandroyalfamily。’
　　"’ButareyouquitesurethattheyoungcountwilllikemeandthatI
　　shalllikethecount？’
　　"’That，mydeardaughter，isamatterofcourse，andthereneedbenodiscussiononthesubject。’
　　"’ButitisaquestioninwhichIamstronglyinterested，andI
　　shouldliketoconsideritverycarefully。Weshallseehowmattersarrangethemselves。’
　　"’Youcanseeeachotherbeforedeciding，butyoumustdecideallthesame。’
　　"’Ihopeso，butletusnotbetoocertain。Weshallsee。’
　　"AssoonasmygrandfatherhadgoneItoldmygovernessthatIhadmadeupmymindnevertogivemyhandsavewhereIhadgivenmyheart，andthatIshouldonlymarryamanwhosecharacterandtastesIhadcarefullystudied。Mygovernessgavemenoanswer，andonmypressinghertogivemeheropinion，sherepliedthatshethoughtherbestcoursewouldbetokeepsilenceonsuchadelicatequestion。
　　ThiswasasmuchastotellmethatshethoughtIwasright；atleastIpersuadedmyselfthatitwasso。
　　"ThenextdayIwenttotheconvent，andtoldthestorytomyaunt，theabbess，wholistenedtomekindlyandsaiditwastobehopedthatIshouldfallinlovewithhimandhewithme，butthatevenifitwereotherwiseshewasofopinionthatthemarriagewouldtakeplace，asshehadreasonsforbelievingthattheschemecamefromthePrincessofBrazil，whofavouredCountFl————。
　　"Thoughthisinformationgrievedme，Iwasstillgladtohearit，andmyresolutionnevertomarrysaveforlovewasallthemorestronglyconfirmed。
　　"Inthecourseofafortnightthecountarrived，andmygrandfatherpresentedhimtome，severalladiesbeinginthecompany。Nothingwassaidaboutmarrying，buttherewasadealoftalkaboutthestrangelandsandpeoplesthenewarrivalhadseen。Ilistenedwiththegreatestattention，notopeningmymouththewholetime。Ihadverylittleknowledgeoftheworld，soIcouldnotmakeanycomparisonsbetweenmysuitorandothermen，butmyconclusionwasthathecouldneverhopetopleaseanywoman，andthathewouldcertainlyneverbemine。Hehadanunpleasantsneeringmanner，jokedinbadtaste，wasstupid，andadevotee，orratherafanatic。
　　Furthermorehewasuglyandill—shapen，andsogreatafopthathewasnotashamedtorelatethestoryofhisconquestsinFranceandItaly。
　　"Iwenthomehopingwithallmyheartthathehadtakenadisliketome，andaweekwhichpassedawaywithoutmyhearinganythingonthesubjectconfirmedmeinthisbelief，butIwasdoomedtobedisappointed。Mygreat—auntaskedmetodinner，andwhenIwentI
　　foundthefoolishyoungmanandhisfatherpresent，togetherwithmygrandfather，whoformallyintroducedhimtomeasmyfuturehusband，andbeggedmetofixtheweddingday。ImadeupmymindthatIwouldratherdiethanmarryhim，andansweredpolitelybutcoldlythatI
　　wouldnamethedaywhenIhaddecidedonmarrying，butIshouldrequiretimetothinkitover。Thedinnerwentoffsilently，andI
　　onlyopenedmymouthtouttermonosyllablesinreplytoquestionswhichIcouldnotavoid。AfterthecoffeehadbeenservedIleftthehouse，takingnonoticeofanyonebesidesmyauntandmygrandfather。
　　"Sometimeelapsed；andIagainbegantohopethatIhadeffectuallydisgustedmysuitor，butonemorningmygovernesstoldmethatFatherFreirewaswaitingtospeaktomeintheante—chamber。Iorderedhimtobesentin。HewastheconfessorofthePrincessofBrazil，andaftersomedesultoryconversationhesaidtheprincesshadsenthimtocongratulatemeonmyapproachingmarriagewithCountFl————。
　　"Ididnotevinceanysurprise，merelyreplyingthatIwassensibleofherhighness’skindness，butthatnothinghadbeendecidedsofar，asIwasnotthinkingofgettingmarried。
　　"Thepriest，whowasaperfectcourtier，smiledinamanner，halfkindly，halfsardonic，andsaidthatIwasatthathappyagewhenI
　　hadnoneedtothinkofanything，asmykindfriendsandrelationsdidallmythinkingforme。
　　"Ionlyansweredbyanincreduloussmile，which，forallhismonasticsubtlety，struckhimastheexpressionofayounggirl’scoyness。
　　"ForeseeingthepersecutiontowhichIshouldbesubjected，Iwentthenextdaytomyaunttheabbess，whocouldnotrefusemeheradvice。IbeganbystatingmyfirmresolvetodieratherthanwedabeingIdetested。
　　"Theworthynunrepliedthatthecounthadbeenintroducedtoher，andthattotellthetruthshethoughthiminsufferable；allthesame，shesaidshewasafraidIshouldbemadetomarryhim。
　　"ThesewordsweresuchashocktomethatIturnedtheconversation，andspokeofothersubjectsfortheremainderofmyvisit。ButwhenIgotbacktomyhouseIpursuedanextraordinarycourse。Ishutmyselfupinmyclosetandwrotealettertotheexecutionerofmyunhappyfather，thepitilessOeiras，tellinghimthewholestory，andimploringhimtoprotectmeandtospeaktothekinginmyfavour；
　　’for，’saidI，’asyouhavemademeanorphanitisyourdutybeforeGodtocareforme。’IbeggedhimtosheltermefromtheangerofthePrincessofBrazil，andtoleavemeatlibertytodisposeofmyhandaccordingtomypleasure。
