第10章

"Thatiswellsaid。Willyouwritethematonce？"

"What！now，monsignor？Itisnotlikeprose。"

"Well，well！trytoletmehavethemto—morrow。"

Wedinedalone，andhiseminencecomplimentedmeuponmyexcellentappetite，whichheremarkedwasasgoodashisown；butIwasbeginningtounderstandmyeccentrichost，and，toflatterhim，I

answeredthathepraisedmemorethanIdeserved，andthatmyappetitewasinferiortohis。Thesingularcomplimentdelightedhim，andIsawalltheuseIcouldmakeofhiseminence。

Towardstheendofthedinner，aswewereconversing，themarchionessmadeherappearance，and，asamatterofcourse，withoutbeingannounced。Herlooksthrewmeintoraptures；Ithoughtheraperfectbeauty。Shedidnotgivethecardinaltimetomeether，butsatdownnearhim，whileIremainedstanding，accordingtoetiquette。

Withoutappearingtonoticeme，themarchionessranwittilyovervarioustopicsuntilcoffeewasbroughtin。Then，addressingherselftome，shetoldmetositdown，justasifshewasbestowingcharityuponme。

"By—the—by，abbe，"shesaid，aminuteafter，"haveyoureadmysonnet？"

"Yes，madam，andIhavehadthehonourtoreturnittohiseminence。

IhavefounditsoperfectthatIamcertainitmusthavecostyouagreatdealoftime。"

"Time？"exclaimedthecardinal；"Oh！youdonotknowthemarchioness。"

"Monsignor，"Ireplied，"nothingcanbedonewellwithouttime，andthatiswhyIhavenotdaredtochewtoyoureminenceananswertothesonnetwhichIhavewritteninhalfanhour。"

"Letusseeit，abbe，"saidthemarchioness；"Iwanttoreadit。"

"AnswerofSilesiatoLove。"Thistitlebroughtthemostfascinatingblushesonhercountenance。"ButLoveisnotmentionedinthesonnet，"exclaimedthecardinal。"Wait，"saidthemarchioness，"wemustrespecttheideaofthepoet:"

Shereadthesonnetoverandover，andthoughtthatthereproachesaddressedbySilesiatoLovewereveryjust。Sheexplainedmyideatothecardinal，makinghimunderstandwhySilesiawasoffendedathavingbeenconqueredbytheKingofPrussia。

"Ah，Isee，Isee！"exclaimedthecardinal，fullofjoy；"Silesiaisawoman……andtheKingofPrussia……Oh！oh！thatisreallyafineidea！"Andthegoodcardinallaughedheartilyformorethanaquarterofanhour。"Imustcopythatsonnet，"headded，"indeedI

musthaveit。"

"Theabbe，"saidtheobligingmarchioness，"willsaveyouthetrouble:Iwilldictateittohim。"

Ipreparedtowrite，buthiseminencesuddenlyexclaimed，"Mydearmarchioness，thisiswonderful；hehaskeptthesamerhymesasinyourownsonnet:didyouobserveit？"

Thebeautifulmarchionessgavemethenalookofsuchexpressionthatshecompletedherconquest。Iunderstoodthatshewantedmetoknowthecardinalaswellassheknewhim；itwasakindofpartnershipinwhichIwasquitereadytoplaymypart。

AssoonasIhadwrittenthesonnetunderthecharmingwoman’sdictation，Itookmyleave，butnotbeforethecardinalhadtoldmethatheexpectedmetodinnerthenextday。

Ihadplentyofworkbeforeme，forthetenstanzasIhadtocomposewereofthemostsingularcharacter，andIlostnotimeinshuttingmyselfupinmyroomtothinkofthem。Ihadtokeepmybalancebetweentwopointsofequaldifficulty，andIfeltthatgreatcarewasindispensable。Ihadtoplacethemarchionessinsuchapositionthatshecouldpretendtobelievethecardinaltheauthorofthestanzas，and，atthesametime，compelhertofindoutthatIhadwrittenthem，andthatIwasawareofherknowingit。Itwasnecessarytospeaksocarefullythatnotoneexpressionshouldbreatheeventhefaintesthopeonmypart，andyettomakemystanzasblazewiththeardentfireofmyloveunderthethinveilofpoetry。

Asforthecardinal，Iknewwellenoughthatthebetterthestanzaswerewritten，themoredisposedhewouldbetosignthem。AllI

wantedwasclearness，sodifficulttoobtaininpoetry，whilealittledoubtfuldarknesswouldhavebeenaccountedsublimebymynewMidas。But，althoughIwantedtopleasehim，thecardinalwasonlyasecondaryconsideration，andthehandsomemarchionesstheprincipalobject。

