Ibeggedthemtoseekforhereverywherewhendawnappeared，andtoletmeknowofherreturnthatImightfallatherfeettobegpardon，andneverseeherfaceagain。IalsopromisedtopayforallthedamageIhaddone，andtogivethemafullreceiptforthebillsofexchange。Aftertheseacts，donetotheeverlastingshameofmygoodsense，afterthisapologymadetoprocuresseswholaughedatmeandmyhonour，Iwenthome，promisingtwoguineastotheservantwhoshouldbringmetidingsthatheryoungmistresshadcomehome。
OnleavingthehouseIfoundthewatchmanatthedoor；hehadbeenwaitingtoseemehome。Itwastwoo’clock。Ithrewmyselfonmybed，andthesixhoursofsleepIobtained，thoughtroubledbyfearfuldreams，probablysavedmefrommadness。
Ateighto’clockIheardaknockatthedoor，andonopeningthewindowfounditwasoneoftheservantsfromthehouseofmyfoes。I
criedouttoletherin，andIbreathedagainonhearingthatMissCharpillonhadjustarrivedinasedan—chairinapitiablecondition，andthatshehadbeenputtobed。
"Imadehastetocomeandtellyou，"saidthecunningmaid，"notforthesakeofyourtwoguineas，butbecauseIsawyouweresounhappy。"
Thisdupedmedirectly。Igaveherthetwoguineas，andmadehersitdownonmybed，begginghertotellmeallabouthermistress’sreturn。Ididnotdreamthatshehadbeenschooledbymyenemies；
butduringthewholeofthisperiodIwasdeprivedoftherightuseofmyreason。
Theslutbeganbysayingthatheryoungmistresslovedme，andhadonlydeceivedmeinaccordancewithhermother’sorders。
"Iknowthat，"Isaid，"butwheredidshepassthenight？"
"Atashopwhichshefoundopen，andwhereshewasknownfromhavingboughtvariousarticlesthere。Sheisinbedwithafever，andIamafraiditmayhaveseriousconsequencesassheisinhermonthlyperiod。"
"That’simpossible，forIcaughtherintheactwithherhairdresser。"
"Oh，thatprovesnothing！thepooryoungmandoesnotlookintothingsveryclosely。"
"Butsheisinlovewithhim。"
"Idon’tthinkso，thoughshehasspentseveralhoursinhiscompany。"
"Andyousaythatshelovesme！"
"Oh，thathasnothingtodowithit！Itisonlyawhimofherswiththehairdresser。"
"TellherthatIamcomingtopassthedaybesideherbed，andbringmeherreply。"
"Iwillsendtheothergirlifyoulike。"
"No，sheonlyspeaksEnglish。"
Shewentaway，andasshehadnotreturnedbythreeo’clockIdecidedoncallingtohearhowshewas。Iknockedatthedoor，andoneoftheauntsappearedandbeggedmenottoenterasthetwofriendsofthehousewerethereinafuryagainstme，andherniecelayinadelirium，cryingout"There’sSeingalt，there’sSeingalt！He’sgoingtokillme。Help！help！""ForGod’ssake，sir，goaway，"
Iwenthomedesperate，withouttheslightestsuspicionthatitwasallalie。Ispentthewholedaywithouteatinganything；Icouldnotswallowamouthful。AllnightIkeptawake，andthoughItookseveralglassesofstrongwatersIcouldobtainnorest。
Atnineo’clockthenextmorningIknockedattheCharpillon’sdoor，andtheoldauntcameandheldithalfopenasbefore。Sheforbademetoenter，sayingthatherniecewasstilldelirious，continuallycallingonmeinhertransports，andthatthedoctorhaddeclaredthatifthediseasecontinueditscourseshehadnottwenty—fourhourstolive。"Thefrightyougaveherhasarrestedherperiods；
sheisinaterriblestate。"
"O，fatalhairdresser！"Iexclaimed。
"Thatwasamereyouthfulfolly；youshouldhavepretendednottohaveseenanything。"
"Youthinkthatpossible，youoldwitch，doyou？Donotletherlackforanything；takethat。"
WiththesewordsIgaveherabanknotefortenguineasandwentaway，likethefoolIwas。OnmywaybackImetGoudar，whowasquitefrightenedatmyaspect。IbeggedhimtogoandseehowtheCharpillonreallywas，andthentocomeandpasstherestofthedaywithme。Anhourafterhecamebackandsaidhehadfoundthemallintearsandthatthegirlwasinextremis。
"Didyouseeher？"
"No，theysaidshecouldseenoone。"
"Doyouthinkitisalltrue？"
"Idon’tknowwhattothink；butoneofthemaids，whotellsmethetruthasarule，assuredmethatshehadbecomemadthroughhercoursesbeingstopped，whileshehasalsoafeverandviolentconvulsions。Itisallcredibleenough，forthesearetheusualresultsofashockwhenawomanisinsuchasituation。Thegirltoldmeitwasallyourfault。"
Ithentoldhimthewholestory。Hecouldonlypityme，butwhenheheardthatIhadneithereatennorsleptforthelastforty—eighthourshesaidverywiselythatifIdidnottakecareIshouldlosemyreasonormylife。Iknewit，butIcouldfindnoremedy。Hespentthedaywithmeanddidmegood。AsIcouldnoteatIdrankagooddeal，andnotbeingabletosleepIspentthenightinstridingupanddownmyroomlikeamanbesidehimself。
Onthethirdday，havingheardnothingpositiveabouttheCharpillon，Iwentoutatseveno’clockinthemorningtocallonher。AfterI
hadwaitedaquarterofanhourinthestreet，thedoorwaspartlyopened，andIsawthemotherallintears，butshewouldnotletmecomein。Shesaidherdaughterwasinthelastagony。Atthesameinstantapaleandthinoldmancameout，tellingthemotherthatwemustresignourselvestothewillofGod。Iaskedtheinfamouscreatureifitwerethedoctor。
"Thedoctorisnogoodnow，"saidtheoldhypocrite，weepinganew，"heisaministeroftheGospel，andthereisanotherofthemupstairs。Mypoordaughter！Inanotherhourshewillbenomore。"
Ifeltasifanicyhandhadcloseduponmyheart。Iburstintotearsandleftthewoman，saying，——
"Itistruethatmyhanddealttheblow，butherdeathliesatyourdoor。"
AsIwalkedawaymykneesseemedtobendunderme，andIenteredmyhousedeterminedtocommitsuicide，——
Withthisfearfulidea，IgaveordersthatIwasnotathometoanyone。AssoonasIgottomyroomIputmywatches，rings，snuff—
boxes，purseandpocket—bookinmycasket，andshutitupinmyescritoire。IthenwrotealettertotheVenetianambassador，informinghimthatallmypropertywastogotoM。deBragadinaftermydeath。Isealedtheletterandputitwiththecasket，andtookthekeywithme，andalsosilvertotheamountofafewguineas。I
tookmypistolsandwentoutwiththefirmintentionofdrowningmyselfintheThames，neartheTowerofLondon。
Ponderingovermyplanwiththeutmostcoolness，Iwentandboughtsomeballsofleadaslargeasmypocketswouldhold，andasheavyasIcouldbear，tocarrytotheTower，whereIintendedtogoonfoot。
OnmywayIwasstrengthenedinmypurposebythereflection，thatifIcontinuedtoliveIshouldbetormentedfortheremainderofmydaysbythepaleshadeoftheCharpillonreproachingmeashermurderer。Ievencongratulatedmyselfonbeingabletocarryoutmypurposewithoutanyeffort，andIalsofeltasecretprideinmycourage。
IwalkedslowlyonaccountoftheenormousweightIbore，whichwouldassuremeaspeedypassagetothebottomoftheriver。
ByWestminsterBridgemygoodfortunemadememeetSirEdgar，arichyoungEnglishman，wholivedacarelessandjoyouslife。IhadmadehisacquaintanceatLordPembroke’s，andhehaddinedwithmeseveraltimes。Wesuitedoneanother，hisconversationwasagreeable，andwehadpassedmanypleasanthourstogether。Itriedtoavoidhim，buthesawme，andcameupandtookmebythearminafriendlymanner。
"Whereareyougoing？Comewithme，unlessyouaregoingtodeliversomecaptive。Comealong，weshallhaveapleasantparty。"
"Ican’tcome，mydearfellow，letmego。"
