"Thatiswellsaid。Willyouwritethematonce？"
"What！now，monsignor？Itisnotlikeprose。"
"Well，well！trytoletmehavethemto—morrow。"
Wedinedalone，andhiseminencecomplimentedmeuponmyexcellentappetite，whichheremarkedwasasgoodashisown；butIwasbeginningtounderstandmyeccentrichost，and，toflatterhim，I
answeredthathepraisedmemorethanIdeserved，andthatmyappetitewasinferiortohis。Thesingularcomplimentdelightedhim，andIsawalltheuseIcouldmakeofhiseminence。
Towardstheendofthedinner，aswewereconversing，themarchionessmadeherappearance，and，asamatterofcourse，withoutbeingannounced。Herlooksthrewmeintoraptures；Ithoughtheraperfectbeauty。Shedidnotgivethecardinaltimetomeether，butsatdownnearhim，whileIremainedstanding，accordingtoetiquette。
Withoutappearingtonoticeme，themarchionessranwittilyovervarioustopicsuntilcoffeewasbroughtin。Then，addressingherselftome，shetoldmetositdown，justasifshewasbestowingcharityuponme。
"By—the—by，abbe，"shesaid，aminuteafter，"haveyoureadmysonnet？"
"Yes，madam，andIhavehadthehonourtoreturnittohiseminence。
IhavefounditsoperfectthatIamcertainitmusthavecostyouagreatdealoftime。"
"Time？"exclaimedthecardinal；"Oh！youdonotknowthemarchioness。"
"Monsignor，"Ireplied，"nothingcanbedonewellwithouttime，andthatiswhyIhavenotdaredtochewtoyoureminenceananswertothesonnetwhichIhavewritteninhalfanhour。"
"Letusseeit，abbe，"saidthemarchioness；"Iwanttoreadit。"
"AnswerofSilesiatoLove。"Thistitlebroughtthemostfascinatingblushesonhercountenance。"ButLoveisnotmentionedinthesonnet，"exclaimedthecardinal。"Wait，"saidthemarchioness，"wemustrespecttheideaofthepoet:"
Shereadthesonnetoverandover，andthoughtthatthereproachesaddressedbySilesiatoLovewereveryjust。Sheexplainedmyideatothecardinal，makinghimunderstandwhySilesiawasoffendedathavingbeenconqueredbytheKingofPrussia。
"Ah，Isee，Isee！"exclaimedthecardinal，fullofjoy；"Silesiaisawoman……andtheKingofPrussia……Oh！oh！thatisreallyafineidea！"Andthegoodcardinallaughedheartilyformorethanaquarterofanhour。"Imustcopythatsonnet，"headded，"indeedI
musthaveit。"
"Theabbe，"saidtheobligingmarchioness，"willsaveyouthetrouble:Iwilldictateittohim。"
Ipreparedtowrite，buthiseminencesuddenlyexclaimed，"Mydearmarchioness，thisiswonderful；hehaskeptthesamerhymesasinyourownsonnet:didyouobserveit？"
Thebeautifulmarchionessgavemethenalookofsuchexpressionthatshecompletedherconquest。Iunderstoodthatshewantedmetoknowthecardinalaswellassheknewhim；itwasakindofpartnershipinwhichIwasquitereadytoplaymypart。
AssoonasIhadwrittenthesonnetunderthecharmingwoman’sdictation，Itookmyleave，butnotbeforethecardinalhadtoldmethatheexpectedmetodinnerthenextday。
Ihadplentyofworkbeforeme，forthetenstanzasIhadtocomposewereofthemostsingularcharacter，andIlostnotimeinshuttingmyselfupinmyroomtothinkofthem。Ihadtokeepmybalancebetweentwopointsofequaldifficulty，andIfeltthatgreatcarewasindispensable。Ihadtoplacethemarchionessinsuchapositionthatshecouldpretendtobelievethecardinaltheauthorofthestanzas，and，atthesametime，compelhertofindoutthatIhadwrittenthem，andthatIwasawareofherknowingit。Itwasnecessarytospeaksocarefullythatnotoneexpressionshouldbreatheeventhefaintesthopeonmypart，andyettomakemystanzasblazewiththeardentfireofmyloveunderthethinveilofpoetry。
Asforthecardinal，Iknewwellenoughthatthebetterthestanzaswerewritten，themoredisposedhewouldbetosignthem。AllI
wantedwasclearness，sodifficulttoobtaininpoetry，whilealittledoubtfuldarknesswouldhavebeenaccountedsublimebymynewMidas。But，althoughIwantedtopleasehim，thecardinalwasonlyasecondaryconsideration，andthehandsomemarchionesstheprincipalobject。
Asthemarchionessinherverseshadmadeapompousenumerationofeveryphysicalandmoralqualityofhiseminence，itwasofcoursenaturalthatheshouldreturnthecompliment，andheremytaskwaseasy。Atlasthavingmasteredmysubjectwell，Ibeganmywork，andgivingfullcareertomyimaginationandtomyfeelingsIcomposedthetenstanzas，andgavethefinishingstrokewiththesetwobeautifullinesfromAriosto:
LeangelicchebellezzenatealcieloNonsiponnocelarsottoalcumvelo。
Ratherpleasedwithmyproduction，Ipresenteditthenextdaytothecardinal，modestlysayingthatIdoubtedwhetherhewouldaccepttheauthorshipofsoordinaryacomposition。Hereadthestanzastwiceoverwithouttasteorexpression，andsaidatlastthattheywereindeednotmuch，butexactlywhathewanted。HethankedmeparticularlyforthetwolinesfromAriosto，sayingthattheywouldassistinthrowingtheauthorshipuponhimself，astheywouldprovetotheladyforwhomtheywereintendedthathehadnotbeenabletowritethemwithoutborrowing。And，astooffermesomeconsolation，hetoldmethat，inrecopyingthelines，hewouldtakecaretomakeafewmistakesintherhythmtocompletetheillusion。
Wedinedearlierthanthedaybefore，andIwithdrewimmediatelyafterdinnersoastogivehimleisuretomakeacopyofthestanzasbeforethearrivalofthelady。
ThenexteveningImetthemarchionessattheentranceofthepalace，andofferedhermyarmtocomeoutofhercarriage。Theinstantshealighted，shesaidtome，"IfeveryourstanzasandminebecomeknowninRome，youmaybesureofmyenmity。"
"Madam，Idonotunderstandwhatyoumean。"
"Iexpectedyoutoanswermeinthismanner，"repliedthemarchioness，"butrecollectwhatIhavesaid。"
Ileftheratthedoorofthereception—room，andthinkingthatshewasreallyangrywithme，Iwentawayindespair。"Mystanzas，"I
saidtomyself，"aretoofiery；theycompromiseherdignity，andherprideisoffendedatmyknowingthesecretofherintriguewithCardinalS。C。Yet，Ifeelcertainthatthedreadsheexpressesofmywantofdiscretionisonlyfeigned，itisbutapretexttoturnmeoutofherfavour。Shehasnotunderstoodmyreserve！Whatwouldshehavedone，ifIhadpaintedherinthesimpleapparelofthegoldenage，withoutanyofthoseveilswhichmodestyimposesuponhersex！"IwassorryIhadnotdoneso。Iundressedandwenttobed。
MyheadwasscarcelyonthepillowwhentheAbbeGamaknockedatmydoor。Ipulledthedoor—string，andcomingin，hesaid，"Mydearsir，thecardinalwishestoseeyou，andIamsentbythebeautifulmarchionessandCardinalS。C。，whodesireyoutocomedown。"
"Iamverysorry，butIcannotgo；tellthemthetruth；Iamillinbed。"
Astheabbedidnotreturn，Ijudgedthathehadfaithfullyacquittedhimselfofthecommission，andIspentaquietnight。Iwasnotyetdressedinthemorning，whenIreceivedanotefromCardinalS。C。