Asthemarchionessinherverseshadmadeapompousenumerationofeveryphysicalandmoralqualityofhiseminence，itwasofcoursenaturalthatheshouldreturnthecompliment，andheremytaskwaseasy。Atlasthavingmasteredmysubjectwell，Ibeganmywork，andgivingfullcareertomyimaginationandtomyfeelingsIcomposedthetenstanzas，andgavethefinishingstrokewiththesetwobeautifullinesfromAriosto:

LeangelicchebellezzenatealcieloNonsiponnocelarsottoalcumvelo。

Ratherpleasedwithmyproduction，Ipresenteditthenextdaytothecardinal，modestlysayingthatIdoubtedwhetherhewouldaccepttheauthorshipofsoordinaryacomposition。Hereadthestanzastwiceoverwithouttasteorexpression，andsaidatlastthattheywereindeednotmuch，butexactlywhathewanted。HethankedmeparticularlyforthetwolinesfromAriosto，sayingthattheywouldassistinthrowingtheauthorshipuponhimself，astheywouldprovetotheladyforwhomtheywereintendedthathehadnotbeenabletowritethemwithoutborrowing。And，astooffermesomeconsolation，hetoldmethat，inrecopyingthelines，hewouldtakecaretomakeafewmistakesintherhythmtocompletetheillusion。

Wedinedearlierthanthedaybefore，andIwithdrewimmediatelyafterdinnersoastogivehimleisuretomakeacopyofthestanzasbeforethearrivalofthelady。

ThenexteveningImetthemarchionessattheentranceofthepalace，andofferedhermyarmtocomeoutofhercarriage。Theinstantshealighted，shesaidtome，"IfeveryourstanzasandminebecomeknowninRome，youmaybesureofmyenmity。"

"Madam，Idonotunderstandwhatyoumean。"

"Iexpectedyoutoanswermeinthismanner，"repliedthemarchioness，"butrecollectwhatIhavesaid。"

Ileftheratthedoorofthereception—room，andthinkingthatshewasreallyangrywithme，Iwentawayindespair。"Mystanzas，"I

saidtomyself，"aretoofiery；theycompromiseherdignity，andherprideisoffendedatmyknowingthesecretofherintriguewithCardinalS。C。Yet，Ifeelcertainthatthedreadsheexpressesofmywantofdiscretionisonlyfeigned，itisbutapretexttoturnmeoutofherfavour。Shehasnotunderstoodmyreserve！Whatwouldshehavedone，ifIhadpaintedherinthesimpleapparelofthegoldenage，withoutanyofthoseveilswhichmodestyimposesuponhersex！"IwassorryIhadnotdoneso。Iundressedandwenttobed。

MyheadwasscarcelyonthepillowwhentheAbbeGamaknockedatmydoor。Ipulledthedoor—string，andcomingin，hesaid，"Mydearsir，thecardinalwishestoseeyou，andIamsentbythebeautifulmarchionessandCardinalS。C。，whodesireyoutocomedown。"

"Iamverysorry，butIcannotgo；tellthemthetruth；Iamillinbed。"

Astheabbedidnotreturn，Ijudgedthathehadfaithfullyacquittedhimselfofthecommission，andIspentaquietnight。Iwasnotyetdressedinthemorning，whenIreceivedanotefromCardinalS。C。

invitingmetodinner，sayingthathehadjustbeenbled，andthathewantedtospeaktome:heconcludedbyentreatingmetocometohimearly，evenifIdidnotfeelwell。

Theinvitationwaspressing；Icouldnotguesswhathadcausedit，butthetoneoftheletterdidnotforebodeanythingunpleasant。I

wenttochurch，whereIwassurethatCardinalAcquavivawouldseeme，andhedid。Aftermass，hiseminencebeckonedtome。

"Areyoutrulyill？"heenquired。

"No，monsignor，Iwasonlysleepy。"

"Iamverygladtohearit；butyouarewrong，foryouareloved。

CardinalS。C。hasbeenbledthismorning。"

"Iknowit，monsignor。Thecardinaltellsmesointhisnote，inwhichheinvitesmetodinewithhim，withyourexcellency’spermission。"

"Certainly。Butthisisamusing！Ididnotknowthathewantedathirdperson。"

"Willtherebeathirdperson？"

"Idonotknow，andIhavenocuriosityaboutit。"

Thecardinalleftme，andeverybodyimaginedthathiseminencehadspokentomeofstateaffairs。

IwenttomynewMaecenas，whomIfoundinbed。

"Iamcompelledtoobservestrictdiet，"hesaidtome；"Ishallhavetoletyoudinealone，butyouwillnotlosebyitasmycookdoesnotknowit。WhatIwantedtotellyouisthatyourstanzasare，I

amafraid，toopretty，forthemarchionessadoresthem。Ifyouhadreadthemtomeinthesamewaythatshedoes，Icouldneverhavemadeupmymindtoofferthem。""Butshebelievesthemtobewrittenbyyoureminence？"