"What’sthematter？Ihardlyrecognizedyou，youlookedsosolemn。"
"Nothingisthematter。"
"Nothing？Youshouldlookatyourfaceintheglass。NowIfeelquitesurethatyouaregoingtocommitafoolishaction。"
"Notatall。"
"It’snogooddenyingit。"
"Itellyouthere’snothingthematterwithme。Goodbye，Ishallseeyouagain。"
"It’snogood，Iwon’tleaveyou。Comealong，wewillwalktogether。"
Hiseyeshappeningtofallonmybreechespocket，henoticedmypistol，andputtinghishandontheotherpockethefelttheotherpistol，andsaid，——
"Youaregoingtofightaduel；Ishouldliketoseeit。Iwon’tinterferewiththeaffair，butneitherwillIleaveyou。"
Itriedtoputonasmile，andassuredhimthathewasmistaken，andthatIwasonlygoingforawalktopassthetime。
"Verygood，"saidEdgar，"thenIhopemysocietyisaspleasanttoyouasyoursistome；Iwon’tleaveyou。Afterwehavetakenawalkwewillgoanddineatthe’Canon。’Iwillgettwogirlstocomeandjoinus，andweshallhaveagaylittlepartyoffour。"
"Mydearfriend，youmustexcuseme；Iaminamelancholymood，andI
wanttobealonetogetoverit。"
"Youcanbealoneto—morrow，ifyoulike，butIamsureyouwillbeallrightinthenextthreehours，andifnot，whyIwillshareyourmadness。Wheredidyouthinkofdining？"
"Nowhere；Ihavenoappetite。Ihavebeenfastingforthelastthreedays，andIcanonlydrink。"
"Ah！Ibegintoseedaylight。Somethinghascrossedyou，andyouaregoingtoletitkillyouasitkilledoneofmybrothers。Imustseewhatcanbedone。"
Edgarargued，insisted，andjokedtillatlastIsaidtomyself，"A
daylongerwillnotmatter，Icandothedeedwhenheleavesme，andIshallonlyhavetobearwithlifeafewhourslonger。"
WhenEdgarheardthatIhadnoparticularobjectincrossingthebridgehesaidthatwehadbetterturnback，andIletmyselfbepersuaded；butinhalfanhourIbeggedhimtotakemesomewherewhereIcouldwaitforhim，asIcouldnotbeartheweightoftheleadanylonger。IgavehimmywordofhonourthatIwouldmeethimatthe"Canon。"
AssoonasIwasaloneIemptiedmypockets，andputtheleadenballsintoacupboard。ThenIlaydownandbegantoconsiderwhetherthegood—naturedyoungmanwouldpreventmecommittingsuicide，ashehadalreadymademepostponeit。
Ireasoned，notasonethathopes，butratherasonethatforesawthatEdgarwouldhindermefromshorteningmydays。ThusIwaitedinthetavernfortheyoungEnglishman，doubtfulwhetherhewasdoingmeaserviceoraninjury。
Hecamebackbeforelong，andwaspleasedtofindme。
"Ireckonedonyourkeepingyourword，"saidhe。
"YoudidnotthinkthatIwouldbreakmywordofhonour。"
"That’sallright；Iseeyouareonthewaytorecovery。"
Thesensibleandcheerfultalkoftheyoungmandidmegood，andI
begantofeelbetter，whenthetwoyoungwantons，oneofwhomwasaFrenchwoman，arrivedinhighspirits。Theyseemedintendedforpleasure，andNaturehaddoweredthemwithgreatattractions。I
appreciatedtheircharms，butIcouldnotwelcometheminthemannertowhichtheywereaccustomed。Theybegantothinkmesomepoorvaletudinarian；butthoughIwasintorments，afeelingofvanitymademeendeavourtobehavesensibly。IgavethemsomecoldkissesandbeggedEdgartotellhisfellow—countrywomanthatifIwerenotthreepartsdeadIwouldprovehowlovelyandcharmingIthoughther。
Theypitiedme。Amanwhohasspentthreedayswithouteatingorsleepingisalmostincapableofanyvoluptuousexcitement，butmerewordswouldnothaveconvincedthesepriestessesofVenusifEdgarhadnotgiventhemmyname。Ihadareputation，andIsawthatwhentheyheardwhoIwastheywerefullofrespect。TheyallhopedthatBacchusandComuswouldpleadthecauseofLove，andIletthemtalk，knowingthattheirhopeswerevain。
WehadanEnglishdinner；thatis，adinnerwithouttheessentialcourseofsoup，soIonlytookafewoystersandadraughtofdeliciouswine，butIfeltbetter，andwaspleasedtoseeEdgaramusinghimselfwiththetwonymphs。
TheyoungmadcapsuddenlyproposedthatthegirlsshoulddanceahornpipeinthecostumeofMotherEve，andtheyconsentedontheconditionthatwewouldadoptthedressofFatherAdam，andthatblindmusiciansweresummoned。ItoldthemthatIwouldtakeoffmyclothestoobligethem，butthatIhadnohopesofbeingabletoimitatetheseductiveserpent。Iwasallowedtoretainmydress，ontheconditionthatifIfelttheprickofthefleshIshouldimmediatelyundress。Iagreedtodoso，andtheblindmusiciansweresentfor，andwhiletheytunedtheirinstrumentstoilettesweremade，andtheorgybegan。
Ittaughtmesameusefullessons。Ilearntfromitthatamorouspleasuresaretheeffectandnotthecauseofgaiety。Isatgazingatthreenakedbodiesofperfectgraceandbeauty，thedanceandthemusicwereravishingandseductive，butnothingmadeanyimpressiononme。Afterthedancewasoverthemaledancertreatedthetwofemales，oneaftertheother，untilhewasforcedtorest。TheFrenchgirlcameuptoascertainwhetherIskewedanysignsoflife，butfeelingmyhopelessconditionshepronouncedmeuseless。
WhenitwasalloverIbeggedEdgartogivetheFrenchgirlfourguineas，andtopaymyshare，asIhadverylittlemoneyaboutme。
WhatshouldIhavesaidifIhadbeentoldinthemorningthatinsteadofdrowningmyselfIshouldtakepartinsopleasantanentertainment？
ThedebtIhadcontractedwiththeyoungEnglishmanmademeresolvetoputoffmysuicidetoanotherday。AfterthenymphshadgoneI
triedtogetridofEdgar，butinvain；hetoldmeIwasgettingbetter，thattheoystersIhadtakenskewedmystomachwasimproving，andthatifIcamewithhimtoRanelaghIshouldbeabletomakeagooddinnerthenextday。Iwasweakandindifferentandletmyselfbepersuaded，andgotintoacoachwithEdgarinobediencetotheStoicmaximIhadlearntinthehappydaysofmyyouth:’SequereDeum’。
Weenteredthefinerotundawithourhatsoff，andbegantowalkroundandround，ourarmsbehindourbacks——acommoncustominEngland，atleastinthosedays。
Aminuetwasbeingdanced，andIwassoattractedbyaladywhodancedextremelywellthatIwaitedforhertoturnround。WhatmademenoticehermoreparticularlywasthatherdressandhatwereexactlylikethoseIhadgiventotheCharpillonafewdaysbefore，butasIbelievedthepoorwretchtobedeadordyingthelikenessdidnotinspiremewithanysuspicion。Buttheladyturnedround，liftedherface，andIsaw——theCharpillonherself！
Edgartoldmeafterwardsthatatthatmomenthethoughttoseemefalltothegroundinanepilepticfit；Itrembledandshudderedsoterribly。
However，IfeltsosureshewasillthatIcouldnotbelievemyowneyes，andthedoubtbroughtmetomysenses。
"Shecan’tbetheCharpillon，"Isaidtomyself，"sheissomeothergirllikeher，andmyenfeebledsenseshaveledmeastray。"Inthemeanwhilethelady，intentonherdancing，didnotglanceinmydirection，butIcouldaffordtowait。Atlastsheliftedherarmstomakethecurtsyattheendoftheminuet，IwentupinstinctivelyasifIwereabouttodancewithher；shelookedmeintheface，andfled。
Iconstrainedmyself；butnowthattherecouldbenodoubtmyshudderingfitreturned，andImadehastetositdown。Acoldsweatbedewedmyfaceandmywholebody。EdgaradvisedmetotakeacupofteabutIbeggedhimtoleavemealoneforafewmoments。
IwasafraidthatIwasonthepointofdeath；Itrembledallover，andmyheartbeatsorapidlythatIcouldnothavestooduphadI
wished。
