SuchwastheinfamouscompanyinwhichIfoundmyself，andthoughI
　　tookitsmeasuredirectly，yetIdidnotmakemyescape，nordidI
　　resolvenevertogotothehouseagain。Iwasfascinated；IthoughtIwouldbeonmyguardandbesafe，andasIonlywantedthedaughterIlookedonallelseasoflittlemoment。
　　AttableIledtheconversation，andthoughtthatmypreywouldsoonbewithinmygrasp。TheonlythingwhichannoyedmewasthattheCharpillon，afterapologizingforhavingmademesitdowntosuchapoordinner，invitedherselfandallthecompanytosupwithmeonanydayIlikedtomention。Icouldmakenoopposition，soIbeggedhertonamethedayherself，andshedidso，afteraconsultationwithherworthyfriends。
　　Aftercoffeehadbeenservedweplayedfourrubbersofwhist，atwhichIlost，andatmidnightIwentawayillpleasedwithmyself，butwithnopurposeofamendment，forthissorceresshadgotmeinhertoils。
　　AllthesameIhadthestrengthofmindtorefrainfromseeingherfortwodays，andonthethird，whichwasthedayappointedforthecursedsupper，sheandherauntpaidmeacallatnineo’clockinthemorning。
　　"Ihavecometobreakfastwithyou，andtodiscussacertainquestion，"saidshe，inthemostengagingmanner。
　　"Willyoutellmeyourbusinessnow，orafterbreakfast？"
　　"Afterbreakfast；forwemustbealone。"
　　Wehadourbreakfast，andthentheauntwentintoanotherroom，andtheCharpillon，afterdescribingthemonetarysituationofthefamily，toldmethatitwouldbemuchrelievedifherauntcouldobtainahundredguineas。
　　"Whatwouldshedowiththemoney？"
　　"ShewouldmaketheBalmofLife，ofwhichshepossessesthesecret，andnodoubtshewouldmakeherfortune，too。"
　　Shethenbegantodilateonthemarvellouspropertiesofthebalm，onitsprobablesuccessinatownlikeLondon，andonthebenefitswhichwouldaccruetomyself，forofcourseIshouldshareintheprofits。
　　Sheaddedthathermotherandauntwouldgivemeawrittenpromisetorepaythemoneyinthecourseofsixyears。
　　"Iwillgiveyouadecidedansweraftersupper。"
　　Ithenbegantocaressher，andtomakeassaultsinthestyleofanamorousman，butitwasallinvain，thoughIsucceededinstretchingheronalargesofa。Shemadeherescape，however，andrantoheraunt，whileIfollowedher，feelingobligedtolaughasshedid。Shegavemeherhand，andsaid，——
　　"Farewell，tillthisevening。"
　　Whentheyweregone，Ireflectedoverwhathadpassedandthoughtthisfirstsceneofnobadaugury。IsawthatIshouldgetnothingoutofherwithoutspendingahundredguineas，andIdeterminednottoattempttobargain，butIwouldletherunderstandthatshemustmakeuphermindnottoplayprude。Thegamewasinmyhands，andallIhadtodowastotakecarenottobeduped。
　　Intheeveningthecompanyarrived，andthegirlaskedmetoholdabanktillsupperwasready；butIdeclined，withaburstoflaughterthatseemedtopuzzleher。
　　"Atleast，letushaveagameofwhist，"saidshe。
　　"Itseemstome，"Ianswered，"thatyoudon’tfeelveryanxioustohearmyreply。"
　　"Youhavemadeupyourmind，Isuppose？"
　　"Ihave，followme。"
　　Shefollowedmeintoanadjoiningroom，andaftershehadseatedherselfonasofa，Itoldherthatthehundredguineaswereatherdisposal。
　　"Thenpleasetogivethemoneytomyaunt，otherwisethesegentlemenmightthinkIgotitfromyoubysomeimpropermeans。"
　　"Iwilldoso。"
　　Itriedtogetpossessionofher，butinvain；andIceasedmyendeavourswhenshesaid，——
　　"Youwillgetnothingfrommeeitherbymoneyorviolence；butyoucanhopeforallwhenIfindyoureallyniceandquiet。"
　　Ire—enteredthedrawing—room，andfeelingmybloodboilingIbegantoplaytoquietmyself。Shewasasgayasever，buthergaietytiredme。AtsupperIhadheronmyrighthand，butthehundredimpertinenceswhich，underothercircumstances，wouldhaveamusedme，onlyweariedme，afterthetworebuffsIhadreceivedfromher。
　　Aftersupper，justastheyweregoing，shetookmeaside，andtoldmethatifIwantedtohandoverthehundredguineasshewouldtellheraunttogowithmeintothenextroom。
　　"Asdocumentshavetobeexecuted，"Ireplied，"itwilltakesometime；wewilltalkofitagain。
　　"Won’tyoufixthetime？"
　　Idrewoutmypursefullofgold，andshewedither，saying，——
　　"Thetimedependsentirelyonyou。"
　　Whenmyhatefulguestsweregone，Ibegantoreflect，andcametotheconclusionthatthisyoungadventuresshaddeterminedtoplundermewithoutgivingmeanythinginreturn。Ideterminedtohavenothingmoretodowithher，butIcouldnotgetherbeautyoutofmymind。
　　IfeltIwantedsomedistraction，somethingthatwouldgivemenewaimsandmakemeforgether。WiththisideaIwenttoseemydaughter，takingwithmeanimmensebagofsweets。
　　AssoonasIwasinthemidstofthelittleflock，thedelightbecamegeneral，Sophiedistributingthesweetmeatstoherfriends，whoreceivedthemgratefully。
　　Ispentahappyday，andforaweekortwoIpaidseveralvisitstoHarwich。Themistresstreatedmewiththeutmostpolitenessandmydaughterwithboundlessaffection，alwayscallingme"dearpapa。"
　　InlessthanthreeweeksIcongratulatedmyselfonhavingforgottentheCharpillon，andonhavingreplacedherbyinnocentamours，thoughoneofmydaughter’sschoolmatespleasedmerathertoomuchformypeaceofmind。
　　SuchwasmyconditionwhenonemorningthefavouriteauntoftheCharpillonpaidmeacall，andsaidthattheywereallmystifiedatnothavingseenmesincethesupperIhadgiventhem，especiallyherself，asherniecehadgivenhertounderstandthatIwouldfurnishherwiththemeansofmakingtheBalmofLife。
　　"Certainly；Iwouldhavegivenyouthehundredguineasifyourniecehadtreatedmeasafriend，butsherefusedmefavoursavestalmighthavegranted，andyoumustbeawarethatsheisbynomeansavestal。"
　　"Don’tmindmylaughing。Mynieceisaninnocent，giddygirl；shelovesyou，butsheisafraidyouhaveonlyapassingwhimforher。
　　Sheisinbednowwithabadcold，andifyouwillcomeandseeherI
　　amsureyouwillbesatisfied。"
　　Theseartfulremarks，whichhadnodoubtbeenpreparedinadvance，oughttohavearousedallmyscorn，butinsteadofthattheyawakenedthemostviolentdesires。Ilaughedinchoruswiththeoldwoman，andaskedwhatwouldbethebesttimetocall。
　　"Comenow，andgiveoneknock。"
　　"Verygood，thenyoumayexpectmeshortly。"
　　Icongratulatedmyselfonbeingonthevergeofsuccess，foraftertheexplanationIhadhadwiththeaunt，andhaving，asIthought，afriendinher，IdidnotdoubtthatIshouldsucceed。
　　Iputonmygreatcoat，andinlessthanaquarterofanhourI
　　knockedattheirdoor。Theauntopenedtome，andsaid，——
　　"Comebackinaquarterofanhour；shehasbeenorderedabath，andisjustgoingtotakeit。"
　　"Thisisanotherimposture。You’reasbadaliarassheis。"
　　"Youarecruelandunjust，andifyouwillpromisetobediscreet，I
　　willtakeyouuptothethirdfloorwheresheisbathing。"
　　"Verygood；takeme。"Shewentupstairs，Ifollowingontiptoe，andpushedmeintoaroom，andshutthedooruponme。TheCharpillonwasinahugebath，withherheadtowardsthedoor，andtheinfernalcoquette，pretendingtothinkitwasheraunt，didnotmove，andsaid，——
　　"Givemethetowels，aunt。"
　　Shewasinthemostseductiveposture，andIhadthepleasureofgazingonherexquisiteproportions，hardlyveiledbythewater。
　　Whenshecaughtsightofme，orratherpretendedtodoso，shegaveashriek，huddledherlimbstogether，andsaid，withaffectedanger，——
　　"Begone！"
　　"Youneedn’texertyourvoice，forIamnotgoingtobeduped。"