"Ofcourse。"

"Thatistheessentialpoint，monsignor。"

"Yes；butwhatshouldIdoifshetookitintoherheadtocomposesomenewstanzasforme？"

"Youwouldanswerthroughthesamepen，foryoucandisposeofmenightandday，andrelyupontheutmostsecrecy。"

"Ibegofyoutoacceptthissmallpresent；itissomenegrillosnufffromHabana，whichCardinalAcquavivahasgivenme。"

Thesnuffwasexcellent，buttheobjectwhichcontaineditwasstillbetter。Itwasasplendidgold—enamelledbox。Ireceiveditwithrespect，andwiththeexpressionofthedeepestgratitude。

Ifhiseminencedidnotknowhowtowritepoetry，atleastheknewhowtobegenerous，andinadelicatemanner，andthatscienceis，atleastinmyestimation，superiortotheotherforagreatnobleman。

Atnoon，andmuchtomysurprise，thebeautifulmarchionessmadeherappearanceinthemostelegantmorningtoilet。

"IfIhadknownyouwereingoodcompany，"shesaidtothecardinal，"Iwouldnothavecome。"

"Iamsure，dearmarchioness，youwillnotfindourdearabbeintheway。"

"No，forIbelievehimtobehonestandtrue。"

Ikeptatarespectfuldistance，readytogoawaywithmysplendidsnuff—boxatthefirstjestshemighthurlatme。

Thecardinalaskedherifsheintendedtoremaintodinner。

"Yes，"sheanswered；"butIshallnotenjoymydinner，forIhatetoeatalone。"

"Ifyouwouldhonourhimsofar，theabbewouldkeepyoucompany。"

Shegavemeagraciouslook，butwithoututteringoneword。

ThiswasthefirsttimeIhadanythingtodowithawomanofquality，andthatairofpatronage，whateverkindnessmightaccompanyit，alwaysputmeoutoftemper，forIthoughtitmadeloveoutofthequestion。However，aswewereinthepresenceofthecardinal，I

fanciedthatshemightberightintreatingmeinthatfashion。

Thetablewaslaidoutnearthecardinal’sbed，andthemarchioness，whoatehardlyanything，encouragedmeinmygoodappetite。

"Ihavetoldyouthattheabbeisequaltomeinthatrespect，"saidS。C。

"Itrulybelieve，"answeredthemarchioness，"thathedoesnotremainfarbehindyou；but，"addedshewithflattery，"youaremoredaintyinyourtastes。"

"WouldherladyshipbesogoodastotellmeinwhatIhaveappearedtohertobeamereglutton？ForinallthingsIlikeonlydaintyandexquisitemorsels。"

"Explainwhatyoumeanbysayinginallthings，"saidthecardinal。

Takingthelibertyoflaughing，IcomposedafewimpromptuversesinwhichInamedallIthoughtdaintyandexquisite。Themarchionessapplauded，sayingthatsheadmiredmycourage。

"Mycourage，madam，isduetoyou，forIamastimidasaharewhenI

amnotencouraged；youaretheauthorofmyimpromptu。"

"Iadmireyou。Asformyself，wereIencouragedbyApollohimself，I

couldnotcomposefourlineswithoutpaperandink。"

"Onlygivewayboldlytoyourgenius，madam，andyouwillproducepoetryworthyofheaven。"

"That——ismyopinion，too，"saidthecardinal。"Ientreatyoutogivemepermissiontoskewyourtenstanzastotheabbe。"

"Theyarenotverygood，butIhavenoobjectionprovideditremainsbetweenus。"

Thecardinalgaveme，then，thestanzascomposedbythemarchioness，andIreadthemaloudwithalltheexpression，allthefeelingnecessarytosuchreading。

"Howwellyouhavereadthosestanzas！"saidthemarchioness；"Icanhardlybelievethemtobemyowncomposition；Ithankyouverymuch。

Buthavethegoodnesstogivethebenefitofyourreadingtothestanzaswhichhiseminencehaswritteninanswertomine。Theysurpassthemmuch。"

"Donotbelieveit，mydearabbe，"saidthecardinal，handingthemtome。"Yettrynottoletthemloseanythingthroughyourreading。"

Therewascertainlynoneedofhiseminenceenforcinguponmesucharecommendation；itwasmyownpoetry。Icouldnothavereaditotherwisethaninmybeststyle，especiallywhenIhadbeforemethebeautifulwomanwhohadinspiredthem，andwhen，besides，BacchuswasinmegivingcouragetoApolloasmuchasthebeautifuleyesofthemarchionesswerefanningintoanardentblazethefirealreadyburningthroughmywholebeing。

