第5章

"Whatcanwedointhedark？"

"Wecantalk。"

Wewerefour；forthelastthreehourswehadbeentalking，andIwastheherooftheromance。Loveisagreatpoet，itsresourcesareinexhaustible，butiftheendithasinviewisnotobtained，itfeelswearyandremainssilent。MyAngelalistenedwillingly，butlittledisposedtotalkherself，sheseldomanswered，andshedisplayedgoodsenseratherthanwit。Toweakentheforceofmyarguments，shewasoftensatisfiedwithhurlingatmeaproverb，somewhatinthefashionoftheRomansthrowingthecatapult。Everytimethatmypoorhandscametotheassistanceoflove，shedrewherselfbackorrepulsedme。Yet，inspiteofall，Iwentontalkingandusingmyhandswithoutlosingcourage，butIgavemyselfuptodespairwhenIfoundthatmyratherartfularguingastoundedherwithoutbringingconvictiontoherheart，whichwasonlydisquieted，neversoftened。Ontheotherhand，IcouldseewithastonishmentupontheircountenancestheimpressionmadeuponthetwosistersbytheardentspeechesIpouredouttoAngela。Thismetaphysicalcurvestruckmeasunnatural，itoughttohavebeenanangle；Iwasthen，unhappilyformyself，studyinggeometry。Iwasinsuchastatethat，notwithstandingthecold，Iwasperspiringprofusely。Atlastthelightwasnearlyout，andNanettetookitaway。

Themomentwewereinthedark，IverynaturallyextendedmyarmstoseizeherwhomIloved；butIonlymetwithemptyspace，andIcouldnothelplaughingattherapiditywithwhichAngelahadavailedherselfoftheopportunityofescapingme。ForonefullhourI

pouredoutallthetender，cheerfulwordsthatloveinspiredmewith，topersuadehertocomebacktome；Icouldonlysupposethatitwasajoketoteaseme。ButIbecameimpatient。

"Thejoke，"Isaid，"haslastedlongenough；itisfoolish，asI

couldnotrunafteryou，andIamsurprisedtohearyoulaugh，foryourstrangeconductleadsmetosupposethatyouaremakingfunofme。Comeandtakeyourseatnearme，andifImustspeaktoyouwithoutseeingyouletmyhandsassuremethatIamnotaddressingmywordstotheemptyair。Tocontinuethisgamewouldbeaninsulttome，andmylovedoesnotdeservesuchareturn。"

"Well，becalm。Iwilllistentoeverywordyoumaysay，butyoumustfeelthatitwouldnotbedecentformetoplacemyselfnearyouinthisdarkroom。"

"DoyouwantmetostandwhereIamuntilmorning？"

"Liedownonthebed，andgotosleep。"

"Inwonder，indeed，atyourthinkingmecapableofdoingsointhestateIamin。Well，Isupposewemustplayatblindman’sbuff。"

Thereupon，Ibegantofeelrightandleft，everywhere，butinvain。

WheneverIcaughtanyoneitalwaysturnedouttobeNanetteorMarton，whoatoncediscoveredthemselves，andI，stupidDonQuixote，instantlywouldletthemgo！Loveandprejudiceblindedme，IcouldnotseehowridiculousIwaswithmyrespectfulreserve。IhadnotyetreadtheanecdotesofLouisXIII，kingofFrance，butIhadreadBoccacio。Ikeptonseekinginvain，reproachingherwithhercruelty，andentreatinghertoletmecatchher；butshewouldonlyanswerthatthedifficultyofmeetingeachotherwasmutual。Theroomwasnotlarge，andIwasenragedatmywantofsuccess。

Tiredandstillmorevexed，Isatdown，andforthenexthourItoldthehistoryofRoger，whenAngelicadisappearsthroughthepowerofthemagicringwhichthelovingknighthadsoimprudentlygivenher:

’Cosidicendo，intornoalafortunaBrancolandon’andavacomecieco。

Oquantevolteabbracciol’ariavanaSpeyandoladonzellaabbracciarseco’。

AngelahadnotreadAriosto，butNanettehaddonesoseveraltimes。

SheundertookthedefenceofAngelica，andblamedthesimplicityofRoger，who，ifhehadbeenwise，wouldneverhavetrustedtheringtoacoquette。IwasdelightedwithNanette，butIwasyettoomuchofanovicetoapplyherremarkstomyself。

Onlyonemorehourremained，andIwastoleavebeforethebreakofday，forMadameOriowouldhavediedratherthangivewaytothetemptationofmissingtheearlymass。DuringthathourIspoketoAngela，tryingtoconvinceherthatsheoughttocomeandsitbyme。

Mysoulwentthrougheverygradationofhopeanddespair，andthereadercannotpossiblyrealizeitunlesshehasbeenplacedinasimilarposition。Iexhaustedthemostconvincingarguments；thenI

hadrecoursetoprayers，andeventotears；but，seeingallwasuseless，Igavewaytothatfeelingofnobleindignationwhichlendsdignitytoanger。HadInotbeeninthedark，Imight，Itrulybelieve，havestrucktheproudmonster，thecruelgirl，whohadthusforfivehourscondemnedmetothemostdistressingsuffering。I

pouredoutalltheabuse，alltheinsultingwordsthatdespisedlovecansuggesttoaninfuriatedmind；Iloadedherwiththedeepestcurses；Isworethatmylovehadentirelyturnedintohatred，and，asafinale，Iadvisedhertobecareful，asIwouldkillherthemomentIwouldsetmyeyesonher。

Myinvectivescametoanendwiththedarkness。Atthefirstbreakofday，andassoonasIheardthenoisemadebytheboltandthekeyofthestreetdoor，whichMadameOriowasopeningtoletherselfout，thatshemightseekinthechurchthereposeofwhichherpioussoulwasinneed，Igotmyselfreadyandlookedformycloakandformyhat。ButhowcanIeverportraytheconsternationinwhichIwasthrownwhen，castingaslyglanceupontheyoungfriends，Ifoundthethreebathedintears！InmyshameanddespairIthoughtofcommittingsuicide，andsittingdownagain，Irecollectedmybrutalspeeches，andupbraidedmyselfforhavingwantonlycausedthemtoweep。Icouldnotsayoneword；Ifeltchoking；atlasttearscametomyassistance，andIgavewaytoafitofcryingwhichrelievedme。Nanettethenremarkedthatherauntwouldsoonreturnhome；I

driedmyeyes，and，notventuringanotherlookatAngelaoratherfriends，Iranawaywithoututteringaword，andthrewmyselfonmybed，wheresleepwouldnotvisitmytroubledmind。

Atnoon，M。deMalipiero，noticingthechangeinmycountenance，enquiredwhatailedme，andlongingtounburdenmyheart，Itoldhimallthathadhappened。Thewiseoldmandidnotlaughatmysorrow，butbyhissensibleadvicehemanagedtoconsolemeandtogivemecourage。HewasinthesamepredicamentwiththebeautifulTherese。

Yethecouldnothelpgivingwaytohismerrimentwhenatdinnerhesawme，inspiteofmygrief，eatwithincreasedappetite；Ihadgonewithoutmysupperthenightbefore；hecomplimentedmeuponmyhappyconstitution。

IwasdeterminednevertovisitMadameOrio’shouse，andonthatverydayIheldanargumentinmetaphysics，inwhichIcontendedthatanybeingofwhomwehadonlyanabstractidea，couldonlyexistabstractedly，andIwasright；butitwasaveryeasytasktogivetomythesisanirreligiousturn，andIwasobligedtorecant。AfewdaysafterwardsIwenttoPadua，whereItookmydegreeofdoctor’utroquejure’。

WhenIreturnedtoVenice，IreceivedanotefromM。Rosa，whoentreatedmetocalluponMadameOrio；shewishedtoseeme，and，feelingcertainofnotmeetingAngela，Ipaidheravisitthesameevening。Thetwogracefulsistersweresokind，sopleasant，thattheyscatteredtothewindstheshameIfeltatseeingthemafterthefearfulnightIhadpassedintheirroomtwomonthsbefore。ThelaboursofwritingmythesisandpassingmyexaminationwereofcoursesufficientexcusesforMadameOrio，whoonlywantedtoreproachmeforhavingremainedsolongawayfromherhouse。