　　"ThoughIdidnotimagineOeirastobeahumaneman，yetIthoughthemusthavesomesortofaheart；besides，bythisextraordinarystepandthefirmnessofmylanguage，Ihopedtoappealtohisprideandtointeresthiminmyfavour。Ifeltsurethathewoulddomejustice，ifonlytoprovethathehadnotbeenunjusttomyfather。
　　Iwasright，aswillbeseen，andalthoughIwasbutaninexperiencedgirlmyinstinctservedmewell。
　　"TwodayselapsedbeforeIwaswaitedonbyamessengerfromOeiras，whobeggedthehonourofaprivateinterviewwithme。ThemessengertoldmethattheministerwishedmetoreplytoallwhopressedmetomarrythatIshouldnotdecideuntilIwasassuredthattheprincessdesiredthematch。Theministerbeggedmetoexcusehisnotansweringmyletter，buthehadgoodreasonsfornotdoingso。ThemessengerassuredmethatIcouldcountonhismaster’ssupport。
　　"Hismessagedelivered，thegentlemantookleavewithaprofoundbow，andwentbackwithoutwaitingforananswer。Imustconfessthattheyoungman’slookshadmadeagreatimpressiononme。Icannotdescribemyfeelings，buttheyhaveexertedgreatinfluenceonmyconduct，andwillnodoubtcontinuetodosofortherestofmylife。
　　"Thismessageputmequiteatease，forhewouldneverhavegivenmetheinstructionshedidwithoutbeingperfectlysurethattheprincesswouldnotinterfereanyfartherwithmymarriage；andsoI
　　gavemyselfupentirelytothenewsentimentswhichpossessedmyheart。Thoughstrong，theflamewouldnodoubtsoonhavedieddownifithadnotreceivedfreshfueleveryday，forwhenIsawtheyoungmessengeraweeklaterinchurchIscarcelyrecognizedhim。Fromthatmoment，however，Imethimeverywhere；outwalking，inthetheatre，inthehouseswhereIcalled，andespeciallywhenIwasgettinginoroutofmycarriagehewaseverbesideme，readytoofferhishand；andIgotsousedtohispresencethatwhenImissedhisfaceIfeltavoidatmyheartthatmademeunhappy。
　　"AlmosteverydayIsawthetwoCountsFl————atmygreat—aunt’s，butastherewasnolongeranyengagementbetweenustheirpresenceneitherjoyedmenorgrievedme。IhadforgiventhembutIwasnothappy。Theimageoftheyoungmessenger，ofwhomIknewnothing，waseverbeforeme，andIblushedatmythoughtsthoughIwouldnotaskmyselfthereasons。
　　"Suchwasmystateofmind，whenonedayIheardavoice，whichwasunknowntome，inmymaid’sroom。Isawaquantityoflaceonatableandproceededtoexamineitwithoutpayinganyattentiontoagirlwhowasstandingnearthetableandcurtsyingtome。Ididnotlikeanyofthelace，sothegirlsaidthatshewouldbringmesomemoretochoosefromthenextday，andasIraisedmyeyesIwasastonishedtoseethatshehadthefaceoftheyoungmanwhowasalwaysinmythoughts。MyonlyresourcewastodoubttheiridentityandtomakemyselfbelievethatIhadbeendeceivedbyamerechancelikeness。Iwasreassuredonsecondthoughts；thegirlseemedtometobetallerthantheyoungman，whomIhesitatedtobelievecapableofsuchapieceofdaring。Thegirlgatheredupherlaceandwentherwaywithoutraisinghereyestomine，andthismademefeelsuspiciousagain。
　　"’Doyouknowthatgirl？’Isaid，coldly，tomymaid，andsherepliedthatshehadneverseenherbefore。Iwentawaywithoutanotherword，notknowingwhattothink。
　　"Ithoughtitoverandresolvedtoexaminethegirlwhenshecameonthefollowingday，andtounmaskherifmysuspicionsprovedtobewellfounded。Itoldmyselfthatshemightbetheyoungman’ssister，andthatifitwereotherwiseitwouldbeallthemoreeasytocuremyselfofmypassion。Ayounggirlwhoreasonsonlovefallsintolove，especiallyifshehavenooneinwhomtoconfide。
　　"Thepretendedlace—sellerdulycamethenextdaywithaboxoflace。
　　Itoldhertocomeintomyroom，andthenspeakingtohertoforcehertoraisehereyesIsawbeforemethebeingwhoexertedsuchapowerfulinfluenceoverme。ItwassuchashockthatIhadnostrengthtoaskheranyofthequestionsIhadpremeditated。
　　Besides，mymaidwasintheroom，andthefearofexposingmyselfoperated，Ithink，almostasstronglyasemotion。Isetaboutchoosingsomepiecesoflaceinamechanicalway，andtoldmymaidtogoandfetchmypurse。Nosoonerhadshelefttheroomthanthelace—sellerfellatmyfeetandexclaimedpassionately，"’Givemelifeordeath，madam，forIseeyouknowwhoIam。’
　　"’Yes，Idoknowyou，andIthinkyoumusthavegonemad。’
　　"’Yes，thatmaybe；butIammadwithlove。Iadoreyou。’
　　"’Rise，formymaidwillcomebackdirectly。’
　　"’Sheisinmysecret。’
　　"’What！youhavedared’
　　"Hegotup，andthemaidcameinandgavehimhismoneywiththeutmostcoolness。Hepickeduphislace，mademeaprofoundbow，anddeparted。
　　"Itwouldhavebeennaturalformetospeaktomymaid，andstillmorenaturalifIhaddismissedheronthespot。Ihadnocouragetodoso，andmyweaknesswillonlyastonishthoserigorousmoralistswhoknownothingofayounggirl’sheart，anddonotconsidermypainfulposition，passionatelyinloveandwithnoonebutmyselftorelyon。
　　"Ididnotfollowatoncetheseveredictatesofduty；afterwardsitwastoolate，andIeasilyconsoledmyselfwiththethoughtthatI
　　couldpretendnottobeawarethatthemaidwasinthesecret。I
　　determinedtodissemble，hopingthatIshouldneverseetheadventurousloveragain，andthatthusallwouldbeasifithadneverhappened。