invitingmetodinner，sayingthathehadjustbeenbled，andthathewantedtospeaktome:heconcludedbyentreatingmetocometohimearly，evenifIdidnotfeelwell。
Theinvitationwaspressing；Icouldnotguesswhathadcausedit，butthetoneoftheletterdidnotforebodeanythingunpleasant。I
wenttochurch，whereIwassurethatCardinalAcquavivawouldseeme，andhedid。Aftermass，hiseminencebeckonedtome。
"Areyoutrulyill？"heenquired。
"No，monsignor，Iwasonlysleepy。"
"Iamverygladtohearit；butyouarewrong，foryouareloved。
CardinalS。C。hasbeenbledthismorning。"
"Iknowit，monsignor。Thecardinaltellsmesointhisnote，inwhichheinvitesmetodinewithhim，withyourexcellency’spermission。"
"Certainly。Butthisisamusing！Ididnotknowthathewantedathirdperson。"
"Willtherebeathirdperson？"
"Idonotknow，andIhavenocuriosityaboutit。"
Thecardinalleftme，andeverybodyimaginedthathiseminencehadspokentomeofstateaffairs。
IwenttomynewMaecenas，whomIfoundinbed。
"Iamcompelledtoobservestrictdiet，"hesaidtome；"Ishallhavetoletyoudinealone，butyouwillnotlosebyitasmycookdoesnotknowit。WhatIwantedtotellyouisthatyourstanzasare，I
amafraid，toopretty，forthemarchionessadoresthem。Ifyouhadreadthemtomeinthesamewaythatshedoes，Icouldneverhavemadeupmymindtoofferthem。""Butshebelievesthemtobewrittenbyyoureminence？"
"Ofcourse。"
"Thatistheessentialpoint，monsignor。"
"Yes；butwhatshouldIdoifshetookitintoherheadtocomposesomenewstanzasforme？"
"Youwouldanswerthroughthesamepen，foryoucandisposeofmenightandday，andrelyupontheutmostsecrecy。"
"Ibegofyoutoacceptthissmallpresent；itissomenegrillosnufffromHabana，whichCardinalAcquavivahasgivenme。"
Thesnuffwasexcellent，buttheobjectwhichcontaineditwasstillbetter。Itwasasplendidgold—enamelledbox。Ireceiveditwithrespect，andwiththeexpressionofthedeepestgratitude。
Ifhiseminencedidnotknowhowtowritepoetry，atleastheknewhowtobegenerous，andinadelicatemanner，andthatscienceis，atleastinmyestimation，superiortotheotherforagreatnobleman。
Atnoon，andmuchtomysurprise，thebeautifulmarchionessmadeherappearanceinthemostelegantmorningtoilet。
"IfIhadknownyouwereingoodcompany，"shesaidtothecardinal，"Iwouldnothavecome。"
"Iamsure，dearmarchioness，youwillnotfindourdearabbeintheway。"
"No，forIbelievehimtobehonestandtrue。"
Ikeptatarespectfuldistance，readytogoawaywithmysplendidsnuff—boxatthefirstjestshemighthurlatme。
Thecardinalaskedherifsheintendedtoremaintodinner。
"Yes，"sheanswered；"butIshallnotenjoymydinner，forIhatetoeatalone。"
"Ifyouwouldhonourhimsofar，theabbewouldkeepyoucompany。"
Shegavemeagraciouslook，butwithoututteringoneword。
ThiswasthefirsttimeIhadanythingtodowithawomanofquality，andthatairofpatronage，whateverkindnessmightaccompanyit，alwaysputmeoutoftemper，forIthoughtitmadeloveoutofthequestion。However，aswewereinthepresenceofthecardinal，I
fanciedthatshemightberightintreatingmeinthatfashion。
Thetablewaslaidoutnearthecardinal’sbed，andthemarchioness，whoatehardlyanything，encouragedmeinmygoodappetite。
"Ihavetoldyouthattheabbeisequaltomeinthatrespect，"saidS。C。
"Itrulybelieve，"answeredthemarchioness，"thathedoesnotremainfarbehindyou；but，"addedshewithflattery，"youaremoredaintyinyourtastes。"
"WouldherladyshipbesogoodastotellmeinwhatIhaveappearedtohertobeamereglutton？ForinallthingsIlikeonlydaintyandexquisitemorsels。"
"Explainwhatyoumeanbysayinginallthings，"saidthecardinal。
Takingthelibertyoflaughing，IcomposedafewimpromptuversesinwhichInamedallIthoughtdaintyandexquisite。Themarchionessapplauded，sayingthatsheadmiredmycourage。
"Mycourage，madam，isduetoyou，forIamastimidasaharewhenI
amnotencouraged；youaretheauthorofmyimpromptu。"
"Iadmireyou。Asformyself，wereIencouragedbyApollohimself，I
couldnotcomposefourlineswithoutpaperandink。"
"Onlygivewayboldlytoyourgenius，madam，andyouwillproducepoetryworthyofheaven。"
"That——ismyopinion，too，"saidthecardinal。"Ientreatyoutogivemepermissiontoskewyourtenstanzastotheabbe。"
"Theyarenotverygood，butIhavenoobjectionprovideditremainsbetweenus。"
Thecardinalgaveme，then，thestanzascomposedbythemarchioness，andIreadthemaloudwithalltheexpression，allthefeelingnecessarytosuchreading。
"Howwellyouhavereadthosestanzas！"saidthemarchioness；"Icanhardlybelievethemtobemyowncomposition；Ithankyouverymuch。
Buthavethegoodnesstogivethebenefitofyourreadingtothestanzaswhichhiseminencehaswritteninanswertomine。Theysurpassthemmuch。"
"Donotbelieveit，mydearabbe，"saidthecardinal，handingthemtome。"Yettrynottoletthemloseanythingthroughyourreading。"
Therewascertainlynoneedofhiseminenceenforcinguponmesucharecommendation；itwasmyownpoetry。Icouldnothavereaditotherwisethaninmybeststyle，especiallywhenIhadbeforemethebeautifulwomanwhohadinspiredthem，andwhen，besides，BacchuswasinmegivingcouragetoApolloasmuchasthebeautifuleyesofthemarchionesswerefanningintoanardentblazethefirealreadyburningthroughmywholebeing。
Ireadthestanzaswithsomuchexpressionthatthecardinalwasenraptured，butIbroughtadeepcarnationtintuponthecheeksofthelovelymarchionesswhenIcametothedescriptionofthosebeautieswhichtheimaginationofthepoetisallowedtoguessat，butwhichIcouldnot，ofcourse，havegazedupon。Shesnatchedthepaperfrommyhandswithpassion，sayingthatIwasaddingversesofmyown；itwastrue，butIdidnotconfessit。Iwasallaflame，andthefirewasscorchingheraswellasme。
Thecardinalhavingfallenasleep，sheroseandwenttotakeaseatonthebalcony；Ifollowedher。Shehadaratherhighseat；Istoodoppositetoher，sothatherkneetouchedthefob—pocketinwhichwasmywatch。Whataposition！Takingholdgentlyofoneofherhands，Itoldherthatshehadignitedinmysouladevouringflame，thatI
adoredher，andthat，unlesssomehopewaslefttomeoffindinghersensibletomysufferings，Iwasdeterminedtoflyawayfromherforever。
"Yes，beautifulmarchioness，pronouncemysentence。"
"Ifearyouarealibertineandanunfaithfullover。"
"Iamneitheronenortheother。"
WiththesewordsIfoldedherinmyarms，andIpresseduponherlovelylips，aspureasarose，anardentkisswhichshereceivedwiththebestpossiblegrace。Thiskiss，theforerunnerofthemostdeliciouspleasures，hadimpartedtomyhandsthegreatestboldness；
Iwasonthepointof……butthemarchioness，changingherposition，entreatedmesosweetlytorespecther，that，enjoyingnewvoluptuousnessthroughmyveryobedience，Inotonlyabandonedaneasyvictory，butIevenbeggedherpardon，whichIsoonreadinthemostlovinglook。