AsIleft，NanettegavemealettercontaininganotefromAngela，thecontentsofwhichranasfollows:

"Ifyouarenotafraidofpassinganothernightwithmeyoushallhavenoreasontocomplainofme，forIloveyou，andIwishtohearfromyourownlipswhetheryouwouldstillhavelovedmeifIhadconsentedtobecomecontemptibleinyoureyes。"

ThisistheletterofNanette，whoalonehadherwitsabouther:

"M。Rosahavingundertakentobringyoubacktoourhouse，IpreparethesefewlinestoletyouknowthatAngelaisindespairathavinglostyou。Iconfessthatthenightyouspentwithuswasacruelone，butIdonotthinkthatyoudidrightlyingivingupyourvisitstoMadameOrio。IfyoustillfeelanyloveforAngela，Iadviseyoutotakeyourchancesoncemore。Acceptarendezvousforanothernight；shemayvindicateherself，andyouwillbehappy。Believeme；

come。Farewell！"

Thosetwolettersaffordedmemuchgratification，forIhaditinmypowertoenjoymyrevengebyshewingtoAngelathecoldestcontempt。

Therefore，onthefollowingSundayIwenttoMadameOrio’shouse，havingprovidedmyselfwithasmokedtongueandacoupleofbottlesofCypruswine；buttomygreatsurprisemycruelmistresswasnotthere。Nanettetoldmethatshehadmetheratchurchinthemorning，andthatshewouldnotbeabletocomebeforesupper—time。

TrustingtothatpromiseIdeclinedMadamOrio’sinvitation，andbeforethefamilysatdowntosupperIlefttheroomasIhaddoneontheformeroccasion，andslippedupstairs。IlongedtorepresentthecharacterIhadpreparedmyselffor，andfeelingassuredthatAngela，evenifsheshouldprovelesscruel，wouldonlygrantmeinsignificantfavours，Idespisedtheminanticipation，andresolvedtobeavenged。

Afterwaitingthreequartersofanhourthestreetdoorwaslocked，andamomentlaterNanetteandMartonenteredtheroom。

"WhereisAngela？"Ienquired。

"Shemusthavebeenunabletocome，ortosendamessage。Yetsheknowsyouarehere。"

"Shethinksshehasmadeafoolofme；butIsuspectedshewouldactinthisway。Youknowhernow。Sheistriflingwithme，andverylikelysheisnowrevellinginhertriumph。Shehasmadeuseofyoutoalluremeinthesnare，anditisallthebetterforher；hadshecome，Imeanttohavehadmyturn，andtohavelaughedather。"

"Ah！youmustallowmetohavemydoubtsastothat。"

"Doubtmenot，beautifulNanette；thepleasantnightwearegoingtospendwithouthermustconvinceyou。"

"Thatistosaythat，asamanofsense，youcanacceptusasamakeshift；butyoucansleephere，andmysistercanliewithmeonthesofainthenextroom。"

"Icannothinderyou，butitwouldbegreatunkindnessonyourpart。

Atallevents，Idonotintendtogotobed。"

"What！youwouldhavethecouragetospendsevenhoursalonewithus？

Why，Iamcertainthatinashorttimeyouwillbeatalosswhattosay，andyouwillfallasleep。"

"Well，weshallsee。Inthemean—timehereareprovisions。Youwillnotbesocruelastoletmeeatalone？Canyougetanybread？"

"Yes，andtopleaseyouwemusthaveasecondsupper。"

"Ioughttobeinlovewithyou。Tellme，beautifulNanette，ifI

wereasmuchattachedtoyouasIwastoAngela，wouldyoufollowherexampleandmakemeunhappy？"

"Howcanyouasksuchaquestion？Itisworthyofaconceitedman。

AllIcanansweris，thatIdonotknowwhatIwoulddo。"

Theylaidthecloth，broughtsomebread，someParmesancheeseandwater，laughingallthewhile，andthenwewenttowork。Thewine，towhichtheywerenotaccustomed，wenttotheirheads，andtheirgaietywassoondelightful。Iwondered，asIlookedatthem，atmyhavingbeenblindenoughnottoseetheirmerit。

Afteroursupper，whichwasdelicious，Isatbetweenthem，holdingtheirhands，whichIpressedtomylips，askingthemwhethertheyweretrulymyfriends，andwhethertheyapprovedofAngela’sconducttowardsme。Theybothansweredthatithadmadethemshedmanytears。"Thenletme，"Isaid，"haveforyouthetenderfeelingsofabrother，andsharethosefeelingsyourselvesasifyouweremysisters；letusexchange，inallinnocence，proofsofourmutualaffection，andsweartoeachotheraneternalfidelity。"

ThefirstkissIgavethemwaspromptedbyentirelyharmlessmotives，andtheyreturnedthekiss，astheyassuredmeafewdaysafterwardsonlytoprovetomethattheyreciprocatedmybrotherlyfeelings；butthoseinnocentkisses，aswerepeatedthem，verysoonbecameardentones，andkindledaflamewhichcertainlytookusbysurprise，forwestopped，asbycommonconsent，afterashorttime，lookingateachotherverymuchastonishedandratherserious。Theybothleftmewithoutaffectation，andIremainedalonewithmythoughts。Indeed，itwasnaturalthattheburningkissesIhadgivenandreceivedshouldhavesentthroughmethefireofpassion，andthatIshouldsuddenlyhavefallenmadlyinlovewiththetwoamiablesisters。

BothwerehandsomerthanAngela，andtheyweresuperiortoher——

Nanettebyhercharmingwit，Martonbyhersweetandsimplenature；I

couldnotunderstandhowIhadbeensolonginrenderingthemthejusticetheydeserved，buttheyweretheinnocentdaughtersofanoblefamily，andtheluckychancewhichhadthrowntheminmywayoughtnottoproveacalamityforthem。Iwasnotvainenoughtosupposethattheylovedme，butIcouldwellenoughadmitthatmykisseshadinfluencedtheminthesamemannerthattheirkisseshadinfluencedme，and，believingthistobethecase，itwasevidentthat，withalittlecunningonmypart，andofslypracticesofwhichtheywereignorant，Icouldeasily，duringthelongnightIwasgoingtospendwiththem，obtainfavours，theconsequencesofwhichmightbeverypositive。Theverythoughtmademeshudder，andIfirmlyresolvedtorespecttheirvirtue，neverdreamingthatcircumstancesmightprovetoostrongforme。

Whentheyreturned，Ireadupontheircountenancesperfectsecurityandsatisfaction，andIquicklyputonthesameappearance，withafulldeterminationnottoexposemyselfagaintothedangeroftheirkisses。

ForonehourwespokeofAngela，andIexpressedmydeterminationnevertoseeheragain，asIhadeveryproofthatshedidnotcareforme。"Shelovesyou，"saidtheartlessMarton；"Iknowshedoes，butifyoudonotmeantomarryher，youwilldowelltogiveupallintercoursewithher，forsheisquitedeterminednottograntyouevenakissaslongasyouarenotheracknowledgedsuitor。Youmustthereforeeithergiveuptheacquaintancealtogether，ormakeupyourmindthatshewillrefuseyoueverything。"

"Youargueverywell，buthowdoyouknowthatshelovesme？"

"Iamquitesureofit，andasyouhavepromisedtobeourbrother，I

cantellyouwhyIhavethatconviction。WhenAngelaisinbedwithme，sheembracesmelovinglyandcallsmeherdearabbe。"

ThewordswerescarcelyspokenwhenNanette，laughingheartily，placedherhandonhersister’slips，buttheinnocentconfessionhadsuchaneffectuponmethatIcouldhardlycontrolmyself。

MartontoldNanettethatIcouldnotpossiblybeignorantofwhattakesplacebetweenyounggirlssleepingtogether。

"Thereisnodoubt，"Isaid，"thateverybodyknowsthosetrifles，andIdonotthink，dearNanette，thatyououghttoreproachyoursisterwithindiscretionforherfriendlyconfidence。"

"Itcannotbehelpednow，butsuchthingsoughtnottobementioned。

IfAngelaknewit！"

"Shewouldbevexed，ofcourse；butMartonhasgivenmeamarkofherfriendshipwhichInevercanforget。Butitisallover；IhateAngela，andIdonotmeantospeaktoheranymore！sheisfalse，andshewishesmyruin。"

