"MyLord，——Yesterdayeveningyourexcellencyinsultedmewithalightheart，withoutmyhavinggivenyouanycauseorreasonfordoingso。
　　Thisseemstoindicatethatyouhateme，andwouldgladlyeffacemefromthelandoftheliving。Ibothcanandwillobligeyouinthismatter。Bekindenough，therefore，todrivemeinyourcarriagetoaplacewheremydeathwillnotsubjectyourlordshiptothevengeanceofthelaw，incaseyouobtainthevictory，andwhereIshallenjoythesameadvantageifGodgivemegracetokillyourlordship。I
　　shouldnotmakethisproposalunlessIbelieveyourlordshiptobeofanobledisposition。
　　"Ihavethehonourtobe，etc。"
　　Isentthisletteranhourbeforeday—breaktoBranicki’slodginginthepalace。Mymessengerhadorderstogivetheletterintothecount’sownhands，towaitforhimtorise，andalsoforananswer。
　　InhalfanhourIreceivedthefollowinganswer:
　　"Sir，——Iacceptyourproposal，andshallbegladifyouwillhavethekindnesstoinformmewhenIshallhavethehonourofseeingyou。
　　"Iremain，sir，etc。"
　　Iansweredthisimmediately，informinghimIwouldcallonhimthenextday，atsixo’clockinthemorning。
　　Shortlyafter，Ireceivedasecondletter，inwhichhesaidthatI
　　mightchoosethearmsandplace，butthatourdifferencesmustbesettledinthecourseoftheday。
　　Isenthimthemeasureofmysword，whichwasthirty—twoincheslong，tellinghimhemightchooseanyplacebeyondtheban。Inreply，I
　　hadthefollowing:
　　"Sir，——Youwillgreatlyobligemebycomingnow。Ihavesentmycarriage。
　　"Ihavethehonourtobe，etc。"
　　IrepliedthatIhadbusinessalltheday，andthatasIhadmadeupmymindnottocalluponhim，exceptforthepurposeoffighting，I
　　beggedhimnottobeoffendedifItookthelibertyofsendingbackhiscarriage。
　　AnhourlaterBranickicalledinperson，leavinghissuiteatthedoor。Hecameintotheroom，requestedsomegentlemenwhoweretalkingwithmetoleaveusalone，lockedthedoorafterthem，andthensatdownonmybed。IdidnotunderstandwhatallthismeantsoItookupmypistols。
　　"Don’tbeafraid，"saidhe，"Iamnotcometoassassinateyou，butmerelytosaythatIacceptyourproposal，onconditiononlythattheduelshalltakeplaceto—day。Ifnot，never！"
　　"Itisoutofthequestion。Ihaveletterstowrite，andsomebusinesstodofortheking。"
　　"Thatwilldoafterwards。Inallprobabilityyouwillnotfall，andifyoudoIamsurethekingwillforgiveyou。Besides，adeadmanneedfearnoreproaches。"
　　"Iwanttomakemywill。"
　　"Come，come，youneedn’tbeafraidofdying；itwillbetimeenoughforyoutomakeyourwillinfiftyyears。"
　　"Butwhyshouldyourexcellencynotwaittilltomorrow？"
　　"Idon’twanttobecaught。"
　　"Youhavenothingofthekindtofearfromme。"
　　"Idaresay，butunlesswemakehastethekingwillhaveusbotharrested。"
　　"Howcanhe，unlessyouhavetoldhimaboutourquarrel？"
　　"Ah，youdon’tunderstand！Well，Iamquitewillingtogiveyousatisfaction，butitmustbeto—dayornever。"
　　"Verygood。Thisduelistoodeartomyheartformetoleaveyouanypretextforavoidingit。Callformeafterdinner，forIshallwantallmystrength。"
　　"Certainly。FormypartIlikeagoodsupperafter，betterthanagooddinnerbefore。"
　　"Everyonetohistaste。"
　　"True。Bytheway，whydidyousendmethelengthofyoursword？I
　　intendtofightwithpistols，forIneveruseswordswithunknownpersons。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？Ibegofyoutorefrainfrominsultingmeinmyownhouse。Idonotintendtofightwithpistols，andyoucannotcompelmetodoso，forIhaveyourlettergivingmethechoiceofweapons。"
　　"Strictlyspeaking，nodoubtyouareintheright；butIamsureyouaretoopolitenottogiveway，whenIassureyouthatyouwilllaymeunderagreatobligationbydoingso。Veryoftenthefirstshotisamiss，andifthatisthecasewithbothofus，Ipromisetofightwithswordsaslongasyoulike。Willyouobligemeinthematter？"
　　"Yes，forIlikeyourwayofasking，though，inmyopinion，apistolduelisabarbarousaffair。Iaccept，butonthefollowingconditions:Youmustbringtwopistols，chargetheminmypresence，andgivemethechoice。Ifthefirstshotisamiss，wewillfightwithswordstillthefirstbloodortothedeath，whicheveryouprefer。Callformeatthreeo’clock，andchoosesomeplacewhereweshallbesecurefromthelaw。"
　　"Verygood。Youareagoodfellow，allowmetoembraceyou。Givemeyourwordofhonournottosayawordaboutittoanyone，forifyoudidweshouldbearrestedimmediately。"
　　"Youneednotbeafraidofmytalking；theprojectistoodeartome。"
　　"Good。Farewelltillthreeo’clock。"
　　Assoonasthebravebraggarthadleftme，IplacedthepapersIwasdoingforthekingapart，andwenttoCampioni，inwhomIhadgreatconfidence。
　　"Takethispackettotheking，"Isaid，"ifIhappentobekilled。
　　Youmayguess，perhaps，whatisgoingtohappen，butdonotsayawordtoanyone，oryouwillhavemeforyourbitterestenemy，asitwouldmeanlossofhonourtome。"
　　"Iunderstand。Youmayreckononmydiscretion，andIhopetheaffairmaybeendedhonourablyandprosperouslyforyou。Buttakeapieceoffriendlyadvice——don’tspareyouropponent，wereitthekinghimself，foritmightcostyouyourlife。Iknowthatbyexperience。"
　　"Iwillnotforget。Farewell。"
　　Wekissedeachother，andIorderedanexcellentdinner，forIhadnomindtobesenttoPlutofasting。Campionicameintodinneratoneo’clock，andatdessertIhadavisitfromtwoyoungcounts，withtheirtutor，Bertrand，akindlySwiss。TheywerewitnessestomycheerfulnessandtheexcellentappetitewithwhichIate。Athalf—
　　pasttwoIdismissedmycompany，andstoodatthewindowtobereadytogodowndirectlyBranicki’scarriageappeared。Hedroveupinatravellingcarriageandsix；twogrooms，leadingsaddle—horses，wentinfront，followedbyhistwoaide—de—campsandtwohussars。Behindhiscarriagestoodfourservants。Ihastenedtodescend，andfoundmyenemywasaccompaniedbyalieutenant—generalandanarmedfootman。Thedoorwasopened，thegeneralgavemehisplace，andI
　　orderedmyservantsnottofollowmebuttoawaitmyordersatthehouse。
　　"Youmightwantthem，"saidBranicki；"theyhadbettercomealong。"
　　"IfIhadasmanyasyou，Iwouldcertainlyagreetoyourproposition；butasitisIshalldostillbetterwithoutanyatall。
　　Ifneedbe，yourexcellencywillseethatIamtendedbyyourownservants。"
　　Hegavemehishand，andassuredmetheyshouldwaitonmebeforehimself。
　　Isatdown，andwewentoff。
　　ItwouldhavebeenabsurdifIhadaskedwhereweweregoing，soI
　　heldmytongue，foratsuchmomentsamanshouldtakeheedtohiswords。Branickiwassilent，andIthoughtthebestthingIcoulddowouldbetoengagehiminatrivialconversation。
　　"DoesyourexcellencyintendspendingthespringatWarsaw？"