　　"Begone！"
　　"Notso，givemealittletimetocollectmyself。"
　　"Itellyou，go！"
　　"Calmyourself，anddon’tbeafraidofmyskewingyouanyviolence；
　　thatwouldsuityourgametoowell。"
　　"Myauntshallpaydearlyforthis。"
　　"Shewillfindmeherfriend。Iwon’ttouchyou，soshewmealittlemoreofyourcharms。"
　　"Moreofmycharms？"
　　"Yes；putyourselfasyouwerewhenIcamein。"
　　"Certainlynot。Leavetheroom。"
　　"IhavetoldyouIamnotgoing，andthatyouneednotfearforyour……well，foryourvirginity，wewillsay。"
　　Shethenshewedmeapicturemoreseductivethanthefirst，andpretendingkindliness，said，——
　　"Please，leaveme；Iwillnotfailtoshewmygratitude。"
　　Seeingthatshegotnothing，thatIrefrainedfromtouchingher，andthatthefireshehadkindledwasinafairwaytobeputout，sheturnedherbacktometogivemetounderstandthatitwasnopleasuretohertolookatme。However，mypassionswererunninghigh，andIhadtohaverecoursetoself—abusetocalmmysenses，andwasgladtofindmyselfrelieved，asthisprovedtomethatthedesirewentnodeeperthanthesenses。
　　TheauntcameinjustasIhadfinished，andIwentoutwithoutaword，wellpleasedtofindmyselfdespisingacharacterwhereinprofitandlossusurpedtheplaceoffeeling。
　　TheauntcametomeasIwasgoingoutofthehouse，andafterenquiringifIweresatisfiedbeggedmetocomeintotheparlour。
　　"Yes，"saidI，"Iamperfectlysatisfiedtoknowyouandyourniece。
　　Hereisthereward。"
　　WiththesewordsIdrewabank—noteforahundredpoundsfrommypocket—book，andwasfoolishenoughtogiveither，tellingherthatshecouldmakeherbalm，andneednottroubletogivemeanydocumentasIknewifwouldbeofnovalue。Ihadnotthestrengthtogoawaywithoutgivingheranything，andtheprocuresswassharpenoughtoknowit。
　　WhenIgothomeIreflectedonwhathadhappened，andpronouncedmyselftheconquerorwithgreattriumph。Ifeltwellatease，andfeltsurethatIshouldneversetfootinthathouseagain。Thereweresevenofthemaltogether，includingservants，andtheneedofsubsistingmadethemdoanythingforaliving；andwhentheyfoundthemselvesobligedtomakeuseofmen，theysummonedthethreerascalsIhavenamed，whowereequallydependentonthem。
　　Fiveorsixdaysafterwards，ImetthelittlehussyatVauxhallincompanywithGoudar。Iavoidedheratfirst，butshecameuptomereproachingmeformyrudeness。Irepliedcoollyenough，butaffectingnottonoticemymanner，sheaskedmetocomeintoanarbourwithherandtakeacupoftea。
　　"No，thankyou，"Ireplied，"Iprefersupper。"
　　"ThenIwilltakesometoo，andyouwillgiveitme，won’tyou，justtoshewthatyoubearnomalice？"
　　Iorderedsupperforfourandwesatdowntogetherasifwehadbeenintimatefriends。
　　Hercharmingconversationcombinedwithherbeautygraduallydrewmeunderhercharm，andasthedrinkbegantoexerciseitsinfluenceoverme，Iproposedaturninoneofthedarkwalks，expressingahopethatIshouldfarebetterthanLordPembroke。Shesaidgently，andwithanappearanceofsinceritythatdeceivedme，thatshewantedtobemine，butbydayandontheconditionthatIwouldcomeandseehereveryday。
　　"Iwilldoso，butfirstgivemeonelittleproofofyourlove。"
　　"Mostcertainlynot。"
　　Igotuptopaythebill，andthenIleftwithoutaword，refusingtotakeherhome。Iwenthomebymyselfandwenttobed。
　　ThefirstthoughtwhenIawokewasthatIwasgladshehadnottakenmeatmyword；Ifeltverystronglythatitwastomyinteresttobreakoffallconnectionbetweenthatcreatureandmyself。Ifeltthestrengthofherinfluenceoverme，andthatmyonlywaywastokeepawayfromher，ortorenounceallpretensiontothepossessionofhercharms。
　　Thelatterplanseemedtomeimpossible，soIdeterminedtoadheretothefirst；butthewretchedwomanhadresolvedtodefeatallmyplans。Themannerinwhichshesucceededmusthavebeentheresultofacouncilofthewholesociety。
　　AfewdaysaftertheVauxhallsupperGoudarcalledonme，andbeganbycongratulatingmeonmyresolutionnottovisittheAnsperghersanymore，"for，"saidhe，"thegirlwouldhavemadeyoumoreandmoreinlovewithher，andintheendshewouldhaveseducedyoutobeggary。"
　　"Youmustthinkmeagreatfool。IfIhadfoundherkindIshouldhavebeengrateful，butwithoutsquanderingallmymoney；andifshehadbeencruel，insteadofridiculous，ImighthavegivenherwhatI
　　havealreadygivenhereveryday，withoutreducingmyselftobeggary。"
　　"Icongratulateyou；itshewsthatyouarewelloff。Buthaveyoumadeupyourmindnottoseeheragain？"
　　"Certainly。"
　　"Thenyouarenotinlovewithher？"
　　"Ihavebeeninlove，butIamsonolonger；andinafewdaysshewillhavepassedcompletelyoutofmymemory。IhadalmostforgottenherwhenImetherwithyouatVauxhall。"
　　"Youarenotcured。Thewaytobecuredofanamourdoesnotlieinflight，whenthetwopartiesliveinthesametown。Meetingswillhappen，andallthetroublehastobetakenoveragain。"
　　"Thendoyouknowabetterway？"
　　"Certainly；youshouldsatiateyourself。Itisquitepossiblethatthecreatureisnotinlovewithyou，butyouarerichandshehasnothing。Youmighthavehadherforsomuch，andyoucouldhaveleftherwhenyoufoundhertobeunworthyofyourconstancy。Youmustknowwhatkindofawomansheis。"
　　"Ishouldhavetriedthismethodgladly，butIfoundherout。"
　　"Youcouldhavegotthebestofher，though，ifyouhadgonetoworkintheproperway。Youshouldneverhavepaidinadvance。Iknoweverything。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　"Iknowshehascostyouahundredguineas，andthatyouhavenotwonsomuchasakissfromher。Why，mydearsir，youmighthavehadhercomfortablyinyourownbedforasmuch！Sheboaststhatshetookyouin，thoughyouprideyourselfonyourcraft。"
　　"Itwasanactofcharitytowardsheraunt。"
　　"Yes，tomakeherBalmofLife；butyouknowifithadnotbeenfortheniecetheauntwouldneverhavehadthemoney。"
　　"Perhapsnot，buthowcomeyouwhoareoftheirpartytobetalkingtomeinthisfashion？"
　　"IsweartoyouIonlyspeakoutoffriendshipforyou，andIwilltellyouhowIcametomaketheacquaintanceofthegirl，hermother，hergrandmotherandhertwoaunts，andthenyouwillnolongerconsidermeasoftheirparty。
　　"SixteenmonthsagoIsawM。MorosiniwalkingaboutVauxhallbyhimself。HehadjustcometoEnglandtocongratulatethekingonhisaccessiontothethrone，onbehalfoftheRepublicofVenice。IsawhowenchantedhewaswiththeLondonbeauties，andIwentuptohimandtoldhimthatallthesebeautieswereathisservice。Thismadehimlaugh，andonmyrepeatingthatitwasnotajesthepointedoutoneofthegirls，andaskedifshewouldbeathisservice。Ididnotknowher，soIaskedhimtowaitawhile，andIwouldbringhimtheinformationherequired。Therewasnotimetobelost，andI
　　couldseethatthegirlwasnotavestalvirgin，soIwentuptoherandtoldherthattheVenetianambassadorwasamorousofher，andthatIwouldtakehertohimifshewouldreceivehisvisits。Theauntsaidthatanoblemanofsuchanexaltedrankcouldonlybringhonourtoherniece。Itooktheiraddress，andonmywaybacktotheambassadorImetafriendofminewhoislearnedinsuchcommodities，andafterIhadshewedhimtheaddresshetoldmeitwastheCharpillon。"
　　"Anditwasshe？"
　　"Itwas。MyfriendtoldmeshewasayoungSwissgirlwhowasnotyetinthegeneralmarket，butwhowouldsoonbethere，asshewasnotrich，andhadanumeroustraintosupport。