　　"Thisresolvewasreallytheeffectofanger，forafortnightpassedbywithoutmyseeingtheyoungmaninthetheatre，thepublicwalks，orinanyofthepublicplacesheusedtofrequent，andIbecamesadanddreamy，feelingallthetimeashamedofmyownwantonfancies。
　　Ilongedtoknowhisname，whichIcouldonlylearnfrommymaid，anditwasoutofthequestionformetoaskOeiras。Ihatedmymaid，andIblushedwhenIsawher，imaginingthatsheknewall。Iwasafraidthatshewouldsuspectmyhonour，andatanothertimeIfearedlestshemightthinkIdidnotlovehim；andthisthoughtnearlydrovememad。AsfortheyoungadventurerIthoughthimmoretobepitiedthantobeblamed，forIdidnotbelievethatheknewIlovedhim，anditseemedtomethattheideaofmydespisinghimwasenoughvengeanceforhisaudacity。Butmythoughtsweredifferentwhenmyvanitywasstrongerthanlove，forthendespairavengeditselfonpride，andIfanciedhewouldthinknomoreofme，andperhapshadalreadyforgottenme。
　　"Suchastatecannotlastlong，forifnothingcomestoputanendtothestormwhichtossesthesoultoandfro，itendsatlastbymakinganeffortofitselftosailintothecalmwatersofpeace。
　　"OnedayIputonalacekerchiefIhadboughtfromhim，andaskedmymaid，"’Whathasbecomeofthegirlwhosoldmethiskerchief？’
　　"Iaskedthisquestionwithoutpremeditation；itwas，asitwere，aninspirationfrommy’goodormyevilgenius。
　　"AscraftyasIwassimple，thewomanansweredthattobesurehehadnotdaredtocomeagain，fearingthatIhadfoundouthisdisguise。
　　"’Certainly，’Ireplied，’Ifounditoutdirectly，butIwasastonishedtohearthatyouknewthislace—sellerwasayoungman。’
　　"’IdidnotthinkIshouldoffendyou，madam，Iknowhimwell。’
　　"’Whoishe？
　　"’Countd’Al————；yououghttoknowhim，forhepaidyouavisitaboutfourmonthsago’
　　"’True，anditispossiblethatIdidnotknowhim，butwhydidyoutellaliewhenIaskedyou，"Doyouknowthatgirl？"’
　　"’Iliedtospareyourfeelings，madam，andIwasafraidyouwouldbeangryatthepartIhadtaken:
　　"’Youwouldhavehonouredmemorebysupposingthecontrary。Whenyouwentout，andItoldhimhewasmad，andthatyouwouldfindhimonhiskneeswhenyoureturned，hetoldmeyouwereinthesecret。’
　　"’Ifitbeasecret，butitseemstomeamerejoke:
　　"’Iwishedtothinksotoo，butneverthelessitseemedofsuchweighttome，thatIresolvedtobesilentthatImightnotbeobligedtosendyouaway。’
　　"’Myideawasthatyouwouldhavebeenamused，butasyoutakeitseriouslyIamsorrythatIhavefailedinmystrictduty。’
　　"Soweakisawomaninlovethatinthisexplanationwhichshouldhaveshewnmetheservant’sfaultinallitsenormityIonlysawafulljustification。Infactshehadgivenpeacetomyheart，butmymindwasstilluneasy。IknewthattherewasayoungCountd’Al————
　　belongingtoanoblefamily，butalmostpenniless。Allhehadwastheminister’spatronage，andtheprospectofgoodStateemployments。
　　ThenotionthatHeavenmeantmetoremedythedeficienciesinhisfortunemademefallintoasweetreverie，andatlastIfoundmyselfdecidingthatmymaidwhoputitalldownasajesthadmorewitthanI。Iblamedmyselfformyscrupulousbehaviour，whichseemednobetterthanprudery。MylovewasstrongerthanIthought，andthisismybestexcuse，besidesIhadnoonetoguideorcounselme。
　　"Butaftersunshinecomesshadow。Mysoulwasliketheebbandtideofthesea，nowintheheightsandnowinthedepths。Theresolve，whichthecountseemedtohavetaken，toseemenomore，eithershewedhimtobeamanoflittleenterpriseorlittlelove，andthissuppositionhumiliatedme。’If，’Isaidtomyself，’thecountisoffendedwithmeforcallinghimamadman，hecanhavenodelicacyandnodiscretion；heisunworthyofmylove。’
　　"Iwasinthisdreadfulstateofuncertaintywhenmymaidtookuponherselftowritetothecountthathecouldcomeandseemeunderthesamediguise。Hefollowedheradvice，andonefinemorningthecraftymaidcameintomychamberlaughing，andtoldmethatthelace—
　　sellerwasinthenextroom。Iwasmovedexceedingly，butrestrainingmyselfIbegantolaughalso，thoughtheaffairwasnolaughingmatterforme。
　　"’ShallIshewherin？saidthemaid。
　　"’Areyoucrazy？
　　"ShallIsendheraway？
　　"’No，Iwillgoandspeaktohimmyself。’
　　"Thisdaywasamemorableone。Mymaidlefttheroomnowandagain，andwehadplentyoftimetodiscloseourfeelingstooneanother。I
　　franklyconfessedthatIlovedhim，butaddedthatitwerebestthatIshouldforgethim，asitwasnotlikelythatmyrelationswouldconsenttoourmarriage。InhisturnhetoldmethattheministerhavingresolvedtosendhimtoEngland，hewoulddieofdespairunlesshecarriedwithhimthehopeofonedaypossessingme，forhesaidhelovedmetoowelltolivewithoutme。Hebeggedmetoallowhimtocomeandseemeunderthesamedisguise，andthoughIcouldnotrefusehimanythingIsaidthatwemightbediscovered。
　　"’Itisenoughforme，’hereplied，tenderly，’thatyouwillincurnodanger，myvisitswillbesetdowntotheaccountofyourmaid。’