　　"Ihadthoughtofdoingso，butyoumaypossiblysendmetopassthespringsomewhereelse。"
　　"Oh，Ihopenot！"
　　"Haveyouseenanymilitaryservice？"
　　"Yes；butmayIaskwhyyourexcellencyasksmethequestion，for——"
　　"Ihadnoparticularreason；itwasonlyforthesakeofsayingsomething。"
　　Wehaddrivenabouthalfanhourwhenthecarriagestoppedatthedoorofalargegarden。Wegotdownand，followingthepostoli，reachedagreenarbourwhich，bytheway，wasnotatallgreenonthat5thofMarch。Initwasastonetableonwhichthefootmanplacedtwopistols，afootandhalflong，withapowderflaskandscales。Heweighedthepowder，loadedthemequally，andlaidthemdowncrosswiseonthetable。
　　Thisdone，Branickisaidboldly，"Chooseyourweapon，sir。"
　　Atthisthegeneralcalledout，"Isthisaduel，sir？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Youcannotfighthere；youarewithintheban。"
　　"Nomatter。"
　　"Itdoesmatter；andI，atallevents，refusetobeawitness。Iamonguardatthecastle，andyouhavetakenmebysurprise。"
　　"Bequiet；Iwillanswerforeverything。Iowethisgentlemansatisfaction，andImeantogiveithimhere。"
　　"M。Casanova，"saidthegeneral，"youcannotfighthere。"
　　"ThenwhyhaveIbeenbroughthere？IshalldefendmyselfwhereverI
　　amattacked。"
　　"Laythewholematterbeforetheking，andyoushallhavemyvoiceinyourfavour。"
　　"Iamquitewillingtodoso，general，ifhisexcellencywillsaythatheregretswhatpassedbetweenuslastnight。"
　　Branickilookedfiercelyatme，andsaidwrathfullythathehadcometofightandnottoparley。
　　"General，"saidI，"youcanbearwitnessthatIhavedoneallinmypowertoavoidthisduel。"
　　Thegeneralwentawaywithhisheadbetweenhishands，andthrowingoffmycloakItookthefirstpistolthatcametomyhand。Branickitooktheother，andsaidthathewouldguaranteeuponhishonourthatmyweaponwasagoodone。
　　"Iamgoingtotryitsgoodnessonyourhead，"Ianswered。
　　Heturnedpaleatthis，threwhisswordtooneofhisservants，andbaredhisthroat，andIwasobliged，tomysorrow，tofollowhisexample，formyswordwastheonlyweaponIhad，withtheexceptionofthepistol。Ibaredmychestalso，andsteppedbackfiveorsixpaces，andhedidthesame。
　　AssoonaswehadtakenupourpositionsItookoffmyhatwithmylefthand，andbeggedhimtofirefirst。
　　Insteadofdoingsoimmediatelyhelosttwoorthreesecondsinsighting，aiming，andcoveringhisheadbyraisingtheweaponbeforeit。Iwasnotinapositiontolethimkillmeathisease，soI
　　suddenlyaimedandfiredonhimjustashefiredonme。ThatIdidsoisevident，asallthewitnesseswereunanimousinsayingthattheyonlyheardonereport。IfeltIwaswoundedinmylefthand，andsoputitintomypocket，andIrantowardsmyenemywhohadfallen。Allofasudden，asIkneltbesidehim，threebareswordswereflourishedovermyhead，andthreenobleassassinspreparedtocutmedownbesidetheirmaster。Fortunately，Branickihadnotlostconsciousnessorthepowerofspeaking，andhecriedoutinavoiceofthunder，——
　　"Scoundrels！havesomerespectforamanofhonour。"
　　Thisseemedtopetrifythem。Iputmyrighthandunderthepistoli’sarmpit，whilethegeneralhelpedhimontheotherside，andthuswetookhimtotheinn，whichhappenedtobenearathand。
　　Branickistoopedashewalked，andgazedatmecuriously，apparentlywonderingwhereallthebloodonmyclothescamefrom。
　　Whenwegottotheinn，Branickilaidhimselfdowninanarm—chair。
　　Weunbuttonedhisclothesandlifteduphisshirt，andhecouldseehimselfthathewasdangerouslywounded。Myballhadenteredhisbodybytheseventhribontherighthand，andhadgoneoutbythesecondfalseribontheleft。Thetwowoundswereteninchesapart，andthecasewasofanalarmingnature，astheintestinesmusthavebeenpierced。Branickispoketomeinaweakvoice，——
　　"Youhavekilledme，somakehasteaway，asyouareindangerofthegibbet。Theduelwasfoughtintheban，andIamahighcourtofficer，andaKnightoftheWhiteEagle。Solosenotime，andifyouhavenotenoughmoneytakemypurse。"
　　Ipickedupthepursewhichhadfallenout，andputitbackinhispocket，thankinghim，andsayingitwouldbeuselesstome，forifI
　　wereguiltyIwascontenttolosemyhead。"Ihope，"Iadded，"thatyourwoundwillnotbemortal，andIamdeeplygrievedatyourobligingmetofight。"
　　WiththesewordsIkissedhimonhisbrowandlefttheinn，seeingneitherhorsesnorcarriage，norservant。Theyhadallgoneofffordoctor，surgeon，priest，andthefriendsandrelativesofthewoundedman。
　　Iwasaloneandwithoutanyweapon，inthemidstofasnow—coveredcountry，myhandwaswounded，andIhadnottheslightestideawhichwasthewaytoWarsaw。
　　Itooktheroadwhichseemedmostlikely，andafterIhadgonesomedistanceImetapeasantwithanemptysleigh。
　　"Warszawa？"Icried，shewinghimaducat。
　　Heunderstoodme，andliftedacoarsemat，withwhichhecoveredmewhenIgotintothesleigh，andthensetoffatagallop。
　　AllatonceBiniski，Branicki’sbosom—friend，camegallopingfuriouslyalongtheroadwithhisbareswordinhishand。Hewasevidentlyrunningafterme。HappilyhedidnotglanceatthewretchedsleighinwhichIwas，orelsehewouldundoubtedlyhavemurderedme。IgotatlasttoWarsaw，andwenttothehouseofPrinceAdamCzartoryskitobeghimtoshelterme，buttherewasnobodythere。WithoutdelayIdeterminedtoseekrefugeintheConventoftheRecollets，whichwashandy。
　　Irangatthedoorofthemonastery，andtheporterseeingmecoveredwithbloodhastenedtoshutthedoor，guessingtheobjectofmyvisit。ButIdidnotgivehimthetimetodoso，buthonouringhimwithaheartykickforcedmywayin。Hiscriesattractedatroopoffrightenedmonks。Idemandedsanctuary，andthreatenedthemwithvengeanceiftheyrefusedtograntit。Oneoftheirnumberspoketome，andIwastakentoalittledenwhichlookedmorelikeadungeonthananythingelse。Iofferednoresistance，feelingsurethattheywouldchangetheirtunebeforeverylong。Iaskedthemtosendformyservants，andwhentheycameIsentforadoctorandCampioni。
　　BeforethesurgeoncouldcomethePalatinofPolduchiawasannounced。
　　Ihadneverhadthehonourofspeakingtohim，butafterhearingthehistoryofmyduelhewassokindastogivemealltheparticularsofaduelhehadfoughtinhisyouthfuldays。SoonaftercamethePalatinofKalisch，PrinceJablenowski。PrinceSanguska，andthePalatinofWilna，whoalljoinedinachorusofabuseofthemonkswhohadlodgedmesoscurvily。ThepoorreligiousexcusedthemselvesbysayingthatIhadill—treatedtheirporter，whichmademynoblefriendslaugh；butIdidnotlaugh，formywoundwasverypainful。
　　HoweverIwasimmediatelymovedintotwooftheirbestguest—rooms。