"Yet，lovingyou，isshewrongtothinkofhavingyouforherhusband？"

"Grantedthatsheisnot；butshethinksonlyofherownself，forsheknowswhatIsuffer，andherconductwouldbeverydifferentifshelovedme。Inthemeantime，thankstoherimagination，shefindsthemeansofsatisfyinghersenseswiththecharmingMartonwhokindlyperformsthepartofherhusband。"

Nanettelaughedlouder，butIkeptveryserious，andIwentontalkingtohersister，andpraisinghersincerity。Isaidthatverylikely，andtoreciprocateherkindness，Angelamustlikewisehavebeenherhusband，butsheanswered，withasmile，thatAngelaplayedhusbandonlytoNanette，andNanettecouldnotdenyit。

"But，"saidI，"whatnamedidNanette，inherrapture，givetoherhusband？"

"Nobodyknows。"

"Doyouloveanyone，Nanette？"

"Ido；butmysecretismyown。"

ThisreservegavemethesuspicionthatIhadsomethingtodowithhersecret，andthatNanettewastherivalofAngela。Suchadelightfulconversationcausedmetolosethewishofpassinganidlenightwithtwogirlssowellmadeforlove。

"Itisverylucky，"Iexclaimed，"thatIhaveforyouonlyfeelingsoffriendship；otherwiseitwouldbeveryhardtopassthenightwithoutgivingwaytothetemptationofbestowinguponyouproofsofmyaffection，foryouarebothsolovely，sobewitching，thatyouwouldturnthebrainsofanyman。"

AsIwentontalking，Ipretendedtobesomewhatsleepy；Nanettebeingthefirsttonoticeit，said，"Gotobedwithoutanyceremony，wewillliedownonthesofaintheadjoiningroom。"

"Iwouldbeaverypoor—spiritedfellowindeed，ifIagreedtothis；

letustalk；mysleepinesswillsoonpassoff，butIamanxiousaboutyou。Gotobedyourselves，mycharmingfriends，andIwillgointothenextroom。Ifyouareafraidofme，lockthedoor，butyouwoulddomeaninjustice，forIfeelonlyabrother’syearningstowardsyou。"

"Wecannotacceptsuchanarrangement，"saidNanette，"butletmepersuadeyou；takethisbed。"

"Icannotsleepwithmyclotheson。"

"Undressyourself；wewillnotlookatyou。"

"Ihavenofearofit，buthowcouldIfindthehearttosleep，whileonmyaccountyouarecompelledtositup？"

"Well，"saidMarton，"wecanliedown，too，withoutundressing。"

"Ifyoushewmesuchdistrust，youwilloffendme。Tellme，Nanette，doyouthinkIamanhonestman？"

"Mostcertainly。"

"Well，then，givemeaproofofyourgoodopinion；liedownnearmeinthebed，undressed，andrelyonmywordofhonourthatIwillnotevenlayafingeruponyou。Besides，youaretwoagainstone，whatcanyoufear？WillyounotbefreetogetoutofthebedincaseI

shouldnotkeepquiet？Inshort，unlessyouconsenttogivemethismarkofyourconfidenceinme，atleastwhenIhavefallenasleep，I

cannotgotobed。"

Isaidnomore，andpretendedtobeverysleepy。Theyexchangedafewwords，whisperingtoeachother，andMartontoldmetogotobed，thattheywouldfollowmeassoonasIwasasleep。Nanettemademethesamepromise，Iturnedmybacktothem，undressedmyselfquickly，andwishingthemgoodnight，Iwenttobed。Iimmediatelypretendedtofallasleep，butsoonIdozedingoodearnest，andonlywokewhentheycametobed。Then，turningroundasifIwishedtoresumemyslumbers，IremainedveryquietuntilIcouldsupposethemfastasleep；atallevents，iftheydidnotsleep，theywereatlibertytopretendtodoso。Theirbacksweretowardsme，andthelightwasout；thereforeIcouldonlyactatrandom，andIpaidmyfirstcomplimentstotheonewhowaslyingonmyright，notknowingwhethershewasNanetteorMarton。Ifindherbentintwo，andwrappedupintheonlygarmentshehadkepton。Takingmytime，andsparinghermodesty，Icompelherbydegreestoacknowledgeherdefeat，andconvinceherthatitisbettertofeignsleepandtoletmeproceed。

Hernaturalinstinctssoonworkinginconcertwithmine，Ireachthegoal；andmyefforts，crownedwiththemostcompletesuccess，leavemenottheshadowofadoubtthatIhavegatheredthosefirst—fruitstowhichourprejudicemakesusattachsogreatanimportance。

Enrapturedathavingenjoyedmymanhoodcompletelyandforthefirsttime，Iquietlyleavemybeautyinordertodohomagetotheothersister。Ifindhermotionless，lyingonherbacklikeapersonwrappedinprofoundandundisturbedslumber。Carefullymanagingmyadvance，asifIwereafraidofwakingherup，Ibeginbygentlygratifyinghersenses，andIascertainthedelightfulfactthat，likehersister，sheisstillinpossessionofhermaidenhood。Assoonasanaturalmovementprovestomethatloveacceptstheoffering，I

takemymeasurestoconsummatethesacrifice。Atthatmoment，givingwaysuddenlytotheviolenceofherfeelings，andtiredofherassumeddissimulation，shewarmlylocksmeinherarmsattheveryinstantofthevoluptuouscrisis，smothersmewithkisses，sharesmyraptures，andloveblendsoursoulsinthemostecstaticenjoyment。

GuessinghertobeNanette，Iwhisperhername。

"Yes，IamNanette，"sheanswers；"andIdeclaremyselfhappy，aswellasmysister，ifyouproveyourselftrueandfaithful。"

"Untildeath，mybelovedones，andaseverythingwehavedoneistheworkoflove，donotletusevermentionthenameofAngela。"

Afterthis，Ibeggedthatshewouldgiveusalight；butMarton，alwayskindandobliging，gotoutofbedleavingusalone。WhenI

sawNanetteinmyarms，beamingwithlove，andMartonnearthebed，holdingacandle，withhereyesreproachinguswithingratitudebecausewedidnotspeaktoher，who，byacceptingmyfirstcaresses，hadencouragedhersistertofollowherexample，Irealizedallmyhappiness。

"Letusgetup，mydarlings，"saidI，"andsweartoeachothereternalaffection。"

Whenwehadrisenweperformed，allthreetogether，ablutionswhichmadethemlaughagooddeal，andwhichgaveanewimpetustotheardourofourfeelings。Sittingupinthesimplecostumeofnature，weatetheremainsofoursupper，exchangingthosethousandtriflingwordswhichlovealonecanunderstand，andweagainretiredtoourbed，wherewespentamostdelightfulnightgivingeachothermutualandoft—repeatedproofsofourpassionateardour。Nanettewastherecipientofmylastbounties，forMadameOriohavingleftthehousetogotochurch，Ihadtohastenmydeparture，afterassuringthetwolovelysistersthattheyhadeffectuallyextinguishedwhateverflamemightstillhaveflickeredinmyheartforAngela。Iwenthomeandsleptsoundlyuntildinner—time。

M。deMalipieropassedaremarkuponmycheerfullooksandthedarkcirclesaroundmyeyes，butIkeptmyowncounsel，andIallowedhimtothinkwhateverhepleased。OnthefollowingdayIpaidavisittoMadameOrio，andAngelanotbeingoftheparty，IremainedtosupperandretiredwithM。Rosa。DuringtheeveningNanettecontrivedtogivemealetterandasmallparcel。Theparcelcontainedasmalllumpofwaxwiththestampofakey，andthelettertoldmetohaveakeymade，andtouseittoenterthehousewheneverIwishedtospendthenightwiththem。SheinformedmeatthesametimethatAngelahadsleptwiththemthenightfollowingouradventures，andthat，thankstotheirmutualandusualpractices，shehadguessedtherealstateofthings，thattheyhadnotdeniedit，addingthatitwasallherfault，andthatAngela，afterabusingthemmostvehemently，hadswornneveragaintodarkentheirdoors；buttheydidnotcareajot。