Atlast，insteadofdying，Igotnewlife。WhatawonderfulchangeI
experienced！Littlebylittlemypeaceofmindreturned，andIcouldenjoytheglitterofthemultitudinouswaxlights。ByslowdegreesI
passedthroughalltheshadesoffeelingbetweendespairandanecstasyofjoy。MysoulandmindweresoastonishedbytheshockthatIbegantothinkIshouldneverseeEdgaragain。
"Thisyoungman，"Isaidtomyself，"ismygoodgenius，myguardianangel，myfamiliarspirit，whohastakentheformofEdgartorestoremetomysensesagain。"
Ishouldcertainlyhavepersistedinthisideaifmyfriendhadnotreappearedbeforeverylong。
Chancemighthavethrownhiminthewayofoneofthoseseductivecreatureswhomakeoneforgeteverythingelse；hemighthaveleftRanelaghwithouthavingtimetotellmehewasgoing，andIshouldhavegonebacktoLondonfeelingperfectlycertainthatIhadonlyseenhisearthlyshape。ShouldIhavebeendisabusedifIhadseenhimafewdaysafter？Possibly；butIamnotsureofit。Ihavealwayshadahankeringaftersuperstition，ofwhichIdonotboast；
butIconfessthefact，andleavethereadertojudgeme。
However，hecamebackinhighspirits，butanxiousaboutme。Hewassurprisedtofindmefullofanimation，andtohearmetalkinginapleasantstrainonthesurroundingobjectsandpersons。
"Why，youarelaughing！"saidhe，"yoursadnesshasdeparted，then？"
"Yes，goodgenius，butIamhungry，andIwantyoutodomeafavour，ifyouhavenootherpressingengagements。"
"Iamfreetillthedayafterto—morrow，andtillthenyoucandowhatyoulikewithme。"
"Iowemylifetoyou，buttomakeyourgiftcompleteIwantyoutospendthisnightandthewholeofthenextdaywithme。"
"Done。"
"Thenletusgohome。"
"Withallmyheart；comealong。"
Ididnottellhimanythingaswewereinthecoach，andwhenwegothomeIfoundnothingfresh，exceptanotefromGoudar，whichIputinmypocket，intendingtoreserveallbusinessforthenextday。
Itwasanhouraftermidnight。Agoodsupperwasservedtous，andwefellto；formypartIdevouredmyfoodlikeawildbeast。Edgarcongratulatedme，andwewenttobed，andIsleptprofoundlytillnoon。WhenIawokeIbreakfastedwithEdgar，andtoldhimthewholestory，whichwouldhaveendedwithmylifeifhehadnotmetmeonWestminsterBridge，andhehadnotbeenkeenenoughtomarkmycondition。Itookhimtomyroom，andshewedhimmyescritoire，mycasket，andmywill。IthenopenedGoudar’sletter，andread:
"Iamquitesurethatthegirlyouknowofisveryfarfromdying，asshehasgonetoRanelaghwithLordGrosvenor。"
AlthoughEdgarwasaprofligate，hewasasensibleman，andmystorymadehimfurious。Hethrewhisarmsaroundmyneck，andtoldmeheshouldalwaysthinkthedayonwhichherescuedmefromdeathforsounworthyanobjectthehappiestinhislife。HecouldscarcelycredittheinfamyoftheCharpillonandhermother。HetoldmeI
couldhavethemotherarrested，thoughIhadnotgotthebillsofexchange，ashermother’sletteracknowledgingherdaughter’spossessionofthebillswassufficientevidence。
Withoutinforminghimofmyintention，Iresolvedthatmomenttohaveherarrested。Beforewepartedwesworeeternalfriendship，butthereaderwillseebeforelongwhatapenancethekindEnglishmanhadtodoforbefriendingme。
ThenextdayIwenttotheattorneyIhademployedagainstCountSchwerin。AfterhearingmystoryhesaidthatIhadanundoubtedclaim，andthatIcouldarrestthemotherandthetwoaunts。
WithoutlosingtimeIwentbeforeamagistrate，whotookmysworninformationandgrantedmeawarrant。ThesameofficialwhohadarrestedSchwerintookchargeoftheaffair；butashedidnotknowthewomenbysightitwasnecessarythatsomeonewhodidshouldgowithhim，forthoughhewascertainofsurprisingthemtheremightbeseveralotherwomenpresent，andhemightnotarresttherightones。
AsGoudarwouldnothaveundertakenthedelicatetaskofpointingthemout，Iresolvedonaccompanyinghimmyself。
ImadeanappointmentwithhimatanhourwhenIknewtheywouldbeallintheparlour。Hewastoenterdirectlythedoorwasopened，andIwouldcomeinatthesameinstantandpointoutthewomenhehadtoarrest。InEnglandalljudicialproceedingsareconductedwiththeutmostpunctuality，andeverythingwentoffasIhadarranged。ThebailiffandhissubalternsteppedintotheparlourandIfollowedintheirfootsteps。Ipointedoutthemotherandthetwosistersandthenmadehastetoescape，forthesightoftheCharpillon，dressedinblack，standingbythehearth，mademeshudder。Ifeltcured，certainly；butthewoundsshehadgivenmewerenotyethealed，andIcannotsaywhatmighthavehappenediftheCircehadhadthepresenceofmindtothrowherarmsaboutmyneckandbegformercy。
AssoonasIhadseenthesewomeninthehandsofjusticeIfled，tastingthesweetsofvengeance，whichareverygreat，butyetasignofunhappiness。TherageinwhichIhadarrestedthethreeprocuresses，andmyterrorinseeingthewomanwhohadwell—nighkilledme，shewedthatIwasnotreallycured。TobesoImustflyfromthemandforgetthemaltogether。
ThenextmorningGoudarcameandcongratulatedmeontheboldstepI
hadtaken，whichproved，hesaid，thatIwaseithercuredormoreinlovethanever。"IhavejustcomefromDenmarkStreet，"headded，"andIonlysawthegrandmother，whowasweepingbitterly，andanattorney，whomnodoubtshewasconsulting。"
"Thenyouhaveheardwhathashappened？"
"Yes，IcameupaminuteafteryouhadgoneandIstayedtillthethreeoldslutsmadeuptheirmindstogowiththeconstable。Theyresistedandsaidheoughttoleavethemtillthenextday，whentheywouldbeabletofindsomeonetobailthem。Thetwobravosdrewtheirswordstoresistthelaw，buttheotherconstabledisarmedthemoneaftertheother，andthethreewomenwereledoff。TheCharpillonwantedtoaccompanythem，butitwasjudgedbestthatsheshouldremainatliberty，inordertotryandsetthemfree。"
Goudarconcludedbysayingthatheshouldgoandseetheminprison，andifIfeltdisposedtocometoanarrangementhewouldmediatebetweenus。ItoldhimthattheonlyarrangementIwouldacceptwasthepaymentofthesixthousandfrancs，andthattheymightthinkthemselvesveryluckythatIdidnotinsistonhavingmyinterest，andthusrepayingmyselfinpartforthesumstheyhadcheatedoutofme。
Afortnightelapsedwithoutmyhearinganymoreofthematter。TheCharpillondinedwiththemeveryday，andinfact，keptthem。Itmusthavecostheragooddeal，fortheyhadtworooms，andtheirlandlordwouldnotallowthemtohavetheirmealspreparedoutsidetheprison。GoudartoldmethattheCharpillonsaidshewouldneverbegmetolistentohermother，thoughsheknewshehadonlytocallonmetoobtainanythingshewanted。Shethoughtmethemostabominableofmen。IfIfeelobligedtomaintainthatshewasequallyabominable，ImustconfessthatonthisoccasionsheshewedmorestrengthofmindthanI；butwhereasIhadactedoutofpassion，hermisdeedswerecalculated，andtendedsolelytoherowninterests。
ForthewholeofthisfortnightIhadsoughtforEdgarinvain，butonemorninghecametoseeme，lookinginhighspirits。
"Wherehaveyoubeenhidingallthistime？"saidI，"Ihavebeenlookingforyoueverywhere。"
"Lovehasbeenkeepingmeaprisoner，"saidhe，"Ihavegotsomemoneyforyou。"
"Forme？Fromwhatquarter？"
"OnbehalfoftheAnsperghers。Givemeareceiptandthenecessarydeclaration，forIamgoingtorestorethemmyselftothepoorCharpillon，whohasbeenweepingforthelastfortnight。"
