"Weweretoopoortowritetooneanother，sowehadtosufferinsilence。"
Thispathetichistoryseemedtobearthemarksoftruth；andI
thoughtitverypossiblethatMatonhadonlycomewithmetomakeherfortuneortodoratherbetterthanshehadbeendoing，whichwouldnotbedifficult。Shewastwenty—fiveyearsold，andasshehadneverbeenoutofBreslaubefore，shewoulddoubtlessbedelightedtoseewhattheworldwaslikeatDresden。IcouldnothelpfeelingthatIhadbeenafooltoburdenmyselfwiththegirl，whowouldmostlikelycostmealotofmoney；butstillIfoundmyconductexcusable，asthechanceswereahundredtooneagainstheracceptingtheproposalIhadbeenfoolishenoughtomake。Inshort，Iresolvedtoenjoythepleasureofhavingaprettygirlalltomyself，andI
determinednottodoanythingduringthejourney，beinganxioustoseewhetherhermoralqualitieswouldpleadasstronglywithmeasherphysicalbeautyundoubtedlydid。AtnightfallIstopped，wishingtospendthenightattheposting—station。Maton，whohadbeenveryhungryallday，buthadnotdaredtotellmeso，atewithanamazingandpleasingappetite；butnotbeingaccustomedtowine，shewouldhavefallenasleepattable，ifIhadnotbeggedhertoretire。Shebeggedmypardon，assuringmeshewouldnotletsuchathingoccuragain。Ismiledbywayofreply，andstayedatthetable，notlookingtoseewhethersheundressedorwenttobedinherclothes。
Iwenttobedmyselfsoonafter，andatfiveo’clockwasupagaintoorderthecoffee，andtoseethatthehorseswereputin。Matonwaslyingonherbedwithallherclotheson，fastasleep，andperspiringwiththeheat。Iwokeher，tellingherthatanothertimeshemustsleepmorecomfortably，assuchheatswereinjurioustohealth。
Shegotupandlefttheroom，nodoubttowash，forshereturnedlookingfreshandgay，andbademegoodday，andaskedmeifIwouldliketogiveherakiss。
"Ishallbedelighted，"Ireplied；and，afterkissingher，Imadeherhurryoverthebreakfast，asIwishedtoreachDresdenthatevening。
However，Icouldnotmanageit，mycarriagebrokedown，andtookfivehourstomend，soIhadtosleepatanotherpostingstation。Matonundressedthistime，butIhadthefirmnessnottolookather。
WhenIreachedDresdenIputupatthe"HoteldeSaxe，"takingthewholeofthefirstfloor。Mymotherwasinthecountry，andIpaidheravisit，muchtoherdelight；wemadequiteanaffectingpicture，withmyarminasling。IalsosawmybrotherJohnandhiswifeTherese，Roland，andaRomangirlwhomIhadknownbeforehim，andwhomademuchofme。Ialsosawmysister，andIthenwentwithmybrothertopaymysuittoCountBruhlandtohiswife，thedaughterofthepalatinofKiowia，whowasdelightedtohearnewsofherfamily。Iwaswelcomedeverywhere，andeverywhereIhadtotellthestoryofmyduel。Iconfessthatverylittlepressingwasrequired，forIwasveryproudofit。
AtthisperiodtheStateswereassembledinDresden，andPrinceXavier，uncleoftheElector，wasregentduringhisminority。
ThesameeveningIwenttotheopera—house，wherefarowasplayed。I
played，butprudently，formycapitalonlyconsistedofeighteenhundredducats。
WhenIcamebackwehadagoodsupper，andMatonpleasedmebothbyherappetiteandamiability。WhenwehadfinishedIaffectionatelyaskedherifshewouldliketosharemybed，andsherepliedastenderlythatshewaswhollymine。Andso，afterpassingavoluptuousnight，weroseinthemorningthebestfriendsintheworld。
Ispentthewholemorninginfurnishinghertoilette。Agoodmanypeoplecalledonme，andwantedtobepresentedtoMaton；butmyanswerwasthat，asshewasonlymyhousekeeper，andnotmywife，I
couldnothavethepleasureofintroducingher。InthesamewayI
hadinstructedherthatshewasnottoletanyoneinwhenIwasaway。
ShewasworkinginherroomonthelinenIhadprovidedforher，aidedinhertaskbyaseamstress。Nevertheless，Ididnotwanttomakeheraslave，soIoccasionallytookherintothepleasantsuburbsofDresden，whereshewasatlibertytospeaktoanyofmyacquaintanceswemightmeet。
ThisreserveofminewhichlastedforthefortnightwestayedinDresdenwasmortifyingforalltheyoungofficersintheplace，andespeciallyfortheComtedeBellegarde，whowasnotaccustomedtobeingdeniedanygirltowhomhechosetotakeafancy。Hewasafineyoungfellow，ofgreatboldnessandevenimpudence，andonedayhecameintoourroomandaskedmetogivehimadinnerjustasMatonandmyselfweresittingdowntotable。Icouldnotrefusehim，andI
couldnotrequestMatontoleavetheroom，sofromthebeginningtotheendofthemealheshoweredhismilitaryjokesandattentionsonher，thoughhewasperfectlypolitethewholetime。Matonbehavedverywell；shewasnotprudish，nordidsheforgettherespectsheowedtomeandindeedtoherself。
Iwasaccustomedtotakeasiestaeverydayafterdinner，sohalfanhouraftertheconclusionofthemealIstatedthefactandbeggedhimtoleaveus。Heaskedsmilinglyiftheladytookasiestatoo，andIrepliedthatweusuallytookittogether。Thismadehimtakeuphishatandcane，andashedidsoheaskedusbothtodinewithhimthenextday。IrepliedthatInevertookMatonoutanywhere，butthathewouldbewelcometocomeandtakepot—luckwithuseverydayifheliked。
Thisrefusalexhaustedhisresources，andhetookhisleaveifnotangrily，atleastverycoldly。
Mymotherreturnedtohertownapartments，whichwereoppositetomine，andthenextdaywhenIwascallingonherInoticedtheerker（asortofgratingintheSpanishfashion）whichindicatedmyroomsinthehotel。IhappenedtolookinthatdirectionandIsawMatonatthewindowstandingupandtalkingtoM。deBellegarde，whowasataneighbouringwindow。Thiswindowbelongedtoaroomwhichadjoinedmysuiteofrooms，butdidnotbelongtoit。Thisdiscoveryamusedme。IknewwhatIwasabout，anddidnotfeartobemadeacuckoldinspiteofmyself。IwassureIhadnotbeenobserved，andIwasnotgoingtoallowanytrespassers。Iwasjealous，infact；
butthejealousywasofthemind，nottheheart。
Icameintodinnerinthehighestspirits，andMatonwasasgayasmyself。IledtheconversationuptoBellegarde，andsaidIbelievedhimtobeinlovewithher。
"Oh，heislikeallofficerswithgirls；butIdon’tthinkheismoreinlovewithmethananyothergirl。"
"Oh，butdidn’thecometocallonmethismorning？"
"Certainlynot；andifhehadcomethemaidwouldhavetoldhimyouwereout。"
"Didyounotnoticehimwalkingupanddown’underthewindows？"
"No。"
Thiswasenoughforme；Iknewtheyhadlaidaplottogether。Matonwasdeceivingme，andIshouldbecheatedintwenty—fourhoursunlessItookcare。Atmyagesuchtreasonshouldnothaveastonishedme，butmyvanitywouldnotallowmetoadmitthefact。
Idissembledmyfeelingsandcaressedthetraitress，andthenleavingthehouseIwenttothetheatrewhereIplayedwithsomesuccessandreturnedhomewhilethesecondactwasinprogress；itwasstilldaylight。Thewaiterwasatthedoor，andIaskedhimwhethertherewereanyroomsbesidesthosewhichIoccupiedonthefirstfloor。