AfewdaysafterwardsourgoodfortunedeliveredusfromAngela；shewastakentoVicenzabyherfather，whohadremovedthereforacoupleofyears，havingbeenengagedtopaintfrescoesinsomehousesinthatcity。Thankstoherabsence，Ifoundmyselfundisturbedpossessorofthetwocharmingsisters，withwhomIspentatleasttwonightseveryweek，findingnodifficultyinenteringthehousewiththekeywhichIhadspeedilyprocured。

Carnivalwasnearlyover，whenM。ManzoniinformedmeonedaythatthecelebratedJuliettewishedtoseeme，andregrettedmuchthatI

hadceasedtovisither。Ifeltcuriousastowhatshehadtosaytome，andaccompaniedhimtoherhouse。Shereceivedmeverypolitely，andremarkingthatshehadheardofalargehallIhadinmyhouse，shesaidshewouldliketogiveaballthere，ifIwouldgivehertheuseofit。Ireadilyconsented，andshehandedmetwenty—foursequinsforthesupperandfortheband，undertakingtosendpeopletoplacechandeliersinthehallandinmyotherrooms。

M。deSanvitalihadleftVenice，andtheParmesangovernmenthadplacedhisestatesinchanceryinconsequenceofhisextravagantexpenditure。ImethimatVersaillestenyearsafterwards。Heworetheinsigniaoftheking’sorderofknighthood，andwasgrandequerrytotheeldestdaughterofLouisXV。，DuchessofParma，who，likealltheFrenchprincesses，couldnotbereconciledtotheclimateofItaly。

Theballtookplace，andwentoffsplendidly。AlltheguestsbelongedtoJuliette’sset，withtheexceptionofMadameOrio，hernieces，andtheprocuratorRosa，whosattogetherintheroomadjoiningthehall，andwhomIhadbeenpermittedtointroduceaspersonsofnoconsequencewhatever。

Whiletheafter—supperminuetswerebeingdancedJuliettetookmeapart，andsaid，"Takemetoyourbedroom；Ihavejustgotanamusingidea。"

Myroomwasonthethirdstory；Ishewedhertheway。Themomentweenteredsheboltedthedoor，muchtomysurprise。"Iwishyou，"shesaid，"todressmeupinyourecclesiasticalclothes，andIwilldisguiseyouasawomanwithmyownthings。Wewillgodownanddancetogether。Come，letusfirstdressourhair。"

Feelingsureofsomethingpleasanttocome，anddelightedwithsuchanunusualadventure，Ilosenotimeinarrangingherhair，andIletherafterwardsdressmine。Sheappliesrougeandafewbeautyspotstomyface；Ihumourherineverything，andtoprovehersatisfaction，shegivesmewiththebestofgraceaverylovingkiss，onconditionthatIdonotaskforanythingelse。

"Asyouplease，beautifulJuliette，butIgiveyouduenoticethatI

adoreyou！"

Iplaceuponmybedashirt，anabbe’sneckband，apairofdrawers，blacksilkstockings——infact，acompletefit—out。Comingnearthebed，Juliettedropsherskirt，andcleverlygetsintothedrawers，whichwerenotabadfit，butwhenshecomestothebreechesthereissomedifficulty；thewaistbandistoonarrow，andtheonlyremedyistoripitbehindortocutit，ifnecessary。Iundertaketomakeeverythingright，and，asIsitonthefootofmybed，sheplacesherselfinfrontofme，withherbacktowardsme。Ibeginmywork，butshethinksthatIwanttoseetoomuch，thatIamnotskilfulenough，andthatmyfingerswanderinunnecessaryplaces；shegetsfidgety，leavesme，tearsthebreeches，andmanagesinherownway。

ThenIhelphertoputhershoeson，andIpasstheshirtoverherhead，butasIamdisposingtheruffleandtheneck—band，shecomplainsofmyhandsbeingtoocurious；andintruth，herbosomwasratherscanty。Shecallsmeaknaveandrascal，butItakenonoticeofher。Iwasnotgoingtobeduped，andIthoughtthatawomanwhohadbeenpaidonehundredthousandducatswaswellworthsomestudy。

Atlast，hertoiletbeingcompleted，myturncomes。InspiteofherobjectionsIquicklygetridofmybreeches，andshemustputonmethechemise，thenaskirt，inawordshehastodressmeup。Butallatonce，playingthecoquette，shegetsangrybecauseIdonotconcealfromherlookstheveryapparentproofthathercharmshavesomeeffectonaparticularpartofmybeing，andsherefusestograntmethefavourwhichwouldsoonaffordbothreliefandcalm。I

trytokissher，andsherepulsesme，whereuponIlosepatience，andinspiteofherselfshehastowitnessthelaststageofmyexcitement。Atthesightofthis，shepoursouteveryinsultingwordshecanthinkof；Iendeavourtoprovethatsheistoblame，butitisallinvain。

However，sheiscompelledtocompletemydisguise。Thereisnodoubtthatanhonestwomanwouldnothaveexposedherselftosuchanadventure，unlessshehadintendedtoprovehertenderfeelings，andthatshewouldnothavedrawnbackattheverymomentshesawthemsharedbyhercompanion；butwomenlikeJulietteareoftenguidedbyaspiritofcontradictionwhichcausesthemtoactagainsttheirowninterests。Besides，shefeltdisappointedwhenshefoundoutthatI

wasnottimid，andmywantofrestraintappearedtoherawantofrespect。Shewouldnothaveobjectedtomystealingafewlightfavourswhichshewouldhaveallowedmetotake，asbeingofnoimportance，but，bydoingthat，Ishouldhaveflatteredhervanitytoohighly。

Ourdisguisebeingcomplete，wewenttogethertothedancing—hall，wheretheenthusiasticapplauseoftheguestssoonrestoredourgoodtemper。EverybodygavemecreditforapieceoffortunewhichIhadnotenjoyed，butIwasnotill—pleasedwiththerumour，andwentondancingwiththefalseabbe，whowasonlytoocharming。JuliettetreatedmesowellduringthenightthatIconstruedhermannerstowardsmeintosomesortofrepentance，andIalmostregrettedwhathadtakenplacebetweenus；itwasamomentaryweaknessforwhichI

wassorelypunished。

Attheendofthequadrilleallthementhoughttheyhadarighttotakelibertieswiththeabbe，andIbecamemyselfratherfreewiththeyounggirls，whowouldhavebeenafraidofexposingthemselvestoridiculehadtheyofferedanyoppositiontomycaresses。

M。QueriniwasfoolishenoughtoenquirefrommewhetherIhadkeptonmybreeches，andasIansweredthatIhadbeencompelledtolendthemtoJuliette，helookedveryunhappy，satdowninacorneroftheroom，andrefusedtodance。

EveryoneoftheguestssoonremarkedthatIhadonawoman’schemise，andnobodyentertainedadoubtofthesacrificehavingbeenconsummated，withtheexceptionofNanetteandMarton，whocouldnotimaginethepossibilityofmybeingunfaithfultothem。Julietteperceivedthatshehadbeenguiltyofgreatimprudence，butitwastoolatetoremedytheevil。

Whenwereturnedtomychamberupstairs，thinkingthatshehadrepentedofherpreviousbehaviour，andfeelingsomedesiretopossessher，IthoughtIwouldkissher，andItookholdofherhand，sayingIwasdisposedtogivehereverysatisfaction，butshequicklyslappedmyfaceinsoviolentamannerthat，inmyindignation，Iwasverynearreturningthecompliment。Iundressedmyselfrapidlywithoutlookingather，shedidthesame，andwecamedownstairs；

but，inspiteofthecoldwaterIhadappliedtomycheek，everyonecouldeasilyseethestampofthelargehandwhichhadcomeincontactwithmyface。

Beforeleavingthehouse，Juliettetookmeapart，andtoldme，inthemostdecidedandimpressivemanner，thatifIhadanyfancyforbeingthrownoutofthewindow，IcouldenjoythatpleasurewheneverI

likedtoenterherdwelling，andthatshewouldhavememurderedifthisnight’sadventureeverbecamepubliclyknown。Itookcarenottogiveheranycausefortheexecutionofeitherofherthreats，butIcouldnotpreventthefactofourhavingexchangedshirtsbeingrathernotorious。AsIwasnotseenatherhouse，itwasgenerallysupposedthatshehadbeencompelledbyM。Querinitokeepmeatadistance。Thereaderwillseehow，sixyearslater，thisextraordinarywomanthoughtpropertofeignentireforgetfulnessofthisadventure。