　　Theballhadpiercedmyhandbythemetacarpusundertheindexfinger，andhadbrokenthefirstphalanges。Itsforcehadbeenarrestedbyametalbuttononmywaistcoat，andithadonlyinflictedaslightwoundonmystomachclosetothenavel。However，thereitwasandithadtobeextracted，foritpainedmeextremely。AnempiricnamedGendron，thefirstsurgeonmyservantshadfound，madeanopeningontheoppositesideofmyhandwhichdoubledthewound。
　　WhilehewasperformingthispainfuloperationItoldthestoryofthedueltothecompany，concealingtheanguishIwasenduring。Whatapowervanityexercisesonthemoralandphysicalforces！IfIhadbeenaloneIshouldprobablyhavefainted。
　　AssoonastheempiricGendronwasgone，thepalatin’ssurgeoncameinandtookchargeofthecase，callingGendronalowfellow。AtthesametimePrinceLubomirski，thehusbandofthepalatin’sdaughter，arrived，andgaveusallasurprisebyrecountingthestrangeoccurrenceswhichhadhappenedaftertheduel。BininskicametowhereBranickiwaslying，andseeinghiswoundrodeofffuriouslyonhorseback，swearingtostrikemedeadwhereverhefoundme。HefanciedIwouldbewithTomatis，andwenttohishouse。HefoundTomatiswithhismistress，PrinceLubomirski，andCountMoszczinski，butnoCasanovawasvisible。HeaskedwhereIwas，andonTomatisreplyingthathedidnotknowhedischargedapistolathishead。AtthisdastardlyactionCountMoszczinckiseizedhimandtriedtothrowhimoutofthewindow，butthemadmangotloosewiththreecutsofhissabre，oneofwhichslashedthecountonthefaceandknockedoutthreeofhisteeth。
　　"Afterthisexploit，"PrinceLubomirskicontinued，"heseizedmebythethroatandheldapistoltomyhead，threateningtoblowoutmybrainsifIdidnottakehiminsafetytothecourtwherehishorsewas，sothathemightgetawayfromthehousewithoutanyattackbeingmadeonhimbyTomatis’sservants；andIdidsoimmediately。
　　Moszczinskiisinthedoctor’shands，andwillbelaidupforsometime。
　　"AssoonasitwasreportedthatBranickiwaskilled，hisUhlansbegantorideaboutthetownswearingtoavengetheircolonel，andtoslaughteryou。Itisveryfortunatethatyoutookrefugehere。
　　"Thechiefmarshalhashadthemonasterysurroundedbytwohundreddragoons，ostensiblytopreventyourescape，butinrealitytodefendyoufromBranicki’ssoldiers。
　　"Thedoctorssaythatthepostoliisingreatdangeriftheballhaswoundedtheintestines，butifnottheyanswerforhisrecovery。Hisfatewillbeknowntomorrow。Henowliesatthelordchamberlain’s，notdaringtohavehimselfcarriedtohisapartmentsatthepalace。
　　Thekinghasbeentoseehim，andthegeneralwhowaspresenttoldhismajestythattheonlythingthatsavedyourlifewasyourthreattoaimatBranicki’shead。Thisfrightenedhim，andtokeepyourballfromhisheadhestoodinsuchanawkwardpositionthathemissedyourvitalparts。Otherwisehewouldundoubtedlyhaveshotyouthroughtheheart，forhecansplitabulletintotwohalvesbyfiringagainstthebladeofaknife。ItwasalsoaluckythingforyouthatyouescapedBininski，whoneverthoughtoflookingforyouinthewretchedsleigh。"
　　"Mylord，themostfortunatethingformeisthatIdidnotkillmymanoutright。OtherwiseIshouldhavebeencuttopiecesjustasI
　　wenttohishelpbythreeofhisservants，whostoodovermewithdrawnswords。However，thepostoliorderedthemtoleavemealone。
　　"IamsorryforwhathashappenedtoyourhighnessandCountMoszczinski；andifTomatiswasnotkilledbythemadmanitisonlybecausethepistolwasonlychargedwithpowder。"
　　"That’swhatIthink，fornooneheardthebullet；butitwasamerechance。"
　　"Quiteso。"
　　Justthenanofficerofthepalatin’scametomewithanotefromhismaster，whichranasfollows:
　　"Readwhatthekingsaystome，andsleepwell。"
　　Theking’snotewasthusconceived:
　　"Branicki，mydearuncle，isdangerouswounded。Mysurgeonsaredoingalltheycanforhim，butIhavenotforgottenCasanova。Youmayassurehimthatheispardoned，evenifBranickishoulddie。"
　　Ikissedthelettergratefully，andshewedittomyvisitors，wholaudedthisgenerousmantrulyworthyofbeingaking。
　　AfterthispleasantnewsIfeltinneedofrest，andmylordsleftme。Assoonastheyweregone，Campioni，whohadcomeinbeforeandhadstoodinthebackground，cameuptomeandgavemebackthepacketofpapers，andwithtearsofjoycongratulatedmeonthehappyissueoftheduel。
　　NextdayIhadshoalsofvisitors，andmanyofthechiefsofthepartyopposedtoBranickisentmepursesfullofgold。Thepersonswhobroughtthemoneyonbehalfofsuchalordorlady，saidthatbeingaforeignerImightbeinneedofmoney，andthatwastheirexcuseforthelibertytheyhadtaken。Ithankedandrefusedthemall，andsentbackatleastfourthousandducats，andwasveryproudofhavingdoneso。Campionithoughtitwasabsurd，andhewasright，forIrepentedafterwardsofwhatIhaddone。TheonlypresentI
　　acceptedwasadinnerforfourpersons，whichPrinceAdamCzartoryskisentmeineveryday，thoughthedoctorwouldnotletmeenjoyit，hebeingagreatbelieverindiet。
　　Thewoundinmystomachwasprogressingfavourably，butonthefourthdaythesurgeonssaidmyhandwasbecominggangrened，andtheyagreedthattheonlyremedywasamputation。IsawthisannouncedintheCourtGazettethenextmorning，butasIhadotherviewsonthematterIlaughedheartilyattheparagraph。Thesheetwasprintedatnight，afterthekinghadplacedhisinitialstothecopy。Inthemorningseveralpersonscametocondolewithme，butIreceivedtheirsympathywithgreatirreverence。ImerelylaughedatCountClary，whosaidIwouldsurelysubmittotheoperation；andjustasheutteredthewordsthethreesurgeonscameintogether。
　　"Well，gentlemen，"saidI，"youhavemusteredingreatstrength；whyisthis？"
　　Myordinarysurgeonrepliedthathewishedtohavetheopinionoftheothertwobeforeproceedingtoamputation，andtheywouldrequiretolookatthewound。
　　Thedressingwasliftedandgangrenewasdeclaredtobeundoubtedlypresent，andexecutionwasorderedthatevening。Thebutchersgavemethenewswithradiantfaces，andassuredmeIneednotbeafraidastheoperationwouldcertainlyproveefficacious。
　　"Gentlemen，"Ireplied，"youseemtohaveagreatmanysolidscientificreasonsforcuttingoffmyhand；butonethingyouhavenotgot，andthatismyconsent。Myhandismyown，andIamgoingtokeepit。"
　　"Sir，itiscertainlygangrened；byto—morrowthearmwillbegintomortify，andthenyouwillhavetoloseyourarm。"
　　"Verygood；ifthatprovesoyoushallcutoffmyarm，butIhappentoknowsomethingofgangrene，andthereisnoneaboutme。"
　　"Youcannotknowasmuchaboutitaswedo。"
　　"Possibly；butasfarasIcanmakeout，youknownothingatall。"
　　"That’sratherastrongexpression。"
　　"Idon’tcarewhetheritbestrongorweak；youcangonow。"