Ireadthestanzaswithsomuchexpressionthatthecardinalwasenraptured，butIbroughtadeepcarnationtintuponthecheeksofthelovelymarchionesswhenIcametothedescriptionofthosebeautieswhichtheimaginationofthepoetisallowedtoguessat，butwhichIcouldnot，ofcourse，havegazedupon。Shesnatchedthepaperfrommyhandswithpassion，sayingthatIwasaddingversesofmyown；itwastrue，butIdidnotconfessit。Iwasallaflame，andthefirewasscorchingheraswellasme。

Thecardinalhavingfallenasleep，sheroseandwenttotakeaseatonthebalcony；Ifollowedher。Shehadaratherhighseat；Istoodoppositetoher，sothatherkneetouchedthefob—pocketinwhichwasmywatch。Whataposition！Takingholdgentlyofoneofherhands，Itoldherthatshehadignitedinmysouladevouringflame，thatI

adoredher，andthat，unlesssomehopewaslefttomeoffindinghersensibletomysufferings，Iwasdeterminedtoflyawayfromherforever。

"Yes，beautifulmarchioness，pronouncemysentence。"

"Ifearyouarealibertineandanunfaithfullover。"

"Iamneitheronenortheother。"

WiththesewordsIfoldedherinmyarms，andIpresseduponherlovelylips，aspureasarose，anardentkisswhichshereceivedwiththebestpossiblegrace。Thiskiss，theforerunnerofthemostdeliciouspleasures，hadimpartedtomyhandsthegreatestboldness；

Iwasonthepointof……butthemarchioness，changingherposition，entreatedmesosweetlytorespecther，that，enjoyingnewvoluptuousnessthroughmyveryobedience，Inotonlyabandonedaneasyvictory，butIevenbeggedherpardon，whichIsoonreadinthemostlovinglook。

ShespokeofLucrezia，andwaspleasedwithmydiscretion。Shethenalludedtothecardinal，doingherbesttomakemebelievethattherewasnothingbetweenthembutafeelingofinnocentfriendship。OfcourseIhadmyopiniononthatsubject，butitwasmyinteresttoappeartobelieveeverywordsheuttered。Werecitedtogetherlinesfromourbestpoets，andallthetimeshewasstillsittingdownandIstandingbeforeher，withmylooksraptinthecontemplationofthemostlovelycharms，towhichIremainedinsensibleinappearance，forIhadmadeupmymindnottopressherthateveningforgreaterfavoursthanthoseIhadalreadyreceived。

Thecardinal，wakingfromhislongandpeacefulsiesta，gotupandjoinedusinhisnight—cap，andgood—naturedlyenquiredwhetherwehadnotfeltimpatientathisprotractedsleep。Iremaineduntildarkandwenthomehighlypleasedwithmyday’swork，butdeterminedtokeepmyardentdesiresincheckuntiltheopportunityforcompletevictoryoffereditself。

>Fromthatday，thecharmingmarchionessneverceasedtogivemethemarksofherparticularesteem，withouttheslightestconstraint；I

wasreckoninguponthecarnival，whichwascloseathand，feelingcertainthatthemoreIshouldspareherdelicacy，themoreshewouldendeavourtofindtheopportunityofrewardingmyloyalty，andofcrowningwithhappinessmylovingconstancy。Butfateordainedotherwise；DameFortuneturnedherbackuponmeattheverymomentwhenthePopeandCardinalAcquavivawerethinkingofgivingmeareallygoodposition。

TheHolyFatherhadcongratulatedmeuponthebeautifulsnuff—boxpresentedtomebyCardinalS。C。，buthehadbeencarefulnevertonamethemarchioness。CardinalAcquavivaexpressedopenlyhisdelightathisbrother—cardinalhavinggivenmeatasteofhisnegrillosnuffinsosplendidanenvelope；theAbbeGama，findingmesoforwardontheroadtosuccess，didnotventuretocounselmeanymore，andthevirtuousFatherGeorgigavemebutonepieceofadvice—

namely，toclingtothelovelymarchionessandnottomakeanyotheracquaintances。

Suchwasmyposition—trulyabrilliantone，when，onChristmasDay，theloverofBarbaraDalacquaenteredmyroom，lockedthedoor，andthrewhimselfonthesofa，exclaimingthatIsawhimforthelasttime。

"Ionlycometobegofyousomegoodadvice。"

"OnwhatsubjectcanIadviseyou？"

"Takethisandreadit；itwillexplaineverything。"

Itwasaletterfromhismistress；thecontentswerethese:

"Iampregnantofachild，thepledgeofourmutuallove；Icannolongerhaveanydoubtofit，mybeloved，andIforewarnyouthatI

havemadeupmymindtoquitRomealone，andtogoawaytodiewhereitmaypleaseGod，ifyourefusetotakecareofmeandsaveme。I

wouldsufferanything，doanything，ratherthanletmyfatherdiscoverthetruth。"