IpassedLent，partlyinthecompanyofmylovedones，partlyinthestudyofexperimentalphysicsattheConventoftheSalutation。MyeveningswerealwaysgiventoM。deMalipiero’sassemblies。AtEaster，inordertokeepthepromiseIhadmadetotheCountessofMont—Real，andlongingtoseeagainmybeautifulLucie，IwenttoPasean。IfoundtheguestsentirelydifferenttothesetIhadmetthepreviousautumn。CountDaniel，theeldestofthefamily，hadmarriedaCountessGozzi，andayoungandwealthygovernmentofficial，whohadmarriedagod—daughteroftheoldcountess，wastherewithhiswifeandhissister—in—law。Ithoughtthesupperverylong。Thesameroomhadbeengiventome，andIwasburningtoseeLucie，whomIdidnotintendtotreatanymorelikeachild。Ididnotseeherbeforegoingtobed，butIexpectedherearlythenextmorning，whenlo！insteadofherprettyfacebrighteningmyeyes，I

seestandingbeforemeafat，uglyservant—girl！Ienquireafterthegatekeeper’sfamily，butheranswerisgiveninthepeculiardialectoftheplace，andis，ofcourse，unintelligibletome。

IwonderwhathasbecomeofLucie；Ifancythatourintimacyhasbeenfoundout，Ifancythatsheisill——dead，perhaps。Idressmyselfwiththeintentionoflookingforher。Ifshehasbeenforbiddentoseeme，Ithinktomyself，Iwillbeevenwiththemall，forsomehoworotherIwillcontrivethemeansofspeakingtoher，andoutofspiteIwilldowithherthatwhichhonourpreventedlovefromaccomplishing。AsIwasrevolvingsuchthoughts，thegate—keepercomesinwithasorrowfulcountenance。Ienquireafterhiswife’shealth，andafterhisdaughter，butatthenameofLuciehiseyesarefilledwithtears。

"What！isshedead？"

"WouldtoGodshewere！"

"Whathasshedone？"

"ShehasrunawaywithCountDaniel’scourier，andwehavebeenunabletotraceheranywhere。"

Hiswifecomesinatthemomenthereplies，andatthesewords，whichrenewedhergrief，thepoorwomanfaintsaway。Thekeeper，seeinghowsincerelyIfeltforhismisery，tellsmethatthisgreatmisfortunebefellthemonlyaweekbeforemyarrival。

"Iknowthatmanl’Aigle，"Isay；"heisascoundrel。DidheasktomarryLucie？"

"No；heknewwellenoughthatourconsentwouldhavebeenrefused！"

"IwonderatLucieactinginsuchaway。"

"Heseducedher，andherrunningawaymadeussuspectthetruth，forshehadbecomeverystout。"

"Hadheknownherlong？"

"Aboutamonthafteryourlastvisitshesawhimforthefirsttime。

Hemusthavethrownaspelloverher，forourLuciewasaspureasadove，andyoucan，Ibelieve，beartestimonytohergoodness。"

"Andnooneknowswheretheyare？"

"Noone。Godaloneknowswhatthisvillainwilldowithher。"

Igrievedasmuchastheunfortunateparents；Iwentoutandtookalongrambleinthewoodstogivewaytomysadfeelings。DuringtwohoursIcogitatedoverconsiderations，sometrue，somefalse，whichwereallprefacedbyanif。IfIhadpaidthisvisit，asImighthavedone，aweeksooner，lovingLuciewouldhaveconfidedinme，andIwouldhavepreventedthatself—murder。IfIhadactedwithheraswithNanetteandMarton，shewouldnothavebeenleftbymeinthatstateofardentexcitementwhichmusthaveprovedtheprincipalcauseofherfault，andshewouldnothavefallenapreytothatscoundrel。

Ifshehadnotknownmebeforemeetingthecourier，herinnocentsoulwouldneverhavelistenedtosuchaman。Iwasindespair，forinmyconscienceIacknowledgedmyselftheprimaryagentofthisinfamousseduction；Ihadpreparedthewayforthevillain。

HadIknownwheretofindLucie，Iwouldcertainlyhavegoneforthontheinstanttoseekforher，butnotracewhateverofherwhereaboutshadbeendiscovered。

BeforeIhadbeenmadeacquaintedwithLucie’smisfortuneIfeltgreatprideathavinghadsufficientpowerovermyselftorespectherinnocence；butafterhearingwhathadhappenedIwasashamedofmyownreserve，andIpromisedmyselfthatforthefutureIwouldonthatscoreactmorewisely。Ifelttrulymiserablewhenmyimaginationpaintedtheprobabilityoftheunfortunategirlbeinglefttopovertyandshame，cursingtheremembranceofme，andhatingmeasthefirstcauseofhermisery。Thisfataleventcausedmetoadoptanewsystem，whichinafteryearsIcarriedsometimesrathertoofar。

Ijoinedthecheerfulguestsofthecountessinthegardens，andreceivedsuchawelcomethatIwassoonagaininmyusualspirits，andatdinnerIdelightedeveryone。

MysorrowwassogreatthatitwasnecessaryeithertodriveitawayatonceortoleavePasean。ButanewlifecreptintomybeingasI

examinedthefaceandthedispositionofthenewly—marriedlady。Hersisterwasprettier，butIwasbeginningtofeelafraidofanovice；

Ithoughttheworktoogreat。

Thisnewly—marriedlady，whowasbetweennineteenandtwentyyearsofage，drewuponherselfeverybody’sattentionbyherover—strainedandunnaturalmanners。Agreattalker，withamemorycrammedwithmaximsandpreceptsoftenwithoutsense，butofwhichshelovedtomakeashow，verydevout，andsojealousofherhusbandthatshedidnotconcealhervexationwhenheexpressedhissatisfactionatbeingseatedattableoppositehersister，shelaidherselfopentomuchridicule。Herhusbandwasagiddyyoungfellow，whoperhapsfeltverydeepaffectionforhiswife，butwhoimaginedthat，throughgoodbreeding，heoughttoappearveryindifferent，andwhosevanityfoundpleasureingivingherconstantcausesforjealousy。She，inherturn，hadagreatdreadofpassingforanidiotifshedidnotshewherappreciationof，andherresentmentfor，hisconduct。Shefeltuneasyinthemidstofgoodcompany，preciselybecauseshewishedtoappearthoroughlyathome。IfIprattledawaywithsomeofmytrillingnonsense，shewouldstareatme，andinheranxietynottobethoughtstupid，shewouldlaughoutofseason。Heroddity，herawkwardness，andherself—conceitgavemethedesiretoknowherbetter，andIbegantodanceattendanceuponher。

Myattentions，importantandunimportant，myconstantcare，evermyfopperies，leteverybodyknowthatImeditatedconquest。Thehusbandwasdulywarned，but，withagreatshowofintrepidity，heansweredwithajokeeverytimehewastoldthatIwasaformidablerival。OnmysideIassumedamodest，andevensometimesacarelessappearance，when，toshewhisfreedomfromjealousy，heexcitedmetomakelovetohiswife，who，onherpart，understoodbutlittlehowtoperformthepartoffancyfree。

Ihadbeenpayingmyaddresstoherforfiveorsixdayswithgreatconstancy，when，takingawalkwithherinthegarden，sheimprudentlyconfidedtomethereasonofheranxietyrespectingherhusband，andhowwronghewastogiveheranycauseforjealousy。I

toldher，speakingasanoldfriend，thatthebestwaytopunishhimwouldbetotakenoapparentnoticeofher，husband’spreferenceforhersister，andtofeigntobeherselfinlovewithme。Inordertoenticehermoreeasilytofollowmyadvice，IaddedthatIwaswellawareofmyplanbeingaverydifficultonetocarryout，andthattoplaysuccessfullysuchacharacterawomanmustbeparticularlywitty。Ihadtouchedherweakpoint，andsheexclaimedthatshewouldplaytheparttoperfection；butinspiteofherself—

confidencesheacquittedherselfsobadlythateverybodyunderstoodthattheplanwasofmyownscheming。