　　Inacoupleofhourseveryonewhomthesurgeonshadtoldofmyobstinacycamepesteringme。Eventheprince—palatinwrotetomethatthekingwasextremelysurprisedatmylackofcourage。Thisstungmetothequick，andIwrotethekingalongletter，halfinearnestandhalfinjest，inwhichIlaughedattheignoranceofthesurgeons，andatthesimplicityofthosewhotookwhatevertheysaidforgospeltruth。Iaddedthatasanarmwithoutahandwouldbequiteasuselessasnoarmatall，Imeanttowaittillitwasnecessarytocutoffthearm。
　　MyletterwasreadatCourt，andpeoplewonderedhowamanwithgangrenecouldwritealongletteroffourpages。LubomirskitoldmekindlythatIwasmistakeninlaughingatmyfriends，forthethreebestsurgeonsinWarsawcouldnotbemistakeninsuchasimplecase。
　　"Mylord，theyarenotdeceivedthemselves，buttheywanttodeceiveme。"
　　"Whyshouldthey？"
　　"TomakethemselvesagreeabletoBranicki，whoisinadangerousstate，andmightpossiblygetbetterifheheardthatmyhandhadbeentakenoff。"
　　"Reallythatseemsanincredibleideatome！"
　　"WhatwillyourhighnesssayonthedaywhenIamprovedtoberight？"
　　"Ishallsayyouaredeservingofthehighestpraise，butthedaymustfirstcome。"
　　"Weshallseethisevening，andIgiveyoumywordthatifanygangrenehasattackedthearm，Iwillhaveitcutoffto—morrowmorning。"
　　Foursurgeonscametoseeme。Myarmwaspronouncedtobehighlyaedematous，andofalividcolouruptotheelbow；butwhenthelintwastakenoffthewoundIcouldseeformyselfthatitwasprogressingadmirably。However，Iconcealedmydelight。PrinceAugustusSulkowskiandtheAbbeGouvelwerepresent；thelatterbeingattachedtothepalatin’scourt。Thejudgmentofthesurgeonswasthatthearmwasgangrened，andmustbeamputatedbythenextmorningatlatest。
　　Iwastiredofarguingwiththeserascals，soItoldthemtobringtheirinstruments，andthatIwouldsubmittotheoperation。Atthistheywentwayinhighglee，totellthenewsattheCourt，toBranicki，tothepalatin，andsoforth。Imerelygavemyservantsorderstosendthemawaywhentheycame。
　　Icandwellnomoreonthismatter，thoughitisinterestingenoughtome。However，thereaderwillnodoubtbeobligedtomebymysimplysayingthataFrenchsurgeoninPrinceSulkowski’shouseholdtookchargeofthecaseindefianceofprofessionaletiquette，andcuredmeperfectly，soIhavemyhandandmyarmtothisday。
　　OnEasterDayIwenttomasswithmyarminasling。Mycurehadonlylastedthreeweeks，butIwasnotabletoputthehandtoanyactiveemploymentforeighteenmonthsafterwards。Everyonewasobligedtocongratulatemeonhavingheldoutagainsttheamputation，andthegeneralconsentdeclaredthesurgeonsgrosslyignorant，whileIwassatisfiedwiththinkingthemverygreatknaves。
　　Imustheresetdownanincidentwhichhappenedthreedaysaftertheduel。
　　IwastoldthataJesuitfatherfromthebishopofthediocesewantedtospeaktomeinprivate，andIhadhimshewnin，andaskedhimwhathewanted。
　　"Ihavecomefrommylord—bishop，"saidhe，"toabsolveyoufromtheecclesiasticalcensure，whichyouhaveincurredbyduelling。"
　　"Iamalwaysdelightedtoreceiveabsolution，father，butonlyafterIhaveconfessedmyguilt。InthepresentcaseIhavenothingtoconfess；Iwasattacked，andIdefendedmyself。Praythankmylordforhiskindness。Ifyouliketoabsolvemewithoutconfession，I
　　shallbemuchobliged。"
　　"Ifyoudonotconfess，Icannotgiveyouabsolution，butyoucandothis:askmetoabsolveyou，supposingyouhavefoughtaduel。"
　　"Certainly；Ishallbegladifyouwillabsolveme，supposingIhavefoughtaduel。"
　　ThedelightfulJesuitgavemeabsolutioninsimilarterms。Hewaslikehisbrethren——neveratalosswhenaloopholeofanykindisrequired。
　　ThreedaysbeforeIleftthemonastery，thatisonHolyThursday，themarshalwithdrewmyguard。AfterIhadbeentomassonEasterDay，I
　　wenttoCourt，andasIkissedtheking’shand，heaskedme（ashadbeenarranged）whyIworemyarminasling。IsaidIhadbeensufferingfromarheum，andhereplied，withameaningsmile，——
　　"Takecarenottocatchanother。"
　　Aftermyvisittotheking，IcalledonBranicki，whohadmadedailyenquiriesafermyhealth，andhadsentmebackmysword，Hewascondemnedtostayinbedforsixweekslongeratleast，forthewadofmypistolhadgotintothewound，andinextractingittheopeninghadtobeenlarged，whichretardedhisrecovery。Thekinghadjustappointedhimchiefhuntsman，notsoexaltedanofficeaschamberlain，butamorelucrativeone。Itwassaidhehadgottheplacebecausehewassuchagoodshot；butifthatwerethereasonI
　　hadabetterclaimtoit，forIhadprovedthebettershot——foronedayatallevents。
　　Ienteredanenormousante—roominwhichstoodofficers，footmen，pages，andlacqueys，allgazingatmewiththegreatestastonishment。
　　Iaskedifmylordwastobeseen，andbeggedthedoor—keepertosendinmyname。Hedidnotanswer，butsighed，andwentintohismaster’sroom。Directlyafter，hecameoutandbeggedme，withaprofoundbow，tostepin。
　　Branicki，whowasdressedinamagnificentgownandsupportedbypillowsandcushions，greetedmebytakingoffhisnightcap。Hewasaspaleasdeath。
　　"Ihavecomehere，mylord，"Ibegan，"toofferyoumyservice，andtoassureyouhowIregretthatIdidnotpassoverafewtriflingwordsofyours。"
　　"Youhavenoreasontoreproachyourself，M。Casanova。"
　　"Yourexcellencyisverykind。Iamalsocometosaythatbyfightingwithmeyouhavedonemeanhonourwhichcompletelyswallowsupalloffence，andItrustthatyouwillgivemeyourprotectionforthefuture。"
　　"IconfessIinsultedyou，butyouwillallowthatIhavepaidforit。Astomyfriends，Iopenlysaythattheyaremyenemiesunlesstheytreatyouwithrespect。Bininskihasbeencashiered，andhisnobilitytakenfromhim；heiswellserved。Astomyprotectionyouhavenoneedofit，thekingesteemsyouhighly，likemyself，andallmenofhonour。Sitdown；wewillbefriends。Acupofchocolateforthisgentleman。Youseemtohavegotoveryourwoundcompletely。"
　　"Quiteso，mylord，exceptastotheuseofmyfingers，andthatwilltakesometime。"
　　"Youwerequiterighttowithstandthoserascallysurgeons，andyouhadgoodreasonforyouropinionthatthefoolsthoughttopleasemebyrenderingyouone—handed。Theyjudgedmyheartbytheirown。I
　　congratulateyouonthepreservationofyourhand，butIhavenotbeenabletomakeouthowmyballcouldhavewoundedyouinthehandafterstrikingyourstomach。"
　　Justthenthechocolatewasbrought，andthechamberlaincameinandlookedatmewithasmile。InfiveminutestheroomwasfulloflordsandladieswhohadheardIwaswithBranicki，andwantedtoknowhowweweregettingon。Icouldseethattheydidnotexpecttofindusonsuchgoodterms，andwereagreeablysurprised。Branickiaskedthequestionwhichhadbeeninterruptedbythechocolateandthevisitorsoveragain。