ShespokeofLucrezia，andwaspleasedwithmydiscretion。Shethenalludedtothecardinal，doingherbesttomakemebelievethattherewasnothingbetweenthembutafeelingofinnocentfriendship。OfcourseIhadmyopiniononthatsubject，butitwasmyinteresttoappeartobelieveeverywordsheuttered。Werecitedtogetherlinesfromourbestpoets，andallthetimeshewasstillsittingdownandIstandingbeforeher，withmylooksraptinthecontemplationofthemostlovelycharms，towhichIremainedinsensibleinappearance，forIhadmadeupmymindnottopressherthateveningforgreaterfavoursthanthoseIhadalreadyreceived。
Thecardinal，wakingfromhislongandpeacefulsiesta，gotupandjoinedusinhisnight—cap，andgood—naturedlyenquiredwhetherwehadnotfeltimpatientathisprotractedsleep。Iremaineduntildarkandwenthomehighlypleasedwithmyday’swork，butdeterminedtokeepmyardentdesiresincheckuntiltheopportunityforcompletevictoryoffereditself。
>Fromthatday，thecharmingmarchionessneverceasedtogivemethemarksofherparticularesteem，withouttheslightestconstraint；I
wasreckoninguponthecarnival，whichwascloseathand，feelingcertainthatthemoreIshouldspareherdelicacy，themoreshewouldendeavourtofindtheopportunityofrewardingmyloyalty，andofcrowningwithhappinessmylovingconstancy。Butfateordainedotherwise；DameFortuneturnedherbackuponmeattheverymomentwhenthePopeandCardinalAcquavivawerethinkingofgivingmeareallygoodposition。
TheHolyFatherhadcongratulatedmeuponthebeautifulsnuff—boxpresentedtomebyCardinalS。C。，buthehadbeencarefulnevertonamethemarchioness。CardinalAcquavivaexpressedopenlyhisdelightathisbrother—cardinalhavinggivenmeatasteofhisnegrillosnuffinsosplendidanenvelope；theAbbeGama，findingmesoforwardontheroadtosuccess，didnotventuretocounselmeanymore，andthevirtuousFatherGeorgigavemebutonepieceofadvice—
namely，toclingtothelovelymarchionessandnottomakeanyotheracquaintances。
Suchwasmyposition—trulyabrilliantone，when，onChristmasDay，theloverofBarbaraDalacquaenteredmyroom，lockedthedoor，andthrewhimselfonthesofa，exclaimingthatIsawhimforthelasttime。
"Ionlycometobegofyousomegoodadvice。"
"OnwhatsubjectcanIadviseyou？"
"Takethisandreadit；itwillexplaineverything。"
Itwasaletterfromhismistress；thecontentswerethese:
"Iampregnantofachild，thepledgeofourmutuallove；Icannolongerhaveanydoubtofit，mybeloved，andIforewarnyouthatI
havemadeupmymindtoquitRomealone，andtogoawaytodiewhereitmaypleaseGod，ifyourefusetotakecareofmeandsaveme。I
wouldsufferanything，doanything，ratherthanletmyfatherdiscoverthetruth。"
"Ifyouareamanofhonour，"Isaid，"youcannotabandonthepoorgirl。Marryherinspiteofyourfather，inspiteofherown，andlivetogetherhonestly。TheeternalProvidenceofGodwillwatchoveryouandhelpyouinyourdifficulties:"
Myadviceseemedtobringcalmtohismind，andheleftmemorecomposed。
AtthebeginningofJanuary，1744，hecalledagain，lookingverycheerful。"Ihavehired，"hesaid，"thetopfloorofthehousenexttoBarbara’sdwelling；sheknowsit，andto—nightIwillgainherapartmentthroughoneofthewindowsofthegarret，andwewillmakeallourarrangementstoenablemetocarryheroff。Ihavemadeupmymind；IhavedecidedupontakinghertoNaples，andIwilltakewithustheservantwho，sleepinginthegarret，hadtobemadeaconfidanteof。"
"Godspeedyou，myfriend！"
Aweekafterwards，towardseleveno’clockatnight，heenteredmyroomaccompaniedbyanabbe。
"Whatdoyouwantsolate？"
"Iwishtointroduceyoutothishandsomeabbe。"
Ilookedup，andtomyconsternationIrecognizedBarbara。
"Hasanyoneseenyouenterthehouse？"Ienquired。
"No；andifwehadbeenseen，whatofit？Itisonlyanabbe。Wenowpasseverynighttogether。"
"Icongratulateyou。"
"Theservantisourfriend；shehasconsentedtofollowus，andallourarrangementsarecompleted。"
"Iwishyoueveryhappiness。Adieu。Ibegyoutoleaveme。"
Threeorfourdaysafterthatvisit，asIwaswalkingwiththeAbbeGamatowardstheVillaMedicis，hetoldmedeliberatelythattherewouldbeanexecutionduringthenightinthePiazzadiSpagna。
"Whatkindofexecution？"
"Thebargelloorhislieutenantwillcometoexecutesome’ordinesantissimo’，ortovisitsomesuspiciousdwellinginordertoarrestandcarryoffsomepersonwhodoesnotexpectanythingofthesort。"
"Howdoyouknowit？"
"Hiseminencehastoknowit，forthePopewouldnotventuretoencroachuponhisjurisdictionwithoutaskinghispermission。"
"Andhiseminencehasgivenit？"
"Yes，oneoftheHolyFather’sauditorscameforthatpurposethismorning。"
"Butthecardinalmighthaverefused？"
"Ofcourse；butsuchapermissionisneverdenied。"
"Andifthepersontobearrestedhappenedtobeundertheprotectionofthecardinal——whatthen？"
"Hiseminencewouldgivetimelywarningtothatperson。"
Wechangedtheconversation，butthenewshaddisturbedme。I
fanciedthattheexecutionthreatenedBarbaraandherlover，forherfather’shousewasundertheSpanishjurisdiction。ItriedtoseetheyoungmanbutIcouldnotsucceedinmeetinghim，andIwasafraidlestavisitathishomeoratM。Dalacqua’sdwellingmightimplicateme。YetitiscertainthatthislastconsiderationwouldnothavestoppedmeifIhadbeenpositivelysurethattheywerethreatened；hadIfeltsatisfiedoftheirdanger，Iwouldhavebravedeverything。
Aboutmidnight，asIwasreadytogotobed，andjustasIwasopeningmydoortotakethekeyfromoutside，anabberushedpantingintomyroomandthrewhimselfonachair。ItwasBarbara；Iguessedwhathadtakenplace，and，foreseeingalltheevilconsequenceshervisitmighthaveforme，deeplyannoyedandveryanxious，Iupbraidedherforhavingtakenrefugeinmyroom，andentreatedhertogoaway。
FoolthatIwas！KnowingthatIwasonlyruiningmyselfwithoutanychanceofsavingher，Ioughttohavecompelledhertoleavemyroom，Ioughttohavecalledfortheservantsifshehadrefusedtowithdraw。ButIhadnotcourageenough，orratherIvoluntarilyobeyedthedecreesofdestiny。
Whensheheardmyordertogoaway，shethrewherselfonherknees，andmeltingintotears，shebegged，sheentreatedmypity！
Whereistheheartofsteelwhichisnotsoftenedbythetears，bytheprayersofaprettyandunfortunatewoman？Igaveway，butI
toldherthatitwasruinforbothofus。
"Noone，"shereplied，"hasseenme，Iamcertain，whenIenteredthemansionandcameuptoyourroom，andIconsidermyvisithereaweekagoasmostfortunate；otherwise，Inevercouldhaveknownwhichwasyourroom。"
"Alas！howmuchbetterifyouhadnevercome！Butwhathasbecomeofyourlover？"