IfIhappenedtobealonewithherinthedarkpathsofthegarden，andtriedtomakeherplayherpartinrealearnest，shewouldtakethedangerousstepofrunningaway，andrejoiningtheotherguests；

theresultbeingthat，onmyreappearance，Iwascalledabadsportsmanwhofrightenedthebirdaway。Iwouldnotfailatthefirstopportunitytoreproachherforherflight，andtorepresentthetriumphshehadthuspreparedforherspouse。Ipraisedhermind，butlamentedovertheshortcomingsofhereducation；Isaidthatthetone，themannersIadoptedtowardsher，werethoseofgoodsociety，andprovedthegreatesteemIentertainedforherintelligence，butinthemiddleofallmyfinespeeches，towardstheeleventhortwelfthdayofmycourtship，shesuddenlyputmeoutofallconceitbytellingmethat，beingapriest，Ioughttoknowthateveryamorousconnectionwasadeadlysin，thatGodcouldseeeveryactionofHiscreatures，andthatshewouldneitherdamnhersoulnorplaceherselfunderthenecessityofsayingtoherconfessorthatshehadsofarforgottenherselfastocommitsuchasinwithapriest。

IobjectedthatIwasnotyetapriest，butshefoiledmebyenquiringpoint—blankwhetherornottheactIhadinviewwastobenumberedamongstthecardinalsins，for，notfeelingthecouragetodenyit，IfeltthatImustgiveuptheargumentandputanendtotheadventure。

Alittleconsiderationhavingconsiderablycalmedmyfeelings，everybodyremarkedmynewcountenanceduringdinner；andtheoldcount，whowasveryfondofajoke，expressedloudlyhisopinionthatsuchquietdemeanouronmypartannouncedthecompletesuccessofmycampaign。Consideringsucharemarktobefavourabletome，Itookcaretospewmycrueldevoteethatsuchwasthewaytheworldwouldjudge，butallthiswaslostlabour。Luck，however，stoodmeingoodstead，andmyeffortswerecrownedwithsuccessinthefollowingmanner。

OnAscensionDay，weallwenttopayavisittoMadameBergali，acelebratedItalianpoetess。OnmyreturntoPaseanthesameevening，myprettymistresswishedtogetintoacarriageforfourpersonsinwhichherhusbandandsisterwerealreadyseated，whileIwasaloneinatwo—wheeledchaise。Iexclaimedatthis，sayingthatsuchamarkofdistrustwasindeedtoopointed，andeverybodyremonstratedwithher，sayingthatsheoughtnottoinsultmesocruelly。Shewascompelledtocomewithme，andhavingtoldthepostillionthatI

wantedtogobythenearestroad，helefttheothercarriages，andtookthewaythroughtheforestofCequini。Theskywasclearandcloudlesswhenweleft，butinlessthanhalf—an—hourwewerevisitedbyoneofthosestormssofrequentinthesouth，whichappearlikelytooverthrowheavenandearth，andwhichendrapidly，leavingbehindthemabrightskyandacoolatmosphere，sothattheydomoregoodthanharm。

"Oh，heavens！"exclaimedmycompanion，"weshallhaveastorm。"

"Yes，"Isay，"andalthoughthechaiseiscovered，therainwillspoilyourprettydress。Iamverysorry。"

"Idonotmindthedress；butthethunderfrightensmeso！"

"Closeyourears。"

"Andthelightning？"

"Postillion，letusgosomewhereforshelter。"

"Thereisnotahouse，sir，foraleague，andbeforewecometoit，thestormwillhavepassedoff。"

Hequietlykeepsonhisway，andthelightningflashes，thethundersendsforthitsmightyvoice，andtheladyshudderswithfright。Theraincomesdownintorrents，Itakeoffmycloaktoshelterusinfront，atthesamemomentweareblindedbyaflashoflightning，andtheelectricfluidstrikestheearthwithinonehundredyardsofus。

Thehorsesplungeandprancewithfear，andmycompanionfallsinspasmodicconvulsions。Shethrowsherselfuponme，andfoldsmeinherarms。Thecloakhadgonedown，Istooptoplaceitaroundus，andimprovingmyopportunityItakeupherclothes。Shetriestopullthemdown，butanotherclapofthunderdeprivesherofeveryparticleofstrength。Coveringherwiththecloak，Idrawhertowardsme，andthemotionofthechaisecomingtomyassistance，shefallsovermeinthemostfavourableposition。Ilosenotime，andunderpretenceofarrangingmywatchinmyfob，Ipreparemyselffortheassault。Onherside，consciousthat，unlessshestopsmeatonce，allislost，shemakesagreateffort；butIholdhertightly，sayingthatifshedoesnotfeignafaintingfit，thepost—boywillturnroundandseeeverything；Iletherenjoythepleasureofcallingmeaninfidel，amonster，anythingshelikes，butmyvictoryisthemostcompletethateverachampionachieved。

Therain，however，wasfalling，thewind，whichwasveryhigh，blewinourfaces，and，compelledtostaywhereshewas，shesaidIwouldruinherreputation，asthepostillioncouldseeeverything。

"Ikeepmyeyeuponhim，"Ianswered，"heisnotthinkingofus，andevenifheshouldturnhishead，thecloaksheltersusfromhim。Bequiet，andpretendtohavefainted，forIwillnotletyougo。"

Sheseemsresigned，andaskshowIcanthussetthestormatdefiance。

"Thestorm，dearone，ismybestfriendto—day。"

Shealmostseemstobelieveme，herfearvanishes，andfeelingmyrapture，sheenquireswhetherIhavedone。Ismileandanswerinthenegative，statingthatIcannotlethergotillthestormisover。

"Consenttoeverything，orIletthecloakdrop，"Isaytoher。

"Well，youdreadfulman，areyousatisfied，nowthatyouhaveinsuredmymiseryfortheremainderofmylife？"

"No，notyet。"

"Whatmoredoyouwant？"

"Ashowerofkisses。"

"HowunhappyIam！Well！heretheyare。"

"Tellmeyouforgiveme，andconfessthatyouhavesharedallmypleasure。"

"YouknowIdid。Yes，Iforgiveyou。"

ThenIgiveherherliberty，andtreatinghertosomeverypleasantcaresses，Iaskhertohavethesamekindnessforme，andshegoestoworkwithasmileonherprettylips。

"Tellmeyouloveme，"Isaytoher。

"No，Idonot，foryouareanatheist，andhellawaitsyou。"

Theweatherwasfineagain，andtheelementscalm；Ikissedherhandsandtoldherthatthepostillionhadcertainlynotseenanything，andthatIwassureIhadcuredherofherdreadofthunder，butthatshewasnotlikelytorevealthesecretofmyremedy。Sheansweredthatonethingatleastwascertain，namelythatnootherwomanhadeverbeencuredbythesameprescription。

"Why，"Isaid，"thesameremedyhasverylikelybeenappliedamillionoftimeswithinthelastthousandyears。Totellyouthetruth，Ihadsomewhatdependeduponit，whenweenteredthechaisetogether，forIdidnotknowanyotherwayofobtainingthehappinessofpossessingyou。Butconsoleyourselfwiththebeliefthat，placedinthesameposition，nofrightenedwomancouldhaveresisted。"

"Ibelieveyou；butforthefutureIwilltravelonlywithmyhusband。"

"Youwouldbewrong，foryourhusbandwouldnothavebeencleverenoughtocureyourfrightinthewayIhavedone。"

"True，again。Onelearnssomecuriousthingsinyourcompany；butweshallnottraveltete—d—teteagain。"

WereachedPaseananhourbeforeourfriends。Wegetoutofthechaise，andmyfairmistressranofftoherchamber，whileIwaslookingforacrownforthepostillion。Isawthathewasgrinning。

"Whatareyoulaughingat？"

"Oh！youknow。"

"Here，takethisducatandkeepaquiettongueinyourhead。"

CHAPTERVI

MyGrandmother’sDeathandItsConsequencesILoseM。deMalipiero’sFriendship——IHaveNoLongeraHome——LaTintoretta——IAmSenttoaClericalSeminary——IAmExpelledFromIt，andConfinedinaFortressDuringsuppertheconversationturnedaltogetheruponthestorm，andtheofficial，whoknewtheweaknessofhiswife，toldmethathewasquitecertainIwouldnevertravelwithheragain。"NorIwithhim，"

hiswiferemarked，"for，inhisfearfulimpiety，heexorcisedthelightningwithjokes。"