"Yes，tworooms，bothlookingonthestreet。"
"TellthelandlordthatIwilltakethemboth。"
"Theyweretakenyesterdayevening。"
"Bywhom？"
"ByaSwissofficer，whoisentertainingapartyoffriendstosupperherethisevening。"
IsaidnomorelestIshouldawakensuspicion；butIfeltsurethatBellegardecouldeasilyobtainaccesstomyroomsfromhis。Indeed，therewasadoorleadingtotheroomwhereMatonsleptwithhermaidwhenIdidnotcaretohaveherinmyroom。Thedoorwasboltedonherside，butasshewasintheplottherewasnotmuchsecurityinthis。
Iwentupstairssoftly，andfindingMatononthebalcony，Isaid，aftersomeindifferentconversation，thatIshouldliketochangerooms。
"Youshallhavemyroom，"Isaid，"andIwillhaveyours；Icanreadthere，andseethepeoplegoingby。"
Shethoughtitaverygoodidea，andaddedthatitwouldserveusbothifIwouldallowhertosittherewhenIwasout。
ThisreplyshewedmethatMatonwasanoldhand，andthatIhadbettergiveherupifIdidnotwishtobeduped。
Ichangedtherooms，andwesuppedpleasantlytogether，laughingandtalking，andinspiteofallhercraftMatondidnotnoticeanychangeinme。
Iremainedaloneinmynewroom，andsoonheardthevoicesofBellegardeandhismerrycompanions。Iwentontothebalcony，butthecurtainsofBellegarde’sroomweredrawn，asiftoassuremethattherewasnocomplot。However，Iwasnotsoeasilydeceived，andI
foundafterwardsthatMercuryhadwarnedJupiterthatAmphytrionhadchangedhisroom。
Nextday，asevereheadache，athingfromwhichIseldomsuffer，keptmetothehouseallday。Ihadmyselfletblood，andmyworthymother，whocametokeepmecompany，dinedwithMaton。Mymotherhadtakenaweaknessforthegirl，andhadoftenaskedmetolethercomeandseeher，butIhadthegoodsensetorefusethisrequest。ThenextdayIwasstillfarfromwell，andtookmedicine，andintheevening，tomyhorror，Ifoundmyselfattackedbyafearfuldisease。
ThismustbeapresentfromMaton，forIhadnotknownanyoneelsesinceleavingLeopol。Ispentatroublednight，rageandindignationbeingmyprincipalemotions；andnextmorning，cominguponMatonsuddenly，Ifoundeverythinginthemostdisgustingstate。Thewretchedcreatureconfessedshehadbeeninfectedforthelastsixmonths，butthatshehadhopednottogiveitme，asshehadwashedherselfcarefullywhenevershethoughtIwasgoingtohavetodowithher。
"Wretch，youhavepoisonedme；butnobodyshallknowit，asitisbymyownfault，andIamashamedofit。Getup，andyoushallseehowgenerousIcanbe。"
Shegotup，andIhadallthelinenIhadgivenherpackedintoatrunk。Thisdone，Itoldmymantotakeasmallroomforheratanotherinn。Hiserrandwassoonover，andIthentoldMatontogoimmediately，asIhaddonewithher。Igaveherfiftycrowns，andmadehersignareceiptspecifyingthereasonwhyIhadsentheraway，andacknowledgingthatshehadnofurtherclaimuponme。Theconditionswerehumiliating，andshewishedmetosoftenthemdown，butshesoongaveinwhenItoldherthatunlessshesignedIwouldturnherintothestreetsasnakedaswhenIfoundher。
"WhatamItodohere？Idon’tknowanyone。"
"IfyouliketoreturntoBreslauIwillpayyourexpensesthere。"
Shemadenoanswer，soIsentherawaybagandbaggage，andmerelyturnedmybackonherwhenshewentdownonherkneestoexcitemycompassion。
Igotridofherwithouttheslightestfeelingofpity，forfromwhatshehaddonetomeandfromwhatshewaspreparingtodoIconsideredherasameremonster，whowouldsoonerorlaterhavecostmemylife。
Ilefttheinnthefollowingday，andItookafurnishedapartmentonthefirstfloorofthehousewheremymotherlivedforsixmonths，andproceededaboutmycure。EveryoneaskedmewhatIhaddonewithmyhousekeeper，andIsaidthathavingnofurtherneedofherservicesIhadsentheraway。
AweekafterwardsmybrotherJohncametotellmethatBellegardeandfiveorsixofhisfriendswereonthesicklist；Matonhadcertainlylostnotime。
"Iamsorryforthem，butit’stheirownfault；whydidn’ttheytakemorecare？"
"ButthegirlcametoDresdenwithyou。"
"Yes，andIsentheraboutherbusiness。Itwasenoughformetokeepthemoffwhileshewasundermycharge。Tellthemthatiftheycomplainofmetheyarewrong，andstillmorewrongtopublishtheirshame。Letthemlearndiscretionandgetthemselvescuredinsecrecy，iftheydonotwantsensiblementolaughatthem。Don’tyouthinkIamright？"
"Theadventureisnotaveryhonourableoneforyou。"
"Iknowit，andthat’swhyIsaynothing；Iamnotsuchafoolastoproclaimmyshamefromthehousetops。Thesefriendsofyoursmustbesimpletonsindeed；theymusthaveknownthatIhadgoodreasonsforsendingthegirlaway，andshouldconsequentlyhavebeenontheirguard。Theydeservewhattheygot，andIhopeitmaybealessontothem。"
"Theyareallastonishedatyourbeingwell。"
"YoumaycomfortthembysayingthatIhavebeenasbadlytreatedasthey，butthatIhaveheldmytongue，notwishingtopassforasimpleton。"
PoorJohnsawhehadbeenasimpletonhimselfanddepartedinsilence。Iputmyselfunderaseverediet，andbythemiddleofAugustmyhealthwasre—established。
Aboutthistime，PrinceAdamCzartoryski’ssistercametoDresden，lodgingwithCountBruhl。Ihadthehonourofpayingmycourttoher，andIheardfromherownmouththatherroyalcousinhadhadtheweaknesstolethimselfbeimposedonbycalumniesaboutme。ItoldherthatIwasofAriosto’sopinionthatallthevirtuesarenothingworthunlesstheyarecoveredwiththeveilofconstancy。
"YousawyourselfwhenIsuppedwithyou，howhismajestycompletelyignoredme。YourhighnesswillbegoingtoParisnextyear；youwillmeetmethereandyoucanwritetothekingthatifIhadbeenburntineffigyIshouldnotventuretoshewmyself。"
TheSeptemberfairbeingagreatoccasionatLeipzig，Iwenttheretoregainmysizebyeatinglarks，forwhichLeipzigisjustlyfamous。
IhadplayedacautiousbutawinninggameatDresden，theresultofwhichhadbeenthegainofsomehundredsofducats，soIwasabletostartforLeipzigwithaletterofcreditforthreethousandcrownsonthebankerHohman，anintelligentoldmanofupwardsofeighty。
ItwasofhimIheardthatthehairoftheEmpressofRussia，whichlookedadarkbrownorevenblack，hadbeenoriginallyquitefair。
TheoldbankerhadseenheratStettineverydaybetweenherseventhandtenthyears，andtoldmethateventhentheyhadbeguntocombherhairwithleadcombs，andtorubacertaincompositionintoit。
>FromanearlyageCatherinehadbeenlookeduponasthefuturebrideoftheDukeofHolstein，afterwardsthehaplessPeterIII。TheRussiansarefairasarule，andsoitwasthoughtitthatthereigningfamilyshouldbedark。