"The’sbirri’havecarriedhimoff，aswellastheservant。Iwilltellyouallaboutit。Myloverhadinformedmethatacarriagewouldwaitto—nightatthefootoftheflightofstepsbeforetheChurchofTrinitadelMonte，andthathewouldbetherehimself。I
enteredhisroomthroughthegarretwindowanhourago。ThereIputonthisdisguise，and，accompaniedbytheservant，proceededtomeethim。Theservantwalkedafewyardsbeforeme，andcarriedaparcelofmythings。Atthecornerofthestreet，oneofthebucklesofmyshoesbeingunfastened，Istoppedaninstant，andtheservantwenton，thinkingthatIwasfollowingher。Shereachedthecarriage，gotintoit，and，asIwasgettingnearer，thelightfromalanterndisclosedtomesomethirtysbirri；atthesameinstant，oneofthemgotonthedriver’sboxanddroveoffatfullspeed，carryingofftheservant，whomtheymusthavemistakenforme，andmyloverwhowasinthecoachawaitingme。WhatcouldIdoatsuchafearfulmoment？I
couldnotgobacktomyfather’shouse，andIfollowedmyfirstimpulsewhichbroughtmehere。AndhereIam！Youtellmethatmypresencewillcauseyourruin；ifitisso，tellmewhattodo；I
feelIamdying；butfindsomeexpedientandIamreadytodoanything，eventolaymylifedown，ratherthanbethecauseofyourruin。"
Butsheweptmorebitterlythanever。
HerpositionwassosadthatIthoughtitworseeventhanmine，althoughIcouldalmostfancyIsawruinbeforemedespitemyinnocence。
"Letme，"Isaid，"conductyoutoyourfather；Ifeelsureofobtainingyourpardon。"
Butmyproposalonlyenhancedherfears。
"Iamlost，"sheexclaimed；"Iknowmyfather。Ah！reverendsir，turnmeoutintothestreet，andabandonmetomymiserablefate。"
NodoubtIoughttohavedoneso，andIwouldhavedoneitiftheconsciousnessofwhatwasduetomyowninteresthadbeenstrongerthanmyfeelingofpity。Buthertears！Ihaveoftensaidit，andthoseamongstmyreaderswhohaveexperiencedit，mustbeofthesameopinion；thereisnothingonearthmoreirresistiblethantwobeautifuleyessheddingtears，whentheownerofthoseeyesishandsome，honest，andunhappy。Ifoundmyselfphysicallyunabletosendheraway。
"Mypoorgirl，"Isaidatlast，"whendaylightcomes，andthatwillnotbelong，foritispastmidnight，whatdoyouintendtodo？"
"Imustleavethepalace，"shereplied，sobbing。"Inthisdisguisenoonecanrecognizeme；IwillleaveRome，andIwillwalkstraightbeforemeuntilIfallontheground，dyingwithgriefandfatigue。"
Withthesewordsshefellonthefloor。Shewaschoking；Icouldseeherfaceturnblue；Iwasinthegreatestdistress。
Itookoffherneck—band，unlacedherstaysundertheabbe’sdress，I
threwcoldwaterinherface，andIfinallysucceededinbringingherbacktoconsciousness。
Thenightwasextremelycold，andtherewasnofireinmyroom。I
advisedhertogetintomybed，promisingtorespecther。
"Alas！reverendsir，pityistheonlyfeelingwithwhichIcannowinspireanyone。"
And，tospeakthetruthIwastoodeeplymoved，and，atthesametime，toofullofanxiety，toleaveroominmeforanydesire。
Havinginducedhertogotobed，andherextremeweaknesspreventingherfromdoinganythingforherself，Iundressedherandputhertobed，thusprovingoncemorethatcompassionwillsilencethemostimperiousrequirementsofnature，inspiteofallthecharmswhichwould，underothercircumstances，excitetothehighestdegreethesensesofaman。Ilaydownnearherinmyclothes，andwokeheratday—break。Herstrengthwassomewhatrestored，shedressedherselfalone，andIleftmyroom，tellinghertokeepquietuntilmyreturn。
Iintendedtoproceedtoherfather’shouse，andtosolicitherpardon，but，havingperceivedsomesuspicious—lookingmenloiteringaboutthepalace，Ithoughtitwisetoaltermymind，andwenttoacoffeehouse。
Isoonascertaniedthataspywaswatchingmymovementsatadistance；butIdidnotappeartonoticehim，andhavingtakensomechocolateandstoredafewbiscuitsinmypocket，Ireturnedtowardsthepalace，apparentlywithoutanyanxietyorhurry，alwaysfollowedbythesameindividual。Ijudgedthatthebargello，havingfailedinhisproject，wasnowreducedtoguesswork，andIwasstrengthenedinthatviewofthecasewhenthegate—keeperofthepalacetoldme，withoutmyaskinganyquestion，asIcamein，thatanarresthadbeenattemptedduringthenight，andhadnotsucceeded。Whilehewasspeaking，oneoftheauditorsoftheVicar—GeneralcalledtoenquirewhenhecouldseetheAbbyGama。Isawthatnotimewastobelost，andwentuptomyroomtodecideuponwhatwastobedone。
IbeganbymakingthepoorgirleatacoupleofbiscuitssoakedinsomeCanarywine，andItookherafterwardstothetopstoryofthepalace，where，leavingherinanotverydecentclosetwhichwasnotusedbyanyone，Itoldhertowaitforme。
Myservantcamesoonafter，andIorderedhimtolockthedoorofmyroomassoonashefinishedcleaningit，andtobringmethekeyattheAbbeGama’sapartment，whereIwasgoing。IfoundGamainconversationwiththeauditorsentbytheVicar—General。Assoonashehaddismissedhim，hecametome，andorderedhisservanttoservethechocolate。Whenwewereleftalonehegavemeanaccountofhisinterviewwiththeauditor，whohadcometoentreathiseminencetogiveorderstoturnoutofhispalaceapersonwhowassupposedtohavetakenrefugeinitaboutmidnight。"Wemustwait，"saidtheabbe，"untilthecardinalisvisible，butIamquitecertainthat，ifanyonehastakenrefugehereunknowntohim，hiseminencewillcompelthatpersontoleavethepalace。"Wethenspokeoftheweatherandothertriflesuntilmyservantbroughtmykey。JudgingthatIhadatleastanhourtospare，IbethoughtmyselfofaplanwhichalonecouldsaveBarbarafromshameandmisery。
FeelingcertainthatIwasunobserved，IwentuptomypoorprisonerandmadeherwritethefollowingwordsinFrench:
"Iamanhonestgirl，monsignor，thoughIamdisguisedinthedressofanabbe。Ientreatyoureminencetoallowmetogivemynameonlytoyouandinperson。Ihopethat，promptedbythegreatgoodnessofyoursoul，youreminencewillsavemefromdishonour。"Igaveherthenecessaryinstructions，astosendingthenotetothecardinal，assuringherthathewouldhaveherbroughttohimassoonashereadit。
"Whenyouareinhispresence，"Iadded，"throwyourselfonyourknees，tellhimeverythingwithoutanyconcealment，exceptasregardsyourhavingpassedthenightinmyroom。Youmustbesurenottomentionthatcircumstance，forthecardinalmustremainincompleteignoranceofmyknowinganythingwhateverofthisintrigue。Tellhimthat，seeingyourlovercarriedoff，yourushedtohispalaceandranupstairsasfarasyoucouldgo，andthatafteramostpainfulnightHeaveninspiredyouwiththeideaofwritingtohimtoentreathispity。Ifeelcertainthat，onewayortheother，hiseminencewillsaveyoufromdishonour，anditcertainlyistheonlychanceyouhaveofbeingunitedtothemanyoulovesodearly。"