HenceforthsheavoidedmesoskilfullythatInevercouldcontriveanotherinterviewwithher。

WhenIreturnedtoVeniceIfoundmygrandmotherill，andIhadtochangeallmyhabits，forIlovedhertoodearlynottosurroundherwitheverycareandattention；Ineverleftheruntilshehadbreathedherlast。Shewasunabletoleavemeanything，forduringherlifeshehadgivenmeallshecould，andherdeathcompelledmetoadoptanentirelydifferentmodeoflife。

Amonthafterherdeath，Ireceivedaletterfrommymotherinformingmethat，astherewasnoprobabilityofherreturntoVenice，shehaddeterminedtogiveupthehouse，therentofwhichshewasstillpaying，thatshehadcommunicatedherintentiontotheAbbeGrimani，andthatIwastobeguidedentirelybyhisadvice。

Hewasinstructedtosellthefurniture，andtoplaceme，aswellasmybrothersandmysister，inagoodboarding—house。IcalleduponGrimanitoassurehimofmyperfectdispositiontoobeyhiscommands。

Therentofthehousehadbeenpaiduntiltheendoftheyear；but，asIwasawarethatthefurniturewouldbesoldontheexpirationoftheterm，Iplacedmywantsundernorestraint。Ihadalreadysoldsomelinen，mostofthechina，andseveraltapestries；Inowbegantodisposeofthemirrors，beds，etc。Ihadnodoubtthatmyconductwouldbeseverelyblamed，butIknewlikewisethatitwasmyfather’sinheritance，towhichmymotherhadnoclaimwhatever，and，astomybrothers，therewasplentyoftimebeforeanyexplanationcouldtakeplacebetweenus。

FourmonthsafterwardsIhadasecondletterfrommymother，datedfromWarsaw，andenclosinganother。Hereisthetranslationofmymother’sletter"Mydearson，IhavemadeheretheacquaintanceofalearnedMinimfriar，aCalabrianbybirth，whosegreatqualitieshavemademethinkofyoueverytimehehashonouredmewithavisit。AyearagoItoldhimthatIhadasonwhowaspreparinghimselffortheChurch，butthatIhadnotthemeansofkeepinghimduringhisstudies，andhepromisedthatmysonwouldbecomehisownchild，ifIcouldobtainforhimfromthequeenabishopricinhisnativecountry，andheaddedthatitwouldbeveryeasytosucceedifIcouldinducethesovereigntorecommendhimtoherdaughter，thequeenofNaples。

"FulloftrustintheAlmighty，Ithrewmyselfatthefeetofhermajesty，whograntedmehergraciousprotection。Shewrotetoherdaughter，andtheworthyfriarhasbeenappointedbythePopetothebishopricofMonterano。Faithfultohispromise，thegoodbishopwilltakeyouwithhimaboutthemiddleofnextyear，ashepassesthroughVenicetoreachCalabria。Heinformsyouhimselfofhisintentionsintheenclosedletter。Answerhimimmediately，mydearson，andforwardyourlettertome；Iwilldeliverittothebishop。

HewillpaveyourwaytothehighestdignitiesoftheChurch，andyoumayimaginemyconsolationif，insometwentyorthirtyyears，Ihadthehappinessofseeingyouabishop，atleast！Untilhisarrival，M。Grimaniwilltakecareofyou。Igiveyoumyblessing，andIam，mydearchild，etc。，etc。"

Thebishop’sletterwaswritteninLatin，andwasonlyarepetitionofmymother’s。Itwasfullofunction，andinformedmethathewouldtarrybutthreedaysinVenice。

Iansweredaccordingtomymother’swishes，butthosetwolettershadturnedmybrain。Ilookeduponmyfortuneasmade。Ilongedtoentertheroadwhichwastoleadmetoit，andIcongratulatedmyselfthatIcouldleavemycountrywithoutanyregret。Farewell，Venice，Iexclaimed；thedaysforvanityaregoneby，andinthefutureI

willonlythinkofagreat，ofasubstantialcareer！M。Grimanicongratulatedmewarmlyonmygoodluck，andpromisedallhisfriendlycaretosecureagoodboarding—house，towhichIwouldgoatthebeginningoftheyear，andwhereIwouldwaitforthebishop’sarrival。

M。deMalipiero，whoinhisownwayhadgreatwisdom，andwhosawthatinVeniceIwasplungingheadlongintopleasuresanddissipation，andwasonlywastingaprecioustime，wasdelightedtoseemeontheeveofgoingsomewhereelsetofulfilmydestiny，andmuchpleasedwithmyreadyacceptanceofthosenewcircumstancesinmylife。HereadmealessonwhichIhaveneverforgotten。"ThefamouspreceptoftheStoicphilosophers，"hesaidtome，"’SequereDeum’，canheperfectlyexplainedbythesewords:’Giveyourselfuptowhateverfateofferstoyou，providedyoudonotfeelaninvinciblerepugnancetoacceptit。’"HeaddedthatitwasthegeniusofSocrates，’saeperevocans，raroimpellens’；andthatitwastheoriginofthe’fataviaminveniunt’ofthesamephilosophers。

M。deMalipiero’ssciencewasembodiedinthatverylesson，forhehadobtainedhisknowledgebythestudyofonlyonebook——thebookofman。However，asifitweretogivemetheproofthatperfectiondoesnotexist，andthatthereisabadsideaswellasagoodonetoeverything，acertainadventurehappenedtomeamonthafterwardswhich，althoughIwasfollowinghisownmaxims，costmethelossofhisfriendship，andwhichcertainlydidnotteachmeanything。

Thesenatorfanciedthathecouldtraceuponthephysiognomyofyoungpeoplecertainsignswhichmarkedthemoutasthespecialfavouritesoffortune。Whenheimaginedthathehaddiscoveredthosesignsuponanyindividual，hewouldtakehiminhandandinstructhimhowtoassistfortunebygoodandwiseprinciples；andheusedtosay，withagreatdealoftruth，thatagoodremedywouldturnintopoisoninthehandsofafool，butthatpoisonisagoodremedywhenadministeredbyalearnedman。Hehad，inmytime，threefavouritesinwhoseeducationhetookgreatpains。Theywere，besidesmyself，ThereseImer，withwhomthereaderhasaslightacquaintancealready，andthethirdwasthedaughteroftheboatmanGardela，agirlthreeyearsyoungerthanI，whohadtheprettiestandmostfascinatingcountenance。Thespeculativeoldman，inordertoassistfortuneinherparticularcase，madeherlearndancing，for，hewouldsay，theballcannotreachthepocketunlesssomeonepushesit。ThisgirlmadeagreatreputationatStuttgardunderthenameofAugusta。ShewasthefavouritemistressoftheDukeofWurtemburgin1757。Shewasamostcharmingwoman。ThelasttimeIsawhershewasinVenice，andshediedtwoyearsafterwards。Herhusband，Michelde1’Agata，poisonedhimselfashorttimeafterherdeath。

Onedaywehadallthreedinedwithhim，andafterdinnerthesenatorleftus，aswashiswont，toenjoyhissiesta；thelittleGardela，havingadancinglessontotake，wentawaysoonafterhim，andI

foundmyselfalonewithTherese，whomIratheradmired，althoughI

hadnevermadelovetoher。Weweresittingdownatatableveryneareachother，withourbackstothedooroftheroominwhichwethoughtourpatronfastasleep，andsomehoworotherwetookafancytoexamineintothedifferenceofconformationbetweenagirlandaboy；butatthemostinterestingpartofourstudyaviolentblowonmyshouldersfromastick，followedbyanother，andwhichwouldhavebeenitselffollowedbymanymoreifIhadnotranaway，compelledustoabandonourinterestinginvestigationunfinished。Igotoffwithouthatorcloak，andwenthome；butinlessthanaquarterofanhourtheoldhousekeeperofthesenatorbroughtmyclotheswithaletterwhichcontainedacommandnevertopresentmyselfagainatthemansionofhisexcellency。Iimmediatelywrotehimananswerinthefollowingterms:"Youhavestruckmewhileyouweretheslaveofyouranger；youcannotthereforeboastofhavinggivenmealesson，andI

havenotlearnedanything。ToforgiveyouImustforgetthatyouareamanofgreatwisdom，andIcanneverforgetit。"