　　"’ButIamafraidforyou，’Ireplied，’yourdisguiseisacrimeinitself；yourreputationwillsuffer，andthatwillnottendtobringthewishofyourheartnearer。’
　　"Inspiteofmyobjections，myheartspokeinhisfavour，andhepleadedsowellandpromisedtobesodiscreetthatatlastIsaidI
　　wouldseehimgladlywheneverhelikedtocome。
　　"CountAl————istwenty—two，andisshorterthanI；heissmall—
　　boned，andinhisdisguiseasalace—selleritwashardtorecognizehim，evenbyhisvoice，whichisverysoft。Heimitatedthegesturesandwaysofwomentoperfection，andnotafewwomenwouldbeonlytoogladtobelikehim。
　　"Thusfornearlythreemonthsthedisguisedcountcametoseemethreeorfourtimesaweek，alwaysinmymaid’sroom，andmostlyinherpresence。Butevenifwehadbeenperfectlyalonehisfearofmydispleasurewastoogreattoallowhimtotaketheslightestliberties。Ithinknowthatthismutualrestraintaddedfueltoourflames，forwhenwethoughtofthemomentofpartingitwaswithdumbsadnessandwithnoideaoftakingtheopportunityofrenderingoneanotherhappy。WeflatteredourselvesthatHeavenwouldworksomemiracleinourfavour，andthatthedaywouldnevercomewhereinweshouldbeparted。
　　"Butonemorningthecountcameearlierthanusual，and，burstingintotears，toldmethattheministerhadgivenhimaletterforM。deSaa，thePortugueseambassadoratLondon，andanotherletteropenforthecaptainofashipwhichwasshortlytosailforLondon。
　　InthislettertheministerorderedthecaptaintoembarkCountAl————，totakehimtoLondon，andtotreathimwithdistinction。
　　"Mypoorloverwasoverwhelmed，hewasnearlychokedwithsobs，andhisbrainwasallconfusion。Forhissake，andtakingpityonhisgriefandmylove，Iconceivedtheplanofaccompanyinghimashisservant，orrathertoavoiddisguisingmysex，ashiswife。WhenI
　　toldhim，hewasatoncestupefiedanddazzled。Hewasbeyondreasoning，andlefteverythinginmyhands。Weagreedtodiscussthematteratgreaterlengthonthefollowingday，andparted。
　　"Foreseeingthatitwouldbedifficultformetoleavethehouseinwoman’sdress，Iresolvedtodisguisemyselfasaman。ButifIkepttomyman’sdressIshouldbeobligedtooccupythepositionofmylover’svalet，andhavetoundertaketasksbeyondmystrength。Thisthoughtmademeresolvetoimpersonatethemastermyself，butthinkingthatIshouldnotcaretoseemyloverdegradedtotherankofaservant，Ideterminedthatheshouldbemywife，supposingthatthecaptainoftheshipdidnotknowhimbysight。
　　"’AssoonaswegettoEngland，’Ithought，’wewillgetmarried，andcanresumeourseveraldresses。Thismarriagewilleffacewhatevershamemaybeattachedtoourflight；theywillsay，perhaps，thatthecountcarriedmeoff；butagirlisnotcarriedoffagainstherwill，andOeirassurelywillnotpersecutemeforhavingmadethefortuneofhisfavourite。Astoourmeansofsubsistence，tillIgetmyrents，Icansellmydiamonds，andtheywillrealizeanamplesum。’
　　"Thenextday，whenItoldmyloverofthisstrangeplan，hemadenoobjections。Theonlyobstaclewhichhethoughtofwasthecircumstancethatthesea—captainmightknowhimbysight，andthiswouldhavebeenfatal；butashedidnotthinkitlikelywedeterminedtoruntherisk，anditwasagreedthatheshouldgetmetheclothesforthenewpartIwastoplay。
　　"Isawmyloveragainafteranintervalofthreedays；itwasnightfallwhenhecame。HetoldmethattheAdmiraltyhadinformedhimthattheshipwasridingatthemouthoftheTagus，andthatthecaptainwouldputouttoseaassoonashehaddeliveredhisdispatchesandhadreceivedfreshinstructions。CountAlwasconsequentlyrequestedtobeatacertainspotatmidnight，andaboatwouldbeinwaitingtotakehimonboard。
　　"Ihadmadeupmymind，andthiswasenoughforme；andafterhavingfixedthetimeandplaceofmeeting，Ishutmyselfup，pretendingtobeunwell。Iputafewnecessariesintoabag，notforgettingthepreciousjewel—casket，andIdressedmyselfupasamanandleftthehousebyastaironlyusedbytheservants。EventheporterdidnotseemeasImademyescape。
　　"FearinglestIshouldgoastraythecountwaswaitingformeatashortdistance，andIwaspleasantlysurprisedwhenhetookmebythearm，saying，"TisI。"Fromthiscarefulaction，simplethoughitwas，Isawthathehadintelligence；hewasafraidtocatchholdofmewithoutmakinghimselfknown。Wewenttoahousewherehehadhistrunk，andinhalfanhourhisdisguisewasmade。Whenallwasreadyamancameforourslightbaggage，andwewalkedtotheriverwherethecountwaswaitingforus。Itwaseleveno’clockwhenweleftland，andthinkingmyjewelswouldbesaferinhispocketthaninmybag，Igavethemtohim，andweanxiouslyawaitedthearrivalofthecaptain。Hecameaboardwithhisofficersatmidnight，andaccostedmepolitely，sayinghehadreceivedorderstotreatmewithdistinction。Ithankedhimcordially，andintroducedmywifetohim，whomhegreetedrespectfully，sayinghewasdelightedtohavesuchacharmingpassenger，whowoulddoubtlessgiveusafortunatevoyage。
　　Hewastoopolitetobeastonishedthattheministerhadmadenomentionofthecount’swifeinhisletter。