　　"IrejoinedtheVenetian，andtoldhimthathisbusinesswasdone，andaskedhimatwhattimeIshouldintroducehimthenextday，warninghimthatasshehadamotherandauntsshewouldnotbealone。
　　"’Iamgladtohearit，’saidhe，’andalsothatsheisnotacommonwoman。’Hegavemeanappointmentforthenextday，andweparted。
　　"ItoldtheladiesatwhathourIshouldhavethepleasureofintroducingthegreatmantothem，andafterwarningthemthattheymustappearnottoknowhimIwenthome。
　　"ThefollowingdayIcalledonM。deMorosini，andtookhimtoDenmarkStreetincognito。Wespentanhourinconversation，andthenwentawaywithoutanythingbeingsettled。Onthewaybacktheambassadortoldmethatheshouldliketohavethegirlonconditionswhichhewouldgivemeinwritingathisresidence。
　　"Theseconditionswerethatsheshouldliveinafurnishedhousefreeofrent，withoutanycompanion，andwithoutreceivinganyvisitors。
　　Hisexcellencywouldgiveherfiftyguineasamonth，andpayforsupperwheneverhecameandspentthenightwithher。Hetoldmetogetthehouseifhisconditionswerereceived。Themotherwastosigntheagreement。
　　"Theambassadorwasinahurry，andinthreedaystheagreementwassigned；butIobtainedadocumentfromthemotherpromisingtoletmehavethegirlforonenightassoonastheVenetianhadgone；itwasknownhewasonlystoppinginLondonforayear。"
　　Goudarextractedthedocumentinquestionfromhispocket，andgaveittome。Ireaditandre—readitwithasmuchsurpriseaspleasure，andhethenproceededwithhisstory。
　　"Whentheambassadorhadgone，theCharpillon，findingherselfatlibertyoncemore，hadLordBaltimore，LordGrosvenor，andM。deSaa，thePortugueseambassador，inturn，butnotitularlover。Iinsistedonhavingmynightwithheraccordingtoagreement，butbothmotheranddaughterlaughedatmewhenIspokeofit。Icannotarresther，becausesheisaminor，butIwillhavethemotherimprisonedonthefirstopportunity，andyouwillseehowthetownwilllaugh。NowyouknowwhyIgototheirhouse；andIassureyouyouarewrongifyouthinkIhaveanypartintheircouncils。Nevertheless，Iknowtheyarediscussinghowtheymaycatchyou，andtheywilldosoifyoudonottakecare。"
　　"TellthemotherthatIhaveanotherhundredguineasatherserviceifshewillletmehaveherdaughterforasinglenight。"
　　"Doyoumeanthat？"
　　"Assuredly，butIamnotgoingtopayinadvance。"
　　"That’stheonlywaynottobeduped。Ishallbegladtoexecuteyourcommission。"
　　Ikepttheroguetodinner，thinkinghemightbeusefultome。Hekneweverythingandeverybody，andtoldmeanumberofamusingancedotes。Althoughagood—for—nothingfellow，hehadhismerits。
　　Hehadwrittenseveralworks，which，thoughbadlyconstructed，shewedhewasamanofsomewit。Hewasthenwritinghis"ChineseSpy，"andeverydayhewrotefiveorsixnews—lettersfromthevariouscoffee—
　　houseshefrequented。Iwroteoneortwolettersforhim，withwhichhewasmuchpleased。ThereaderwillseehowImethimagainatNaplessomeyearslater。
　　Thenextmorning，whatwasmysurprisetoseetheCharpillon，whosaidwithanairthatIshouldhavetakenformodestyinanyotherwoman，——
　　"Idon’twantyoutogivemeanybreakfast，Iwantanexplanation，andtointroduceMissLorenzitoyou。"
　　Ibowedtoherandtohercompanion，andthensaid，——
　　"Whatexplanationdoyourequire？"
　　Atthis，MissLorenzi，whomIhadneverseenbefore，thoughtpropertoleaveus，andItoldmymanthatIwasnotathometoanybody。I
　　orderedbreakfasttobeservedtothecompanionofthenymph，thatshemightnotfindthewaitingtedious。
　　"Sir，"saidtheCharpillon，"isitafactthatyouchargedtheChevalierGoudartotellmymotherthatyouwouldgiveahundredguineastospendthenightwithme？"
　　"No，nottospendanightwithyou，butafterIhadpassedit。Isn’tthepriceenough？"
　　"Nojesting，sir，ifyouplease。Thereisnoquestionofbargaining；
　　allIwanttoknowiswhetheryouthinkyouhavearighttoinsultme，andthatIamgoingtobearit？"
　　"Ifyouthinkyourselfinsulted，Imay，perhaps，confessIwaswrong；
　　butIconfessIdidnotthinkIshouldhavetolistentoanyreproachesfromyou。Gondarisoneofyourintimatefriends，andthisisnotthefirstproposalhehastakentoyou。Icouldnotaddressyoudirectly，asIknowyourartsonlytoowell。"
　　"Ishallnotpayanyattentiontoyourabuseofmyself；IwillonlyremindyouofwhatIsaid’thatneithermoneynorviolencewereofanyuse，’andthatyouronlywaywastomakemeinlovewithyoubygentlemeans。ShewmewhereIhavebrokenmyword！Itisyouthathaveforeswornyourselfincomingintomybath—room，andinsendingsuchabrutalmessagetomymother。NoonebutarascallikeGoudarwouldhavedaredtotakesuchamessage。"
　　"Goudararascal，ishe？Well，heisyourbestfriend。Youknowheisinlovewithyou，andthatheonlygotyoufortheambassadorinthehopeofenjoyingyouhimself。Thedocumentinhispossessionprovesthatyouhavebehavedbadlytowardshim。Youareinhisdebt，dischargeit，andthencallhimarascalifyouhavetheconsciencetodoso。Youneednottroubletoweep，forIknewthesourceofthosetears；itisdefiled。"
　　"Youknownothingofit。Iloveyou，anditishardtohaveyoutreatmeso。"
　　"Youloveme？Youhavenottakenthebestwaytoproveit！"
　　"Asgoodawayasyours。YouhavebehavedtomeasifIwerethevilestofprostitutes，andyesterdayyouseemedtothinkIwasabrutebeast，theslaveofmymother。Youshouldhavewrittentomeinperson，andwithouttheinterventionofsovileanagent；Ishouldhaverepliedinthesameway，andyouneednothavebeenafraidthatyouwouldbedeceived。"
　　"SupposingIhadwritten，whatwouldyouranswerhavebeen？"
　　"Ishouldhaveputallmoneymattersoutofquestion。Ishouldhavepromisedtocontentyouontheconditionthatyouwouldcomeandcourtmeforafortnightwithoutdemandingtheslightestfavour。Weshouldhavelivedapleasantlife；weshouldhavegonetothetheatreandtotheparks。Ishouldhavebecomemadlyinlovewithyou。ThenIshouldhavegivenmyselfuptoyouforlove，andnothingbutlove。
　　IamashamedtosaythathithertoIhaveonlygivenmyselfoutofmerecomplaisance。UnhappywomanthatIam！butIthinknaturemeantmetolove，andIthoughtwhenIsawyouthatmyhappystarhadsentyoutoEnglandthatImightknowtheblissoftrueaffection。
　　Insteadofthisyouhaveonlymademeunhappy。Youarethefirstmanthathasseenmeweep；youhavetroubledmypeaceathome，formymothershallneverhavethesumyoupromisedherwereitfornothingbutakiss。"
　　"Iamsorrytohaveinjuredyou，thoughIdidnotintendtodoso；
　　butIreallydon’tknowwhatIcando。"
　　"Comeandseeus，andkeepyourmoney，whichIdespise。Ifyouloveme，comeandconquermelikeareasonableandnotabrutallover；andIwillhelpyou，fornowyoucannotdoubtthatIloveyou。"
　　AllthisseemedsonaturaltomethatIneverdreameditcontainedatrap。Iwascaught，andIpromisedtodowhatshewished，butonlyforafortnight。Sheconfirmedherpromise，andhercountenancebecameoncemoresereneandcalm。TheCharpillonwasabornactress。
　　Shegotuptogo，andonmybeggingakissasapledgeofourreconciliationshereplied，withasmile，thecharmofwhichshewellknew，thatitwouldnotdotobeginbybreakingthetermofouragreement，andsheleftmemoreinlovethanever，andfullofrepentanceformyconduct。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　Goudar’sChairIfshehadwrittenallthistomeinsteadofcominganddeliveringitvivavoce，itwouldprobablyhaveproducednoeffect；therewouldhavebeennotears，noravishingfeatures。Sheprobablycalculatedallthis，forwomenhaveawonderfulinstinctinthesematters。