"Idaresayshehas，Ihaveseenherweepmyself；butIlikethewayinwhichshehaschosenthebeingwhodeliveredmefromherchainsasaprotector。DoessheknowthatIowemylifetoyou？"
"SheonlyknewthatIwaswithyouatRanelaghwhenyousawherdancinginsteadofdying，butIhavetoldherthewholestorysince。"
"Nodoubtshewantsyoutopleadwithmeinherfavour。"
"Bynomeans。Shehasjustbeentellingmethatyouareamonsterofingratitude，forshelovedyouandgaveyouseveralproofsofheraffection，butnowshehatesyou。"
"ThankHeavenforthat！Thewretchedwoman！It’scurioussheshouldhaveselectedyouasherloverbywayoftakingvengeanceonme，buttakecare！shewillpunishyou。"
"Itmaybeso，butatalleventsit’sapleasantkindofpunishment。"
"Ihopeyoumaybehappy，butlooktoyourself；sheisamistressinallsortsofdeceit。"
Edgarcountedmeouttwohundredandfiftyguineas，forwhichIgavehimareceiptandthedeclarationherequired，andwiththesedocumentshewentoffinhighspirits。
AfterthisImightsurelyflattermyselfthatallwasatanendbetweenus，butIwasmistaken。
JustaboutthistimetheCrownPrinceofBrunswick，nowthereigningduke，marriedtheKingofEngland’ssister。TheCommonCouncilpresentedhimwiththefreedomoftheCity，andtheGoldsmith’sCompanyadmittedhimintotheirsociety，andgavehimasplendidboxcontainingthedocumentswhichmadehimaLondoncitizen。TheprincewasthefirstgentlemaninEurope，andyethedidnotdisdaintoaddthisnewhonourtoafamilyillustriousforfourteenhundredyears。
OnthisoccasionLadyHarringtonwasthemeansofgettingMadameCornelistwohundredguineas。ShelentherroominSohoSquaretoaconfectionerwhogaveaballandsuppertoathousandpersonsatthreeguineaseach。Ipaidmythreeguineas，andhadthehonourofstandingupalltheeveningwithsixhundredothers，forthetableonlyseatedfourhundred，andtherewereseveralladieswhowereunabletoprocureseats。ThateveningIsawLadyGraftonseatedbesidetheDukeofCumberland。Sheworeherhairwithoutanypowder，andalltheotherladieswereexclaimingaboutit，andsayinghowveryunbecomingitwas。Theycouldnotanathematizetheinnovatortoomuch，butinlessthansixmonthsLadyGrafton’sstyleofdoingthehairbecamecommon，crossedtheChannel，andspreadalloverEurope，thoughithasbeengivenanothername。Itisstillinfashion，andistheonlymethodthatcanboasttheageofthirtyyears，thoughitwassounmercifullyridiculedatfirst。
Thesupperforwhichthegiverofthefeasthadreceivedthreethousandguineas，orsixty—fivethousandfrancs，containedamostvariedassortmentofdelicacies，butasIhadnotbeendancing，anddidnotfeeltakenwithanyoftheladiespresent，Ileftatoneinthemorning。ItwasSunday，adayonwhichallpersons，savecriminals，areexemptfromarrest；but，nevertheless，thefollowingadventurebefellme:
Iwasdressedmagnificently，andwasdrivinghomeinmycarriage，withmynegroandanotherservantseatedbehindme；andjustasweenteredPallMallIheardavoicecrying，"Goodnight，Seingalt。"I
putmyheadoutofthewindowtoreply，andinaninstantthecarriagewassurroundedbymenarmedwithpistols，andoneofthemsaid，——
"Intheking’sname！"
Myservantaskedwhattheywanted，andtheyanswered，——
"TotakehimtoNewgate，forSundaymakesnodifferencetocriminals。"
"AndwhatcrimehaveIcommitted？"
"Youwillhearthatinprison。"
"Mymasterhasarighttoknowhiscrimebeforehegoestoprison，"
saidthenegro。
"Yes，butthemagistrate’sabed。"
Thenegrostucktohisposition，however，andthepeoplewhohadcomeupdeclaredwithoneconsentthathewasintheright。
Thehead—constablegavein，andsaidhewouldtakemetoahouseinthecity。
"Thendrivetothatcity，"saidI，"andhavedonewithit。"
Westoppedbeforethehouse，andIwasplacedinalargeroomonthegroundfloor，furnishedsolelywithbenchesandlongtables。Myservantsentbackthecarriage，andcametokeepmecompany。Thesixconstablessaidtheycouldnotleaveme，andtoldmeIshouldsendoutforsomemeatanddrinkforthem。Itoldmynegrotogivethemwhattheywanted，andtobeasamicablewiththemaswaspossible。
AsIhadnotcommittedanycrime，Iwasquiteatease；Iknewthatmyarrestmustbetheeffectofaslander，andasIwasawarethatLondonjusticewasspeedyandequitable，IthoughtIshouldsoonbefree。ButIblamedmyselfforhavingtransgressedtheexcellentmaxim，nevertoansweranyoneinthenighttime；forifIhadnotdonesoIshouldhavebeeninmyhouse，andnotinprison。Themistake，however，hadbeencommitted，andtherewasnothingtobedonebuttowaitpatiently。IamusedmyselfbyreflectingonmyrapidpassagefromanumerousandexaltedassemblagetothevileplaceInowoccupied，thoughIwasstilldressedlikeaprince。
Atlastthedaydawned，andthekeeperofthetaverncametoseewhotheprisonerwas。Icouldnothelpinglaughingathimwhenhesawme，forheimmediatelybegantoabusetheconstablesfornotawakinghimwhenIcame；hehadlosttheguineaIshouldhavepaidforaprivateroom。Atlastnewswasbroughtthatthemagistratewassitting，andthatImustbebroughtup。
Acoachwassummoned，andIgotintoit，forifIhaddaredtowalkalongthestreetsinmymagnificentattirethemobwouldhavepeltedme。
Iwentintothehallofjustice，andalleyeswereatonceattractedtowardsme；mysilksandsatinsappearedtothemtheheightofimpertinence。
AttheendoftheroomIsawagentlemansittinginanarm—chair，andconcludedhimtobemyjudge。Iwasright，andthejudgewasblind。
Heworeabroadbandroundhishead，passingoverhiseyes。Amanbesideme，guessingIwasaforeigner，saidinFrench，——
"Beofgoodcourage，Mr。Fieldingisajustandequitablemagistrate。"
Ithankedthekindlyunknown，andwasdelightedtoseebeforemethisfamousandestimablewriter，whoseworksareanhonourtotheEnglishnation。
Whenmyturncame，theclerkofthecourttoldMr。Fieldingmyname，atleast，soIpresume。
"SignorCasanova，"saidhe，inexcellentItalian，"bekindenoughtostepforward。Iwishtospeaktoyou。"
Iwasdelightedtoheartheaccentsofmynativetongue，andmakingmywaythroughthepressIcameuptothebarofthecourt，andsaid，——
"Eccomi，Signore。"
HecontinuedtospeakItalian，andsaid，——
"SignordeCasanova，ofVenice，youarecondemnedtoperpetualconfinementintheprisonsofHisMajestytheKingofGreatBritain。"
"Ishouldliketoknow，sir，forwhatcrimeIamcondemned。Wouldyoubekindenoughtoinformmeastoitsnature？"
"Yourdemandisareasonableone，forwithusnooneiscondemnedwithoutknowingthecauseofhiscondemnation。Youmustknow，then，thattheaccusation（whichissupportedbytwowitnesses）chargesyouwithintendingtodogrievousbodilyharmtothepersonofaprettygirl；andasthisprettygirlaforesaidgoesindreadofyou，thelawdecreesthatyoumustbekeptinprisonfortherestofyourdays。"
"Sir，thisaccusationisagroundlesscalumny；tothatIwilltakemyoath！Itisverypossibleindeedthatthegirlmayfearmyvengeancewhenshecomestoconsiderherownconduct，butIcanassureyouthatIhavehadnosuchdesignshitherto，andIdon’tthinkIevershall。"
"Shehastwowitnesses。"
"Thentheyarefalseones。ButmayIaskyourworshipthenameofmyaccuser？"
"MissCharpillon。"
"Ithoughtasmuch；butIhavenevergivenheraughtbutproofsofmyaffection。"