　　"Wegottothefrigateinlessthananhour；shewasthreeleaguesfromland，andassoonaswegotonboardthecaptainorderedthementosetsail。Hetookustoaroomwhichwasextremelycomfortable，consideringitwasonlyacabin，andafterdoingthehonoursleftustoourselves。
　　"WhenwewerealonewethankedHeaventhateverythinghadgoneoffsowell，andfarfromgoingtosleepwespentthenightindiscussingtheboldstepwehadtaken，orrather，onlyjustbeguntotake；
　　however，wehopeditwouldhaveasfortunateanendingasbeginning。
　　WhenthedaydawnedourheartsweregladdenedbecauseLisbonwasnolongerinsight，andaswewereinneedofrestIlaiddownonaseat，whilethecountgotintoahammock，neitherofustroublingtoundress。
　　"Wewerejustfallingasleep，whenwebegantofeeltheapproachofsea—sickness，andforthreedaysweknewnopeace。
　　"Onthefourthday，scarcelybeingabletostanduprightforweakness，webegantobehungry，andhadtoexerciseacarefulmoderation，soasnottobecomeseriouslyill。Happilyforusthecaptainhadastoreofgoodfood，andourmealsweredelicateandwell—served。
　　"Mylover，whosesicknesshasbeenmoreseverethanmine，usedthisasapretextfornotleavinghisroom。Thecaptainonlycametoseeusonce；thismusthavebeenoutofextremepoliteness，forinPortugalonemaybejealousandyetnotridiculous。Asforme，I
　　stooduponthebridgenearlyallday；thefreshairdidmegood，andIamusedmyselfbyscanningthehorizonwithmytelescope。
　　"Theseventhdayofthevoyagemyhearttrembledaswithapresentimentofmisfortune，whenthesailorssaidthatavesselwhichcouldbeseeninthedistancewasacorvettewhichwasduetosailadayafterus，butbeingaswiftsailorwouldprobablyreachEnglandtwoorthreedaysbeforeus。
　　"ThoughthevoyagefromLisbontoEnglandisalongonewehadafairwindalltheway，andinfourteendayswedroppedanchoratday—breakintheportofPlymouth。
　　"Theofficersentashorebythecaptaintoaskleavetodisembarkpassengerscameonboardintheeveningwithseveralletters。Onethecaptainreadwithpeculiarattention，andthencalledmetoonesideandsaid，"’ThislettercomesfromCountOeiras，andenjoinsme，onmylife，nottoletanyPortugueseyoungladyland，unlessshebeknowntome。
　　IamtotakeherbacktoLisbonafterhavingexecutedmyvariouscommissions。Thereisneitherwifenormaidonmyfrigate，exceptthecountessyourwife。Ifyoucanprovethatsheisreallyyourwifeshemaylandwithyou；otherwise，yousee，Icannotdisobeytheminister’sorders。’
　　"’Sheismywife，’Isaid，coolly；’butasIcouldnotforeseethisaccidentIhavenopaperstoprovethefact。’
　　"’Iamsorrytohearit，asinthatcaseshemustgobacktoLisbon。
　　YoumaybesureIwilltreatherwithallpossiblerespect。’
　　"’Butawifemaynotbepartedfromherhusband。’
　　"’Quiteso，butIcannotdisobeyorders。IfyoulikeyoucanreturntoLisboninthecorvette；youwillbetherebeforeus。’
　　"’WhycannotIreturninthisfrigate？
　　"’BecauseIhavedistinctorderstoputyouonland。AndnowIcometothinkofit，howwasitthattherewasnotawordaboutyourwifeintheletteryougavemewhenwestarted？Iftheladyisnotthepersonmeantbytheminister，youmaybesureshewillbesentbacktojoinyouinLondon。’
　　"’Youwillallowmetogoandspeaktoher？
　　"’Certainly，butinmypresence。’
　　"Myheartwasbroken；nevertheless，IhadtoputagoodfaceonthelosinggameIwasplaying。Iwenttothecount，andaddressinghimasmydearwifecommunicatedtheorderwhichwastopartus。
　　"Iwasafraidhewouldbetrayhimself，buthewasstrong—mindedenoughtorestrainhisemotion，andonlyrepliedthatwemustneedssubmit，andthatweshouldseeeachotheragaininacoupleofmonths。
　　"Asthecaptainstoodbesideus，Icouldonlyuttercommon—places。I
　　warnedhim，however，thatIshouldwritetotheabbessdirectlyIgottoLondon，whowasthefirstpersonhemustgoandseeatLisbon，asshewouldhavemyaddress。Itookcarenottoaskformyjewel—case，asthecaptainmighthavethoughtthatmyfalsewifewassomerichyoungladywhomIhadseduced。
　　"Wehadtoabandonourselvestoourdestiny。Weembracedeachotherandmingledourears，andthecaptainwept，too，whenheheardmesay，"’Trustinallthingstotheworthycaptain，andletusnotfearatall。’
　　"Thecount’strunkwasloweredintotheboat，andasIdidnotdaretotakemybagIfoundmyselfloadedwithnothingbutaman’sclothes，whichwouldnothavefittedme，evenifIhadintendedtokeepupmydisguise。
　　"WhenIcametothecustom—houseIsawmypossessions。Therewerebooks，letters，linen，somesuitsofclothes，aswordandtwopairsofpistols，onepairofwhichIputinmypockets，andthenIwenttoaninnwherethehostsaidthatifIwantedtotraveltoLondonthenextmorningIshouldonlyhavetopayforonehorse。
　　"’Whoarethepeople，’saidI，’whodesireacompanion？
　　"’Youshallsupwiththemifyoulike，’saidhe。
　　"Iacceptedtheoffer，andfoundthepartyconsistedofaministerofreligionandtwoladieswhosefacespleasedme。Iwasfortunateenoughtowintheirgoodgraces，andearlythenextdaywegottoLondonandalightedintheStrandataninnwhereIonlydined，goingouttoseekalodgingappropriatetomymeansandthekindoflifeI