　　ThatveryeveningIbeganmyvisits，andjudgedfrommywelcomethatmytriumphwasnighathand。Butlovefillsourmindswithidlevisions，anddrawsaveiloverthetruth。
　　Thefortnightwentbywithoutmyevenkissingherhand，andeverytimeIcameIbroughtsomeexpensivegift，whichseemedcheaptomewhenIobtainedsuchsmilesofgratitudeinexchange。Besidesthesepresents，notadaypassedwithoutsomeexcursiontothecountryorpartyatthetheatre；thatfortnightmusthavecostmefourhundredguineasattheleast。
　　Atlastitcametoanend，andIaskedherinthepresenceofhermotherwhereshewouldspendthenightwithme，thereoratmyhouse。
　　Themothersaidthatwewouldsettleitaftersupper，andImadenoobjection，notlikingtotellherthatinmyhousethesupperwouldbemoresucculent，andabetterpreludeforthekindofexerciseI
　　expectedtoenjoy。
　　Whenwehadsuppedthemothertookmeaside，andaskedmetoleavewiththecompanyandthentocomeback。Iobeyed，laughingtomyselfatthisfoolishmystery，andwhenIcamebackIfoundthemotherandthedaughterintheparlour，inwhichabedhadbeenlaidonthefloor。
　　ThoughIdidnotmuchcareforthisarrangement，IwastooamoroustoraiseanyobjectionatamomentwhenIthoughtmytriumphwasathand；butIwasastonishedwhenthemotheraskedmeifIwouldliketopaythehundredguineasinadvance。
　　"Oh，fie！"exclaimedthegirl；andhermotherlefttheroom，andwelockedthedoor。
　　Myamorousfeelings，solongpentupwithinmybreast，wouldsoonfindrelief。Iapproachedherwithopenarms；butsheavoidedmycaress，andgentlybeggedmetogetintobedwhileshepreparedtofollowme。Iwatchedherundresswithdelight，butwhenshehadfinishedsheputoutthecandles。Icomplainedofthisactofhers，butshesaidshecouldnotsleepwiththelightshiningonher。I
　　begantosuspectthatImighthavesomedifficultiesthrowninmywaytosharpenthepleasure，butIdeterminedtoberesignedandtoovercomethemall。
　　WhenIfeltherinthebedItriedtoclaspherinmyarms，butfoundthatshehadwrappedherselfupinherlongnight—gown；herarmswerecrossed，andherheadburiedinherchest。Ientreated，scolded，cursed，butallinvain；sheletmegoon，andanswerednotaword。
　　AtfirstIthoughtitwasajoke，butIsoonfoundoutmymistake；
　　theveilfellfrommyeyesandIsawmyselfinmytruecolours，thedegradeddupeofavileprostitute。
　　Loveeasilybecomesfury。Ibegantohandleherroughly，butsheresistedanddidnotspeak。Itorehernight—gowntorags，butI
　　couldnottearitentirelyoffher。Myragegrewterrible，myhandsbecametalons，andItreatedherwiththeutmostcruelty；butallfornothing。Atlast，withmyhandonherthroat，Ifelttemptedtostrangleher；andthenIknewitwastimeformetogo。
　　Itwasadreadfulnight。Ispoketothismonsterofawomanineverymannerandtone—withgentleness，withargument，rage，remonstrance，prayers，tears，andabuse，butsheresistedmeforthreehourswithoutabandoningherpainfulposition，inspiteofthetormentsI
　　madeherendure。
　　Atthreeo’clockinthemorning，feelingmymindandbodyinastateofexhaustion，Igotupanddressedmyselfbymysenseoftouch。I
　　openedtheparlourdoor，andfindingthestreetdoorlockedIshookittillaservantcameandletmeout。Iwenthomeandgotintobed，butexcitednaturerefusedmethesleepIneededso。Itookacupofchocolate，butitwouldnotstayonmystomach，andsoonafterashiveringfitwarnedmethatIwasfeverish。Icontinuedtobeilltillthenextday，andthenthefeverleftmeinastateofcompleteexhaustion。
　　AsIwasobligedtokeeptomybedforafewdays，IknewthatI
　　shouldsoongetmyhealthagain；butmychiefconsolationwasthatatlastIwascured。Myshamehadmademehatemyself。
　　WhenIfeltthefevercomingonItoldmymannottoletanybodycometoseeme，andtoplaceallmylettersinmydesk；forIwantedtobeperfectlywellbeforeItroubledmyselfwithanything。
　　OnthefourthdayIwasbetter，andItoldJarbetogivememyletters。IfoundonefromPauline，datedfromMadrid，inwhichsheinformedmethatClairmonthadsavedherlifewhiletheywerefordingariver，andshehaddeterminedtokeephimtillshegottoLisbon，andwouldthensendhimbackbysea。Icongratulatedmyselfatthetimeonherresolve；butitwasafataloneforClairmont，andindirectlyformealso。Fourmonthsafter，Iheardthattheshipinwhichhehadsailedhadbeenwrecked，andasIneverheardfromhimagainIcouldonlyconcludethatmyfaithfulservanthadperishedamidstthewaves。
　　AmongstmyLondonlettersIfoundtwofromtheinfamousmotheroftheinfamousCharpillon，andonefromthegirlherself。Thefirstofthemother’sletters，writtenbeforeIwasill，toldmethatherdaughterwasillinbed，coveredwithbruisesfromtheblowsIhadgivenher，sothatshewouldbeobligedtoinstitutelegalproceedingsagainstme。InthesecondlettershesaidshehadheardItoowasill，andthatshewassorrytohearit，herdaughterhavinginformedherthatIhadsomereasonformyanger；however，shewouldnotfailtojustifyherselfonthefirstopportunity。TheCharpillonsaidinherletterthatsheknewshehaddonewrong，andthatshewonderedIhadnotkilledherwhenItookherbythethroat。SheaddedthatnodoubtIhadmadeupmymindtovisithernomore，butshehopedI
　　wouldallowheroneinterviewasshehadanimportantcommunicationtomaketome。TherewasalsoanotefromGoudar，sayingthathewantedtospeaktome，andthathewouldcomeatnoon。Igaveordersthatheshouldbeadmitted。
　　Thiscuriousindividualbeganbyastonishingme；hetoldmethewholestoryofwhathadtakenplace，themotherhavingbeenhisinformant。
　　"TheCharpillon，"headded，"hasnotgotafever，butiscoveredwithbruises。Whatgrievestheoldwomanmostisthatshehasnotgotthehundredguineas。"
　　"Shewouldhavehadthemthenextmorning，"Isaid，"ifherdaughterhadbeentractable。"
　　"Hermotherhadmadeherswearthatshewouldnotbetractable，andyouneednothopetopossessherwithoutthemother’sconsent。"
　　"Whywon’tsheconsent？"
　　"Becauseshethinksthatyouwillabandonthegirlassoonasyouhaveenjoyedher。"
　　"Possibly，butshewouldhavereceivedmanyvaluablepresents，andnowsheisabandonedandhasnothing。"
　　"Haveyoumadeupyourmindnottohaveanythingmoretodowithher？"
　　"Quite。"
　　"That’syourwisestplan，andIadviseyoutokeeptoit，neverthelessIwanttoshewyousomethingwhichwillsurpriseyou。I
　　willbebackinamoment。"
　　Hereturned，followedbyaporter，whocarriedupanarm—chaircoveredwithacloth。Assoonaswewerealone，GoudartookoffthecoveringandaskedmeifIwouldbuyit。
　　"WhatshouldIdowithit？Itisnotaveryattractivepieceoffurniture。"
　　"Nevertheless，thepriceofitisahundredguineas。"
　　"Iwouldnotgivethree。"
　　"Thisarm—chairhasfivesprings，whichcomeintoplayallatonceassoonasanyonesitsdowninit。Twospringscatchthetwoarmsandholdthemtightly，twoothersseparatethelegs，andthefifthliftsuptheseat。"
　　AfterthisdescriptionGoudarsatdownquitenaturallyinthechairandthespringscameintoplayandforcedhimintothepositionofawomaninlabour。
　　"GetthefairCharpillontositinthischair，"saidhe，"andyourbusinessisdone。"
　　Icouldnothelplaughingatthecontrivance，whichstruckmeasatonceingeniousanddiabolical，butIcouldnotmakeupmymindtoavailmyselfofit。
　　"Iwon’tbuyit，"saidI，"butIshallbeobligedifyouwillleaveitheretillto—morrow。"