"Thenyouhavenowishtodoheranybodilyharm？"
"Certainlynot。"
"ThenIcongratulateyou。Youcandineathome；butyoumustfindtwosureties。Imusthaveanassurancefromthemouthsoftwohouseholdersthatyouwillnevercommitsuchacrime。"
"WhomshallIfindtodoso？"
"Twowell—knownEnglishmen，whosefriendshipyouhavegained，andwhoknowthatyouareincapableofsuchanaction。Sendforthem，andiftheyarrivebeforeIgotodinnerIwillsetyouatliberty。"
Theconstabletookmebacktoprison，whereIhadpassedthenight，andIgavemyservantstheaddressesofallthehouseholdersI
recollected，biddingthemexplainmysituation，andtobeasquickaspossible。Theyoughttohavecomebeforenoon，butLondonissuchalargeplace！Theydidnotarrive，andthemagistratewenttodinner。
Icomfortedmyselfbythethoughtthathewouldsitintheafternoon，butIhadtoputupwithadisagreeableexperience。
Thechiefconstable，accompaniedbyaninterpreter，cametosaythatImustgotoNewgate。Thisisaprisonwherethemostwretchedandabjectcriminalsarekept。
IsignifiedtohimthatIwasawaitingbail，andthathecouldtakemetoNewgateintheeveningifitdidnotcome，butheonlyturnedadeafeartomypetition。Theinterpretertoldmeinawhisperthatthefellowwascertainlypaidbytheothersidetoputmetotrouble，butthatifIlikedtobribehimIcouldstaywhereIwas。
"Howmuchwillhewant？"
Theinterpretertooktheconstableaside，andthentoldmethatI
couldstaywhereIwasfortenguineas。
"ThensaythatIshouldliketoseeNewgate。"
Acoachwassummoned，andIwastakenaway。
WhenIgottothisabodeofmiseryanddespair，ahell，suchasDantemighthaveconceived，acrowdofwretches，someofwhomweretobehangedinthecourseoftheweek，greetedmebyderidingmyelegantattire。Ididnotanswerthem，andtheybegantogetangryandtoabuseme。ThegaolerquietedthembysayingthatIwasaforeigneranddidnotunderstandEnglish，andthentookmetoacell，informingmehowmuchitwouldcostme，andoftheprisonrules，asifhefeltcertainthatIshouldmakealongstay。Butinthecourseofhalfanhour，theconstablewhohadtriedtogettenguineasoutofmetoldmethatbailhadarrivedandthatmycarriagewasatthedoor。
IthankedGodfromthebottomofmyheart，andsoonfoundmyselfinthepresenceoftheblindmagistrate。MybailconsistedofPegu，mytailor，andMaisonneuve，mywinemerchant，whosaidtheywerehappytobeabletorendermethisslightservice。InanotherpartofthecourtInoticedtheinfamousCharpillon，Rostaing，Goudar，andanattorney。Theymadenoimpressiononme，andIcontentedmyselfwithgivingthemalookofprofoundcontempt。
Mytwosuretieswereinformedoftheamountinwhichtheyweretobailme，andsignedwithalightheart，andthenthemagistratesaid，politely，——
"SignorCasanova，pleasetosignyournamefordoubletheamount，andyouwillthenbeafreemanagain。"
Iwenttowardstheclerk’stable，andonaskingthesumIwastoanswerforwasinformedthatitwasfortyguineas，eachofmysuretiessigningfortwenty。Isignedmyname，tellingGoudarthatifthemagistratecouldhaveseentheCharpillonhewouldhavevaluedherbeautyattenthousandguineas。Iaskedthenamesofthetwowitnesses，andwastoldthattheywereRostaingandBottarelli。I
lookedcontemptuouslyatRostaing，whowasaspaleasdeath，andavertingmyfacefromtheCharpillonoutofpity，Isaid，——
"Thewitnessesareworthyofthecharge。"
Isalutedthejudgewithrespect，althoughhecouldnotseeme，andaskedtheclerkifIhadanythingtopay。Herepliedinthenegative，andadisputeensuedbetweenhimandtheattorneyofmyfairenemy，whowasdisgustedonhearingthatshecouldnotleavethecourtwithoutpayingthecostsofmyarrest。
JustasIwasgoing，fiveorsixwell—knownEnglishmenappearedtobailmeout，andweremortifiedtohearthattheyhadcometoolate。
Theybeggedmetoforgivethelawsoftheland，whichareonlytoooftenconvertedintoameansfortheannoyanceofforeigners。
Atlast，afteroneofthemosttediousdaysIhaveeverspent，I
returnedhomeandwenttobed，laughingattheexperienceIhadundergone。
EndLondontoBerlinByJacquesCasanovaMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
INLONDONANDMOSCOW，Volume5d——LONDONTOBERLIN
THEMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVADESEINGALT
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHUR
SYMONS。
FLIGHTFROMLONDONTOBERLIN
CHAPTERXIV
Bottarelli——ALetterfromPauline——TheAvengingParrot——Pocchini——
Guerra，theVenetian——IMeetSaraAgain；MyIdeaofMarryingHerandSettlinginSwitzerland——TheHanoveriansThusendedthefirstactofthecomedy；thesecondbeganthenextmorning。Iwasjustgettingup，whenIheardanoiseatthestreetdoor，andonputtingmyheadoutofthewindowIsawPocchini，thescoundrelwhohadrobbedmeatStuttgarttryingtogetintomyhouse。
IcriedoutwrathfullythatIwouldhavenothingtodowithhim，andslammeddownmywindow。
AlittlelaterGoudarputinanappearance。HehadgotacopyoftheSt。James’sChronicle，containingabriefreportofmyarrest，andofmybeingsetalibertyunderabailofeightyguineas。Mynameandthelady’sweredisguised，butRostaingandBottarelliweresetdownplainly，andtheeditorpraisedtheirconduct。IfeltasifIshouldliketoknowBottarelli，andbeggedGoudartotakemetohim，andMartinelli，happeningtocalljustthen，saidhewouldcomewithus。
Weenteredawretchedroomonthethirdfloorofawretchedhouse，andtherewebeheldapictureofthegreatestmisery。Awomanandfivechildrenclothedinragsformedtheforeground，andinthebackgroundwasBottarelli，inanolddressing—gown，writingatatableworthyofPhilemonandBaucis。Heroseaswecamein，andthesightofhimmovedmetocompassion。Isaid，——
"Doyouknowme，sir？"
"No，sir，Idonot。"
"IamCasanova，againstwhomyouborefalsewitness；whomyoutriedtocastintoNewgate。"
"Iamverysorry，butlookaroundyouandsaywhatchoicehaveI？I
havenobreadtogivemychildren。Iwilldoasmuchinyourfavouranothertimefornothing。"
"Areyounotafraidofthegallows？"
"No，forperjuryisnotpunishedwithdeath；besidesitisverydifficulttoprove。"
"Ihaveheardyouareapoet。"
"Yes。IhavelengthenedtheDidoneandabridgedtheDemetrio。"
"Youareagreatpoet，indeed！"
Ifeltmorecontemptthanhatredfortherascal，andgavehiswifeaguinea，forwhichshepresentedmewithawretchedpamphletbyherhusband:"TheSecretsoftheFreemasonsDisplayed。"Bottarellihadbeenamonkinhisnativecity，Pisa，andhadfledtoEnglandwithhiswife，whohadbeenanun。
AboutthistimeM。deSaasurprisedmebygivingmealetterfrommyfairPortuguese，whichconfirmedthesadfateofpoorClairmont。
PaulinesaidshewasmarriedtoCountAl————。IwasastonishedtohearM。deSaaobservethathehadknownallaboutPaulinefromthemomentshearrivedinLondon。Thatisthehobbyofalldiplomatists；
theylikepeopletobelievethattheyareomniscient。However，M。deSaawasamanofworthandtalent，andonecouldexcusethisweaknessasanincidentinseparablefromhisprofession；whilemostdiplomatistsonlymakethemselvesridiculousbytheirassumptionofuniversalknowledge。
M。deSaahadbeenalmostasbadlytreatedbytheCharpillonasmyself，andwemighthavecondoledwithoneanother，butthesubjectwasnotmentioned。