HereIwillnotedownapleasantadventureIhadatLeipzig。ThePrincessofAremberghadarrivedfromVienna，andwasstayingatthesamehotelasmyself。Shetookafancytogotothefairincognito，andasshehadalargesuiteshedresseduponeofhermaidsastheprincess，andmingledwithherfollowing。Isupposemyreaderstobeawarethatthisprincesswaswittyandbeautiful，andthatshewasthefavouritemistressoftheEmperorFrancistheFirst。
Iheardofhismasquerade，andleavingmyhotelatthesametimeI
followedhertillshestoppedatastall，andthengoinguptoherandaddressingherasonewouldanyothermaid，Iaskedifthat（pointingatthefalseprincess）werereallythefamousPrincessofAremberg。
"Certainly，"shereplied。
"Icanscarcelybelieveit，forsheisnotpretty，andshe，has，notthelooknorthemannersofaprincess。"
"Perhapsyouarenotagoodjudgeofprincesses。"
"Ihaveseenenoughofthemanyhow，andtoprovethatIamagoodjudgeIsaythatitisyouwhooughttobetheprincess；Iwouldwillinglygiveahundredducatstospendthenightwithyou。"
"Ahundredducats！WhatwouldyoudoifIweretotakeyouatyourword？"
"Tryme。Ilodgeatthesamehotelasyou，andifyetcancontrivewaysandmeans，Iwillgiveyouthemoneyinadvance，butnottillI
amsureofmyprize，forIdon’tlikebeingtakenin。"
"Verygood。Saynotawordtoanyone，buttrytospeakwithmeeitherbeforeoraftersupper。Ifyouarebraveenoughtofacecertainrisks，wewillspendthenighttogether。"
"Whatisyourname？"
"Caroline。"
Ifeltcertainitwouldcometonothing，butIwasgladtohaveamusedtheprincess，andtohaveletherknowthatIappreciatedherbeauties，andIresolvedtogoonwiththepartIwasplaying。
Aboutsupper—timeIbeganapromenadeneartheprincess’sapartments，stoppingeverynowandtheninfrontoftheroomwhereherwomenweresitting，tilloneofthemcameouttoaskmeifIwantedanything。
"IwanttospeakforamomenttooneofyourcompanionstowhomIhadthepleasureoftalkingatthefair。"
"YoumeanCaroline，Iexpect？"
"Yes。"
"Sheiswaitingontheprincess，butshewillbeoutinhalfanhour。"
Ispentthishalfhourinmyownroom，andthenreturnedtodanceattendance。BeforelongthesamemaidtowhomIhadspokencameuptomeandtoldmetowaitinaclosetwhichsheshewedme，tellingmethatCarolinewouldbetherebeforelong。Iwentintothecloset，whichwassmall，dark，anduncomfortable。Iwassoonjoinedbyawoman。ThistimeIwassureitwastherealCaroline，butIsaidnothing。
Shecame，in，tookmyhand，andtoldmethatifIwouldwaitthereshewouldcometomeassoonashermistresswasinbed。
"Withoutanylight？"
"Ofcourse，orelsethepeopleofthehousewouldnoticeit，andI
shouldnotlikethat。"
"Icannotdoanythingwithoutlight，charmingCaroline；andbesides，thisclosetisnotaveryniceplacetopassfiveorsixhours。
Thereisanotheralternative，thefirstroomaboveismine。Ishallbealone，andIsweartoyouthatnooneshallcomein；comeupandmakemehappy；Ihavegotthehundredducatshere。"
"Impossible！Idarenotgoupstairsforamillionducats。"
"Somuchtheworseforyou，asIamnotgoingtostayinthisholewhich"hasonlyachairinit，ifyouoffermeamillionandahalf。
Farewell，sweetCaroline。"
"Waitamoment；letmegooutfirst。"
Theslypusswentoutquicklyenough，butIwasassharpasshe，andtrodonthetailofherdresssothatshecouldnotshutthedoorafterher。Sowewentouttogether，andIleftheratthedoor，saying，——
"Goodnight，Caroline，youseeitwasnouse。"
Iwenttobedwellpleasedwiththeincident。Theprincess，itwasplain，hadintendedtomakemepassthenightintheholeofacloset，asapunishmentforhavingdaredtoaskthemistressofanemperortosleepwithmeforahundredcrowns。
Twodayslater，asIwasbuyingapairoflacecuffs，theprincesscameintotheshopwithCountZinzendorf，whomIhadknownatParistwelveyearsbefore。justasIwasmakingwayfortheladythecountrecognizedme，andaskedmeifIknewanythingabouttheCasanovathathadfoughttheduelatWarsaw。
"Alas！count，IamthatCasanova，andhereismyarmstillinasling。"
"Icongratulateyou，mydearfellow；Ishouldliketohearaboutit。"
Withthesewordsheintroducedmetotheprincess，askingherifshehadheardoftheduel。
"Yes；Iheardsomethingaboutitinthepapers。Sothisistheheroofthetale。Delightedtomakeyouracquaintance。"
Theprincessspokewithgreatkindness，butwiththecoolpolitenessoftheCourt。Shedidnotgivemetheslightestsignofrecognition，andofcourseIimitatedherinherreserve。
Ivisitedthecountintheafternoon，andhebeggedmetocomeandseetheprincess，whowouldbedelightedtoheartheaccountofmyduelfrommyownlips，andIfollowedhimtoherapartmentwithpleasure。Theprincesslistenedtomynarrativeinstatelysort，andherwomenneverlookedatme。Shewentawaythedayafter，andthestorywentnofarther。
TowardstheendofthefairIreceivedaveryunexpectedvisitfromthefairMadameCastelbajac。Iwasjustsittingdowntotabletoeatadozenlarks，whenshemadeherappearance。
"What，madam，youhere！"
"Yes，tomysorrow。Ihavebeenhereforthelastthreeweeks，andhaveseenyouseveraltimes，butyouhavealwaysavoidedus。"
"Whoare’us’？"
"Schwerinandmyself"
"Schwerinishere，ishe？"
"Yes；andinprisononaccountofaforgedbill。IamsureIdonotknowwhattheywilldotothepoorwretch。Hewouldhavebeenwisetohavefled，butitseemsasifhewantedtogethanged。"
"AndyouhavebeenwithhimeversinceyouleftEngland？thatis，threeyearsago。"
"Exactly。Ouroccupationisrobbing，cheating，andescapingfromonelandtoanother。NeverwasawomansounhappyasI。"
"Forhowmuchistheforgedbill？"
"Forthreehundredcrowns。DoagenerousactionM。Casanova，andletbygonesbebygones；deliverthepoorwretchfromthegallowsandmefromdeath，forifheishangedIshallkillmyself。"
"Indeed，madam，hemayhangforme，forhedidhisbesttosendmetothegallowswithhisforgedbills；butIconfessIpityyou。Somuch，indeed，thatIinviteyoutocometoDresdenwithmethedayafterto—morrow，andIpromisetogiveyouthreehundredcrownsassoonasSchwerinhasundergonetheextremepenaltyofthelaw。I
can’tunderstandhowawomanlikeyoucanhavefalleninlovewithamanthathasneitherface，nortalents，norwit，norfortune，forallthathehastoboastofishisnameofSchwerin。"
"Iconfess，tomyshame，thatIneverlovedhim。Eversincetheotherrogue，Castelbajac——who，bytheway，wasnevermarriedtome——
mademeknowhim，Ihaveonlylivedwithhimbyforce，thoughhistearsandhisdespairshaveexcitedmycompassion。Ifdestinyhadgivenmeanhonestmaninhisstead，Iwouldhaveforsakenhimlongago，forsoonerorlaterhewillbethedeathofme。"
"Wheredoyoulive？"
"Nowhere。Ihavebeenturnedoutintothestreetwithnothingbuttheclothesonmyback。Havecompassiononme。"
Withthesewordsthehaplesswomanthrewherselfatmykneesandburstintotears。Iwasmuchaffected。ThewaiteroftheinnstoodstaringwithamazementtillItoldhimtogoout。ImaysafelysaythatthiswomanwasoneofthemosthandsomeinFrance；shewasprobablyabouttwenty—sixyearsold。ShehadbeenthewifeofadruggistofMontpellier，andhadbeensounfortunateastoletCastelbajacseduceher。AtLondonherbeautyhadproducednoimpressiononme，myheartwasanother’s；nevertheless，shewasmadetoseducetheheartofman。