"Ifyouareamanofhonour，"Isaid，"youcannotabandonthepoorgirl。Marryherinspiteofyourfather，inspiteofherown，andlivetogetherhonestly。TheeternalProvidenceofGodwillwatchoveryouandhelpyouinyourdifficulties:"

Myadviceseemedtobringcalmtohismind，andheleftmemorecomposed。

AtthebeginningofJanuary，1744，hecalledagain，lookingverycheerful。"Ihavehired，"hesaid，"thetopfloorofthehousenexttoBarbara’sdwelling；sheknowsit，andto—nightIwillgainherapartmentthroughoneofthewindowsofthegarret，andwewillmakeallourarrangementstoenablemetocarryheroff。Ihavemadeupmymind；IhavedecidedupontakinghertoNaples，andIwilltakewithustheservantwho，sleepinginthegarret，hadtobemadeaconfidanteof。"

"Godspeedyou，myfriend！"

Aweekafterwards，towardseleveno’clockatnight，heenteredmyroomaccompaniedbyanabbe。

"Whatdoyouwantsolate？"

"Iwishtointroduceyoutothishandsomeabbe。"

Ilookedup，andtomyconsternationIrecognizedBarbara。

"Hasanyoneseenyouenterthehouse？"Ienquired。

"No；andifwehadbeenseen，whatofit？Itisonlyanabbe。Wenowpasseverynighttogether。"

"Icongratulateyou。"

"Theservantisourfriend；shehasconsentedtofollowus，andallourarrangementsarecompleted。"

"Iwishyoueveryhappiness。Adieu。Ibegyoutoleaveme。"

Threeorfourdaysafterthatvisit，asIwaswalkingwiththeAbbeGamatowardstheVillaMedicis，hetoldmedeliberatelythattherewouldbeanexecutionduringthenightinthePiazzadiSpagna。

"Whatkindofexecution？"

"Thebargelloorhislieutenantwillcometoexecutesome’ordinesantissimo’，ortovisitsomesuspiciousdwellinginordertoarrestandcarryoffsomepersonwhodoesnotexpectanythingofthesort。"

"Howdoyouknowit？"

"Hiseminencehastoknowit，forthePopewouldnotventuretoencroachuponhisjurisdictionwithoutaskinghispermission。"

"Andhiseminencehasgivenit？"

"Yes，oneoftheHolyFather’sauditorscameforthatpurposethismorning。"

"Butthecardinalmighthaverefused？"

"Ofcourse；butsuchapermissionisneverdenied。"

"Andifthepersontobearrestedhappenedtobeundertheprotectionofthecardinal——whatthen？"

"Hiseminencewouldgivetimelywarningtothatperson。"

Wechangedtheconversation，butthenewshaddisturbedme。I

fanciedthattheexecutionthreatenedBarbaraandherlover，forherfather’shousewasundertheSpanishjurisdiction。ItriedtoseetheyoungmanbutIcouldnotsucceedinmeetinghim，andIwasafraidlestavisitathishomeoratM。Dalacqua’sdwellingmightimplicateme。YetitiscertainthatthislastconsiderationwouldnothavestoppedmeifIhadbeenpositivelysurethattheywerethreatened；hadIfeltsatisfiedoftheirdanger，Iwouldhavebravedeverything。

Aboutmidnight，asIwasreadytogotobed，andjustasIwasopeningmydoortotakethekeyfromoutside，anabberushedpantingintomyroomandthrewhimselfonachair。ItwasBarbara；Iguessedwhathadtakenplace，and，foreseeingalltheevilconsequenceshervisitmighthaveforme，deeplyannoyedandveryanxious，Iupbraidedherforhavingtakenrefugeinmyroom，andentreatedhertogoaway。

FoolthatIwas！KnowingthatIwasonlyruiningmyselfwithoutanychanceofsavingher，Ioughttohavecompelledhertoleavemyroom，Ioughttohavecalledfortheservantsifshehadrefusedtowithdraw。ButIhadnotcourageenough，orratherIvoluntarilyobeyedthedecreesofdestiny。

Whensheheardmyordertogoaway，shethrewherselfonherknees，andmeltingintotears，shebegged，sheentreatedmypity！

Whereistheheartofsteelwhichisnotsoftenedbythetears，bytheprayersofaprettyandunfortunatewoman？Igaveway，butI

toldherthatitwasruinforbothofus。

"Noone，"shereplied，"hasseenme，Iamcertain，whenIenteredthemansionandcameuptoyourroom，andIconsidermyvisithereaweekagoasmostfortunate；otherwise，Inevercouldhaveknownwhichwasyourroom。"

"Alas！howmuchbetterifyouhadnevercome！Butwhathasbecomeofyourlover？"