Afewdaysafterwards，asIwaswalkingidlyabout，IpassedaplacecalledtheParrotMarket。AsIwasamusingmyselfbylookingatthesecuriousbirds，Isawafineyoungoneinacage，andaskedwhatlanguageitspoke。Theytoldmethatitwasquiteyounganddidnotspeakatallyet，soIboughtitfortenguineas。IthoughtIwouldteachthebirdaprettyspeech，soIhadthecagehungbymybed，andrepeateddozensoftimeseverydaythefollowingsentence:"TheCharpillonisabiggerwh——ethanhermother。"
TheonlyendIhadinviewwasmyprivateamusement，andinafortnightthebirdhadlearntthephrasewiththeutmostexactness；
andeverytimeitutteredthewordsitaccompaniedthemwithashriekoflaughterwhichIhadnottaughtit，butwhichmademelaughmyself。
OnedayGondarheardthebird，andtoldmethatifIsentittotheExchangeIshouldcertainlygetfiftyguineasforit。Iwelcomedtheidea，andresolvedtomaketheparrottheinstrumentofmyvengeanceagainstthewomanwhohadtreatedmesobadly。Isecuredmyselffromfearofthelaw，whichissevereinsuchcases，byentrustingthebirdtomynegro，towhomsuchmerchandisewasverysuitable。
Forthefirsttwoorthreedaysmyparrotdidnotattractmuchattention，itsobservationsbeinginFrench；butassoonasthosewhoknewthesubjectofthemhadheardit，itsaudienceincreasedandbidsweremade。Fiftyguineasseemedrathertoomuch，andmynegrowantedmetolowertheprice，butIwouldnotagree，havingfalleninlovewiththisoddrevenge。
InthecourseofaweekGoudarcametoinformmeoftheeffecttheparrot’scriticismhadproducedintheCharpillonfamily。Asthevendorwasmynegro，therecouldbenodoubtastowhomitbelonged，andwhohadbeenitsmasteroflanguages。GoudarsaidthattheCharpillonthoughtmyvengeanceveryingenious，butthatthemotherandauntswerefurious。Theyhadconsultedseveralcounsel，whoagreedinsayingthataparrotcouldnotbeindictedforlibel，butthattheycouldmakemepaydearlyformyjestiftheycouldprovethatIhadbeenthebird’sinstructor。Goudarwarnedmetobecarefulofowningtothefact，astwowitnesseswouldsufficetoundome。
ThefacilitywithwhichfalsewitnessesmaybeproducedinLondonissomethingdreadful。Ihavemyselfseenthewordevidencewritteninlargecharactersinawindow；thisisasmuchastosaythatfalsewitnessesmaybeprocuredwithin。
TheSt。James’sChroniclecontainedanarticleonmyparrot，inwhichthewriterremarkedthattheladieswhomthebirdinsultedmustbeverypoorandfriendless，ortheywouldhaveboughtitatonce，andhavethuspreventedthethingfrombecomingthetalkofthetown。Headded，——
"Theteacheroftheparrothasnodoubtmadethebirdaninstrumentofhisvengeance，andhasdisplayedhiswitindoingso；heoughttobeanEnglishman。"
ImetmygoodfriendEdgar，andaskedhimwhyhehadnotboughtthelittleslanderer。
"Becauseitdelightsallwhoknowanythingabouttheobjectoftheslander，"saidhe。
AtlastJarbefoundapurchaserforfiftyguineas，andIheardafterwardsthatLordGrosvenorhadboughtittopleasetheCharpillon，withwhomheoccasionallydivertedhimself。
Thusmyrelationswiththatgirlcametoanend。Ihaveseenhersincewiththegreatestindifference，andwithoutanyrenewaloftheoldpain。
Oneday，asIwasgoingintoSt。James’sPark，Isawtwogirlsdrinkingmilkinaroomonthegroundfloorofahouse。Theycalledouttome，butnotknowingthemIpassedonmyway。However，ayoungofficerofmyacquaintancecameaftermeandsaidtheywereItalians，andbeingcurioustoseethemIretractedmysteps。
WhenIenteredtheroomIwasaccostedbythescoundrellyPocchini，dressedinamilitaryuniform，whosaidhehadthehonourofintroducingmetohisdaughters。
"Indeed，"saidI，"Iremembertwootherdaughtersofyoursrobbingmeofasnuff—boxandtwowatchesatStuttgart。"
"Youlie！"saidtheimpudentrascal。
Igavehimnoverbalanswer，buttookupaglassofmilkandflungitinhisface，andthenlefttheroomwithoutmoreado。
Iwaswithoutmysword。TheyoungofficerwhohadbroughtmeintotheplacefollowedmeandtoldmeImustnotgowithoutgivinghisfriendsomesatisfaction。
"Tellhimtocomeout，anddoyouescorthimtotheGreenPark，andI
shallhavethepleasureofgivinghimacaninginyourpresence，unlessyouwouldliketofightforhim；ifso，youmustletmegohomeandgetmysword。Butdoyouknowthismanwhomyoucallyourfriend？"
"No，butheisanofficer，anditisIthatbroughthimhere。"
"Verygood，Iwillfighttothelastdropofmyblood；butIwarnyouyourfriendisathief。Butgo；Iwillawaityou。"
Inthecourseofaquarterofanhourtheyallcameout，buttheEnglishmanandPocchinifollowedmealone。Therewereagoodmanypeopleabout，andIwentbeforethemtillwereachedHydePark。
Pocchiniattemptedtospeaktome，butIreplied，liftingmycane，——
"Scoundrel，drawyoursword，unlessyouwantmetogiveyouathrashing！"
"Iwillneverdrawuponadefencelessman。"
Igavehimablowwithmycanebywayofanswer，andthecoward，insteadofdrawinghissword，begantocryoutthatIwishedtodrawhimintoafight。TheEnglishmanburstoutlaughingandbeggedmetopardonhisinterference，andthen，takingmebythearm，said，——
"Comealong，sir，Iseeyouknowthegentleman。"
Thecowardwentoffinanotherdirection，grumblingashewent。
OnthewayIinformedtheofficeroftheverygoodreasonsIhadfortreatingPocchiniasarogue，andheagreedthatIhadbeenperfectlyright。"Unfortunately，"headded，"Iaminlovewithoneofhisdaughters。"
WhenwewereinthemidstofSt。James’sParkwesawthem，andI
couldnothelplaughingwhenInoticedGoudarwithoneofthemoneachside。
"Howdidyoucometoknowtheseladies？"saidI。
"Theirfatherthecaptain，"heanswered，"hassoldmejewels；heintroducedmetothem。"
"Wheredidyouleaveourfather？"askedone。
"InHydePark，aftergivinghimacaning。"
"Youservedhimquiteright。"
TheyoungEnglishmanwasindignanttohearthemapprovingmyill—
treatmentoftheirfather，andshookmyhandandwentaway，swearingtomethathewouldneverbeseenintheircompanyagain。
AwhimofGoudar’s，towhichIwasweakenoughtoconsent，mademedinewiththesemiserablewomeninatavernonthebordersofLondon。
TherascallyGoudarmadethemdrunk，andinthisstatetheytoldsometerribletruthsabouttheirpretendedfather。Hedidnotlivewiththem，butpaidthemnocturnalvisitsinwhichherobbedthemofallthemoneytheyhadearned。Hewastheirpander，andmadethemrobtheirvisitorsinstructingthemtopassitoffasajokeifthetheftwasdiscovered。Theygavehimthestolenarticles，butheneversaidwhathedidwiththem。Icouldnothelplaughingatthisinvoluntaryconfession，rememberingwhatGoudarhadsaidaboutPocchinisellinghimjewels。
AfterthiswretchedmealIwentawayleavingthedutyofescortingthembacktoGoudar。Hecameandsawmethenextday，andinformedmethatthegirlshadbeenarrestedandtakentoprisonjustastheywereenteringtheirhouse。
"IhavejustbeentoPocchini’s，"saidhe，"butthelandlordtellsmehehasnotbeeninsinceyesterday。"
TheworthyandconscientiousGoudaraddedthathedidnotcareifheneversawhimagain，asheowedthefellowtenguineasforawatch，whichhisdaughtershadprobablystolen，andwhichwaswellworthdouble。
FourdayslaterIsawhimagain，andheinformedmethattherascalhadleftLondonwithaservant—maid，whomhehadengagedataregistryofficewhereanynumberofservantsarealwaysreadytotakeservicewiththefirstcomer。Thekeeperoftheofficeanswersfortheirfidelity。