Iraisedherfromherknees，andsaidIfeltinclinedtohelpher，butthatinthefirstplaceshemustcalmherself，andinthesecondsharemysupper。Thewaiterbroughtanotherbedandputitinmyroom，withoutreceivinganyorderstodoso；thismademefeelinclinedtolaugh。
Theappetitewithwhichthepoorwomanate，despitehersorrow，remindedmeofthematronofEphesus。WhensupperwasoverIgaveherherchoice:shemighteitherstayinLeipzigandfareasbestshemight，orIwouldreclaimhereffects，takeherwithmetoDresden，andpayherahundredgoldducatsassoonasIcouldbecertainthatshewouldnotgivethemoneytothewretchwhohadreducedhertosuchanextremity。Shedidnotaskmuchtimeforreflection。ShesaidthatitwouldbenogoodforhertostayinLeipzig，forshecoulddonothingforthewretchedSchwerinorevenkeepherselfforaday，forshehadnotgotafarthing。Shewouldhavetobegortobecomeaprostitute，andshecouldnotmakeuphermindtoeithercourse。
"Indeed，"sheconcluded，"ifyouweretogivemethehundredducatsthismoment，andIusedthemtofreeSchwerin，Ishouldbenobetteroffthanbefore；soIacceptyourgenerousofferthankfully。"
Iembracedher，promisedtogetbackwhatherlandlordhadseizedforrent，andthenbeggedhertogotobed，asshewasinneedofrest。
"Isee，"sheanswered，"thateitheroutoflikingorforpoliteness’
sakeyouwillaskmeforthosefavourswhichIshouldbeonlytoohappytogrant，butifIallowedthatitwouldbeabadreturnindeedforyourkindness。Lookatmylinen，andbeholdinwhatastatethatunhappywretchhasleftme！"
IsawthatIrantheriskofbeinginfectedagain，andthankedherforwarningmeofthedangerIran。Inspiteofherfaultsshewasawomanoffeeling，andhadanexcellentheart，andfromthesegoodqualititesofhersproceededallhermisfortunes。
ThenextmorningIarrangedfortheredemptionofhereffects，whichcostmesixtycrownsofSaxony，andintheafternoonthepoorwomansawherselfoncemoreinpossessionofherbelongings，whichshehadthoughtnevertoseeagain。Sheseemedprofoundlygrateful，anddeploredherstate，whichhinderedherfromprovingthewarmthofherfeelings。
Suchisthewayofwomen:agratefulwomanhasonlyonewayofshewinghergratitude，andthatistosurrenderherselfwithoutreserve。Amanisdifferent，butwearedifferentlyconstituted；amanismadetogiveandawomantoreceive。
Thenextday，ashortwhilebeforeweleft，thebrokerIhademployedintheredemptionofthelady’seffects，toldmethatthebanker，whomSchwerinhadcheated，wasgoingtosendanexpresstoBerlin，toenquirewhetherthekingwouldobjecttoCountSchwerin’sbeingproceededagainstwiththeutmostrigourofthelaw。
"Alas！"criedhislatemistress，"that’swhathewasmostafraidof。
It’sallupwithhim。TheKingofPrussiawillpayhisdebts，buthewillendhisdaysatSpandau。Whydidn’ttheyputhimtherebeforeI
everknewhim？"
SheleftLeipzigwithme，andourappearanceatDresdencausedagooddealofsurprise。Shewasnotameregirl，likeMaton；shehadagoodappearance，andamodestyetdistinguishedmanner。IcalledherCountessBlasin，andintroducedhertomymotherandrelations，andputherinmybestroom。Isummonedthedoctorwhohadtreatedme，andmadehimswearnottodisclosethecountess’sstate，buttotelleveryonethathecametoseeme。Itookhertothetheatre，anditwasmyhumourtohaveherregardedasapersonofdistinction。Goodtreatmentsoonrestoredhertohealth，andbytheendofNovembershebelievedherselfinastatetorewardmeformykindness。
Theweddingwasasecretone，butnonethelesspleasant；andasifbywayofweddingpresentthenextdayIheardthattheKingofPrussiahadpaidSchwerin’sdebts，andhadhadhimbroughttoBerlinunderastrongescort。Ifheisalive，therascalisatSpandautothisday。
Thetimehadcomeformetopayherthehundredducats。ItoldherfranklythatIwasobligedtogotoPortugal，andthatIcouldnotmakemyappearancethereincompanywithaprettywomanwithoutfailinginmyproject。Iaddedthatmymeanswouldnotallowmetopaydoubleexpensesforsolongajourney。
ShehadreceivedtoomanyproofsofmylovetothinkforamomentthatIhadgottiredofher，andwantedtobeonwithsomeotherwoman。Shetoldmethatsheowedeverythingtome，whileIowednothingtoher；andthatallsheaskedofmewastoenablehertoreturntoMontpellier。
"Ihaverelationsthere，"saidshe，"whowillbegladtoseeme，andIhopethatmyhusbandwillletmereturntohim。IamtheProdigalSon，andIhopetofindinhimtheforgivingfather。"
ItoldherIwoulddomyutmosttosendherhomeinsafetyandcomfort。
TowardsthemiddleofDecemberIleftDresdenwithMadameBlasin。Mypurseonlycontainedfourhundredducats，forIhadhadarunofbadluckatplay；andthejourneytoLeipzighadcostmealtogetherthreehundredducats。Itoldmymistressnothingofallthis，formyonlythoughtwashowtopleaseher。
WestayedashortwhileatPrague，andreachedViennaonChristmasDay。Weputupatthe"RedBull，"theCountessBlasin（whohadbeentransformedintoamilliner）inoneroom，andIinanother，sothatwemightpassforstrangerswhilecontinuingourintimacy。
Thenextmorning，asweweretakingcoffeetogether，twoindividualscameintotheroom，andaskedtherudequestion，——
"Whoareyou，madam？"
"MynameisBlasin。"
"Whoisthisgentleman？"
"Youhadbetteraskhim。"
"WhatareyoudoingatVienna？"
"Takingcoffee。Ishouldhavethoughtyoucouldhaveseenthatforyourselves。"
"Ifthegentlemanisnotyourhusband，youwillleavethetownwithintwenty—fourhours。"
"Thegentlemanismyfriend，andnotmyhusband；andIshallleaveViennaexactlywhenIchoose，unlessyoumakemegoawaybyforce。"
"Verygood。Weareaware，sir，thatyouhaveaseparateroom，butthatmakesnodifference。"
Thereupononeofthepolicemenenteredmyroom，Ifollowinghim。
"Whatdoyouwanthere？"saidI。
"Iamlookingatyourbed，andIcanseeyouhavenotsleptinit。
That’senough。"
"Thedevil！Whatbusinesshaveyouhereatall，andwhoauthorizessuchdisgracefulproceedings？"
Hemadenoreply，butreturnedtoMadameBlasin’sroom，wheretheybothorderedhertoleaveViennainthecourseoftwenty—fourhours，andthentheybothleftus。
"Dressyourself，"saidItoher，andtelltheFrenchambassadorthewholestory。Tellhimthatyouareamilliner，Blasinbyname，andthatallyouwantistogofromheretoStrasburg，andfromtheretoMontpellier。"
WhileshewasdressingIorderedacarriageandaservanttobeinattendance。Shereturnedinanhour’stime，andsaidtheambassadorhadassuredherthatshewouldbeleftalone，andneednotleaveViennatillshethoughtfit。Itookhertomassintriumph，andthen，astheweatherwasbad，wespenttherestofthedayineatinganddrinkingandsittingbythefire。