　　wishedtolead。FiftyLisbonpiecesandaringofaboutthesamevaluewasallthatIpossessedintheworld。
　　"Itookaroomonthethirdfloor，beingattractedbythehonestandkindlyexpressionofthelandlady。IcouldonlytrustinGodandconfidemypositiontoher。Iagreedtopayhertenshillingsaweek，andbeggedhertogetmesomewoman’sclothes，forIwasafraidtogooutinmyman’sdressanylonger。
　　"ThenextdayIwasclothedlikeapoorgirlwhodesirestoescapenotice。IspokeEnglishwellenoughtoseemanativeofthecountry，andIknewhowImustbehaveifIwishedtobeletalone。Althoughthelandladywasaworthywoman，herhousewasnotexactlysuitableforme；mystayinEnglandmightbeprotracted，andifIcametodestitutionIshouldbewretchedindeed；soIresolvedtoleavethehouse。Ireceivednovisitors，butIcouldnotpreventtheinquisitivefromhoveringroundmydoor，andthemoreitbecameknownthatIsawnoone，themoretheircuriosityincreased。Thehousewasnotquietenough。ItwasneartheExchange，andtheneighborhoodswarmedwithyoungmenwhocametodineonthefirstfloorofthehouse，anddidtheirbesttocuremeofmysadness，astheycalledit，thoughIhadnotshewnanysignsofwishingtobecured。
　　"Imadeupmymindnottospendmorethanaguineaaweek，andresolvedtosellmyringifIcouldhavethemoneypaidtomeatintervals。Anoldjewelerwholodgednextdoor，andforwhosehonestymylandladyanswered，toldmeitwasworthahundredandfiftyguineas，andaskedmetolethimhaveitifIhadnobetteroffer。Ihadnotthoughtittobesovaluable，andIsoldittohimonconditionthathewouldpaymefourguineasamonth，andthatI
　　shouldbeatlibertytobuyitbackifIcoulddosobeforeallthepaymentshadbeenmade。
　　"Iwantedtokeepmyreadymoney，whichIstillhavebyme，soastobeabletogobacktoLisbonbylandwhenIcandosoinsafety，forIcouldnotfacethehorrorsofaseavoyageasecondtime。
　　"Itoldmycasetomyworthylandladywhostillbefriendsme，andshehelpedmetogetanotherlodging，butIhadtoprocureaservanttofetchmemyfood；Icouldnotsummonupcouragetohavemymealsinacoffee—house。However，allmyservantsturnedoutill；theyrobbedmecontinually，andleviedataxonalltheirpurchases。
　　"ThetemperanceIobserved——forIalmostlivedonbreadandwater——
　　mademegetthinnereveryday，stillIsawnowayofmendingmyexistencetillchancemademeseeyoursingularannouncement。I
　　laughedatit；andthendrawnbysomeirresistiblepower，orperhapsbythecuriositythatfallstothelotofmostofuswomen，Icouldnotresistgoinginandspeakingtoyou。Instinctthuspointedoutthewaytoimprovemylotwithoutincreasingmyexpenditure。
　　"WhenIgotbackIfoundacopyoftheAdvertiseronmylandlady’stable；itcontainedsomeeditorialfunonthenoticeIhadjustread。
　　ThewritersaidthatthemasterofthehousewasanItalian，andhadthereforenothingtofearfromfeminineviolence。OnmysideI
　　determinedtohazardeverything，butIfeelIhavebeentoohasty，andthattherearecertainattackswhichitispleasantnottoresist。IwasbroughtupbyanItalian，acleverandgoodman，andI
　　havealwayshadagreatrespectforyourfellow—countrymen。"
　　MyfairPortuguesehadfinishedherstory，andIobserved，——
　　"Really，yourhistoryhasamusedmeverymuch；ithasalltheairofaromance。"
　　"Quiteso，"saidshe；"butitisastrictlyhistoricalromance。Butthemostamusingthingtomeisthatyouhavelistenedtoitwithoutweariness。"
　　"Thatisyourmodesty，madam；notonly，hasyourtaleinterestedme，butnowthatIknowyouareaPortugueseIamatpeacewiththenation。"
　　"Wereyouatwarwithus，then？"
　　"IhaveneverforgivenyouforlettingyourPortugueseVirgildiemiserablytwohundredyearsago。"
　　"YoumeanCamoens。ButtheGreekstreatedHomerinthesameway。"
　　"Yes，butthefaultsofothersarenoexcuseforourown。"
　　"Youareright；buthowcanyoulikeCamoenssomuchifyoudonotknowPortuguese？"
　　"IhavereadatranslationinLatinhexameterssowelldonethatI
　　fanciedIwasreadingVirgil。"
　　"Isthattrulyso？"
　　"Iwouldneverlietoyou。"
　　"ThenImakeavowtolearnLatin。"
　　"Thatisworthyofyou，butitisofmethatyoumustlearnthelanguage。IwillgotoPortugalandliveanddiethere，ifyouwillgivemeyourheart。’
　　"Myheart！Ihaveonlyone，andthatisgivenalready。SinceIhaveknownyouIhavedespisedmyself，forIamafraidIhaveaninconstantnature。"
　　"Itwillbeenoughformeifyouwilllovemeasyourfather，providedImaysometimestakemydaughtertomyarms。Butgoonwithyourstory，thechiefpartisyetuntold。Whatbecameofyourlover，andwhatdidyourrelationsdowhentheyfoundoutyourflight？"
　　"ThreedaysafterIarrivedinthisvastcityIwrotetotheabbess，myaunt，andtoldherthewholestory，begginghertoprotectmylover，andtoconfirmmeinmyresolutionnevertoreturntoLisbontillIcoulddosoinsecurity，andhavenoobstaclesplacedinthewayofmymarriage。Ialsobeggedhertowriteandinformmeofallthathappened，addressingherlettersto’MissPauline，’undercoverofmylandlady。