"The’sbirri’havecarriedhimoff，aswellastheservant。Iwilltellyouallaboutit。Myloverhadinformedmethatacarriagewouldwaitto—nightatthefootoftheflightofstepsbeforetheChurchofTrinitadelMonte，andthathewouldbetherehimself。I

enteredhisroomthroughthegarretwindowanhourago。ThereIputonthisdisguise，and，accompaniedbytheservant，proceededtomeethim。Theservantwalkedafewyardsbeforeme，andcarriedaparcelofmythings。Atthecornerofthestreet，oneofthebucklesofmyshoesbeingunfastened，Istoppedaninstant，andtheservantwenton，thinkingthatIwasfollowingher。Shereachedthecarriage，gotintoit，and，asIwasgettingnearer，thelightfromalanterndisclosedtomesomethirtysbirri；atthesameinstant，oneofthemgotonthedriver’sboxanddroveoffatfullspeed，carryingofftheservant，whomtheymusthavemistakenforme，andmyloverwhowasinthecoachawaitingme。WhatcouldIdoatsuchafearfulmoment？I

couldnotgobacktomyfather’shouse，andIfollowedmyfirstimpulsewhichbroughtmehere。AndhereIam！Youtellmethatmypresencewillcauseyourruin；ifitisso，tellmewhattodo；I

feelIamdying；butfindsomeexpedientandIamreadytodoanything，eventolaymylifedown，ratherthanbethecauseofyourruin。"

Butsheweptmorebitterlythanever。

HerpositionwassosadthatIthoughtitworseeventhanmine，althoughIcouldalmostfancyIsawruinbeforemedespitemyinnocence。

"Letme，"Isaid，"conductyoutoyourfather；Ifeelsureofobtainingyourpardon。"

Butmyproposalonlyenhancedherfears。

"Iamlost，"sheexclaimed；"Iknowmyfather。Ah！reverendsir，turnmeoutintothestreet，andabandonmetomymiserablefate。"

NodoubtIoughttohavedoneso，andIwouldhavedoneitiftheconsciousnessofwhatwasduetomyowninteresthadbeenstrongerthanmyfeelingofpity。Buthertears！Ihaveoftensaidit，andthoseamongstmyreaderswhohaveexperiencedit，mustbeofthesameopinion；thereisnothingonearthmoreirresistiblethantwobeautifuleyessheddingtears，whentheownerofthoseeyesishandsome，honest，andunhappy。Ifoundmyselfphysicallyunabletosendheraway。

"Mypoorgirl，"Isaidatlast，"whendaylightcomes，andthatwillnotbelong，foritispastmidnight，whatdoyouintendtodo？"

"Imustleavethepalace，"shereplied，sobbing。"Inthisdisguisenoonecanrecognizeme；IwillleaveRome，andIwillwalkstraightbeforemeuntilIfallontheground，dyingwithgriefandfatigue。"

Withthesewordsshefellonthefloor。Shewaschoking；Icouldseeherfaceturnblue；Iwasinthegreatestdistress。

Itookoffherneck—band，unlacedherstaysundertheabbe’sdress，I

threwcoldwaterinherface，andIfinallysucceededinbringingherbacktoconsciousness。

Thenightwasextremelycold，andtherewasnofireinmyroom。I

advisedhertogetintomybed，promisingtorespecther。

"Alas！reverendsir，pityistheonlyfeelingwithwhichIcannowinspireanyone。"

And，tospeakthetruthIwastoodeeplymoved，and，atthesametime，toofullofanxiety，toleaveroominmeforanydesire。

Havinginducedhertogotobed，andherextremeweaknesspreventingherfromdoinganythingforherself，Iundressedherandputhertobed，thusprovingoncemorethatcompassionwillsilencethemostimperiousrequirementsofnature，inspiteofallthecharmswhichwould，underothercircumstances，excitetothehighestdegreethesensesofaman。Ilaydownnearherinmyclothes，andwokeheratday—break。Herstrengthwassomewhatrestored，shedressedherselfalone，andIleftmyroom，tellinghertokeepquietuntilmyreturn。

Iintendedtoproceedtoherfather’shouse，andtosolicitherpardon，but，havingperceivedsomesuspicious—lookingmenloiteringaboutthepalace，Ithoughtitwisetoaltermymind，andwenttoacoffeehouse。

Isoonascertaniedthataspywaswatchingmymovementsatadistance；butIdidnotappeartonoticehim，andhavingtakensomechocolateandstoredafewbiscuitsinmypocket，Ireturnedtowardsthepalace，apparentlywithoutanyanxietyorhurry，alwaysfollowedbythesameindividual。Ijudgedthatthebargello，havingfailedinhisproject，wasnowreducedtoguesswork，andIwasstrengthenedinthatviewofthecasewhenthegate—keeperofthepalacetoldme，withoutmyaskinganyquestion，asIcamein，thatanarresthadbeenattemptedduringthenight，andhadnotsucceeded。Whilehewasspeaking，oneoftheauditorsoftheVicar—GeneralcalledtoenquirewhenhecouldseetheAbbyGama。Isawthatnotimewastobelost，andwentuptomyroomtodecideuponwhatwastobedone。