Ateighto’clockintheeveningthelandlordcameupandsaidverypolitelythathehadbeenorderedbythepolicetogivetheladyaroomatsomedistancefrommine，andthathewasobligedtoobey。
"Iamquitereadytochangemyroom，"saidMadameBlasin，withasmile。
"Istheladytosupalone？"Iasked。
"Ihavereceivednoinstructionsonthatpoint。"
"ThenIwillsupwithher，andIhopeyouwilltreatuswell。"
"Youshallbewellserved，sir。"
Inspiteofthedetestableandtyrannicalpolicewespentthelastfourdaysandnightstogetherintheclosestintimacy。WhensheleftIwantedhertotakefiftyLouis；butshewouldonlyhavethirty，sayingthatshecouldtraveltoMontpellieronthatsum，andhavemoneyinherpocketwhenshegotthere。Ourpartingwasanaffectingone。ShewrotetomefromStrasburg，andweshallhearofheragainwhenIdescribemyvisittoMontpellier。
Thefirstdayoftheyear1767ItookanapartmentinthehouseofacertainMr。Schroder，andItooklettersofintroductiontoMadamedeSalmorandMadamedeStahremberg。IthencalledontheelderCalsabigi，whowasintheserviceofPrinceKaunitz。
ThisCalsabigi，whosewholebodywasonemassoferuption，alwaysworkedinbed，andtheminister，hismaster，wenttoseehimalmosteveryday。Iwentconstantlytothetheatre，whereMadameVestriswasdancing。OnJanuarythe7thor8th，Isawtheempressdowagercometothetheatredressedinblack；shewasreceivedwithapplause，asthiswasthefirstappearanceshehadmadesincethedeathofherhusband。AtViennaImettheComtedelaPerouse，whowastryingtoinducetheempresstogivehimhalfamillionofflorins，whichCharlesVI。owedhisfather。ThroughhimImadetheacquaintanceoftheSpaniardLasCasas，amanofintelligence，and，whatisararethinginaSpaniard，freefromprejudices。Ialsometatthecount’shousetheVenetianUccelli，withwhomIhadbeenatSt。Cyprian’sCollegeatMuran；hewas，atthetimeofwhichIwrite，secretarytotheambassador，PoloRenieri。Thisgentlemanhadagreatesteemforme，butmyaffairwiththeStateInquisitorspreventedhimfromreceivingme。MyfriendCampioniarrivedatthisdatefromWarsaw；
hehadpassedthroughCracovia。Iaccommodatedhiminmyapartmentwithgreatpleasure。HehadanengagementatLondon，buttomygreatdelighthewasabletospendacoupleofmonthswithme。
PrinceCharlesofCourland，whohadbeenatVeniceandhadbeenwellreceivedbyM。deBragadinandmyotherfriends，hadbeeninViennaandhadleftitafortnightbeforemyarrivaltoreturntoVenice。
PrinceCharleswrotetotellmethattherewasnoboundstothecareandkindnessofmyVenetianfriends，andthathewouldbegratefultomeforallhisdays。
IlivedveryquietlyatVienna；myhealthwasgood，andIthoughtofnothingbutmyjourneytoPortugal，whichIintendedtotakeplaceinthespring。Isawnocompanyofanykind，whethergoodorill。
IoftencalledonCalsabigi，whomadeaparadeofhisAtheism，andslanderedmyfriendMetastasio，whodispisedhim。Calsabigiknewitandlaughedathim；hewasaprofoundpoliticianandtherighthandofPrinceKaunitz。
Onedayafterdinner，asIwassittingattablewithmyfriendCampioni，aprettylittlegirl，betweentwelveandthirteen，asI
shouldimagine，cameintomyroomwithmingledboldnessandfear，andmademealowbow。Iaskedherwhatshewanted，andsherepliedinLatinversetotheeffectthathermotherwasinthenextroom，andthatifIlikedshewouldcomein。IrepliedinLatinprosethatI
didnotcareaboutseeinghermother，tellinghermyreasonswithgreatplainness。SherepliedwithfourLatinlines，butastheywerenottothepointIcouldseethatshehadlearntthembyheart，andrepeatedthemlikeaparrot。Shewenton—stillinLatinverse——totellmethathermothermustcomeinorelsetheauthoritiesmightthinkIwasabusingher。
ThislastphrasewasutteredwithallthedirectnessoftheLatinstyle。Itmademeburstoutlaughing，andIfeltinclinedtoexplaintoherwhatshehadsaidinherownlanguage。ThelittlesluttoldmeshewasaVenetian，andthisputtingmeatmyeaseItoldherthattheauthoritieswouldneversuspectherofdoingsuchathingasshewastooyoung。Atthisthegirlseemedtoreflectamoment，andthenrecitedsomeversesfromthePriapeiatotheeffectthatunripefruitisoftenmorepiquantthanthatwhichisripe。Thiswasenoughtosetmeonfire，andCampioni，seeingthathewasnotwanted，wentbacktohisroom。
IdrewhergentlytomeandaskedherifherfatherwasatVienna。
Shesaidyes，andinsteadofrepulsingmycaressessheproceededtoaccompanymyactionswiththerecitaloferoticverses。Isentherawaywithafeeoftwoducats，butbeforeshewentshegavemeheraddresswritteninGermanwithfourLatinversesbeneath，statingthatherbedfellowwouldfindhereitherHebeorGanymede，accordingtohisliking。
Icouldnothelpadmiringtheingenuityofherfather，whothuscontrivedtomakealivingoutofhisdaughters。Shewasaprettygirlenough，butatViennaprettygirlsaresocommonthattheyoftenhavetostarveinspiteoftheircharms。TheLatinverseshadbeenthrowninasanattractioninthiscase，butIdidnotthinkshewouldfinditveryremunerativeinVienna。
Nexteveningmyevilgeniusmademegoandseekheroutattheaddressshehadgivenme。AlthoughIwasforty—twoyearsold，inspiteoftheexperienceIhadhad，Iwassofoolishastogoalone。
Thegirlsawmecomingfromthewindow，andguessingthatIwaslookingforher，shecamedownandshewedmein。Iwentin，Iwentupstairs，andwhenIfoundmyselfinthepresenceofthewretchPocchinimybloodfrozeinmyveins。Afeelingoffalseshamepreventedmyretracingmysteps，asitmighthavelookedasifIhadbeenafraid。Inthesameroomwerehispretendedwife，Catina，twoSclavonic—lookingassassins，andthedecoy—duck。Isawthatthiswasnotalaughingmatter，soIdissembledtothebestofmyability，andmadeupmymindtoleavetheplaceinfiveminutes’time。
Pocchini，swearingandblaspheming，begantoreproachmewiththemannerinwhichIhadtreatedhiminEngland，andsaidthathistimehadcome，andthatmylifewasinhishands。OneofthetwoSclavsbrokein，andsaidwemustmakefriends，andsomademesitdown，openedabottle，andsaidwemustdrinktogether。ItriedtoputasgoodafaceuponitasIcould，butIbeggedtobeexcused，onwhichPocchinisworethatIwasafraidofhavingtopayforthebottleofwine。
"Youaremistaken，"saidI；"Iamquitereadytopay。"
Iputmyhandinmypockettotakeoutaducatwithoutdrawingoutmypurse，buttheSclavtoldmeIneednotbeafraid，asIwasamongsthonestpeople。Againshamemademeyield，andasIhadsomedifficultyinextractingmypurse，theSclavkindlydiditforme。
Pocchiniimmediatelysnatcheditfromhishands，andsaidheshouldkeepitaspartcompensationforallIhadmadehimendure。
Isawthatitwasaconcertedscheme，andsaidwithasmilethathecoulddoasheliked，andsoIrosetoleavethem。TheSclavsaidwemustembraceeachother，andonmydeclaringthattobeunnecessary，heandhiscomradedrewtheirsabres，andIthoughtmyselfundone。