　　"IsentmyletterbyParisandMadrid，andIhadtowaitthreemonthsbeforeIgotananswer。Myaunttoldmethatthefrigatehadonlyreturnedashorttime，andthatthecaptainimmediatelyonhisarrivalwrotetotheministerinforminghimthattheonlyladywhowasinhisshipwhenhesailedwasstillonboard，forhehadbroughtherbackwithhim，despitetheoppositionofCountAl—————，whodeclaredshewashiswife。Thecaptainendedbyaskinghisexcellencyforfurtherorderswithrespecttotheladyaforesaid。
　　"Oeiras，feelingsurethattheladywasmyself，toldthecaptaintotakehertotheconventofwhichmyauntwasabbess，withaletterhehadwritten。Inthisletterhetoldmyauntthathesentherherniece，andbeggedhertokeepthegirlsecurelytillfurtherorders。
　　Myauntwasextremelysurprised，butshewouldhavebeenstillmoresurprisedifshehadnotgotmyletterafewdaysbefore。Shethankedthecaptainforhiscare，andtookthefalseniecetoaroomandlockedherup。ShethenwrotetoOeiras，tellinghimthatshehadreceivedintoherconventapersonsupposedtobehisniece，butasthispersonwasreallyamaninwoman’sdressshebeggedhisexcellencytoremovehimassoonaspossible。
　　"Whentheabbesshadwrittenthiscuriouslettershepaidavisittothecount，whofellonhiskneesbeforeher。Mygoodauntraisedhim，andshewedhimmyletter。Shesaidthatshehadbeenobligedtowritetotheminister，andthatshehadnodoubthewouldberemovedfromtheconventinthecourseofafewhours。Thecountburstintotears，andbeggingtheabbesstoprotectusbothgavehermyjewel—
　　casket，whichtheworthywomanreceivedwithgreatpleasure。Shelefthim，promisingtowritetomeofallthathappened。
　　"Theministerwasatoneofhiscountryestates，anddidnotreceivetheabbess’slettertillthenextday，buthastenedtoreplyinperson。Myaunteasilyconvincedhisexcellencyoftheneedforkeepingthemattersecret，foramanhadbeensentintotheconvent，whichwouldbetoherdishonour。Sheshewedtheproudministerthelettershehadhadfromme，andtoldhimhowthehonestyoungmanhadgivenhermyjewel—casket。Hethankedherforheropendealing，andbeggedherpardonwithasmileforsendingafineyoungmantohernunnery。
　　"’Thesecret，’saidhe，’isofthegreatestimportance；wemustseethatitgoesnofarther。Iwillrelieveyouofyourfalseniece，andtakeherawayinmycarriage。’
　　"Myaunttookhimathiswordandbroughtouttheyoungrecluse，whodroveawaywiththeminister。Theabbesstellsmethatfromthatdayshehasheardnothingabouthim，butthatallLisbonistalkingovertheaffair，butinawhollydistortedmanner。Theysaythattheministerfirstofallputmeunderthecareofmyaunt，butsoonaftertookmeaway，andhaskeptmeinsomesecretplaceeversince。
　　CountAl————issupposedtobeinLondon，andIintheminister’spower，andprobablywearesupposedtohaveenteredintoatenderrelationship。Nodoubthisexcellencyisperfectlywellinformedofmydoingshere，forheknowsmyaddressandhasspieseverywhere。
　　"OntheadviceofmyauntIwrotetoOeirasacoupleofmonthsago，tellinghimthatIamreadytoreturntoLisbon，ifImaymarryCountAl————andliveinperfectliberty。Otherwise，Ideclared，IwouldstayinLondon，wherethelawsguaranteedmyfreedom。Iamwaitingforhisanswereveryday，andIexpectitwillbeafavourableone，fornoonecandeprivemeofmyestates，andOeiraswillprobablybeonlytoogladtoprotectmetolessentheodiumwhichattachestohisnameasthemurdererofmyfather。"
　　Paulinemadenomysteryofthenamesofthecharacters，butshemaybestillalive，andIrespecthertoowelltoruntheriskofwoundingher，thoughtheseMemoirswillnotseethelightofdayduringmylifetime。ItissufficienttosaythatthestoryisknowntoalltheinhabitantsofLisbon，andthatthepersonswhofigureinitarepubliccharactersinPortugal。
　　IlivedwithdearPaulineinperfectharmony，feelingmyloveforherincreasedaily，anddailyinspiringherwithtendererfeelingstowardsmyself。Butasmyloveincreasedinstrength，Igrewthinandfeeble；Icouldnotsleepnoreat。IshouldhavelanguishedawayifIhadnotsucceededingratifyingmypassion。Ontheotherhand，Paulinegrewplumperandprettiereveryday。
　　"Ifmysufferingsservetoincreaseyourcharms，"saidI，"yououghtnottoletmedie，foradeadmanhasnosuffering。"
　　"Doyouthinkthatyoursufferingsareduetoyourloveforme？""
　　"Certainly。"
　　"Theremaybesomethinginit，but，believeme，thetenderpassiondoesnotdestroytheappetitenortakeawaythepowerofsleep。Yourindispositionisundoubtedlyduetothesedentarylifeyouhavebeenleadingoflate。Ifyouloveme，givemeaproofofit；gooutforaride。"
　　"Icannotrefuseyouanything，dearestPauline，butwhatthen？"
　　"Thenyoushallfindmegratefultoyou，youwillhaveagoodappetite，andwillsleepwell。"
　　"Ahorse，ahorse！Quick！Myboots！"Ikissedherhand——forIhadnotgotanyfartherthanthat——andbegantoridetowardsKingston。