　　"YourexcellencywillallowmetoassumethepositionIwasinasI
　　receivedyourfire。"
　　"Praydoso。"
　　Iroseandplacedmyselfintheposition，andhesaidheunderstoodhowitwas。
　　Aladysaid，——
　　"Youshouldhaveputyourhandbehindyourbody。"
　　"Excuseme，madam，butIthoughtitbettertoputmybodybehindmyhand。"
　　ThissallymadeBranickilaugh，buthissistersaidtome，——
　　"Youwantedtokillmybrother，foryouaimedathishead。"
　　"Godforbid，madam！myinterestlayinkeepinghimalivetodefendmefromhisfriends。"
　　"Butyousaidyouweregoingtofireathishead。"
　　"That’samerefigureofspeech，justasonesays，’I’llblowyourbrainsout。’Theskilledduellist，however，alwaysaimsatthemiddleofthebody；theheaddoesnotofferalargeenoughsurface。"
　　"Yes，"saidBranicki，"yourtacticsweresuperiortomine，andIamobligedtoyouforthelessonyougaveme。"
　　"Yourexcellencygavemealessoninheroismoffargreatervalue。"
　　"Youmusthavehadagreatdealofpracticewiththepistol，"
　　continuedhissister。
　　"Notatall，madam，Iregardtheweaponwithdetestation。Thisunluckyshotwasmyfirst；butIhavealwaysknownastraightline，andmyhandhasalwaysbeensteady。"
　　"That’sallonewants，"saidBranicki。"Ihavethoseadvantagesmyself，andIamonlytoowellpleasedthatIdidnotaimsowellasusual。"
　　"Yourballbrokemyfirstphalanges。Hereitisyousee，flattenedbymybone。Allowmetoreturnittoyou。"
　　"IamsorrytosayIcan’treturnyours，whichIsupposeremainsonthefieldofbattle。"
　　"Youseemtobegettingbetter，thankGod！"
　　"Thewoundishealingpainfully。IfIhadimitatedyouIshouldnolongerbeinthelandoftheliving；Iamtoldyoumadeanexcellentdinner？"
　　"Yes，mylord，IwasafraidImightneverhaveanotherchanceofdiningagain。"
　　"IfIhaddined，yourballwouldhavepiercedmyintestines；butbeingemptyityieldedtothebullet，andletitpassbyharmlessly。"
　　IheardafterwardsthatonthedayoftheduelBranickihadgonetoconfessionandmass，andhadcommunicated。Thepriestcouldnotrefusehimabsolution，ifhesaidthathonourobligedhimtofight；
　　forthiswasinaccordancewiththeancientlawsofchivalry。AsformeIonlyaddressedthesewordstoGod:
　　"Lord，ifmyenemykillme，Ishallbedamned；deign，therefore，topreservemefromdeath。Amen。"
　　AfteralongandpleasantconversationItookleaveoftheherotovisitthehighconstable，CountBielinski，brotherofCountessSalmor。Hewasaveryoldman，butthesovereignadministratorofjusticeinPoland。Ihadneverspokentohim，buthehaddefendedmefromBranicki’sUhlans，andhadmadeoutmypardon，soIfeltboundtogoandthankhim。
　　Isentinmyname，andtheworthyoldmangreetedmewith:
　　"WhatcanIdoforyou？"
　　"Ihavecometokissthehandofthekindlymanthatsignedmypardon，andtopromiseyourexcellencytobemorediscreetinfuture。"
　　"Iadviseyoutobemorediscreetindeed。Asforyourpardon，thanktheking；forifhehadnotrequestedmeespeciallytograntityou，Ishouldhavehadyoubeheaded。"
　　"Inspiteoftheextenuatingcircumstances，mylord？"
　　"Whatcircumstances？Didyouordidyounotfightaduel。"
　　"Thatisnotaproperwayofputtingit；Iwasobligedtodefendmyself。YoumighthavechargedmewithfightingaduelifBranickihadtakenmeoutsidetheban，asIrequested，butasitwashetookmewherehewilledandmademefight。UnderthesecircumstancesIamsureyourexcellencywouldhavesparedmyhead。"
　　"Ireallycan’tsay。Thekingrequestedthatyoushouldbepardoned，andthatshewshebelievesyoutobedeservingofpardon；I
　　congratulateyouonhisgoodwill。Ishallbepleasedifyouwilldinewithmetomorrow。"
　　"Mylord，Iamdelightedtoacceptyourinvitation。"
　　Theillustriousoldconstablewasamanofgreatintelligence。Hehadbeenabosom—friendofthecelebratedPoniatowski，theking’sfather。Wehadagooddealofconversationtogetheratdinnerthenextday。
　　"Whatacomfortitwouldhavebeentoyourexcellency’sfriend，"saidI，"ifhecouldhavelivedtoseehissoncrownedKingofPoland。"
　　"Hewouldneverhaveconsented。"
　　Thevehemencewithwhichhepronouncedthesewordsgavemeadeepinsightintohisfeelings。HewasoftheSaxonparty。Thesameday，thatisonEasterDay，Idinedatthepalatin’s。
　　"Politicalreasons，"saidhe，"preventedmefromvisitingyouatthemonastery；butyoumustnotthinkIhadforgottenyou，foryouwereconstantlyinmythoughts。Iamgoingtolodgeyouhere，formywifeisveryfondofyoursociety；buttheroomswillnotbereadyforanothersixweeks。"
　　"Ishalltaketheopportunity，mylord，ofpayingavisittothePalatinofKiowia，whohashonouredmewithaninvitationtocomeandseehim。"
　　"Whogaveyoutheinvitation？"
　　"CountBruhl，whoisatDresden；hiswifeisdaughterofthepalatin。"
　　"Thisjourneyisanexcellentidea，forthisduelofyourshasmadeyouinnumerableenemies，andIonlyhopeyouwillhavetofightnomoreduels。Igiveyoufairwarning；beonyourguard，andnevergoonfoot，especiallyatnight。"
　　Ispentafortnightingoingouttodinnerandsuppereveryday。I
　　hadbecomethefashion，andwhereverIwentIhadtotelltheduelstoryoveragain。Iwasrathertiredofitmyself，butthewishtopleaseandmyownself—loveweretoostrongtoberesisted。Thekingwasnearlyalwayspresent，butfeignednottohearme。However，heonceaskedmeifIhadbeeninsultedbyapatricianinVenice，whetherIshouldhavecalledhimoutimmediately。
　　"No，sire，forhispatricianpridewouldhavepreventedhiscomplying，andIshouldhavehadmypainsformytrouble。"
　　"Thenwhatwouldyouhavedone？"
　　"Sire，Ishouldhavecontainedmyself，thoughifanobleVenetianweretoinsultmeinaforeigncountryhewouldhavetogivemesatisfaction。"
　　IcalledonPrinceMoszczinski，andMadameBinettihappenedtobethere；themomentshesawmeshemadeherescape。
　　"Whathassheagainstme？"Iaskedthecount。
　　"Sheisafraidofyou，becauseshewasthecauseoftheduel，andnowBranickiwhowasherloverwillhavenothingmoretosaytoher。ShehopedhewouldserveyouasheservedTomatis，andinsteadofthatyoualmostkilledherbravo。Shelaysthefaultonhimforhavingacceptedyourchallenge，buthehasresolvedtohavedonewithher。"
　　ThisCountMoszczinskiwasbothgood—heartedandquick—witted，andso，generousthatheruinedhimselfbymakingpresents。Hiswoundswerebeginningtoheal，butthoughIwastheindirectcauseofhismishap，farfrombearingmaliceagainstmehehadbecomemyfriend。
　　ThepersonwhomIshouldhaveexpectedtobemostgratefultomefortheduelwasTomatis，butonthecontraryhehatedthesightofmeandhardlyconcealedhisfeelings。Iwasthelivingreproachofhiscowardice；mywoundedhandseemedtoshewhimthathehadlovedhismoneymorethanhishonour。IamsurehewouldhavepreferredBranickitohavekilledme，forthenhewouldhavebecomeanobjectofgeneralexecration，andTomatiswouldhavebeenreceivedwithlesscontemptinthegreathouseshestillfrequented。