Shepromisedtofollow’myinstructionsfaithfully，and，comingdown，Ihadmyhairdressedandwenttochurch，wherethecardinalsawme。
Ithenwentoutandreturnedonlyfordinner，duringwhichtheonlysubjectofconversationwastheadventureofthenight。Gamaalonesaidnothing，andIfollowedhisexample，butIunderstoodfromallthetalkgoingonroundthetablethatthecardinalhadtakenmypoorBarbaraunderhisprotection。ThatwasallIwanted，andthinkingthatIhadnothingmoretofearIcongratulatedmyself，inpetto，uponmystratagem，whichhad，Ithought，provedamaster—stroke。
Afterdinner，findingmyselfalonewithGama，Iaskedhimwhatwasthemeaningofitall，andthisiswhathetoldme:
"Afather，whosenameIdonotknowyet，hadrequestedtheassistanceoftheVicar—Generaltopreventhissonfromcarryingoffayounggirl，withwhomheintendedtoleavetheStatesoftheChurch；thepairhadarrangedtomeetatmidnightinthisverysquare，andtheVicar，havingpreviouslyobtainedtheconsentofourcardinal，asI
toldyouyesterday，gaveorderstothebargellotodisposehismeninsuchawayastocatchtheyoungpeopleintheveryactofrunningaway，andtoarrestthem。Theorderswereexecuted，butthe’sbirri’
foundout，whentheyreturnedtothebargello，thattheyhadmetwithonlyahalfsuccess，thewomanwhogotoutofthecarriagewiththeyoungmannotbelongingtothatspecieslikelytobecarriedoff。
Soonafterwardsaspyinformedthebargellothat，attheverymomentthearrestwasexecuted，hehadseenayoungabberunawayveryrapidlyandtakerefugeinthispalace，andthesuspicionimmediatelyarosethatitmightbethemissingyoungladyinthedisguiseofanecclesiastic。ThebargelloreportedtotheVicar—Generalthefailureofhismen，aswellastheaccountgivenbythespy，andthePrelate，sharingthesuspicionofthepolice，senttohiseminence，ourmaster，requestinghimtohavethepersoninquestion，manorwoman，turnedoutofthepalace，unlesssuchpersonsshouldhappentobeknowntohisexcellency，andthereforeabovesuspicion。CardinalAcquavivawasmadeacquaintedwiththesecircumstancesatninethismorningthroughtheauditoryoumetinmyroom，andhepromisedtohavethepersonsentawayunlessshebelongedtohishousehold。
"Accordingtohispromise，thecardinalorderedthepalacetobesearched，but，inlessthanaquarterofanhour，themajor—domoreceivedorderstostop，andtheonlyreasonforthesenewinstructionsmustbethis:
"Iamtoldbythemajor—domothatatnineo’clockexactlyaveryhandsome，youngabbe，whomheimmediatelyjudgedtobeagirlindisguise，askedhimtodeliveranotetohiseminence，andthatthecardinal，afterreadingit，haddesiredthesaidabbebebroughttohisapartment，whichhehasnotleftsince。Astheordertostopsearchingthepalacewasgivenimmediatelyaftertheintroductionoftheabbetothecardinal，itiseasyenoughtosupposethatthisecclesiasticisnootherthantheyounggirlmissedbythepolice，whotookrefugeinthepalaceinwhichshemusthavepassedthewholenight。"
"Isuppose，"saidI，"thathiseminencewillgiveherupto—day，ifnottothebargello，atleasttotheVicar—General。"
"No，noteventothePopehimself，"answeredGama。"Youhavenotyetarightideaoftheprotectionofourcardinal，andthatprotectionisevidentlygrantedtoher，sincetheyoungpersonisnotonlyinthepalaceofhiseminence，butalsoinhisownapartmentandunderhisownguardianship。"
Thewholeaffairbeinginitselfveryinteresting，myattentioncouldnotappearextraordinarytoGama，howeversuspicioushemightbenaturally，andIwascertainthathewouldnothavetoldmeanythingifhehadguessedtheshareIhadtakenintheadventure，andtheinterestImusthavefeltinit。
Thenextday，Gamacametomyroomwitharadiantcountenance，andinformedmethattheCardinal—Vicarwasawareoftheravisherbeingmyfriend，andsupposedthatIwaslikewisethefriendofthegirl，asshewasthedaughterofmyFrenchteacher。"Everybody，"headded，"issatisfiedthatyouknewthewholeaffair，anditisnaturaltosuspectthatthepoorgirlspentthenightinyourroom。Iadmireyourprudentreserveduringourconversationofyesterday。YoukeptsowellonyourguardthatIwouldhaveswornyouknewnothingwhateveroftheaffair。"
"Anditisthetruth，"Ianswered，veryseriously；"Ihaveonlylearnedallthecircumstancesfromyouthismoment。Iknowthegirl，butIhavenotseenherforsixweeks，sinceIgaveupmyFrenchlessons；Iammuchbetteracquaintedwiththeyoungman，butheneverconfidedhisprojecttome。However，peoplemaybelievewhatevertheyplease。Yousaythatitisnaturalforthegirltohavepassedthenightinmyroom，butyouwillnotmindmylaughinginthefaceofthosewhoaccepttheirownsuppositionsasrealities。"
"That，mydearfriend，"saidtheabbe，"isoneofthevicesoftheRomans；happythosewhocanaffordtolaughatit；butthisslandermaydoyouharm，eveninthemindofourcardinal。"
AstherewasnoperformanceattheOperathatnight，Iwenttothecardinal’sreception；Ifoundnodifferencetowardsmeeitherinthecardinal’smanners，orinthoseofanyotherperson，andthemarchionesswasevenmoregraciousthanusual。
Afterdinner，onthefollowingday，Gamainformedmethatthecardinalhadsenttheyounggirltoaconventinwhichshewouldbewelltreatedathiseminence’sexpense，andthathewascertainthatshewouldleaveitonlytobecomethewifeoftheyoungdoctor。
"Ishouldbeveryhappyifitshouldturnoutso，"Ireplied；"fortheyarebothmostestimablepeople。"
Twodaysafterwards，IcalleduponFatherGeorgi，andhetoldme，withanairofsorrow，thatthegreatnewsofthedayinRomewasthefailureoftheattempttocarryoffDalacqua’sdaughter，andthatallthehonouroftheintriguewasgiventome，whichdispleasedhimmuch。ItoldhimwhatIhadalreadytoldGama，andheappearedtobelieveme，butheaddedthatinRomepeopledidnotwanttoknowthingsastheytrulywere，butonlyastheywishedthemtobe。
Itisknown，thatyouhavebeeninthehabitofgoingeverymorningtoDalacqua’shouse；itisknownthattheyoungmanoftencalledonyou；thatisquiteenough。Peopledonotcare，toknowthecircumstanceswhichmightcounteracttheslander，butonlythose，likelytogiveitnewforceforslanderisvastlyrelishedintheHolyCity。Yourinnocencewillnotpreventthewholeadventurebeingbookedtoyouraccount，if，infortyyearstimeyouwereproposedaspopeintheconclave。"
DuringthefollowingdaysthefataladventurebegantocausememoreannoyancethanIcouldexpress，foreveryonementionedittome，andIcouldseeclearlythatpeoplepretendedtobelievewhatIsaidonlybecausetheydidnotdaretodootherwise。ThemarchionesstoldmejeeringlythattheSignoraDalacquahadcontractedpeculiarobligationstowardsme，butmysorrowwasverygreatwhen，duringthelastdaysofthecarnival，IremarkedthatCardinalAcquaviva’smannerhadbecomeconstrained，althoughIwastheonlypersonwhoobservedthechange。