Withoutmoreado，Ihastenedtoembracethem。Tomyastonishmenttheyletmego，andIwenthomeinagrievousstate，andnotknowingwhatelsetodowenttobed。
EndSpainbyJacquesCasanovaMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
SPANISHPASSIONS，Volume6a——SPAIN
THEMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVADESEINGALT
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHURMACHENTO
WHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHURSYMONS。
SPAIN
CHAPTERI
IAmOrderedtoLeaveVienna——TheEmpressModeratesbutDoesNotAnnultheOrder——ZavoiskiatMunich——MyStayatAugsburg——GasconnadeatLouisburg——TheCologneNewspaper——MyArrivalatAix—la—ChapelleThegreatestmistakeamanthatpunishesaknavecancommitistoleavethesaidroguealive，forheiscertaintotakevengeance。
IfIhadhadmyswordinthedenofthieves，Ishouldnodoubthavedefendedmyself，butitwouldhavegoneillwithme，threeagainstone，andIshouldprobablyhavebeencuttopieces，whilethemurdererswouldhaveescapedunpunished。
Ateighto’clockCampionicametoseemeinmybed，andwasastonishedatmyadventure。Withouttroublinghimselftocompassionateme，webothbegantothinkhowwecouldgetbackmypurse；butwecametotheconclusionthatitwouldbeimpossible，asIhadnothingmorethanmymereassertiontoprovethecase。Inspiteofthat，however，Iwroteoutthewholestory，beginningwiththegirlwhorecitedtheLatinverses。I
intendedtobringthedocumentbeforethepolice；however，Ihadnottimetodoso。
Iwasjustsittingdowntodinner，whenanagentofthepolicecameandgavemeanordertogoandspeaktoCountSchrotembach，theStatthalter。
Itoldhimtoinstructmycoachman，whowaswaitingatthedoor，andthatIwouldfollowhimshortly。
WhenIcalledontheStatthalter，Ifoundhimtobeathick—setindividual；hewasstandingup，andsurroundedbymenwhoseemedreadytoexecutehisorders。Whenhesawme，heshewedmeawatch，andrequestedmetonotethehour。
"Iseeit。"
"IfyouareatViennaatthattimeto—morrowIshallhaveyouexpelledfromthecity。"
"Whydoyougivemesuchanunjustorder？"
"Inthefirstplace，Iamnotheretogiveyouaccountsorreasonsformyactions。However，Imaytellyouthatyouareexpelledforplayingatgamesofchance，whichareforbiddenbythelawsunderpainofthegalleys。Doyourecognizethatpurseandthesecards？"
Ididnotknowthecards，butIknewthepursewhichhadbeenstolenfromme。Iwasinaterriblerage，andIonlyrepliedbypresentingthemagistratewiththetruthfulnarrativeofwhathadhappenedtome。Hereadit，andthensaidwithalaughthatIwaswellknowntobeamanofparts，thatmycharacterwasknown，thatIhadbeenexpelledfromWarsaw，andthatasforthedocumentbeforehimhejudgedittobeapackoflies，sinceinhisopinionitwasaltogethervoidofprobability。
"Infine，"headded，"youwillobeymyordertoleavethetown，andyoumusttellmewhereyouaregoing。"
"IwilltellyouthatwhenIhavemadeupmymindtogo。"
"What？Youdaretotellmethatyouwillnotobey？"
"YouyourselfhavesaidthatifIdonotgoIshallberemovedbyforce。"
"Verygood。Ihaveheardyouhaveastrongwill，buthereitwillbeofnousetoyou。Iadviseyoutogoquietly，andsoavoidharshmeasures。"
"Irequestyoutoreturnmethatdocument。"
"Iwillnotdoso。Begone！"
Thiswasoneofthemostterriblemomentsofmylife。IshudderstillwhenIthinkofit。ItwasonlyacowardlyloveoflifethathinderedmefromrunningmyswordthroughthebodyoftheStatthalter，whohadtreatedmeasifhewereahangmanandnotajudge。
AsIwentawayItookitintomyheadtocomplaintoPrinceKaunitz，thoughIhadnotthehonourofknowinghim。Icalledathishouse，andamanImettoldmetostayintheante—chamber，astheprincewouldpassthroughtogotodinner。
Itwasfiveo’clock。Theprinceappeared，followedbyhisguests，amongstwhomwasM。PoloRenieri，theVenetianambassador。Theprinceaskedmewhathecoulddoforme，andItoldmystoryinaloudvoicebeforethemall。
"Ihavereceivedmyordertogo，butIshallnotobey。Iimploreyourhighnesstogivemeyourprotection，andtohelpmetobringmypleatothefootofthethrone。"
"Writeoutyourpetition，"hereplied，"andIwillseethattheempressgetsit。ButIadviseyoutoaskhermajestyforarespite，forifyousaythatyouwon’tobey，shewillbepredisposedagainstyou。"
"Butiftheroyalgracedoesnotplacemeinsecurity，Ishallbedrivenawaybyviolence。"
"Thentakerefugewiththeambassadorofyournativecountry。"
"Alas，mylord，mycountryhasforsakenme。Anactoflegalthoughunconstitutionalviolencehasdeprivedmeofmyrightsasacitizen。MynameisCasanova，andmycountryisVenice。"
TheprincelookedastonishedandturnedtotheVenetianambassador，whosmiled，andwhisperedtohimfortenminutes。
"It’sapity，"saidtheprince，kindly，"thatyoucannotclaimtheprotectionofanyambassador。"
AtthesewordsanoblemanofcolossalstaturesteppedforwardandsaidI
couldclaimhisprotection，asmywholefamily，myselfincluded，hadservedtheprincehismaster。Hespokethetruth，forhewastheambassadorofSaxony。
"ThatisCountVitzthum，"saidtheprince。"Writetotheempress，andI
willforwardyourpetitionimmediately。Ifthereisanydelayintheanswer，gotothecount；youwillbesafewithhim，untilyouliketoleaveVienna。"
Inthemeanwhiletheprinceorderedwritingmaterialstobebroughtme，andheandhisguestspassedintothedining—hall。
Igivehereacopyofthepetition，whichIcomposedinlessthantenminutes。ImadeafaircopyfortheVenetianambassadortosendhometotheSenate:
"MADAM，——Iamsurethatif，asyourroyalandimperialhighnesswerewalkinginyourgarden，aninsectappealedplaintivelytoyounottocrushit，youwouldturnaside，andsoavoiddoingthepoorcreatureanyhurt。
"I，madam，amaninsect，andIbegofyouthatyouwillorderM。StatthalterSchrotembachtodelaycrushingmewithyourmajesty’sslipperforaweek。Possibly，afterthattimehaselapsed，yourmajestywillnotonlypreventhiscrushingme，butwilldeprivehimofthatslipper，whichwasonlymeanttobetheterrorofrogues，andnotofanhumbleVenetian，whoisanhonestman，thoughheescapedfromTheLeads。
"Inprofoundsubmissiontoyourmajesty’swill，"Iremain，"CASANOVA。
"GivenatVienna，January21st，1769。"
WhenIhadfinishedthepetition，Imadeafairdraftofit，andsentitintotheprince，whosentitbacktometellingmethathewouldplaceitintheempress’shandsimmediately，butthathewouldbemuchobligedbymymakingacopyforhisownuse。
Ididso，andgavebothcopiestothevaletdechambre，andwentmyway。
Itrembledlikeaparalytic，andwasafraidthatmyangermightgetmeintodifficulty。Bywayofcalmingmyself，IwroteoutinthestyleofamanifestothenarrativeIhadgiventothevileSchrotembach，andwhichthatunworthymagistratehadrefusedtoreturntome。