　　"Ican’tleaveithereanhourunlessyouwillbuyit；theowneriswaitingclosebytohearyouranswer。"
　　"Thentakeitawayandcomebacktodinner。"
　　HeshewedmehowIwastoreleasehimfromhisridiculousposition，andthenaftercoveringitupagainhecalledtheporterandwentaway。
　　Therecouldbenodoubtastotheactionofthemachinery，anditwasnofeelingofavaricewhichhinderedmefrombuyingthechair。AsI
　　havesaid，itseemedratheradiabolicalidea，andbesidesitmighteasilyhavesentmetothegallows。Furthermore，IshouldneverhavehadthestrengthofmindtoenjoytheCharpillonforcibly，especiallybymeansofthewonderfulchair，themechanismofwhichwouldhavefrightenedheroutofherwits。
　　AtdinnerItoldGoudarthattheCharpillonhaddemandedaninterview，andthatIhadwishedtokeepthechairsoastoshewherthatIcouldhaveherifIliked。Ishewedhimtheletter，andheadvisedmetoaccedetoherrequest，ifonlyforcuriosity’ssake。
　　Iwasinnohurrytoseethecreaturewhilethemarksonherfaceandneckwerestillfresh，soIspentsevenoreightdayswithoutmakingupmymindtoreceiveher。Goudarcameeveryday，andtoldmeoftheconfabulationsofthesewomenwhohadmadeuptheirmindsnottolivesavebytrickery。
　　HetoldmethatthegrandmotherhadtakenthenameofAnspergherwithouthavinganyrighttoit，asshewasmerelythemistressofaworthycitizenofBerne，bywhomshehadfourdaughters；themotheroftheCharpillonwastheyoungestofthefamily，and，asshewasprettyandlooseinhermorals，theGovernmenthadexiledherwithhermotherandsisters。TheyhadthenbetakenthemselvestoFranche—
　　Comte，wheretheylivedforsometimeontheBalmofLife。HereitwasthattheCharpilloncameintotheworld，hermotherattributinghertoaCountdeBoulainvilliers。Thechildgrewuppretty，andthefamilyremovedtoParisundertheimpressionthatitwouldbethebestmarketforsuchacommodity，butinthecourseoffouryearstheincomefromtheBalmhavingdwindledgreatly，theCharpillonbeingstilltooyoungtobeprofitable，anddebtorsclosingroundthemoneveryside，theyresolvedtocometoLondon。
　　Hethenproceededtotellmeofthevarioustricksandcheatswhichkeptthemallalive。Ifoundhisnarrativeinterestingenoughthen，butthereaderwouldfinditdull，andIexpectwillbegratefulformypassingitover。
　　IfeltthatitwasfortunateformethatIhadGoudar，whointroducedmetoallthemostfamouscourtezansinLondon，abovealltotheillustriousKittyFisher，whowasjustbeginningtobefashionable。
　　Healsointroducedmetoagirlofsixteen，averitableprodigyofbeauty，whoservedatthebarofatavernatwhichwetookabottleofstrongbeer。ShewasanIrishwomanandaCatholic，andwasnamedSarah。Ishouldhavelikedtogetpossessionofher，butGoudarhadviewsofhisownonthesubject，andcarriedheroffinthecourseofthenextyear。Heendedbymarryingher，andshewastheSaraGoudarwhoshoneatNaples，Florence，Venice，andelsewhere。Weshallhearofherinfourorfiveyears，stillwithherhusband。GoudarhadconceivedtheplanofmakinghertaketheplaceofDubarry，mistressofLouisXV。，butalettredecachetcompelledhimtotryelsewhere。
　　Ah！happydaysoflettresdecachet，youhavegonenevertoreturn！
　　TheCharpillonwaitedafortnightformetoreply，andthenresolvedtoreturntothechargeinperson。Thiswasnodoubttheresultofaconferenceofthemostsecretkind，forIheardnothingofitfromGondar。
　　Shecametoseemybyherselfinasedan—chair，andIdecidedonseeingher。IwastakingmychocolateandIlethercomeinwithoutrisingorofferingheranybreakfast。Sheaskedmetogivehersomewithgreatmodesty，andputupherfaceformetogiveherakiss，butIturnedmyheadaway。However，shewasnotintheleastdisconcerted。
　　"Isupposethemarksoftheblowsyougavememakemyfacesorepulsive？"
　　"Youlie；Ineverstruckyou。"
　　"No，butyourtiger—likeclawshaveleftbruisesalloverme。Lookhere。No，youneedn’tbeafraidthatwhatyouseemayprovetooseductive；besides，itwillhavenonoveltyforyou。"
　　Sosayingthewretchedcreatureletmeseeherbody，onwhichsomelividmarkswerestillvisible。
　　CowardthatIwas！WhydidInotlookanotherway？Iwilltellyou:
　　itwasbecauseshewassobeautiful，andbecauseawoman’scharmsareunworthyofthenameiftheycannotsilencereason。Iaffectedonlytolookatthebruises，butitwasanemptyfarce。Iblushformyself；herewasIconqueredbyasimplegirl，ignorantofwellnigheverything。ButsheknewwellenoughthatIwasinhalingthepoisonateverypore。Allatonceshedroppedherclothesandcameandsatbesideme，feelingsurethatIshouldhaverelishedacontinuanceofthespectacle。
　　However，Imadeaneffortandsaid，coldly，thatitwasallherownfault。
　　"Iknowitis，"saidshe，"forifIhadbeentractableasIoughttohavebeen，youwouldhavebeenlovinginsteadofcruel。Butrepentanceeffacessin，andIamcometobegpardon。MayIhopetoobtainit？"
　　"Certainly；Iamangrywithyounolonger，butIcannotforgivemyself。Nowgo，andtroublemenomore。"
　　"Iwillifyoulike，butthereissomethingyouhavenotheard，andI
　　begyouwilllistentomeamoment。"
　　"AsIhavenothingtodoyoucansaywhatyouhavegottosay，Iwilllistentoyou。"
　　Inspiteofthecoldnessofmywords，Iwasreallyprofoundlytouched，andtheworstofitwasthatIbegantobelieveinthegenuinenessofhermotives。
　　Shemighthaverelievedherselfofwhatshehadtosayinaquarterofanhour，butbydintoftears，sighs，groans，digressions，andsoforth，shetooktwohourstotellmethathermotherhadmadehersweartopassthenightasshehaddone。SheendedbysayingthatshewouldliketobemineasshehadbeenM。Morosini’s，tolivewithme，andonlytogooutundermyescort，whileImightallowheramonthlysumwhichshewouldhandovertohermother，whowould，inthatcase，leaveheralone。
　　Shedinedwithme，anditwasintheeveningthatshemadethisproposition。Isupposebecauseshethoughtmeripeforanothercheat。Itoldherthatitmightbearranged，butthatIshouldprefertosettlewithhermother，andthatshewouldseemeattheirhousethefollowingday，andthisseemedtosurpriseher。
　　ItispossiblethattheCharpillonwouldhavegrantedmeanyfavouronthatday，andthentherewouldhavebeennoquestionofdeceptionorresistanceforthefuture。WhydidInotpressher？Becausesometimeslovestupefiesinsteadofquickens，andbecauseIhadbeeninawayherjudge，andIthoughtitwouldbebaseofmetorevengemyselfonherbysatisfyingmyamorousdesires，andpossiblybecauseIwasafool，asIhaveoftenbeeninthecourseofmyexistence。
　　Shemusthaveleftmeinastateofirritation，andnodoubtsheregisteredavowtorevengeherselfonmeforthehalf—contemptuouswayinwhichIhadtreatedher。
　　Goudarwasastonishedwhenheheardofhervisit，andofthewayinwhichIhadspenttheday。Ibeggedhimtogetmeasmallfurnishedhouse，andintheeveningIwenttoseetheinfamouswomaninherownhouse。
　　Shewaswithhermother，andIlaidmyproposalbeforethem。
　　"YourdaughterwillhaveahouseatChelsea，"saidItothemother，"whereIcangoandseeherwheneverIlike，andalsofiftyguineasamonthtodowhatshelikeswith。"
　　"Idon’tcarewhatyougiveheramonth，"shereplied，"butbeforeI
　　letherleavemyhouseshemustgivemethehundredguineasshewastohavehadwhenshesleptwithyou。"
　　"Itisyourfaultthatshedidn’thavethem；however，tocutthemattershort，sheshallgivethemtoyou。"
　　"Andinthemeanwhile，tillyouhavefoundthehouse，Ihopeyouwillcomeandseeme。"
　　"Yes。"