Thenoisemadebytheaffairwas，however，beginningtosubside，when，inthefirstdaysofLent，thecardinaldesiredmetocometohisprivateroom，andspokeasfollows"TheaffairofthegirlDalacquaisnowover；itisnolongerspokenof，buttheverdictofthepublicisthatyouandIhaveprofitedbytheclumsinessoftheyoungmanwhointendedtocarryheroff。InrealityIcarelittleforsuchaverdict，for，undersimilarcircumstances，Ishouldalwaysactinasimilarmanner，andIdonotwishtoknowthatwhichnoonecancompelyoutoconfess，andwhich，asamanofhonour，youmustnotadmit。Ifyouhadnopreviousknowledgeoftheintrigue，andhadactuallyturnedthegirloutofyourroom（supposingshedidcometoyou），youwouldhavebeenguiltyofawrongandcowardlyaction，becauseyouwouldhavesealedhermiseryfortheremainderofherdays，anditwouldnothavecausedyoutoescapethesuspicionofbeinganaccomplice，whileatthesametimeitwouldhaveattachedtoyoutheodiumofdastardlytreachery。
NotwithstandingallIhavejustsaid，youcaneasilyimaginethat，inspiteofmyuttercontemptforallgossipingfools，Icannotopenlydefythem。Ithereforefeelmyselfcompelledtoaskyounotonlytoquitmyservice，buteventoleaveRome。Iundertaketosupplyyouwithanhonourablepretextforyourdeparture，soastoinsureyouthecontinuationoftherespectwhichyoumayhavesecuredthroughthemarksofesteemIhavebestoweduponyou。Ipromiseyoutowhisperintheearofanypersonyoumaychoose，andeventoinformeverybody，thatyouaregoingonanimportantmissionwhichIhaveentrustedtoyou。Youhaveonlytonamethecountrywhereyouwanttogo；Ihavefriendseverywhere，andcanrecommendyoutosuchpurposethatyouwillbesuretofindemployment。Mylettersofrecommendationwillbeinmyownhandwriting，andnobodyneedknowwhereyouaregoing。Meetmeto—morrowattheVillaNegroni，andletmeknowwheremylettersaretobeaddressed。Youmustbereadytostartwithinaweek。Believeme，Iamsorrytoloseyou；butthesacrificeisforceduponmebythemostabsurdprejudice。Gonow，anddonotletmewitnessyourgrief。"
Hespokethelastwordsbecausehesawmyeyesfillingwithtears，andhedidnotgivemetimetoanswer。Beforeleavinghisroom，I
hadthestrengthofmindtocomposemyself，andIputonsuchanairofcheerfulnessthattheAbbeGama，whotookmetohisroomtodrinksomecoffee，complimentedmeuponmyhappylooks。
"Iamsure，"hesaid，"thattheyarecausedbytheconversationyouhavehadwithhiseminence。"
"Youareright；butyoudonotknowthesorrowatmyheartwhichI
trynottoshewoutwardly。"
"Whatsorrow？"
"Iamafraidoffailinginadifficultmissionwhichthecardinalhasentrustedmewiththismorning。IamcompelledtoconcealhowlittleconfidenceIfeelinmyselfinordernottolessenthegoodopinionhiseminenceispleasedtoentertainofme。"
"Ifmyadvicecanbeofanyservicetoyou，praydisposeofme；butyouarequiterighttochewyourselfcalmandcheerful。IsitanybusinesstotransactinRome？"
"No；itisajourneyIshallhavetoundertakeinaweekortendays。"
"Whichway？"
"Towardsthewest。"
"Oh！Iamnotcurioustoknow。"
IwentoutaloneandtookawalkintheVillaBorghese，whereIspenttwohourswrappedindarkdespair。IlikedRome，Iwasonthehighroadtofortune，andsuddenlyIfoundmyselfintheabyss，withoutknowingwheretogo，andwithallmyhopesscatteredtothewinds。I
examinedmyconduct，Ijudgedmyselfseverely，Icouldnotfindmyselfguiltyofanycrimesaveoftoomuchkindness，butIperceivedhowrightthegoodFatherGeorgihadbeen。Mydutywasnotonlytotakenopartintheintrigueofthetwolove，butalsotochangemyFrenchteacherthemomentIbeardofit；butthiswaslikecallinginadoctorafterdeathhasstruckthepatient。Besides，youngasI
was，havingnoexperienceyetofmisfortune，andstilllessofthewickednessofsociety，itwasverydifficultformetohavethatprudencewhichamangainsonlybylongintercoursewiththeworld。
"WhereshallIgo？"Thiswasthequestionwhichseemedtomeimpossibleofsolution。Ithoughtofitallthroughthenight，andthroughthemorning，butIthoughtinvain；afterRome，IwasindifferentwhereIwentto！
Intheevening，notcaringforanysupper，Ihadgonetomyroom；theAbbeGamacametomewitharequestfromthecardinalnottoacceptanyinvitationtodinnerforthenextday，ashewantedtospeaktome。IthereforewaiteduponhiseminencethenextdayattheVillaNegroni；hewaswalkingwithhissecretary，whomhedismissedthemomenthesawme。Assoonaswewerealone，Igavehimalltheparticularsoftheintrigueofthetwolovers，andIexpressedinthemostvividmannerthesorrowIfeltatleavinghisservice。
"Ihavenohopeofsuccess，"Iadded，"forIamcertainthatFortunewillsmileuponmeonlyaslongasIamnearyoureminence。"
FornearlyanhourItoldhimallthegriefwithwhichmyheartwasbursting，weepingbitterly；yetIcouldnotmovehimfromhisdecision。Kindly，butfirmlyhepressedmetotellhimtowhatpartofEuropeIwantedtogo，anddespairasmuchasvexationmademenameConstantinople。
"Constantinople！"heexclaimed，movingbackasteportwo。
"Yes，monsignor，Constantinople，"Irepeated，wipingawaymytears。
Theprelate，amanofgreatwit，butaSpaniardtotheveryback—
bone，afterremainingsilentafewminutes，said，withasmile，"IamgladyouhavenotchosenIspahan，asIshouldhavefeltratherembarrassed。Whendoyouwishtogo？"
"Thisdayweek，asyoureminencehasorderedme。"
"DoyouintendtosailfromNaplesorfromVenice？"
"FromVenice。"
"Iwillgiveyousuchapassportaswillbeneeded，foryouwillfindtwoarmiesinwinter—quartersintheRomagna。ItstrikesmethatyoumaytelleverybodythatIsentyoutoConstantinople，fornobodywillbelieveyou。"
Thisdiplomaticsuggestionnearlymademesmile。ThecardinaltoldmethatIshoulddinewithhim，andheleftmetojoinhissecretary。
WhenIreturnedtothepalace，thinkingofthechoiceIhadmade，I
saidtomyself，"EitherIammad，orIamobeyingtheimpulseofamysteriousgeniuswhichsendsmetoConstantinopletoworkoutmyfate。"Iwasonlyastonishedthatthecardinalhadsoreadilyacceptedmychoice。"Withoutanydoubt，"Ithought，"hedidnotwishmetobelievethathehadboastedofmorethanhecouldachieve，intellingmethathehadfriendseverywhere。ButtowhomcanherecommendmeinConstantinople？Ihavenottheslightestidea，buttoConstantinopleImustgo。"
Idinedalonewithhiseminence；hemadeagreatshowofpeculiarkindnessandIofgreatsatisfaction，formyself—pride，strongereventhanmysorrow，forbademetoletanyoneguessthatIwasindisgrace。Mydeepestgriefwas，however，toleavethemarchioness，withwhomIwasinlove，andfromwhomIhadnotobtainedanyimportantfavour。