IbeganbymakingthepoorgirleatacoupleofbiscuitssoakedinsomeCanarywine，andItookherafterwardstothetopstoryofthepalace，where，leavingherinanotverydecentclosetwhichwasnotusedbyanyone，Itoldhertowaitforme。

Myservantcamesoonafter，andIorderedhimtolockthedoorofmyroomassoonashefinishedcleaningit，andtobringmethekeyattheAbbeGama’sapartment，whereIwasgoing。IfoundGamainconversationwiththeauditorsentbytheVicar—General。Assoonashehaddismissedhim，hecametome，andorderedhisservanttoservethechocolate。Whenwewereleftalonehegavemeanaccountofhisinterviewwiththeauditor，whohadcometoentreathiseminencetogiveorderstoturnoutofhispalaceapersonwhowassupposedtohavetakenrefugeinitaboutmidnight。"Wemustwait，"saidtheabbe，"untilthecardinalisvisible，butIamquitecertainthat，ifanyonehastakenrefugehereunknowntohim，hiseminencewillcompelthatpersontoleavethepalace。"Wethenspokeoftheweatherandothertriflesuntilmyservantbroughtmykey。JudgingthatIhadatleastanhourtospare，IbethoughtmyselfofaplanwhichalonecouldsaveBarbarafromshameandmisery。

FeelingcertainthatIwasunobserved，IwentuptomypoorprisonerandmadeherwritethefollowingwordsinFrench:

"Iamanhonestgirl，monsignor，thoughIamdisguisedinthedressofanabbe。Ientreatyoureminencetoallowmetogivemynameonlytoyouandinperson。Ihopethat，promptedbythegreatgoodnessofyoursoul，youreminencewillsavemefromdishonour。"Igaveherthenecessaryinstructions，astosendingthenotetothecardinal，assuringherthathewouldhaveherbroughttohimassoonashereadit。

"Whenyouareinhispresence，"Iadded，"throwyourselfonyourknees，tellhimeverythingwithoutanyconcealment，exceptasregardsyourhavingpassedthenightinmyroom。Youmustbesurenottomentionthatcircumstance，forthecardinalmustremainincompleteignoranceofmyknowinganythingwhateverofthisintrigue。Tellhimthat，seeingyourlovercarriedoff，yourushedtohispalaceandranupstairsasfarasyoucouldgo，andthatafteramostpainfulnightHeaveninspiredyouwiththeideaofwritingtohimtoentreathispity。Ifeelcertainthat，onewayortheother，hiseminencewillsaveyoufromdishonour，anditcertainlyistheonlychanceyouhaveofbeingunitedtothemanyoulovesodearly。"

Shepromisedtofollow’myinstructionsfaithfully，and，comingdown，Ihadmyhairdressedandwenttochurch，wherethecardinalsawme。

Ithenwentoutandreturnedonlyfordinner，duringwhichtheonlysubjectofconversationwastheadventureofthenight。Gamaalonesaidnothing，andIfollowedhisexample，butIunderstoodfromallthetalkgoingonroundthetablethatthecardinalhadtakenmypoorBarbaraunderhisprotection。ThatwasallIwanted，andthinkingthatIhadnothingmoretofearIcongratulatedmyself，inpetto，uponmystratagem，whichhad，Ithought，provedamaster—stroke。

Afterdinner，findingmyselfalonewithGama，Iaskedhimwhatwasthemeaningofitall，andthisiswhathetoldme:

"Afather，whosenameIdonotknowyet，hadrequestedtheassistanceoftheVicar—Generaltopreventhissonfromcarryingoffayounggirl，withwhomheintendedtoleavetheStatesoftheChurch；thepairhadarrangedtomeetatmidnightinthisverysquare，andtheVicar，havingpreviouslyobtainedtheconsentofourcardinal，asI

toldyouyesterday，gaveorderstothebargellotodisposehismeninsuchawayastocatchtheyoungpeopleintheveryactofrunningaway，andtoarrestthem。Theorderswereexecuted，butthe’sbirri’

foundout，whentheyreturnedtothebargello，thattheyhadmetwithonlyahalfsuccess，thewomanwhogotoutofthecarriagewiththeyoungmannotbelongingtothatspecieslikelytobecarriedoff。

Soonafterwardsaspyinformedthebargellothat，attheverymomentthearrestwasexecuted，hehadseenayoungabberunawayveryrapidlyandtakerefugeinthispalace，andthesuspicionimmediatelyarosethatitmightbethemissingyoungladyinthedisguiseofanecclesiastic。ThebargelloreportedtotheVicar—Generalthefailureofhismen，aswellastheaccountgivenbythespy，andthePrelate，sharingthesuspicionofthepolice，senttohiseminence，ourmaster，requestinghimtohavethepersoninquestion，manorwoman，turnedoutofthepalace，unlesssuchpersonsshouldhappentobeknowntohisexcellency，andthereforeabovesuspicion。CardinalAcquavivawasmadeacquaintedwiththesecircumstancesatninethismorningthroughtheauditoryoumetinmyroom，andhepromisedtohavethepersonsentawayunlessshebelongedtohishousehold。