Atseveno’clockCountVitzthumcameintomyroom。HegreetedmeinafriendlymannerandbeggedmetotellhimthestoryofthegirlIhadgonetosee，onthepromiseoftheLatinquatrainreferringtoheraccommodatingdisposition。Igavehimtheaddressandcopiedouttheverses，andhesaidthatwasenoughtoconvinceanenlightenedjudgethatIhadbeenslandered；buthe，nevertheless，wasverydoubtfulwhetherjusticewouldbedoneme。
"What！shallIbeobligedtoleaveViennato—morrow？"
"No，no，theempresscannotpossiblyrefuseyoutheweek’sdelay。"
"Whynot？"
"Oh！noonecouldrefusesuchanappealasthat。Eventheprincecouldnothelpsmilingashewasreadingitinhiscoldway。Afterreadingithepasseditontome，andthentotheVenetianambassador，whoaskedhimifhemeanttogiveittotheempressasitstood。’Thispetition，’
repliedtheprince，’mightbesenttoGod，ifoneknewtheway；’andforthwithheorderedoneofhissecretariestofolditupandseethatitwasdelivered。Wetalkedofyoufortherestofdinner，andIhadthepleasureofhearingtheVenetianambassadorsaythatnoonecoulddiscoveranyreasonforyourimprisonmentundertheLeads。Yourduelwasalsodiscussed，butonthatpointweonlyknewwhathasappearedinthenewspapers。Obligemebygivingmeacopyofyourpetition；thatphraseofSchrotembachandtheslipperpleasedmevastly。"
Icopiedoutthedocument，andgaveithimwithacopyofmymanifesto。
Beforeheleftmethecountrenewedtheinvitationtotakerefugewithhim，ifIdidnothearfromtheempressbeforetheexpirationofthetwenty—fourhours。
Atteno’clockIhadavisitfromtheComtedelaPerouse，theMarquisdelasCasas，andSignorUccelli，thesecretaryoftheVenetianembassy。
Thelattercametoaskforacopyofmypetitionforhischief。I
promisedheshouldhaveit，andIalsosentacopyofmymanifesto。Theonlythingwhichratherinterferedwiththedignityofthislatterpiece，andgaveitasomewhatcomicair，werethefourLatinverses，whichmightmakepeopleimaginethat，afterenjoyingthegirlasHebe，IhadgoneinsearchofherasGanymede。Thiswasnotthecase，buttheempressunderstoodLatinandwasfamiliarwithmythology，andifshehadlookedonitinthelightIhavementionedIshouldhavebeenundone。ImadesixcopiesofthetwodocumentsbeforeIwenttobed；Iwasquitetiredout，buttheexertionhadsomewhatsoothedme。Atnoonthenextday，youngHasse（sonofthechapel—masterandofthefamousTrustina），secretaryoflegationtoCountVitzthum，cametotellmefromtheambassadorthatnobodywouldattackmeinmyownhouse，norinmycarriageifIwentabroad，butthatitwouldbeimprudenttogooutonfoot。Headdedthathischiefwouldhavethepleasureofcallingonmeatseveno’clock。IbeggedM。Hassetoletmehaveallthisinwriting，andafterhehadwrittenitoutheleftme。
ThustheordertoleaveViennahadbeensuspended；itmusthavebeendonebythesovereign。
"Ihavenotimetolose，"saidItomyself，"Ishallhavejusticedoneme，myassassinswillbecondemned，mypursewillbereturnedwiththetwohundredducatsinit，andnotintheconditioninwhichitwasshewntomebytheinfamousSchrotembach，whowillbepunishedbydismissal，atleast。"
SuchweremycastlesinSpain；whohasnotbuiltsuch？’Quodnimismiserivolunthocfacilecredunt’，saysSeneca。Thewishisfathertothethought。
Beforesendingmymanifestototheempress，PrinceKaunitz，andtoalltheambassadors，IthoughtitwouldbewelltocallontheCountessofSalmor，whospoketothesovereignearlyandlate。Ihadhadaletterofintroductionforher。
ShegreetedmebysayingthatIhadbettergiveupwearingmyarminasling，asitlookedasiiIwereacharlatan；myarmmustbewellenoughafterninemonths。
Iwasextremelyastonishedbythisgreeting，andrepliedthatifitwerenotnecessaryIshouldnotwearasling，andthatIwasnocharlatan。
"However，"Iadded，"Ihavecometoseeyouonadifferentmatter。"
"Yes，Iknow，butIwillhavenothingtodowithit。YouareallasbadasTomatis。"
Igaveaturnroundandlefttheroomwithouttakinganyfurthernoticeofher。Ireturnedhomefeelingoverwhelmedbythesituation。Ihadbeenrobbedandinsultedbyabandofthorough—pacedrascals；
Icoulddonothing，justicewasdeniedme，andnowIhadbeenmadeamockofbyaworthlesscountess。IfIhadreceivedsuchaninsultfromamanIwouldhavesoonmadehimfeeltheweightofonearmatallevents。I
couldnotbearmyarmwithoutaslingforanhour；painandswellingsetinimmediately。Iwasnotperfectlycuredtilltwentymonthsaftertheduel。
CountVitzthumcametoseemeatseveno’clock。HesaidtheempresshadtoldPrinceKaunitzthatSchrotembachconsideredmynarrativeaspureromance。HistheorywasthatIhadheldabankatfarowithsharpers’
cards，andhaddealtwithbothhandsthearmintheslingbeingamerepretence。Ihadthenbeentakenintheactbyoneofthegamesters，andmyunjustgainshadbeenveryproperlytakenfromme。Mydetectorhadthenhandedovermypurse，containingfortyducats，tothepolice，andthemoneyhadofcoursebeenconfiscated。TheempresshadtochoosebetweenbelievingSchrotembachanddismissinghim；andshewasnotinclinedtodothelatter，asitwouldbeadifficultmattertofindhimasuccessorinhisdifficultandodioustaskofkeepingViennaclearofhumanvermin。
"ThisiswhatPrinceKaunitzaskedmetotellyou。Butyouneednotbeafraidofanyviolence，andyoucangowhenyoulike。"
"ThenIamtoberobbedoftwohundredducatswithimpunity。Theempressmightatleastreimbursemeifshedoesnothingmore。PleasetoasktheprincewhetherIcanaskthesovereigntogivemethatsatisfaction；theleastIcandemand。"
"Iwilltellhimwhatyousay。"
"Ifnot，Ishallleave；forwhatcanIdoinatownwhereIcanonlydrive，andwheretheGovernmentkeepsassassinsinitspay？"
"Youareright。WeareallsurethatPocchinihascalumniatedyou。ThegirlwhorecitesLatinversesiswellknown，butnoneknowheraddress。
ImustadviseyounottopublishyourtaleaslongasyouareinVienna，asitplacesSchrotembachinaverybadlight，andyouseetheempresshastosupporthimintheexerciseofhisauthority。"
"Iseetheforceofyourargument，andIshallhavetodevourmyanger。
IwillleaveViennaassoonasthewasherwomansendshomemylinen，butI
willhavethestoryprintedinallitsblackinjustice。"
"Theempressisprejudicedagainstyou，Idon’tknowbywhom。"
"Iknow，though；itisthatinfernaloldhag，CountessSalmor。"
ThenextdayIreceivedaletterfromCountVitzthum，inwhichhesaidthatPrinceKaunitzadvisedmetoforgetthetwohundredducats，thatthegirlandherso—calledmotherhadleftViennatoallappearance，assomeonehadgonetotheaddressandhadfailedtofindher。
IsawthatIcoulddonothing，andresolvedtodepartinpeace，andafterwardstopublishthewholestoryandtohangPocchiniwithmyownhandswhennextImethim。Ididneithertheonenortheother。