　　ThenextdayGoudarshewedmeaprettyhouseatChelsea，andItookit，payingtenguineas，amonth’srent，inadvance，forwhichI
　　receivedareceipt。IntheafternoonIconcludedthebargainwiththemother，theCharpillonbeingpresent。Themotheraskedmetogiveherthehundredguineas，andIdidso，notfearinganytreachery，asnearlythewholeofthegirl’sclothingwasalreadyatChelsea。
　　Induecoursewewenttoourcountryhouse。TheCharpillonlikedthehouseimmensely，andafterashorttalkwesuppedmerrilytogether。
　　Aftersupperwewenttobed，andshegrantedmesomeslightpreliminaryfavours，butwhenIwouldhaveattainedmyendIfoundanobstaclewhichIhadnotexpected。Shegavemesomephysiologicalreasonsforthecircumstances，butnotbeingamantostopforsolittle，Iwouldhavegoneon，butsheresisted，andyetwithsuchgentlenessthatIleftheraloneandwenttosleep。Iawokesoonerthanshedid，anddeterminedtoseewhethershehadimposedonme；soIraisedhernight—gowncarefully，andtookoffherlinenonlytofindthatIhadbeendupedoncemore。Thisrousedher，andshetriedtostopme，butitwastoolate。However，Igentlychidherforthetrick，andfeelingdisposedtoforgiveitsetaboutmakingupforlosttime，butshegotonthehighhorse，andpretendedtobehurtatmytakingherbysurprise。Itriedtocalmherbyrenewedtenderness，butthewretchedcreatureonlygotmorefurious，andwouldgivemenothing。Ileftheralone，butIexpressedmyopinionofherinprettystrongterms。Theimpudentsluthonouredmewithasmileofdisdain，andthenbeginningtodressherselfsheproceededtoindulgeinimpertinentrepartees。Thismademeangry，andIgaveheraboxontheearswhichstretchedheratfulllengthonthefloor。Sheshrieked，stampedherfeet，andmadeahideousuproar；
　　thelandlordcameup，andshebegantospeaktohiminEnglish，whilethebloodgushedfromhernose。
　　ThemanfortunatelyspokeItalian，andtoldmethatshewantedtogoaway，andadvisedmetoletherdoso，orshemightmakeitawkwardforme，andhehimselfwouldbeobligedtowitnessagainstme。
　　"Tellhertobegoneasfastasshelikes，"saidI，"andtokeepoutofmysightforever。"
　　Shefinisheddressing，staunchedtheblood，andwentoffinasedan—
　　chair，whileIremainedpetrified，feelingthatIdidnotdeservetolive，andfindingherconductutterlyoutrageousandincomprehensible。
　　Afteranhour’sconsiderationIdecidedonsendingherbackhertrunk，andthenIwenthomeandtobed，tellingmyservantsIwasnotathometoanyone。
　　Ispenttwenty—fourhoursinponderingovermywrongs，andatlastmyreasontoldmethatthefaultwasmine；Idespisedmyself。Iwasonthebrinkofsuicide，buthappilyIescapedthatfate。
　　IwasjustgoingoutwhenGoudarcameupandmademegoinwithhim，ashesaidhewantedtospeaktome。AftertellingmethattheCharpillonhadcomehomewithaswollencheekwhichpreventedhershewingherself，headvisedmetoabandonallclaimsonherorhermother，orthelatterwouldbringafalseaccusationagainstmewhichmightcostmemylife。ThosewhoknowEngland，andespeciallyLondonwillnotneedtobeinformedastothenatureofthisaccusation，whichissoeasilybroughtinEngland；itwillsufficetosaythatthroughitSodomwasoverwhelmed。
　　"Themotherhasengagedmetomediate，"saidGoudar，"andifyouwillleaveheralone，shewilldoyounoharm。"
　　Ispentthedaywithhim，foolishlycomplaining，andtellinghimthathecouldassurethemotherthatIwouldtakenoproceedingsagainsther，butthatIshouldliketoknowifshehadthecouragetoreceivethisassurancefrommyownlips。
　　"Iwillcarryyourmessage，"saidhe，"butIpityyou；foryouaregoingintotheirnetsagain，andwillendinutterruin。"
　　Ifanciedtheywouldbeashamedtoseeme；butIwasverymuchmistaken，forGoudarcamebacklaughing，andsaidthemotherexpressedahopethatIshouldalwaysbethefriendofthefamily。
　　Ioughttohaverefusedtohaveanythingmoretodowiththem，butI
　　hadnotthestrengthtoplaytheman。IcalledatDenmarkStreetthesameevening，andspentanhourwithoututteringasyllable。TheCharpillonsatoppositetome，witheyesloweredtoapieceofembroidery，whilefromtimetotimeshepretendedtowipeawayatearassheletmeseetheravagesIhadworkedonhercheek。
　　Isawhereverydayandalwaysinsilencetillthefatalmarkhaddisappeared，butduringthesemadvisitsthepoisonofdesirewassoinstilledintomyveinsthatifshehadknownmystateofmindshemighthavedespoiledmeofallIpossessedforasinglefavour。
　　WhenshewasoncemoreasbeautifulaseverIfeltasifImustdieifIdidnotholdherinmyarmsagain，andIboughtamagnificentpier—glassandasplendidbreakfastserviceinDresdenchina，andsentthemtoherwithanamorousepistlewhichmusthavemadeherthinkmeeitherthemostextravagantorthemostcowardlyofmen。
　　Shewroteinanswerthatshewouldexpectmetosupwithherinherroom，thatshemightgivemethetenderestproofsofhergratitude。
　　Thislettersentmecompletelymadwithjoy，andinaparoxysmofdelightIresolvedtosurrendertoherkeepingthetwobillsofexchangewhichBolomeehadgivenme，andwhichgavemepowertosendhermotherandauntstoprison。
　　Fullofthehappinessthatawaitedme，andenchantedwithmyownidioticheroism，Iwenttoherintheevening。Shereceivedmeintheparlourwithhermother，andIwasdelightedtoseethepier—
　　glassoverthemantel，andthechinadisplayedonalittletable。
　　Afterahundredwordsofloveandtendernesssheaskedmetocomeuptoherroom，andhermotherwishedusgoodnight。Iwasoverwhelmedwithjoy。AfteradelicatelittlesupperItookoutthebillsofexchange，andaftertellinghertheirhistorygavethemuptoher，toshewthatIhadnointentionofavengingmyselfonhermotherandaunts。Imadeherpromisethatshewouldneverpartwiththem，andshesaidshewouldneverdoso，andwithmanyexpressionsofgratitudeandwonderatmygenerosityshelockedthemupwithgreatcare。
　　ThenIthoughtitwastimetogivehersomemarksofmypassion，andIfoundherkind；butwhenIwouldhavepluckedthefruit，sheclaspedmetoherarms，crossedherlegs，andbegantoweepbitterly。
　　Imadeaneffort，andaskedherifshewouldbethesamewhenwewereinbed。Shesighed，andafteramoment’spause，replied，"Yes。"
　　ForaquarterofanhourIremainedsilentandmotionless，asifpetrified。AtlastIrosewithapparentcoolness，andtookmycloakandsword。
　　"What！"saidshe，"areyounotgoingtospendthenightwithme？"
　　"No。"
　　"Butweshallseeeachotherto—morrow？"
　　"Ihopeso。Goodnight。"
　　Ileftthatinfernalabode，andwenthometobed。
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　TheEndoftheStoryStrangerThantheBeginningAteighto’clockthenextmorningJarbetoldmethattheCharpillonwantedtoseeme，andthatshehadsentawayherchairmen。
　　"TellherthatIcan’tseeher。"
　　ButIhadhardlyspokenwhenshecamein，andJarbewentout。I
　　addressedherwiththeutmostcalmness，andbeggedhertogivemebackthetwobillsofexchangeIhadplacedinherhandsthenightbefore。
　　"Ihaven’tgotthemaboutme；butwhydoyouwantmetoreturnthemtoyou？"
　　AtthisquestionIcouldcontainmyselfnolonger，andlaunchedastormofabuseather。Itwasanexplosionwhichrelievednature，andendedwithaninvoluntaryshoweroftears。MyinfamousseductressstoodascalmlyasInnocenceitself；andwhenIwassochokedwithsobsthatIcouldnotutteraword，shesaidshehadonlybeencruelbecausehermotherhadmadeherswearanoathnevertogiveherselftoanyoneinherownhouse，andthatshehadonlycomenowtoconvincemeofherlove，togiveherselftomewithoutreserve，andnevertoleavemeanymoreifIwishedit。