"Thegirlhehasgonewithisaprettyone，fromwhatthemantellsme，andtheyhavetakenshipfromLondon。IamsorryhewentawaybeforeIcouldpayhimforthewatch；Iamdreadingeverymomenttomeettheindividualfromwhomitwasstolen。"
Ineverheardwhatbecameofthegirls，butPocchiniwillre—appearonthesceneinduecourse。
Iledatranquilandorderlylife，whichIshouldhavebeenpleasedtocontinuefortheremainderofmydays；butcircumstancesandmydestinyordereditotherwise，andagainsttheseitisnotbecominginaChristianphilosophertocomplain。Iwentseveraltimestoseemydaughteratherschool，andIalsofrequentedtheBritishMuseum，whereImetDr。Mati。OnedayIfoundanAnglicanministerwithhim，andIaskedtheclergymanhowmanydifferentsectstherewereinEngland。
"Sir，"herepliedinverytolerableItalian，"noonecangiveapositiveanswertothatquestion，foreveryweeksomesectdiesandsomenewoneisbroughtintobeing。Allthatisnecessaryisforamanofgoodfaith，orsomeroguedesirousofmoneyornotoriety，tostandinsomefrequentedplaceandbeginpreaching。HeexplainssometextsoftheBibleinhisownfashion，andifhepleasesthegapersaroundhimtheyinvitehimtoexpoundnextSunday，ofteninatavern。
Hekeepstheappointmentandexplainshisnewdoctrinesinaspiritedmanner。Thenpeoplebegintotalkofhim；hedisputeswithministersofothersects；heandhisfollowersgivethemselvesaname，andthethingisdone。Thus，oralmostthus，areallthenumerousEnglishsectsproduced。"
AboutthistimeM。SteffanoGuerra，anobleVenetianwhowastravellingwiththeleaveofhisGovernment，lostacaseagainstanEnglishpainterwhohadexecutedaminiaturepaintingofoneoftheprettiestladiesinLondon，Guerrahavinggivenawrittenpromisetopaytwenty—fiveguineas。WhenitwasfinishedGuerradidnotlikeit，andwouldnottakeitorpaytheprice。TheEnglishman，inaccordancewiththeEnglishcustom，beganbyarrestinghisdebtor；
butGuerrawasreleasedonbail，andbroughtthematterbeforethecourts，whichcondemnedhimtopaythetwenty—fiveguineas。Heappealed，lostagain，andwasintheendobligedtopay。Guerracontentedthathehadorderedaportrait，thatapicturebearingnolikenesstotheladyinquestionwasnotaportrait，andthathehadthereforearighttorefusepayment。Thepainterrepliedthatitwasaportraitasithadbeenpaintedfromlife。Thejudgmentwasthatthepaintermustlivebyhistrade，andthatasGuerrahadgivenhimpaintingtodohemustthereforeprovidehimwiththewherewithaltolive，seeingthattheartistsworehehaddonehisbesttocatchthelikeness。Everybodythoughtthissentencejust，andsodidI；butI
confessitalsoseemedratherhard，especiallytoGuerra，whowithcostshadtopayahundredguineasfortheminiature。
Malingan’sdaughterdiedjustasherfatherreceivedapublicboxontheearfromanoblemanwholikedpiquet，butdidnotlikeplayerswhocorrectedthecapricesoffortune。IgavethepoorwretchthewherewithaltoburyhisdaughterandtoleaveEngland。HediedsoonafteratLiege，andhiswifetoldmeofthecircumstance，sayingthathehadexpiredregrettinghisinabilitytopayhisdebts。
M。M————F————cametoLondonastherepresentativeofthecantonofBerne，andIcalled，butwasnotreceived。IsuspectedthathehadgotwindofthelibertiesIhadtakenwithprettySara，anddidnotwantmetohaveanopportunityforrenewingthem。Hewasasomewhateccentricman，soIdidnottakeoffence，andhadalmostforgottenallaboutitwhenchanceledmetotheMaryleboneTheatreoneevening。Thespectatorssatatlittletables，andthechargeforadmittancewasonlyashilling，buteveryonewasexpectedtoordersomething，wereitonlyapotofale。
OngoingintothetheatreIchancedtositdownbesideagirlwhomI
didnotnoticeatfirst，butsoonafterIcameinsheturnedtowardsme，andIbeheldaravishingprofilewhichsomehowseemedfamiliar；
butIattributedthattotheideaofperfectbeautythatwasgravenonmysoul。ThemoreIlookedatherthesurerIfeltthatIhadneverseenherbefore，thoughasmileofinexpressibleslynesshadbeguntoplayaboutherlips。Oneofherglovesfell，andIhastenedtorestoreittoher，whereuponshethankedmeinafewwell—chosenFrenchsentences。
"MadamisnotEnglish，then？"saidI，respectfully。
"No，sir，IamaSwiss，andafriendofyours。"
AtthisIlookedround，andonmyrighthandsatMadameM————F————，thenhereldestdaughter，thenherhusband。Igotup，andafterbowingtothelady，forwhomIhadagreatesteem，Isalutedherhusband，whoonlyrepliedbyaslightmovementofthehead。IaskedMadameM————F————whatherhusbandhadagainstme，andshesaidthatPossanohadwrittentohimtellingsomedreadfulstoriesaboutme。
Therewasnottimeformetoexplainandjustifymyself，soIdevotedallmyenergiestothetaskofwinningthedaughter’sgoodgraces。
Inthreeyearsshehadgrownintoaperfectbeauty:sheknewit，andbyherblushesasshespoketomeIknewshewasthinkingofwhathadpassedbetweenusinthepresenceofmyhousekeeper。Iwasanxioustofindoutwhethershewouldacknowledgethefact，ordenyitaltogether。IfshehaddonesoIshouldhavedespisedher。WhenI
hadseenherbefore，theblossomofherbeautywasstillinthebud，nowithadopenedoutinallitssplendour。
"CharmingSara，"Isaid，"youhavesoenchantedmethatIcannothelpaskingyouacoupleofquestions，whichifyouvaluemypeaceofmindyouwillanswer。DoyourememberwhathappenedatBerne？"
"Yes。"
"Anddoyourepentofwhatyoudid？"
"No。"
Nomanofanydelicacycouldaskthethirdquestion，whichmaybeunderstood。IfeltsurethatSarawouldmakemehappy—nay，thatshewasevenlongingforthemoment，andgavereinstomypassions，determinedtoconvinceherthatIwasdeservingofherlove。
Thewaitercametoenquireifwehadanyorders，andIbeggedMadameM————F————toallowmetoofferhersomeoysters。Aftertheusualpoliterefusalsshegavein，andIprofitedbyheracceptancetoorderallthedelicaciesoftheseason，includingahare（agreatdelicacyinLondon），champagne，choiceliqueurs，larks，ortolans，truffles，sweetmeats——everything，infact，thatmoneycouldbuy，andIwasnotatallsurprisedwhenthebillprovedtoamounttotenguineas。ButIwasverymuchsurprisedwhenM。M————F————，whohadeatenlikeaTurkanddrunklikeaSwiss，saidcalmlythatitwastoodear。
Ibeggedhimpolitelynottotroublehimselfaboutthecost；andbywayofprovingthatIdidnotsharehisopinion，Igavethewaiterhalf—a—guinea；theworthymanlookedasifhewishedthatsuchcustomerscamemoreoften。TheSwiss，whohadbeenpaleandgloomyenoughashortwhilebefore；wasrubicundandaffable。Saraglancedatmeandsqueezedmyhand；Ihadconquered。
Whentheplaywasover，M————F————askedmeifIwouldallowhimtocallonme。Iembracedhiminreply。Hisservantcamein，andsaidthathecouldnotfindacoach；andI，feelingrathersurprisedthathehadnotbroughthiscarriage，offeredhimtheuseofmine，tellingmymantogetmeasedan—chair。
"Iacceptyourkindoffer，"saidhe，"ontheconditionthatyouallowmetooccupythechair。"
Iconsentedtothisarrangement，andtookthemotherandthetwodaughterswithmeinthecarriage。
Ontheway，MadameM————F————wasverypolite，gentlyblamingherhusbandfortherudenessofwhichIhadtocomplain。IsaidthatI