Twodaysafterwards，thecardinalgavemeapassportforVenice，andasealedletteraddressedtoOsmanBonneval，PachaofCaramania，inConstantinople。Therewasnoneedofmysayinganythingtoanyone，but，asthecardinalhadnotforbiddenmetodoit，Ishewedtheaddressonthelettertoallmyacquaintances。
TheChevalierdeLezze，theVenetianAmbassador，gavemealetterforawealthyTurk，averyworthymanwhohadbeenhisfriend；DonGasparandFatherGeorgiaskedmetowritetothem，buttheAbbeGams，laughed，andsaidhewasquitesureIwasnotgoingtoConstantinople。
IwenttotakemyfarewellofDonnaCecilia，whohadjustreceivedaletterfromLucrezia，impartingthenewsthatshewouldsoonbeamother。IalsocalleduponAngeliqueandDonFrancisco，whohadlatelybeenmarriedandhadnotinvitedmetothewedding。
WhenIcalledtotakeCardinalAcquaviva’sfinalinstructionshegavemeapursecontainingonehundredounces，worthsevenhundredsequins。Ihadthreehundredmore，sothatmyfortuneamountedtoonethousandsequins；Ikepttwohundred，andfortherestItookaletterofexchangeuponaRagusanwhowasestablishedinAncona。I
leftRomeinthecoachwithaladygoingtoOurLadyofLoretto，tofulfilavowmadeduringasevereillnessofherdaughter，whoaccompaniedher。Theyoungladywasugly；myjourneywasarathertediousone。
CHAPTERXI
MyShortButRatherTooGayVisitToAncona——Cecilia，Marina，Bellino——theGreekSlaveoftheLazzaretto——BellinoDiscoversHimselfIarrivedinAnconaonthe25thofFebruary，1744，andputupatthebestinn。Pleasedwithmyroom，Itoldminehosttoprepareformeagoodmeatdinner；butheansweredthatduringLentallgoodCatholicseatnothingbutfish。
"TheHolyFatherhasgrantedmepermissiontoeatmeat。"
"Letmeseeyourpermission。"
"Hegaveittomebywordofmouth。"
"Reverendsir，Iamnotobligedtobelieveyou。"
"Youareafool。"
"Iammasterinmyownhouse，andIbegyouwillgotosomeotherinn。"
Suchananswer，coupledtoamostunexpectednoticetoquit，threwmeintoaviolentpassion。Iwasswearing，raving，screaming，whensuddenlyagrave—lookingindividualmadehisappearanceinmyroom，andsaidtome:
"Sir，youarewrongincallingformeat，wheninAnconafishismuchbetter；youarewronginexpectingthelandlordtobelieveyouonyourbareword；andifyouhaveobtainedthepermissionfromthePope，youhavebeenwronginsolicitingitatyourage；youhavebeenwronginnotaskingforsuchpermissioninwriting；youarewrongincallingthehostafool，becauseitisacomplimentthatnomanislikelytoacceptinhisownhouse；and，finally，youarewronginmakingsuchanuproar。"
Farfromincreasingmybadtemper，thisindividual，whohadenteredmyroomonlytotreatmetoasermon，mademelaugh。
"Iwillinglypleadguilty，sir，"Ianswered，"toallthecountswhichyouallegeagainstme；butitisraining，itisgettinglate，Iamtiredandhungry，andthereforeyouwilleasilyunderstandthatIdonotfeeldisposedtochangemyquarters。Willyougivemesomesupper，asthelandlordrefusestodoso？"
"No，"hereplied，withgreatcomposure，"becauseIamagoodCatholicandfast。ButIwillundertaketomakeitallrightforyouwiththelandlord，whowillgiveyouagoodsupper。"
Thereuponhewentdownstairs，andI，comparingmyhastinesstohiscalm，acknowledgedthemanworthyofteachingmesomelessons。Hesooncameupagain，informedmethatpeacewassigned，andthatI
wouldbeservedimmediately。
"Willyounottakesupperwithme？"
"No，butIwillkeepyoucompany。"
Iacceptedhisoffer，andtolearnwhohewas，Itoldhimmyname，givingmyselfthetitleofsecretarytoCardinalAcquaviva。
"MynameisSancioPico，"hesaid；"IamaCastilian，andthe’proveditore’ofthearmyofH。C。M。，whichiscommandedbyCountdeGagesundertheordersofthegeneralissimo，theDukeofModem。"
Myexcellentappetiteastonishedhim，andheenquiredwhetherIhaddined。"No，"saidI；andIsawhiscountenanceassumeanairofsatisfaction。
"Areyounotafraidsuchasupperwillhurtyou？"hesaid。
"Onthecontrary，Ihopeitwilldomeagreatdealofgood。"
"ThenyouhavedeceivedthePope？"
"No，forIdidnottellhimthatIhadnoappetite，butonlythatI
likedmeatbetterthanfish。"
"Ifyoufeeldisposedtohearsomegoodmusic，"hesaidamomentafter，"followmetothenextroom；theprimadonnaofAnconalivesthere。"
Thewordsprimadonnainterestedmeatonce，andIfollowedhim。I
saw，sittingbeforeatable，awomanalreadysomewhatadvancedinage，withtwoyounggirlsandtwoboys，butIlookedinvainfortheactress，whomDonSancioPicoatlastpresentedtomeintheshapeofoneofthetwoboys，whowasremarkablyhandsomeandmighthavebeenseventeen。Ithoughthewasa’castrato’who，asisthecustominRome，performedallthepartsofaprimadonna。Themotherpresentedto，meherotherson，likewiseverygood—looking，butmoremanlythanthe’castrato’，althoughyounger。HisnamewasPetronio，and，keepingupthetransformationsofthefamily，hewasthefirstfemaledancerattheopera。Theeldestgirl，whowasalsointroducedtome，wasnamedCecilia，andstudiedmusic；shewastwelveyearsold；theyoungest，calledMarina，wasonlyeleven，andlikeherbrotherPetroniowasconsecratedtotheworshipofTerpsichore。Boththegirlswereverypretty。
ThefamilycamefromBolognaandliveduponthetalentofitsmembers；cheerfulnessandamiabilityreplacedwealthwiththem。
Bellino，suchwasthenameofthecastrato，yieldingtotheentreatiesofDonSancio，rosefromthetable，wenttotheharpiscord，andsangwiththevoiceofanangelandwithdelightfulgrace。TheCastilianlistenedwithhiseyesclosedinanecstasyofenjoyment，butI，farfromclosingmyeyes，gazedintoBellino’s，whichseemedtodartamorouslightningsuponme。IcoulddiscoverinhimsomeofthefeaturesofLucreziaandthegracefulmannerofthemarchioness，andeverythingbetrayedabeautifulwoman，forhisdressconcealedbutimperfectlythemostsplendidbosom。Theconsequencewasthat，inspiteofhishavingbeenintroducedasaman，Ifanciedthattheso—calledBellinowasadisguisedbeauty，and，myimaginationtakingatoncethehighestflight，Ibecamethoroughlyenamoured。
Wespenttwoverypleasanthours，andIreturnedtomyroomaccompaniedbytheCastilian。"Iintendtoleaveveryearlyto—
morrowmorning，"hesaid，"forSinigaglia，withtheAbbeVilmarcati，butIexpecttoreturnforsupperthedayafterto—morrow。"Iwishedhimahappyjourney，sayingthatwewouldmost’likelymeetontheroad，asIshouldprobablyleaveAnconamyselfonthesameday，afterpayingavisittomybanker。
IwenttobedthinkingofBellinoandoftheimpressionhehadmadeuponme；IwassorrytogoawaywithouthavingprovedtohimthatI
wasnotthedupeofhisdisguise。Accordingly，IwaswellpleasedtoseehimentermyroominthemorningassoonasIhadopenedmydoor。
HecametooffermetheservicesofhisyoungbrotherPetronioduringmystayinAncona，insteadofmyengagingavaletdeplace。I
willinglyagreedtotheproposal，andsentPetroniotogetcoffeeforallthefamily。