　　Iresolvedtopayavisittothediscontentedpartywhohadonlyrecognizedthenewkingoncompulsion，andsomeofwhomhadnotrecognizedhimatall；soIsetoutwithmytruefriendCampioniandoneservant。
　　PrinceCharlesofCourlandhadstartedforVenice，whereIhadgivenhimlettersformyillustriousfriendswhowouldmakehisvisitapleasantone。TheEnglishambassadorwhohadgivenmeanintroductiontoPrinceAdamhadjustarrivedatWarsaw。Idinedwithhimattheprince’shouse，andthekingsignifiedhiswishtobeoftheparty。IheardagooddealofconversationaboutMadamedeGeoffrin，anoldsweetheartoftheking’swhomhehadjustsummonedtoWarsaw。ThePolishmonarch，ofwhomIcannotspeakintoofavourableterms，wasyetweakenoughtolistentotheslanderousreportsagainstme，andrefusedtomakemyfortune。Ihadthepleasureofconvincinghimthathewasmistaken，butIwillspeakofthislateron。
　　IarrivedatLeopolthesixthdayafterIhadleftWarsaw，havingstoppedacoupleofdaysatPrinceZamoiski’s；hehadfortythousandducatsa—year，butalsothefallingsickness。
　　"Iwouldgiveallmygoods，"saidhe，"tobecured。"
　　Ipitiedhisyoungwife。Shewasveryfondofhim，andyethadtodenyhim，forhisdiseasealwayscameonhiminmomentsofamorousexcitement。Shehadthebittertaskofconstantlyrefusinghim，andevenofrunningawayifhepressedherhard。Thisgreatnobleman，whodiedsoonafter，lodgedmeinasplendidroomutterlydevoidoffurniture。ThisisthePolishcustom；oneissupposedtobringone’sfurniturewithone。
　　AtLeopolIputup，atanhotel，butIsoonhadtomovefromthencetotakeupmyabodewiththefamousKaminska，thedeadlyfoeofBranicki，theking，andallthatparty。Shewasveryrich，butshehassincebeenruinedbyconspiracies。Sheentertainedmesumptuouslyforaweek，butthevisitwasagreeabletoneitherside，asshecouldonlyspeakPolishandGerman。FromLeopolIproceededtoasmalltown，thenameofwhichIforget（thePolishnamesareverycrabbed）totakeanintroductionfromPrinceLubomirskitoJosephRzewuski，alittleoldmanwhoworealongbeardasasignofmourningfortheinnovationsthatwerebeingintroducedintohiscountry。Hewasrich，learned，superstitiouslyreligious，andpoliteexceedingly。Istayedwithhimforthreedays。Hewasthecommanderofastrongholdcontainingagarrisonoffivehundredmen。
　　Onthefirstday，asIwasinhisroomwithsomeotherofficers，abouteleveno’clockinthemorning，anotherofficercamein，whisperedtoRzewuski，andthencameuptomeandwhisperedinmyear，"VeniceandSt。Mark。"
　　"St。Mark，"Iansweredaloud，"isthepatronsaintandprotectorofVenice，"andeverybodybegantolaugh。
　　Itdawneduponmethat"VeniceandSt。Mark"wasthewatchword，andI
　　begantoapologizeprofusely，andthewordwaschanged。
　　Theoldcommanderspoketomewithgreatpoliteness。HeneverwenttoCourt，buthehadresolvedongoingtotheDiettoopposetheRussianpartywithallhismight。Thepoorman，aPoleofthetrueoldleaven，wasoneofthefourwhomRepninarrestedandsenttoSiberia。
　　Aftertakingleaveofthisbravepatriot，IwenttoChristianpol，wherelivedthefamouspalatinPotocki，whohadbeenoneoftheloversoftheempressAnnaIvanovna。Hehadfoundedthetowninwhichhelivedandcalleditafterhisownname。Thisnobleman，stillafineman，keptasplendidcourt。HehonouredCountBruhlbykeepingmeathishouseforafortnight，andsendingmeouteverydaywithhisdoctor，thefamousStyrneus，theswornfoeofVanSwieten，astillmorefamousphysician。AlthoughStyrneuswasundoubtedlyalearnedman，Ithoughthimsomewhatextravagantandempirical。HissystemwasthatofAsclepiades，consideredasexplodedsincethetimeofthegreatBoerhaave；nevertheless，heeffectedwonderfulcures。
　　IntheeveningsIwasalwayswiththepalatinandhiscourt。Playwasnotheavy，andIalwayswon，whichwasfortunateandindeednecessaryforme。AfteranextremelyagreeablevisittothepalatinIreturnedtoLeopol，whereIamusedmyselfforaweekwithaprettygirlwhoafterwardssocaptivatedCountPotocki，starostofSniatin，thathemarriedher。Thisispurityofbloodwithavengeanceinyournoblefamilies！
　　LeavingLeopolIwenttoPalavia，asplendidpalaceontheVistula，eighteenleaguesdistantfromWarsaw。Itbelongedtotheprincepalatin，whohadbuiltithimself。
　　Howsoevermagnificentanabodemaybe，alonelymanwillwearyofitunlesshehasthesolaceofbooksorofsomegreatidea。Ihadneither，andboredomsoonmadeitselffelt。
　　Aprettypeasantgirlcameintomyroom，andfindinghertomytasteItriedtomakeherunderstandmewithouttheuseofspeech，butsheresistedandshoutedsoloudlythatthedoor—keepercameup，andaskedme，coolly，——
　　"Ifyoulikethegirl，whydon’tyougotheproperwaytowork？"
　　"Whatwayisthat？"
　　"Speaktoherfather，whoisathand，andarrangethematteramicably。"
　　"Idon’tknowPolish。Willyoucarrythethingthrough？"
　　"Certainly。Isupposeyouwillgivefiftyflorins？"
　　"Youarelaughingatme。Iwillgiveahundredwillingly，providedsheisamaidandisassubmissiveasalamb。"
　　Nodoubtthearrangementwasmadewithoutdifficulty，forourhymentookplacethesameevening，butnosoonerwastheoperationcompletedthanthepoorlambfledawayinhothaste，whichmademesuspectthatherfatherhadusedratherforciblepersuasionwithher。
　　IwouldnothaveallowedthishadIbeenawareofit。
　　Thenextmorningseveralgirlswereofferedtome，butthefacesofallofthemwerecovered。
　　"Whereisthegirl？"saidI。"Iwanttoseeherface。"
　　"Nevermindabouttheface，iftherestisallright。"
　　"Thefaceistheessentialpartforme，"Ireplied，"andtherestI
　　lookuponasanaccessory。"
　　Hedidnotunderstandthis。However，theywereuncovered，butnoneoftheirfacesexcitedmydesires。
　　Asarule，thePolishwomenareugly；abeautyisamiracle，andaprettywomanarareexception。Attheendofaweekoffeastingandweariness，IreturnedtoWarsaw。
　　InthismannerIsawPodoliaandVolkynia，whichwererebaptizedafewyearslaterbythenamesofGaliciaandLodomeria，fortheyarenowpartoftheAustrianEmpire。Itissaid，however，thattheyaremoreprosperousthantheyeverwerebefore。
　　AtWarsawIfoundMadameGeoffrintheobjectofuniversaladmiration；
　　andeverybodywasremarkingwithwhatsimplicityshewasdressed。Asformyself，Iwasreceivednotcoldly，butpositivelyrudely。Peoplesaidtomyface，——
　　"Wedidnotexpecttoseeyouhereagain。Whydidyoucomeback？"
　　"Topaymydebts。"