AboutthattimeayoungladyoftheSalisdeCoirefamilyarrivedatViennawithoutanycompanion。TheimperialhangmanSchrotembach，orderedhertoleaveViennaintwodays。Sherepliedthatshewouldleaveexactlywhenshefeltinclined。Themagistrateconsignedhertoimprisonmentinaconvent，andshewastherestillwhenIleft。Theemperorwenttoseeher，andtheempress，hismother，askedhimwhathethoughtofher。Hisanswerwas，"IthoughthermuchmoreamusingthanSchrotembach。"
Undoubtedly，everymanworthyofthenamelongstobefree，butwhoisreallyfreeinthisworld？Noone。Thephilosopher，perchance，maybeaccountedso，butitisatthecostoftooprecioussacrificesatthephantomshrineofLiberty。
Ilefttheuseofmysuiteofrooms，forwhichIhadpaidamonthinadvance，toCampioni，promisingtowaitforhimatAugsburg，wheretheLawaloneissupreme。IdepartedalonecarryingwithmethebitterregretthatIhadnotbeenabletokillthemonster，whosedespotismhadcrushedme。IstoppedatLinzonpurposetowritetoSchrotembachevenamorebitterletterthanthatwhichIhadwrittentotheDukeofWurtemburgin1760。Iposteditmyself，andhaditregisteredsoastobesureofitsreachingthescoundreltowhomithadbeenaddressed。Itwasabsolutelynecessaryformetowritethisletter，forragethathasnoventmustkillatlast。FromLinzIhadathreedays’journeytoMunich，whereIcalledonCountGaetanZavoicki，whodiedatDresdensevenyearsago。IhadknownhimatVenicewhenhewasinwant，andI
hadhappilybeenusefultohim。Onmyrelatingthestoryoftherobberythathadbeencommittedonme，henodoubtimaginedIwasinwant，andgavemetwenty—fivelouis。TotellthetruthitwasmuchlessthanwhatIhadgivenhimatVenice，andifhehadlookeduponhisactionaspayingbackadebtweshouldnothavebeenquits；butasIhadneverwishedhimtothinkthatIhadlent，notgivenhimmoney，Ireceivedthepresentgratefully。HealsogavemealetterforCountMaximilianLamberg，marshalatthecourtofthePrince—BishopofAugsburg，whoseacquaintanceIhadthehonourofhaving。
TherewasnotheatretheninAugsburg，butthereweremaskedballsinwhichallclassesmingledfreely。Therewerealsosmallpartieswherefarowasplayedforsmallstakes。Iwastiredofthepleasure，themisfortune，andthegriefsIhadhadinthreecapitals，andIresolvedtospendfourmonthsinthefreecityofAugsburg，wherestrangershavethesameprivilegesasthecanons。Mypursewasslender，butwiththeeconomicallifeIledIhadnothingtofearonthatscore。IwasnotfarfromVenice，whereahundredducatswerealwaysatmyserviceifIwantedthem。Iplayedalittleandwagedwaragainstthesharperswhohavebecomemorenumerousoflatethanthedupes，astherearealsomoredoctorsthanpatients。Ialsothoughtofgettingamistress，forwhatislifewithoutlove？IhadtriedinvaintoretraceGertrude；theengraverwasdead，andnooneknewwhathadbecomeofhisdaughter。
TwoorthreedaysbeforetheendofthecarnivalIwenttoahirerofcarriages，asIhadtogotoaballatsomedistancefromthetown。
Whilethehorseswerebeingputin，Ienteredtheroomtowarmmyhands，fortheweatherwasverycold。AgirlcameupandaskedmeifIwoulddrinkaglassofwine。
"No，"saidI；andonthequestionbeingrepeated，repeatedthemonosyllablesomewhatrudely。Thegirlstoodstillandbegantolaugh，andIwasabouttoturnangrilyawaywhenshesaid，——
"Iseeyoudonotrememberme？"
Ilookedatherattentively，andatlastIdiscoveredbeneathherunusuallyuglyfeaturesthelineamentsofAnnaMidel，themaidintheengraver’shouse。
"YouremindmeofAnnaMidel，"saidI。
"Alas，IwasAnnaMidelonce。Iamnolongeranobjectfitforlove，butthatisyourfault。"
"Mine？"
"Yes；thefourhundredflorinsyougavememadeCountFugger’scoachmanmarryme，andhenotonlyabandonedmebutgavemeadisgustingdisease，whichwasliketohavebeenmydeath。Irecoveredmyhealth，butInevershallrecovermygoodlooks。"
"Iamverysorrytohearallthis；buttellmewhathasbecomeofGertrude？"
"Thenyoudon’tknowthatyouaregoingtoaballatherhouseto—night？"
"Herhouse？"
"Yes。Afterherfather’sdeathshemarriedawell—to—doandrespectableman，andIexpectyouwillbepleasedwiththeentertainment"
"Issheprettystill？"
"Sheisjustassheusedtobe，exceptthatsheissixyearsolderandhashadchildren。"
"Isshegallant？"
"Idon’tthinkso。"
Annahadspokenthetruth。Gertrudewaspleasedtoseeme，andintroducedmetoherhusbandasoneofherfather’soldlodgers，andI
hadaltogetherapleasantwelcome；but，onsoundingher，Ifoundsheentertainedthosevirtuoussentimentswhichmighthavebeenexpectedunderthecircumstances。
CampioniarrivedatAugsburgatthebeginningofLent。HewasincompanywithBinetti，whowasgoingtoParis。Hehadcompletelydespoiledhiswife，andhadleftherforever。CampionitoldmethatnooneatViennadoubtedmystoryintheslightestdegree。PocchiniandtheSclavhaddisappearedafewdaysaftermydeparture，andtheStatthalterhadincurredagreatdealofodiumbyhistreatmentofme。Campionispentamonthwithme，andthenwentontoLondon。
IcalledonCountLambergandhiscountess，who，withoutbeingbeautiful，wasanepitomeoffemininecharmandamiability。HernamebeforemarriagewasCountessDachsberg。Threemonthsaftermyarrival，thislady，whowasenciente，butdidnotthinkhertimewasdue，wentwithCountFugger，deanofthechapter，toapartyofpleasureataninnthreequartersofaleaguefromAugsburg。Iwaspresent；andinthecourseofthemealshewastakenwithsuchviolentpainsthatshefearedshewouldbedeliveredonthespot。Shedidnotliketotellthenoblecanon，andthinkingthatIwasmorelikelytobeacquaintedwithsuchemergenciesshecameuptomeandtoldmeall。Iorderedthecoachmantoputinhishorsesinstantly，andwhenthecoachwasreadyItookupthecountessandcarriedhertoit。Thecanonfollowedusinblankastonishment，andaskedmewhatwasthematter。Itoldhimtobidthecoachmandrivefastandnottosparehishorses。Hedidso，butheaskedagainwhatwasthematter。
"Thecountesswillbedeliveredofachildifwedonotmakehaste。"
IthoughtIshouldbeboundtolaugh，inspiteofmysympathiesforthepoorlady’spains，whenIsawthedeanturngreenandwhiteandpurple，andlookasifheweregoingintoafit，asherealizedthatthecountessmightbedeliveredbeforehiseyesinhisowncarriage。ThepoormanlookedasgrievouslytormentedasSt。Laurenceonhisgridiron。ThebishopwasatPlombieres；theywouldwriteandtellhim！Itwouldbeinallthepapers！"Quick！coachman，quick！"
Wegottothecastlebeforeitwastoolate。Icarriedtheladyintoherrook，andtheyranforasurgeonandamidwife。Itwasnogood，however，forinfiveminutesthecountcameoutandsaidthecountesshadjustbeenhappilydelivered。Thedeanlookedasifaweighthadbeentakenoffhismind；however，hetooktheprecautionofhavinghimselfblooded。