IaskedBellinotositonmybedwiththeintentionofmakinglovetohim，andoftreatinghimlikeagirl，butthetwoyoungsistersranintomyroomanddisturbedmyplans。Yetthetrioformedbeforemeaverypleasingsight；theyrepresentednaturalbeautyandartlesscheerfulnessofthreedifferentkinds；unobtrusivefamiliarity，theatricalwit，pleasingplayfulness，andprettyBolognesemannerswhichIwitnessedforthefirsttime；allthiswouldhavesufficedtocheermeifIhadbeendowncast。CeciliaandMarinaweretwosweetrosebuds，which，tobloominalltheirbeauty，requiredonlytheinspirationoflove，andtheywouldcertainlyhavehadthepreferenceoverBellinoifIhadseeninhimonlythemiserableoutcastofmankind，orratherthepitifulvictimofsacerdotalcruelty，for，inspiteoftheiryouth，thetwoamiablegirlsofferedontheirdawningbosomthepreciousimageofwomanhood。
Petroniocamewiththecoffeewhichhepouredout，andIsentsometothemother，whoneverleftherroom。Petroniowasatruemaleharlotbytasteandbyprofession。ThespeciesisnotscareinItaly，wheretheoffenceisnotregardedwiththewildandferociousintoleranceofEnglandandSpain。Ihadgivenhimonesequintopayforthecoffee，andtoldhimtokeepthechange，and，tochewmehisgratitude，hegavemeavoluptuouskisswithhalf—openlips，supposinginmeatastewhichIwasveryfarfromentertaining。I
disabusedhim，buthedidnotseemtheleastashamed。Itoldhimtoorderdinnerforsixpersons，butheremarkedthathewouldorderitonlyforfour，ashehadtokeephisdearmothercompany；shealwaystookherdinnerinbed。Everyonetohistaste，Ithought，andIlethimdoashepleased。
Twominutesafterhehadgone，thelandlordcametomyroomandsaid，"Reverendsir，thepersonsyouhaveinvitedherehaveeachtheappetiteoftwomenatleast；Igiveyounoticeofit，becauseImustchargeaccordingly。""Allright，"Ireplied，"butletushaveagooddinner。"
WhenIwasdressed，IthoughtIoughttopaymycomplimentstothecompliantmother。Iwenttoherroom，andcongratulatedheruponherchildren。ShethankedmeforthepresentIhadgiventoPetronio，andbegantomakemetheconfidantofherdistress。"Themanagerofthetheatre，"shesaid，"isamiserwhohasgivenusonlyfiftyRomancrownsforthewholecarnival。Wehavespentthemforourliving，and，toreturntoBologna，weshallhavetowalkandbegourway。"
Herconfidencemovedmypity，soItookagoldquadruplefrommypurseandofferedittoher；sheweptforjoyandgratitude。
"Ipromiseyouanothergoldquadruple，madam，"Isaid，"ifyouwillconfideinmeentirely。ConfessthatBellinoisaprettywomanindisguise。"
"Icanassureyouitisnotso，althoughhehastheappearanceofawoman。"
"Notonlytheappearance，madam，butthetone，themanners；Iamagoodjudge。"
"Nevertheless，heisaboy，forhehashadtobeexaminedbeforehecouldsingonthestagehere。"
"Andwhoexaminedhim？"
"Mylordbishop’schaplain。"
"Achaplain？"
"Yes，andyoumaysatisfyyourselfbyenquiringfromhim。"
"Theonlywaytoclearmydoubtswouldbetoexaminehimmyself。"
"Youmay，ifhehasnoobjection，buttrulyIcannotinterfere，asI
donotknowwhatyourintentionsare。"
"Theyarequitenatural。"
IreturnedtomyroomandsentPetronioforabottleofCypruswine。
Hebroughtthewineandsevensequins，thechangeforthedoubloonI
hadgivenhim。IdividedthembetweenBellino，CeciliaandMarina，andbeggedthetwoyounggirlstoleavemealonewiththeirbrother。
"Bellino，Iamcertainthatyournaturalconformationisdifferentfrommine；mydear，youareagirl。"
"Iamaman，butacastrato；Ihavebeenexamined。"
"Allowmetoexamineyoulikewise，andIwillgiveyouadoubloon。"
"Icannot，foritisevidentthatyouloveme，andsuchloveiscondemnedbyreligion。"
"Youdidnotraisetheseobjectionswiththebishop’schaplain。"
"Hewasanelderlypriest，andbesides，heonlyjustglancedatme。"
"Iwillknowthetruth，"saidI，extendingmyhandboldly。
Butherepulsedmeandrosefromhischair。Hisobstinacyvexedme，forIhadalreadyspentfifteenorsixteensequinstosatisfymycuriosity。
Ibeganmydinnerwithaverybadhumour，buttheexcellentappetiteofmyprettyguestsbroughtmeround，andIsoonthoughtthat，afterall，cheerfulnesswasbetterthansulking，andIresolvedtomakeupformydisappointmentwiththetwocharmingsisters，whoseemedwelldisposedtoenjoyafrolic。
Ibeganbydistributingafewinnocentkissesrightandleft，asI
satbetweenthemnearagoodfire，eatingchestnutswhichwewettedwithCypruswine。Butverysoonmygreedyhandstouchedeverypartwhichmylipscouldnotkiss，andCecilia，aswellasMarina，delightedinthegame。SeeingthatBellinowassmiling，Ikissedhimlikewise，andhishalf—openruffleattractingmyhand，Iventuredandwentinwithoutresistance。ThechiselofPraxiteleshadnevercarvedafinerbosom！
"Oh！thisisenough，"Iexclaimed；"Icannolongerdoubtthatyouareabeautifully—formedwoman！"
"Itis，"hereplied，"thedefectofallcastrati。"
No，itistheperfectionofallhandsomewomen。Bellino，believeme，Iamenoughofagoodjudgetodistinguishbetweenthedeformedbreastofacastrato，andthatofabeautifulwoman；andyouralabasterbosombelongstoayoungbeautyofseventeensummers。"
Whodoesnotknowthatlove，inflamedbyallthatcanexciteit，neverstopsinyoungpeopleuntilitissatisfied，andthatonefavourgrantedkindlesthewishforagreaterone？Ihadbegunwell，Itriedtogofurtherandtosmotherwithburningkissesthatwhichmyhandwaspressingsoardently，butthefalseBellino，asifhehadonlyjustbeenawareoftheillicitpleasureIwasenjoying，roseandranaway。Angerincreasedinmetheardouroflove，andfeelingthenecessityofcalmingmyselfeitherbysatisfyingmyardentdesiresorbyevaporatingthem，IbeggedCecilia，Bellino’spupil，tosingafewNeapolitanairs。
Ithenwentouttocalluponthebanker，fromwhomItookaletterofexchangeatsightuponBologna，fortheamountIhadtoreceivefromhim，andonmyreturn，afteralightsupperwiththetwoyoungsisters，Ipreparedtogotobed，havingpreviouslyinstructedPetroniotoorderacarriageforthemorning。
IwasjustlockingmydoorwhenCecilia，halfundressed，cameintosaythatBellinobeggedmetotakehimtoRimini，wherehewasengagedtosinginanoperatobeperformedafterEaster。
"Goandtellhim，mydearlittleseraph，thatIamreadytodowhathewishes，ifhewillonlygrantmeinyourpresencewhatIdesire；I
wanttoknowforacertaintywhetherheisamanorawoman。"
Sheleftmeandreturnedsoon，sayingthatBellinohadgonetobed，butthatifIwouldpostponemydepartureforonedayonlyhepromisedtosatisfymeonthemorrow。
"Tellmethetruth，Cecilia，andIwillgiveyousixsequins。"
"Icannotearnthem，forIhaveneverseenhimnaked，andIcannotsweartohisbeingagirl。Buthemustbeaman，otherwisehewouldnothavebeenallowedtoperformhere。"