　　Thisbehaviourastonishedanddisgustedme。Theprince—palatinevenseemedquitechangedtowardsme。Iwasstillinvitedtodinner，butnoonespoketome。However，PrinceAdam’ssisteraskedmeverykindlytocomeandsupwithher，andIacceptedtheinvitationwithdelight。Ifoundmyselfseatedoppositetheking，whodidnotspeakonewordtomethewholetime。Hehadneverbehavedtomethusbefore。
　　ThenextdayIdinedwiththeCountessOginski，andinthecourseofdinnerthecountessaskedwherethekinghadsupperthenightbefore；
　　nobodyseemedtoknow，andIdidnotanswer。Justaswewererising，GeneralRonikercamein，andthequestionwasrepeated。
　　"AtPrincessStrasnikowa’s，"saidthegeneral，"andM。Casanovawasthere。"
　　"Thenwhydidyounotanswermyquestion？"saidthecountesstome。
　　"BecauseIamverysorrytohavebeenthere。Hismajestyneitherspoketomenorlookedatme。IseeIamindisgrace，butforthelifeofmeIknownotwhy。"
　　OnleavingthehouseIwenttocallonPrinceAugustusSulkowski，whowelcomedmeasofold，buttoldmethatIhadmadeamistakeinreturningtoWarsawaspublicopinionwasagainstme。
　　"WhathaveIdone？"
　　"Nothing；butthePolesarealwaysinconstantandchangeable。
　　’Sarmatarumvirtusvelutiextraipsos’。Thisinconstancywillcostusdearsoonerorlater。Yourfortunewasmade，butyoumissedtheturnofthetide，andIadviseyoutogo。"
　　"Iwillcertainlydoso，butitseemstomeratherhard。"
　　WhenIgothomemyservantgavemealetterwhichsomeunknownpersonhadleftatmydoor。Iopeneditandfoundittobeanonymous，butI
　　couldseeitcamefromawell—wisher。Thewritersaidthattheslanderershadgottheearsoftheking，andthatIwasnolongerapersonagrataatCourt，ashehadbeenassuredthattheParisianshadburntmeineffigyformyabscondingwiththelotterymoney，andthatIhadbeenastrollingplayerinItalyandlittlebetterthanavagabond。
　　Suchcalumniesareeasytoutterbuthardtorefuteinaforeigncountry。AtallCourtshatred，bornofenvy，iseveratwork。I
　　mighthavedespisedtheslandersandleftthecountry，butIhadcontracteddebtsandhadnotsufficientmoneytopaythemandmyexpensestoPortugal，whereIthoughtImightdosomething。
　　Inolongersawanycompany，withtheexceptionofCampioni，whoseemedmoredistressedthanmyself。IwrotetoVeniceandeverywhereelse，wheretherewasachanceofmygettingfunds；butonedaythegeneral，whohadbeenpresentattheduel，calledonme，andtoldme（thoughheseemedashamedofhistask）thatthekingrequestedmetoleavethebaninthecourseofaweek。
　　Suchapieceofinsolencemademybloodboil，andIinformedthegeneralthathemighttellthekingthatIdidnotfeelinclinedtoobeysuchanunjustorder，andthatifIleftIwouldletalltheworldknowthatIhadbeencompelledtodosobybruteforce。
　　"Icannottakesuchamessageasthat，"saidthegeneral，kindly。
　　"IshallsimplytellthekingthatIhaveexecutedhisorders，andnomore；butofcourseyoumustfollowyourownjudgment。"
　　IntheexcessofmyindignationIwrotetothekingthatIcouldnotobeyhisordersandkeepmyhonour。Isaidinmyletter，——
　　"Mycreditors，sire，willforgivemeforleavingPolandwithoutpayingmydebts，whentheylearnthatIhaveonlydonesobecauseyourmajestygavemenochoice。"
　　IwasthinkinghowIcouldensurethisletterreachingtheking，whenwhoshouldarrivebutCountMoszczinski。Itoldhimwhathadhappened，andaskedifhecouldsuggestanymeansofdeliveringtireletter。"Giveittome，"saidhe；"Iwillplaceitintheking’shands。"
　　AssoonashehadgoneIwentouttotaketheair，andcalledonPrinceSulkowski，whowasnotatallastonishedatmynews。AsiftosweetenthebitterpillIhadtoswallow，hetoldmehowtheEmpressofAustriahadorderedhimtoleaveViennaintwenty—fourhours，merelybecausehehadcomplimentedtheArchduchessChristinaonbehalfofPrinceLouisofWurtemberg。
　　ThenextdayCountMoszczinskibroughtmeapresentofathousandducatsfromtheking，whosaidthatmyleavingWarsawwouldprobablybethemeansofpreservingmylife，asinthatcityIwasexposedtodangerwhichIcouldnotexpecttoescapeeventually。
　　ThisreferredtofiveorsixchallengesIhadreceived，andtowhichIhadnoteventakenthetroubletoreply。Myenemiesmightpossiblyassassinateme，andthekingdidnotcaretobeconstantlyanxiousonmyaccount。CountMoszczinskiaddedthattheordertoleavecarriednodishonourwithit，consideringbywhomithadbeendelivered，andthedelayitgavemetomakemypreparations。
　　TheconsequenceofallthiswasthatInotonlygavemywordtogo，butthatIbeggedthecounttothankhismajestyforhiskindness，andtheinteresthehadbeenpleasedtotakeinme。
　　WhenIgavein，thegenerousMoszczinskiembracedme，beggedmetowritetohim，andacceptapresentofatravellingcarriageasatokenofhisfriendship。HeinformedmethatMadameBinetti’shusbandhadgoneoffwithhiswife’smaid，takingwithhimherdiamonds，jewels，linen，andevenhersilverplate，leavinghertothetendermerciesofthedancer，Pic。Heradmirershadclubbedtogethertomakeuptoherforwhatherhusbandhadstolen。Ialsoheardthattheking’ssisterhadarrivedatWarsawfromBialistock，anditwashopedthatherhusbandwouldfollowher。ThishusbandwastherealCountBranicki，andtheBranicki，orratherBranecki，orBragnecki，whohadfoughtwithme，wasnorelationtohimwhatever。
　　ThefollowingdayIpaidmydebts，whichamountedtoabouttwohundredducats，andImadepreparationsforstartingforBreslau，thedayafter，withCountClary，eachofushavinghisowncarriage。
　　Clarywasoneofthosementowhomlyinghasbecomeasortofsecondnature；wheneversuchanoneopenshismouth，youmaysafelysaytohim，"Youhavelied，oryouaregoingtolie。"Iftheycouldfeeltheirowndegradation，theywouldbemuchtobepitied，forbytheirownfaultatlastnoonewillbelievethemevenwhenbychancetheyspeakthetruth。ThisCountClary，whowasnotoneoftheClarysofTeplitz，couldneithergotohisowncountrynortoVienna，becausehehaddesertedthearmyontheeveofabattle。Hewaslame，buthewalkedsoadroitlythathisdefectdidnotappear。Ifthishadbeentheonlytruthheconcealed，itwouldhavebeenwell，foritwasapieceofdeceptionthathurtnoone。HediedmiserablyinVenice。
　　WereachedBreslauinperfectsafety，andwithoutexperiencinganyadventures。Campioni，whohadaccompaniedmeasfarasWurtemburg，returned，butrejoinedmeatViennainthecourseofsevenmonths。
　　CountClaryhadleftBreslau，andIthoughtIwouldmaketheacquaintanceoftheAbbeBastiani，acelebratedVenetian，whosefortunehadbeenmadebytheKingofPrussia。Hewascanonofthecathedral，andreceivedmecordially；infact，eachmutuallydesiredtheother’sacquaintance。Hewasafinewell—mademan，fair—