wouldavengemyselfbypayinganassiduouscourttohiminthefuture；butshepiercedmetotheheartbysayingthattheywereonthepointofdeparting。"Wewantedtogoonthedayafternext，"shesaid，"andto—morrowweshallhavetoleaveourpresentroomstotheirnewoccupants。Amatterofbusinesswhichmyhusbandwasnotabletoconcludewillobligeustostayforanotherweek，andto—
morrowweshallhavethedoubletaskofmovingandfindingnewapartments。"
"Thenyouhavenotyetgotnewrooms？"
"No，butmyhusbandsaysheiscertaintofindsometo—morrowmorning。"
"Furnished，Isuppose，forasyouintendtoleaveyouwillbeselling，yourfurniture。"
"Yes，andweshallhavetopaytheexpensesofcarriagetothebuyer。"
OnhearingthatM。M————F————wassureoffindinglodgings，Iwasprecludedfromofferingtoaccommodatetheminmyownhouse，astheladymightthinkthatIonlymadetheofferbecauseIwassureitwouldnotbeaccepted。
Whenwegottothedooroftheirhousewealighted，andthemotherbeggedmetocomein。Sheandherhusbandsleptonthesecondfloor，andthetwogirlsonthethird。Everythingwasupsidedown，andasMadameM————F————hadsomethingtosaytothelandladysheaskedmetogoupwithherdaughters。Itwascold，andtheroomweenteredhadnofireinit。ThesisterwentintotheroomadjoiningandI
stayedwithSara，andallofasuddenIclaspedhertomybreast，andfeelingthatherdesireswereasardentasmineIfellwithherontoasofawherewemingledourbeingsinallthedelightsofvoluptuousardours。Butthishappinesswasshortlived；scarcelywastheworkachievedwhenweheardafootsteponthestair。Itwasthefather。
IfM————F————hadhadanyeyeshemusthavefoundusout，formyfaceborethemarksofagitation，thenatureofwhichitwaseasytodivine。Weexchangedafewbriefcompliments；Ishookhishandanddisappeared。IwasinsuchastateofexcitementwhenIgothomethatImadeupmymindtoleaveEnglandandtofollowSaratoSwitzerland。InthenightIformedmyplans，andresolvedtoofferthefamilymyhouseduringthetimetheystayedinEngland，andifnecessarytoforcethemtoacceptmyoffer。
InthemorningIhastenedtocallonM————F————，andfoundhimonhisdoorstep。
"Iamgoingtotryandgetacoupleofrooms，"saidhe。
"Theyarealreadyfound，"Ireplied。"Myhouseisatyourservice，andyoumustgivemethepreference。Letuscomeupstairs。"
"Everybodyisinbed。"
"Nevermind，"saidI，andweproceededtogoupstairs。
MadameM————F————apologizedforbeinginbed。HerhusbandtoldherthatIwantedtoletthemsomerooms，butIlaughedandsaidI
desiredtheywouldacceptmyhospitalityasthatofafriend。Aftersomepolitedenialsmyofferwasaccepted，anditwasagreedthatthewholefamilyshouldtakeuptheirquarterswithmeintheevening。
Iwenthome，andwasgivingthenecessaryorderswhenIwastoldthattwoyoungladieswishedtoseeme。Iwentdowninperson，andIwasagreeablysurprisedtoseeSaraandhersister。Iaskedthemtocomein，andSaratoldmethatthelandladywouldnotlettheirbelongingsoutofthehousebeforeherfatherpaidadebtoffortyguineas，althoughacitymerchanthadassuredheritshouldbesettledinaweek。ThelongandsnortofitwasthatSara’sfatherhadsentmeabillandbeggedmetodiscountit。
Itookthebillandgaveherabanknoteforfiftypoundsinexchange，tellingherthatshecouldgivemethechangeanothertime。
Shethankedmewithgreatsimplicityandwentherway，leavingmedelightedwiththeconfidenceshehadplacedinme。
ThefactofM。M————F————’swantingfortyguineasdidnotmakemedivinethathewasinsomestraits，forIlookedateverythingthroughrose—colouredglasses，andwasonlytoohappytobeofservicetohim。
Imadeaslightdinnerinordertohaveabetterappetiteforsupper，andspenttheafternooninwritingletters。IntheeveningM。M————
F————’smancamewiththreegreattrunksandinnumerablecard—boardboxes，tellingmethatthefamilywouldsoonfollow；butIawaitedtheminvaintillnineo’clock。Ibegantogetalarmedandwenttothehouse，whereIfoundthemallinastateofconsternation。Twoill—lookingfellowswhowereintheroomenlightenedme；andassumingajovialandunconcernedair，Isaid，——
"I’llwager，now，thatthisistheworkofsomefiercecreditor。"
"Youareright，"answeredthefather，"butIamsureofdischargingthedebtinfiveorsixdays，andthat’swhyIputoffmydeparture。"
"Thenyouwerearrestedafteryouhadsentonyourtrunks。"
"Justafter。"
"Andwhathaveyoudone？"
"Ihavesentforbail。"
"Whydidyounotsendtome？"
"Thankyou，Iamgratefulforyourkindness，butyouareaforeigner，andsuretieshavetobehouseholders。"
"Butyououghttohavetoldmewhathadhappened，forIhavegotyouanexcellentsupper，andIamdyingofhunger。"
Itwaspossiblethatthisdebtmightexceedmymeans，soIdidnotdaretooffertopayit。ItookSaraaside，andonhearingthatallhistroublewasonaccountofadebtofahundredandfiftypounds，I
askedthebailiffwhetherwecouldgoawayifthedebtwaspaid。
"Certainly，"saidhe，shewingmethebillofexchange。
Itookoutthreebanknotesoffiftypoundseach，andgavethemtotheman，andtakingthebillIsaidtothepoorSwiss，——
"YoushallpaymethemoneybeforeyouleaveEngland。"
Thewholefamilyweptwithjoy，andafterembracingthemallI
summonedthemtocomeandsupwithmeandforgetthetroublesoflife。
Wedroveofftomyhouseandhadamerrysupper，thoughtheworthymothercouldnotquiteforgethersadness。AftersupperItookthemtotheroomswhichhadbeenpreparedforthem，andwithwhichtheyweredelighted，andsoIwishedthemgoodnight，tellingthemthattheyshouldbewellentertainedtilltheirdeparture，andthatI
hopedtofollowthemintoSwitzerland。
WhenIawokethenextdayIwasinahappyframeofmind。OnexaminingmydesiresIfoundthattheyhadgrowntoostrongtobeovercome，butIdidnotwishtoovercomethem。IlovedSara，andI
feltsocertainofpossessingherthatIputalldesiresoutofmymind；desiresarebornonlyofdoubt，anddoubttormentsthesoul。
Sarawasmine；shehadgivenherselftomeoutofpurepassion，withoutanyshadowofself—interest。
Iwenttothefather’sroom，andfoundhimengagedinopeninghistrunks。Hiswifelookedsad，soIaskedherifshewerenotwell。
Sherepliedthatherhealthwasperfect，butthatthethoughtoftheseavoyagetroubledhersorely。Thefatherbeggedmetoexcusehimatbreakfastashehadbusinesstoattendto。Thetwoyoungladiescamedown，andafterwehadbreakfastIaskedthemotherwhytheywereunpackingtheirtrunkssoshortatimebeforestarting。Shesmiledandsaidthatonetrunkwouldbeampleforalltheirpossessions，astheyhadresolvedtosellallsuperfluities。AsI
hadseensomebeautifuldresses，finelinen，andexquisitelace，I
couldnotrefrainfromsayingthatitwouldbeagreatpitytosellcheaplywhatwouldhavetobereplaceddearly。
"Youareright，"shesaid，"but，nevertheless，thereisnopleasuresogreatastheconsciousnessofhavingpaidone’sdebts。"
"Youmustnotsellanything，"Ireplied，inalivelymanner，"forasIamgoingtoSwitzerlandwithyouIcanpayyourdebts，andyoushallrepaymewhenyoucan。"
Atthesewordsastonishmentwasdepictedonherface。
"Ididnotthinkyouwerespeakingseriously，"saidshe。
"Perfectlyseriously，andhereistheobjectofmyvows。"
WiththesewordsIseizedSara’shandandcovereditwithkisses。