Thisnoblemanwasperhapsquiterightnottobepleasedwiththesightwegavehim；yet，withallhisprudence，heprovedhimselfveryunwise，foralltheservantswereacquaintedwiththecauseofmyexile，and，ofcourse，theadventurewassoonknownthroughthecity，andwasreceivedwithgreatmerriment。HedarednotaddressanyreproachestoTherese，asIheardfromhersoonafter，butshecouldnotventuretoentreathimtopardonme。

Thetimetoleavemyfather’shousewasdrawingnear，andonefinemorningIreceivedthevisitofamanaboutfortyyearsold，withablackwig，ascarletcloak，andaveryswarthycomplexion，whohandedmealetterfromM。Grimani，orderingmetoconsigntothebearerallthefurnitureofthehouseaccordingtotheinventory，acopyofwhichwasinmypossession。Takingtheinventoryinmyhand，I

pointedouteveryarticlemarkeddown，exceptwhenthesaidarticle，havingthroughmyinstrumentalitytakenanairingoutofthehouse，happenedtobemissing，andwheneveranyarticlewasabsentIsaidthatIhadnottheslightestideawhereitmightbe。Buttheuncouthfellow，takingaveryhightone，saidloudlythathemustknowwhatI

haddonewiththefurniture。Hismannerbeingverydisagreeabletome，IansweredthatIhadnothingtodowithhim，andashestillraisedhisvoiceIadvisedhimtotakehimselfoffasquicklyaspossible，andIgavehimthatpieceofadviceinsuchawayastoprovetohimthat，athome，IknewIwasthemorepowerfulofthetwo。

FeelingitmydutytogiveinformationtoM。Grimaniofwhathadjusttakenplace，Icalleduponhimassoonashewasup，butIfoundthatmymanwasalreadythere，andthathehadgivenhisownaccountoftheaffair。Theabbe，afteraveryseverelecturetowhichIhadtolisteninsilence，orderedmetorenderanaccountofallthemissingarticles。IansweredthatIhadfoundmyselfunderthenecessityofsellingthemtoavoidrunningintodebt。Thisconfessionthrewhiminaviolentpassion；hecalledmearascal，saidthatthosethingsdidnotbelongtome，thatheknewwhathehadtodo，andhecommandedmetoleavehishouseontheveryinstant。

Madwithrage，IranforaJew，towhomIwantedtosellwhatremainedofthefurniture，butwhenIreturnedtomyhouseIfoundabailiffwaitingatthedoor，andhehandedmeasummons。IlookedoveritandperceivedthatitwasissuedattheinstanceofAntonioRazetta。Itwasthenameofthefellowwiththeswarthycountenance。

Thesealswerealreadyaffixedonallthedoors，andIwasnotevenallowedtogotomyroom，forakeeperhadbeenlefttherebythebailiff。Ilostnotime，andcalleduponM。Rosa，towhomIrelatedallthecircumstances。Afterreadingthesummonshesaid，"Thesealsshallberemovedto—morrowmorning，andinthemeantimeI

shallsummonRazettabeforetheavogador。Butto—night，mydearfriend，"headded，"youmustbegthehospitalityofsomeoneofyouracquaintances。Ithasbeenaviolentproceeding，butyoushallbepaidhandsomelyforit；themanisevidentlyactingunderM。Grimani’sorders。"

"Well，thatistheirbusiness。"

IspentthenightwithNanetteandMarton，andonthefollowingmorning，thesealshavingbeentakenoff，Itookpossessionofmydwelling。Razettadidnotappearbeforethe’avogador’，andM。Rosasummonedhiminmynamebeforethecriminalcourt，andobtainedagainsthimawritof’capias’incaseheshouldnotobeythesecondsummons。OnthethirddayM。Grimaniwrotetome，commandingmetocalluponhim。Iwentimmediately。AssoonasIwasinhispresenceheenquiredabruptlywhatmyintentionswere。

"Iintendtoshieldmyselffromyourviolentproceedingsundertheprotectionofthelaw，andtodefendmyselfagainstamanwithwhomI

oughtnevertohavehadanyconnection，andwhohascompelledmetopassthenightinadisreputableplace。"

"Inadisreputableplace？"

"Ofcourse。WhywasI，againstallrightandjustice，preventedfromenteringmyowndwelling？"

"Youhavepossessionofitnow。ButyoumustgotoyourlawyerandtellhimtosuspendallproceedingsagainstRazetta，whohasdonenothingbutundermyinstructions。Isuspectedthatyourintentionwastoselltherestofthefurniture；Ihavepreventedit。ThereisaroomatyourdisposalatSt。hrysostom’s，inahouseofmine，thefirstfloorofwhichisoccupiedbyLaTintoretta，ourfirstoperadancer。Sendallyourthingsthere，andcomeanddinewithmeeveryday。Yoursisterandyourbrothershavebeenprovidedwithacomfortablehome；therefore，everythingisnowarrangedforthebest。"

IcalledatonceuponM。Rosa，towhomIexplainedallthathadtakenplace，andhisadvicebeingtogivewaytoM。Grimani’swishes，I

determinedtofollowit。Besides，thearrangementofferedthebestsatisfactionIcouldobtain，astobeaguestathisdinnertablewasanhonourforme。IwaslikewisefullofcuriosityrespectingmynewlodgingunderthesameroofwithLaTintoretta，whowasmuchtalkedof，owingtoacertainPrinceofWaldeckwhowasextravagantlygenerouswithher。

Thebishopwasexpectedinthecourseofthesummer；Ihad，therefore，onlysixmonthsmoretowaitinVenicebeforetakingtheroadwhichwouldleadme，perhaps，tothethroneofSaintPeter:

everythinginthefutureassumedinmyeyesthebrightesthue，andmyimaginationrevelledamongstthemostradiantbeamsofsunshine；mycastlesintheairwereindeedmostbeautiful。

IdinedthesamedaywithM。Grimani，andIfoundmyselfseatednexttoRazetta——anunpleasantneighbour，butItooknonoticeofhim。

Whenthemealwasover，IpaidalastvisittomybeautifulhouseinSaint—Samuel’sparish，andsentallIpossessedinagondolatomynewlodging。

IdidnotknowSignoraTintoretta，butIwaswellacquaintedwithherreputation，characterandmanners。Shewasbutapoordancer，neitherhandsomenorplain，butawomanofwitandintellect。PrinceWaldeckspentagreatdealforher，andyethedidnotpreventherfromretainingthetitularyprotectionofanobleVenetianoftheLinfamily，nowextinct，amanaboutsixtyyearsofage，whowashervisitorateveryhouroftheday。Thisnobleman，whoknewme，cametomyroomtowardstheevening，withthecomplimentsofthelady，who，headded，wasdelightedtohavemeinherhouse，andwouldbepleasedtoreceivemeinherintimatecircle。

Toexcusemyselffornothavingbeenthefirsttopaymyrespectstothesignora，ItoldM。LinthatIdidnotknowshewasmyneighbour，thatM。Grimanihadnotmentionedthecircumstance，otherwiseIwouldhavepaidmydutiestoherbeforetakingpossessionofmylodging。

AfterthisapologyIfollowedtheambassador，hepresentedmetohismistress，andtheacquaintancewasmade。

Shereceivedmelikeaprincess，tookoffherglovebeforegivingmeherhandtokiss，mentionedmynamebeforefiveorsixstrangerswhowerepresent，andwhosenamesshegaveme，andinvitedmetotakeaseatnearher。AsshewasanativeofVenice，IthoughtitwasabsurdforhertospeakFrenchtome，andItoldherthatIwasnotacquaintedwiththatlanguage，andwouldfeelgratefulifshewouldconverseinItalian。ShewassurprisedatmynotspeakingFrench，andsaidIwouldcutbutapoorfigureinherdrawing—room，astheyseldomspokeanyotherlanguagethere，becauseshereceivedagreatmanyforeigners。IpromisedtolearnFrench。PrinceWaldeckcameinduringtheevening；Iwasintroducedtohim，andhegavemeaveryfriendlywelcome。HecouldspeakItalianverywell，andduringthecarnivalhechewedmegreatkindness。HepresentedmewithagoldsnuffboxasarewardforaverypoorsonnetwhichIhadwrittenforhisdearGrizellini。Thiswasherfamilyname；shewascalledTintorettabecauseherfatherhadbeenadyer。