　　complexioned，andatleastsixfeethigh。Hewasalsowitty，learned，eloquent，andgiftedwithapersuasivevoice；hiscookwasanartist，hislibraryfullofchoicevolumes，andhiscellaraverygoodone。Hewaswelllodgedonthegroundfloor，andonthefirstfloorheaccommodatedalady，ofwhosechildrenhewasveryfond，possiblybecausehewastheirfather。Althoughagreatadmirerofthefairsex，histasteswerebynomeansexclusive，andhedidnotdespiseloveoftheGreekorphilosophickind。IcouldseethatheentertainedapassionforayoungpriestwhomImetathistable。
　　ThisyoungabbewasCountdiCavalcanoandBastianiseemedtoadorehim，iffieryglancessignifiedanything；buttheinnocentyoungmandidnotseemtounderstand，andIsupposeBastianididnotliketolowerhisdignitybydeclaringhislove。ThecanonshewedmeallthelettershehadreceivedfromtheKingofPrussiabeforehehadbeenmadecanon。HewasthesonofatailoratVenice，andbecameafriar，buthavingcommittedsomepeccadillowhichgothimintotrouble，hewasfortunateenoughtobeabletomakehisescape。HefledtoTheHague，andtheremetTron，theVenetianambassador，wholenthimahundredducatswithwhichhemadehiswaytoBerlinandfavourwiththeking。Sucharethewaysbywhichmenarriveatfortune！’Sequeredeum’！
　　OntheeventofmydeparturefromBreslauIwenttopayacallonabaronessforwhomIhadaletterofintroductionfromherson，whowasanofficerofthePolishCourt。Isentupmynameandwasaskedtowaitafewmoments，asthebaronesswasdressing。Isatdownbesideaprettygirl，whowasneatlydressedinamantlewithahood。
　　Iaskedherifshewerewaitingforthebaronesslikemyself。
　　"Yes，sir，"shereplied，"Ihavecometooffermyselfasgovernessforherthreedaughters。"
　　"What！Governessatyourage？"
　　"Alas！sir，agehasnothingtodowithnecessity。Ihaveneitherfathernormother。Mybrotherisapoorlieutenantwhocannothelpme；whatcanIdo？Icanonlygetalivelihoodbyturningmygoodeducationtoaccount。"
　　"Whatwillyoursalarybe？"
　　"Fiftywretchedcrowns，enoughtobuymydresses。"
　　"It’sverylittle。"
　　"Itisasmuchaspeoplegive。"
　　"Whereareyoulivingnow？"
　　"Withapooraunt，whereIcanscarceearnenoughbreadtokeepmealivebysewingfrommorningtillnight。"
　　"Ifyoulikedtobecomemygovernessinsteadofbecomingachildren’sgoverness，Iwouldgiveyoufiftycrowns，notperyear，butpermonth。"
　　"Yourgoverness？Governesstoyourfamily，youmean，Isuppose？"
　　"Ihavenofamily；Iamabachelor，andIspendmytimeintravelling。Ileaveatfiveo’clockto—morrowmorningforDresden，andifyouliketocomewithmethereisaplaceforyouinmycarriage。Iamstayingatsuchaninn。Cometherewithyourtrunk，andwewillstarttogether。"
　　"Youarejoking；besides，Idon’tknowyou。"
　　"Iamnotjesting；andweshouldgettoknoweachotherperfectlywellintwenty—fourhours；thatisampletime。"
　　MyseriousairconvincedthegirlthatIwasnotlaughingather；butshewasstillverymuchastonished，whileIwasverymuchastonishedtofindIhadgonesofarwhenIhadonlyintendedtojoke。IntryingtowinoverthegirlIhadwonovermyself。Itseemedtomearareadventure，andIwasdelightedtoseethatshewasgivingitherseriousattentionbytheside—glancesshekeptcastinginmydirectiontoseeifIwaslaughingather。IbegantothinkthatfatehadbroughtustogetherthatImightbecomethearchitectofherfortune。Ihadnodoubtwhateverastohergoodnessorherfeelingsforme，forshecompletelyinfatuatedmyjudgment。ToputthefinishingstrokeontheaffairIdrewouttwoducatsandgavethemherasanearnestofherfirstmonth’swages。Shetookthemtimidly，butseemedconvincedthatIwasnotimposingonher。
　　Bythistimethebaronesswasready，andshewelcomedmeverykindly；
　　butIsaidIcouldnotacceptherinvitationtodinewithherthefollowingday，asIwasleavingatday—break。Irepliedtoallthequestionsthatafondmothermakesconcerningherson，andthentookleaveoftheworthylady。AsIwentoutInoticedthatthewould—begovernesshaddisappeared。TherestofthedayIspentwiththecanon，makinggoodcheer，playingombre，drinkinghard，andtalkingaboutgirlsorliterature。ThenextdaymycarriagecametothedooratthetimeIhadarranged，andIwentoffwithoutthinkingofthegirlIhadmetatthebaroness’s。Butwehadnotgonetwohundredpaceswhenthepostillionstopped，abundleoflinenwhirledthroughthewindowintothecarriage，andthegovernessgotin。Igaveheraheartywelcomebyembracingher，andmadehersitdownbesideme，andsowedroveoff。
　　Intheensuingchapterthereaderwillbecomemorefullyacquaintedwithmyfreshconquest。InthemeantimelethimimaginemerollingpeacefullyalongtheDresdenroad。
　　CHAPTERXXIII
　　MyArrivalatDresdenwithMaton——SheMakesMeaPresent——Leipzig——
　　Castelbajac——Schwerin——ReturntoDresdenandDeparture——IArriveatVienna——Pocchini’sVengeanceWhenIsawmyselfinthecarriagewiththisprettygirl，whohadfallenonmeasiffromtheclouds，IimaginedIwasintendedtoshapeherdestiny。Hertutelarygeniusmusthaveplacedherinmyhands，forIfeltinclinedtodoherallthegoodthatlayinmypower。Butformyself；wasitapieceofgoodorillluckforme？
　　Iformedthequestion，butfeltthattimealonecouldgivetheanswer。IknewthatIwasstilllivinginmyoldstyle，whileIwasbeginningtofeelthatIwasnolongerayoungman。
　　Iwassurethatmynewcompanioncouldnothaveabandonedherselftomeinthismanner，withouthavingmadeuphermindtobecomplaisant；
　　butthiswasnotenoughforme，itwasmyhumourtobeloved。Thiswasmychiefaim，everythingelsewasonlyfleetingenjoyment，andasIhadnothadaloveaffairsinceIpartedwithZaira，Ihopedmostferventlythatthepresentadventurewouldprovetobeone。
　　BeforelongIlearntthatmycompanion’snamewasMaton；thisatleastwashersurname，andIdidnotfeelanycuriositytoknowthenameoftheheorshesaintwhomhergodmothershadconstitutedherpatronatthebaptismalfont。IaskedherifshecouldwriteFrenchaswellasshespokeit，andsheshewedmealetterbywayofsample。
　　Itassuredmethatshehadreceivedanexcellenteducation，andthisfactincreasedmypleasureintheconquestIhadmade。ShesaidshehadleftBreslauwithouttellingherauntorhercousinthatshewasgoing，perhapsnevertoreturn。
　　"Howaboutyourbelongings？"
　　"Belongings？Theywerenotworththetroubleofgatheringtogether。
　　AllIhaveisincludedinthatsmallpackage，whichcontainsachemise，apairofstockings，somehandkerchiefs，andafewnicknacks。"
　　"Whatwillyourloversay？"
　　"Alas！Ihaven’tgotonetosayanything。"
　　"Icannotcreditthat。"
　　"Ihavehadtwolovers；thefirstonewasarascal，whotookadvantageofmyinnocencetoseduceme，andthenleftmewhenI
　　ceasedtopresentanynoveltyforhim；mysecondwasanhonestman，butapoorlieutenantwithnoprospectsofgettingon。Hehasnotabandonedme，buthisregimentwasorderedtoStetin，andsincethen——"
　　"Andsincethen？"