　　Thereaderwhoimaginesthatatthesewordsragegaveplacetolove，andthatIhastenedtoobtaintheprize，doesnotknowthenatureofthepassionsowellasthevilewomanwhoseplaythingIwas。Fromhotlovetohotangerisashortjourney，butthereturnisslowanddifficult。Iftherebeonlyangerinaman’sbreastitmaybesubduedbytenderness，bysubmission，andaffection；butwhentoangerisaddedafeelingofindignationathavingbeenshamefullydeceived，itisimpossibletopasssuddenlytothoughtsofloveandvoluptuousenjoyment。Withmemereangerhasneverbeenoflongduration，butwhenIamindignanttheonlycureisforgetfulness。
　　TheCharpillonknewperfectlywellthatIwouldnottakeheratherword，andthiskindofsciencewasinborninher。Theinstinctofwomenteachesthemgreatersecretsthanallthephilosophyandtheresearchofmen。
　　Intheeveningthismonsterleftme，feigningtobedisappointedanddisconsolate，andsaying，——
　　"Ihopeyouwillcomeandseemeagainwhenyouareoncemoreyourself。"
　　Shehadspenteighthourswithme，duringwhichtimeshehadonlyspokentodenymysuppositions，whichwereperfectlytrue，butwhichshecouldnotaffordtoletpass。Ihadnottakenanythingallday，inorderthatImightnotbeobligedtoofferheranythingortoeatwithher。
　　AftershehadleftmeItooksomesoupandthenenjoyedaquietsleep，forwhichIfeltallthebetter。WhenIcametoconsiderwhathadpassedthe，daybeforeIconcludedthattheCharpillonwasrepentant，butIseemednolongertocareanythingabouther。
　　HereImayaswellconfess，inallhumility，whatachangeloveworkedonmeinLondon，thoughIhadattainedtheageofthirty—
　　eight。Hereclosedthefirstactofmylife；thesecondclosedwhenIleftVenicein1783，andprobablythethirdwillclosehere，asI
　　amusemyselfbywritingthesememoirs。Thus，thethree—actcomedywillfinish，andifitbehissed，asmaypossiblybethecase，I
　　shallnothearthesoundsofdisapproval。ButasyetthereaderhasnotseenthelastandIthinkthemostinterestingsceneofthefirstact。
　　IwentforawalkintheGreenParkandmetGoudar。Iwasgladtoseehim，astheroguewasusefultome。
　　"IhavejustbeenattheCharpillons，"hebegan；"theywereallinhighspirits。Itriedinvaintoturntheconversationonyou，butnotawordwouldtheyutter。"
　　"Idespisethementirely，"Irejoined，"Idon’twanttohaveanythingmoretodowiththem。"
　　HetoldmeIwasquiteright，andadvisedmetopersevereinmyplan。
　　Imadehimdinewithme，andthenwewenttoseethewell—knownprocuress，Mrs。Wells，andsawthecelebratedcourtezan，KittyFisher，whowaswaitingfortheDukeof————totakehertoaball。
　　Shewasmagnificentlydressed，anditisnoexaggerationtosaythatshehadondiamondsworthfivehundredthousandfrancs。GoudartoldmethatifIlikedImighthaveherthenandtherefortenguineas。
　　Ididnotcaretodoso，however，for，thoughcharming，shecouldonlyspeakEnglish，andIlikedtohaveallmysenses，includingthatofhearing，gratified。Whenshehadgone，Mrs。WellstoldusthatKittyhadeatenabank—noteforathousandguineas，onasliceofbreadandbutter，thatveryday。ThenotewasapresentfromSirAkins，brotherofthefairMrs。Pitt。IdonotknowwhetherthebankthankedKittyforthepresentshehadmadeit。
　　IspentanhourwithagirlnamedKennedy，afairIrishwoman，whocouldspeakasortofFrench，andbehavedmostextravagantlyundertheinfluenceofchampagne；buttheimageoftheCharpillonwasstillbeforeme，thoughIknewitnot，andIcouldnotenjoyanything。
　　Iwenthomefeelingsadandillpleasedwithmyself。Commonsensetoldmetodriveallthoughtsofthatwretchedwomanoutofmyhead，butsomethingIcalledhonourbademenotleaveherthetriumphofhavingwonthetwobillsofexchangefrommefornothing，andmademedeterminetogetthembackbyfairmeansorfoul。
　　M。Malingan，atwhosehouseIhadmadetheacquaintanceofthiscreature，comeandaskedmetodinner。Hehadaskedmetodinewithhimseveraltimesbefore，andIhadalwaysrefused，andnowIwouldnotacceptuntilIhadheardwhatguestshehadinvited。Thenameswereallstrangetome，soIagreedtocome。
　　WhenIarrivedIfoundtwoyoungladiesfromLiege，inoneofwhomI
　　gotinteresteddirectly。Sheintroducedmetoherhusband，andtoanotheryoungmanwhoseemedtobethecavalieroftheotherlady，hercousin。
　　Thecompanypleasedme，andIwasinhopesthatIshouldspendahappyday，butmyevilgeniusbroughttheCharpillontomarthefeast。Shecameintotheroominhighglee，andsaidtoMalingan，——
　　"IshouldnothavecometobegyoutogivemeadinnerifIhadknownthatyouwouldhavesomanyguests，andifIamatallinthewayI
　　willgo。"
　　Everybodywelcomedher，myselfexcepted，forIwasontherack。Tomakemattersworse，shewasplacedatmylefthand。IfshehadcomeinbeforewesatdowntodinnerIshouldhavemadesomeexcuseandgoneaway，butaswehadbegunthesoupasuddenflightwouldhavecoveredmewithridicule。Iadoptedtheplanofnotlookingather，reservingallmypolitenessfortheladyonmyright。WhenthemealwasoverMalingantookmeapart，andsworetomethathehadnotinvitedtheCharpillon，butIwasnotconvinced，thoughIpretendedtobeforpoliteness’sake。
　　ThetwoladiesfromLiegeandtheircavalierswereembarkingforOstendinafewdays，andinspeakingoftheirdeparturetheonetowhomIhadtakenafancysaidthatshewassorrytobeleavingEnglandwithouthavingseenRichmond。Ibeggedhertogivemethepleasureofshewingither，andwithoutwaitingforananswerIaskedherhusbandandallthecompanytobepresent，exceptingtheCharpillon，whomIpretendednottosee。
　　Theinvitationwasaccepted。
　　"Twocarriages，"Isaid，"holdingfoureach，shallbereadyateighto’clock，andweshallbeexactlyeight。"
　　"No，nine，forIamcoming，"saidtheCharpillon，givingmeanimpudentstare，"andIhopeyouwillnotdrivemeaway。"
　　"No，thatwouldbeimpolite，Iwillrideinfrontonhorseback。"
　　"Oh，notatall！Emilieshallsitonmylap。"
　　EmiliewasMalingan’sdaughter，andaseverybodyseemedtothinkthearrangementanextremelypleasantoneIhadnotthecouragetoresist。Afewmomentsafter，Iwasobligedtoleavetheroomforafewmoments，andwhenIcamebackImetheronthelanding。ShetoldmeIhadinsultedhergrievously，andthatunlessImadeamendsI
　　shouldfeelhervengeance。
　　"Youcanbeginyourvengeance，"Isaid，"byreturningmybillsofexchange"
　　"Youshallhavethemto—morrow，butyouhadbettertryandmakemeforgettheinsultyouhaveputonme。"
　　Ileftthecompanyintheevening，havingarrangedthatweshouldallbreakfasttogetherthenextday。
　　Ateighto’clockthetwocarriageswereready，andMalingan，hiswife，hisdaughter，andthetwogentlemengotintothefirstvehicle，andIhadtogetintothesecondwiththeladiesfromLiegeandtheCharpillon，whoseemedtohavebecomeveryintimatewiththem。Thismademeill—tempered，andIsulkedthewholeway。Wewereanhourandaquarteronthejourney，andwhenwearrivedIorderedagooddinner，andthenweproceededtoviewthegardens；thedaywasabeautifulone，thoughitwasautumn。
　　WhilstwewereWalkingtheCharpilloncameuptomeandsaidshewantedtoreturnthebillsinthesameplaceinwhichIhadgivenherthem。AswewereatsomedistancefromtheothersIpeltedherwithabuse，tellingherofherperfidyandofhercorruptionatanagewhensheshouldhaveretainedsomevestigesofinnocencecallingherbythenameshedeserved，asIremindedherhowoftenshehadalreadyprostitutedherself；inshortIthreatenedherwithmyvengeanceifshepushedmetoextremities。Butshewasascoldasice，andopposedacalmfronttothestormofinvectiveIrainedinherears。