　　Ididnotcareforthemotionoftrotting，soIputmyhorseatagallop，whenallofasuddenhestumbled，andinaninstantIwaslyingonthegroundinfrontoftheDukeofKingston’shouse。MissChudleighhappenedtobeatthewindow，andseeingmethrowntothegroundutteredashriek。Iraisedmyheadandsherecognizedme，andhastenedtosendsomeofherpeopletohelpme。AssoonasIwasonmyfeetIwantedtogoandthankher，butIcouldnotstir，andavaletwhoknewsomethingofsurgeryexaminedme，anddeclaredthatI
　　hadputoutmycollar—boneandwouldrequireaweek’srest。
　　TheyoungladytoldmethatifIlikedtostayinherhousethegreatestcareshouldbetakenofme。Ithankedherwarmly，butbeggedhertohavemetakenhome，asIshouldnotliketogivehersomuchtrouble。Sheimmediatelygavethenecessaryorders，andIwasdrivenhomeinacomfortablecarriage。Theservantsinchargewouldnotaceptanymoney，andIsawintheincidentaproofofthathospitalityforwhichtheEnglisharefamed，althoughtheyareatthesametimeprofoundlyegotistic。
　　WhenIgothomeIwenttobed，andsentforasurgeon，wholaughedwhenItoldhimthatIhadputoutabone。
　　"I’llwageritisnothingmorethanasprain。IonlywishitwasputoutthatImighthavesomechanceofshewingmyskill。"
　　"Iamdelighted，"Isaid，"nottobeinapositiontocallforthatamountoftalent，butIshallhaveahighopinionofyouifyousetmeupinashorttime。"
　　IdidnotseePauline，muchtomyastonishment。Iwastoldshehadgoneoutinasedan—chair，andIalmostfeltjealous。Intwohoursshecameinlookingquitefrightened，theoldhouse—keeperhavingtoldherthatIhadbrokenmyleg，andthatthedoctorhadbeenwithmealready。
　　"UnhappywretchthatIam！"sheexclaimedasshecametomybedside，"’tisIthathavebroughtyoutothis。"
　　Withthesewordssheturnedpaleandalmostfellinaswoonbesideme。
　　"Divinebeing！"Icried，asIpressedhertomybreast，"itisnothing；onlyasprain。"
　　"Whatpainthatfoolisholdwomanhasgivenme！
　　Godbepraisedthatitisnoworse！Feelmyheart。"
　　"Oh，yes！Ifeltitwithdelight。Itwasahappyfallforme。"
　　Fasteningmylipsonhers，Ifeltwithdelightthatourtransportsweremutual，andIblessedthesprainthathadbroughtmesuchbliss。
　　AftertheseectasiesIfeltthatPaulinewaslaughing。
　　"Whatareyoulaughingat，sweetheart？"
　　"Atthecraftoflove，whichalwaystriumphsatlast。"
　　"Wherehaveyoubeen？"
　　"Iwenttomyoldjeweler’storedeemmyring，thatyoumighthaveasouvenirofme；hereitis。"
　　"Pauline！Pauline！alittlelovewouldhavebeenmuchmoreprecioustomethanthisbeautifulring。"
　　"Youshallhaveboth。Tillthetimeofmydeparture，whichwillcomeonlytoosoon，wewilllivetogetherlikemanandwife；andto—nightshallbeourweddingnight，andthebedthetableforthefeast。"
　　"Whatsweetnewsyougiveme，Pauline！Icannotbelieveittillmyhappinessisactuallyaccomplished。"
　　"Youmaydoubt，ifyoulike；butletitbeaslightdoubt，orelseyouwilldomewrong。Iamtiredoflivingwithyouasaloverandonlymakingyouwretched，andthemomentIsawyouonhorsebackI
　　determinedtobelongtoyou。ConsequentlyIwenttoredeemtheringdirectlyyouleft，andIdonotintendtoleaveyouuntilIreceivethefatalmessagefromLisbon。Ihavedreadeditsarrivaleverydayforthelastweek。"
　　"Maythemessengerthatbringsitberobbedontheway。"
　　"Nosuchluck，Iamafraid。"
　　AsPaulinewasstanding，Iaskedhertocometomyarms，forIlongedtogivehersomepalpablesignsofmylove。
　　"No，dearest，onecanloveandyetbewise；thedoorisopen。"
　　ShegotdownAriostoandbegantoreadtometheadventureofRicciardettowithFiordespina，anepisodewhichgivesitsbeautytothetwenty—ninthcantoofthatbeautifulpoemwhichIknewbyheart。
　　Sheimaginedthatshewastheprincess，andIRicciardetto。Shelikedtofancy，’CheilcielL’abbiaconcesso，Bradamantecangiatainmigliorsesso。’
　　Whenshecametothelines；
　　’Lebellebracciaalcolloindimigetta，Edolcementestringe，abacciainbocca:
　　TupuoipensarsealloralasaettaDirizzaAmor，seinmezzoalcormitocca。’
　　Shewantedsomeexplanationsontheexpression’bacciainbocca’，andonthelovewhichmadeRicciardetto’sarrowsostiff，andI，onlytooreadytocommentonthetext，madehertouchanarrowasstiffasRicciardetto’s。Ofcourse，shewasangryatthat，butherwrathdidnotlastlong。Sheburstoutlaughingwhenshecametothelines，’Ioilveggo，ioilsento，eapenaveroparmi:
　　Sentoinmaschioinfeminamatarsi。’
　　Andthen，’Cosiledissi，efecich’ellastessaTrovoconmanlaveritadeexpressa。
　　Sheexpressedher，wonderthatthispoemaboundinginobscenitieshadnotbeenputonthe"Index"atRome。
　　"Whatyoucallobscenityismerelicense，andthereisplentyofthatatRome。"
　　"That’sajokewhichshouldbringthecensuresoftheChurchuponyou。Butwhatdoyoucallobscenities，ifAriostoisnotobscene？"
　　"Obscenitydisgusts，andnevergivespleasure。"
　　"Yourlogicisallyourown，butsituatedasIamIcannotreargueyourproposition。IamamusedatAriosto’schoosingaSpanishwomanaboveallotherstoconceivethatstrangepassionforBradamante。"
　　"TheheatoftheSpanishclimatemadehimconcludethattheSpanishtemperamentwasalsoardent，andconsequentlywhimsicalinitstastes。"
　　"Poetsareakindofmadmenwhoallowthemselvestogiveutterancetoalltheirfancies。"