　　However，astheotherguestswereatnogreatdistance，shebeggedmetospeakmoresoftly，buttheyheardmeandIwasverygladofit。
　　Atlastwesatdowntodinner，andthewretchedwomancontrivedtogetaplacebesideme，andbehavedallthewhileasifIwereherlover，oratanyrateasifshelovedme。Shedidnotseemtocarewhatpeoplethoughtofmycoldness，whileIwasinarage，forthecompanymusteitherhavethoughtmeafoolorelsethatshewasmakinggameofme。
　　Afterdinnerwereturnedtothegarden，andtheCharpillon，determinedtogainthevictory，clungtomyarmandafterseveralturnsledmetowardsthemazewhereshewishedtotryherpower。Shemademesitdownonthegrassbesideherandattackedmewithpassionatewordsandtendercaresses，andbydisplayingthemostinterestingofhercharmsshesucceededinseducingme，butstillI
　　donotknowwhetherIwereimpelledbyloveorvengeance，andIaminclinedtothinkthatmyfeelingswereacompoundofbothpassions。
　　Butatthemomentshelookedthepictureofvoluptuousabandon。
　　Herardenteyes，herfierycheeks，herwantonkisses，herswellingbreast，andherquicksighs，allmademethinkthatshestoodasmuchinneedofdefeatasIofvictory；certainlyIshouldnothavejudgedthatshewasalreadycalculatingonresistance。
　　ThusIoncemorebecametenderandaffectionate；IbeggedpardonforwhatIhadsaidanddone。Herfierykissesrepliedtomine，andI
　　thoughtherglanceandthesoftpressureofherbodywereinvitingmetogatherthedeliciousfruit；butjustasmyhandopenedthedoorofthesanctuary，shegaveasuddenmovement，andthechancewaslost。
　　"What！youwoulddeceivemeagain。"
　　"No，nobutwehavedoneenoughnow。Ipromisetospendthenightinyourarmsinyourownhouse。"
　　ForamomentIlostmysenses。Ionlysawthedeceitfulwretchwhohadprofitedbymyfoolishcredulitysomanytimes，andIresolvedtoenjoyortakevengeance。Iheldherdownwithmyleftarm，anddrawingasmallknifefrommypocketIopeneditwithmyteethandprickedherneck，threateningtokillherifsheresistedme。
　　"Doasyoulike，"shesaidwithperfectcalm，"Ionlyaskyoutoleavememylife，butafteryouhavesatisfiedyourselfIwillnotleavethespot；Iwillnotenteryourcarriageunlessyoucarrymebyforce，andeverybodyshallknowthereason。"
　　Thisthreathadnoeffect，forIhadalreadygotbackmysenses，andIpitiedmyselfforbeingdegradedbyacreatureforwhomIhadthegreatestcontempt，inspiteofthealmostmagicalinfluenceshehadoverme，andthefuriousdesiressheknewhowtokindleinmybreast。
　　Irosewithoutaword，andtakingmyhatandcaneIhastenedtoleaveaplacewhereunbridledpassionhadbroughtmetothebrinkofruin。
　　Myreaderswillscarcelybelieveme（butitisneverthelesstheexacttruth）whenIsaythattheimpudentcreaturehastenedtorejoinme，andtookmyarmagainasifnothinghadhappened。Agirlofheragecouldnothaveplayedthepartsowellunlessshehadbeenalreadytriedinahundredbattles。WhenwerejoinedthecompanyIwasaskedifIwereill，whilenobodynoticedtheslightestalterationinher。
　　WhenwegotbacktoLondonIexcusedmyselfunderthepleaofabadheadache，andreturnedhome。
　　Theadventurehadmadeaterribleimpressiononme，andIsawthatifIdidnotavoidallintercoursewiththisgirlIshouldbebroughttoruin。TherewassomethingaboutherIcouldnotresist。Ithereforeresolvedtoseehernomore，butfeelingashamedofmyweaknessingivingherthebillsofexchangeIwrotehermotheranoterequestinghertomakeherdaughterreturnthem，orelseIshouldbecompelledtotakeharshmeasures。
　　IntheafternoonIreceivedthefollowingreply:
　　"Sir，——Iamexceedinglysurprisedatyouraddressingyourselftomeaboutthebillsyouhandedtomydaughter。Shetellsmeshewillgiveyouthembackinpersonwhenyoushewmorediscretion，andhavelearnttorespecther。"
　　ThisimpudentlettersoenragedmethatIforgotmyvowofthemorning。Iputtwopistolsinmypocketandproceededtothewretchedwoman’sabodetocompelhertoreturnmemybillsifshedidnotwishtobesoundlycaned。
　　Ionlytookthepistolstooverawethetwomalerascalswhosuppedwiththemeveryevening。IwasfuriouswhenIarrived，butIpassedbythedoorwhenIsawahandsomeyounghairdresser，whodidtheCharpillon’shaireverySaturdayevening，goingintothehouse。
　　IdidnotwantastrangertobepresentatthesceneImeanttomake，soIwaitedatthecornerofthestreetforthehairdressertogo。
　　AfterIhadwaitedhalfanhourRostaingandCouman，thetwosupportsofthehouse，cameoutandwentaway，muchtomydelight。Iwaitedon；elevenstruck，andthehandsomebarberhadnotyetgone。A
　　littlebeforemidnightaservantcameoutwithalamp，Isupposetolookforsomethingthathadfallenoutofthewindow。Iapproachednoiselessly，steppedinandopenedtheparlour—door，whichwasclosetothestreet，andsaw……theCharpillonandthebarberstretchedonthesofaanddoingthebeastwithtwobacks，asShakespearecallsit。
　　Whentheslutsawmeshegaveashriekandunhorsedhergallant，whomIcanedsoundlyuntilheescapedintheconfusionconsequentontheservants，mother，andauntsallrushingintotheroom。WhilethiswasgoingontheCharpillon，half—naked，remainedcrouchedbehindthesofa，tremblinglesttheblowsshouldbegintodescendonher。Thenthethreehagssetuponmelikefuries；buttheirabuseonlyirritatedme，andIbrokethepier—’glass，thechina，andthefurniture，andastheystillhowledandshriekedIroaredoutthatiftheydidnotceaseIwouldbreaktheirheads。Atthistheybegantocalm。
　　Ithrewmyselfuponthefatalsofa，andbadethemothertoreturnmethebillsofexchange；butjustthenthewatchmancamein。
　　Thereisonlyonewatchmantoadistrict，whichheperambulatesallnightwithalanterninonehandandastaffintheother。Onthesementhepeaceofthegreatcitydepends。Iputthreeorfourcrownsintohishandandsaid"Goaway，"andsosayingshutthedooruponhim。ThenIsatdownoncemoreandaskedagainforthebillsofexchange:
　　"Ihavenotgotthem；mydaughterkeepsthem。"
　　"Callher。"
　　ThetwomaidssaidthatwhilstIwasbreakingthechinashehadescapedbythestreetdoor，andthattheydidnotknowwhathadbecomeofher。Thenthemotherandauntsbegantoshriek，weep，andexclaim，——
　　"MypoordaughteraloneinthestreetsofLondonatmidnight！Mydearniece，alas！alas！sheislost。CursedbethehourwhenyoucametoEnglandtomakeusallunhappy！"
　　Myragehadevaporated，andItrembledatthethoughtofthisyoungfrightenedgirlrunningaboutthestreetsatsuchanhour。
　　"Goandlookforherattheneighbours’houses，"Isaidtotheservants，"nodoubtyouwillfindher。Whenyoutellmesheissafe，youshallhaveaguineaapiece。"
　　WhenthethreeGorgonssawIwasinterested，theirtears，complaints，andinvectivesbeganagainwithrenewedvigor，whileIkeptsilenceasmuchastosaythattheywereintheright。Iawaitedthereturnoftheservantswithimpatience，andatlastatoneo’clocktheycamebackwithlooksofdespair。
　　"Wehavelookedforhereverywhere，"saidthey，"butwecan’tfindher。"
　　Igavethemthetwoguineasasiftheyhadsucceeded，whilstIsatmotionlessreflectingontheterribleconsequencesofmyanger。Howfoolishismanwhenheisinlove！
　　Iwasidiotenoughtoexpressmyrepentancetothethreeoldcheats。