"Accordingtohispromise，thecardinalorderedthepalacetobesearched，but，inlessthanaquarterofanhour，themajor—domoreceivedorderstostop，andtheonlyreasonforthesenewinstructionsmustbethis:

"Iamtoldbythemajor—domothatatnineo’clockexactlyaveryhandsome，youngabbe，whomheimmediatelyjudgedtobeagirlindisguise，askedhimtodeliveranotetohiseminence，andthatthecardinal，afterreadingit，haddesiredthesaidabbebebroughttohisapartment，whichhehasnotleftsince。Astheordertostopsearchingthepalacewasgivenimmediatelyaftertheintroductionoftheabbetothecardinal，itiseasyenoughtosupposethatthisecclesiasticisnootherthantheyounggirlmissedbythepolice，whotookrefugeinthepalaceinwhichshemusthavepassedthewholenight。"

"Isuppose，"saidI，"thathiseminencewillgiveherupto—day，ifnottothebargello，atleasttotheVicar—General。"

"No，noteventothePopehimself，"answeredGama。"Youhavenotyetarightideaoftheprotectionofourcardinal，andthatprotectionisevidentlygrantedtoher，sincetheyoungpersonisnotonlyinthepalaceofhiseminence，butalsoinhisownapartmentandunderhisownguardianship。"

Thewholeaffairbeinginitselfveryinteresting，myattentioncouldnotappearextraordinarytoGama，howeversuspicioushemightbenaturally，andIwascertainthathewouldnothavetoldmeanythingifhehadguessedtheshareIhadtakenintheadventure，andtheinterestImusthavefeltinit。

Thenextday，Gamacametomyroomwitharadiantcountenance，andinformedmethattheCardinal—Vicarwasawareoftheravisherbeingmyfriend，andsupposedthatIwaslikewisethefriendofthegirl，asshewasthedaughterofmyFrenchteacher。"Everybody，"headded，"issatisfiedthatyouknewthewholeaffair，anditisnaturaltosuspectthatthepoorgirlspentthenightinyourroom。Iadmireyourprudentreserveduringourconversationofyesterday。YoukeptsowellonyourguardthatIwouldhaveswornyouknewnothingwhateveroftheaffair。"

"Anditisthetruth，"Ianswered，veryseriously；"Ihaveonlylearnedallthecircumstancesfromyouthismoment。Iknowthegirl，butIhavenotseenherforsixweeks，sinceIgaveupmyFrenchlessons；Iammuchbetteracquaintedwiththeyoungman，butheneverconfidedhisprojecttome。However，peoplemaybelievewhatevertheyplease。Yousaythatitisnaturalforthegirltohavepassedthenightinmyroom，butyouwillnotmindmylaughinginthefaceofthosewhoaccepttheirownsuppositionsasrealities。"

"That，mydearfriend，"saidtheabbe，"isoneofthevicesoftheRomans；happythosewhocanaffordtolaughatit；butthisslandermaydoyouharm，eveninthemindofourcardinal。"

AstherewasnoperformanceattheOperathatnight，Iwenttothecardinal’sreception；Ifoundnodifferencetowardsmeeitherinthecardinal’smanners，orinthoseofanyotherperson，andthemarchionesswasevenmoregraciousthanusual。

Afterdinner，onthefollowingday，Gamainformedmethatthecardinalhadsenttheyounggirltoaconventinwhichshewouldbewelltreatedathiseminence’sexpense，andthathewascertainthatshewouldleaveitonlytobecomethewifeoftheyoungdoctor。

"Ishouldbeveryhappyifitshouldturnoutso，"Ireplied；"fortheyarebothmostestimablepeople。"

Twodaysafterwards，IcalleduponFatherGeorgi，andhetoldme，withanairofsorrow，thatthegreatnewsofthedayinRomewasthefailureoftheattempttocarryoffDalacqua’sdaughter，andthatallthehonouroftheintriguewasgiventome，whichdispleasedhimmuch。ItoldhimwhatIhadalreadytoldGama，andheappearedtobelieveme，butheaddedthatinRomepeopledidnotwanttoknowthingsastheytrulywere，butonlyastheywishedthemtobe。

Itisknown，thatyouhavebeeninthehabitofgoingeverymorningtoDalacqua’shouse；itisknownthattheyoungmanoftencalledonyou；thatisquiteenough。Peopledonotcare，toknowthecircumstanceswhichmightcounteracttheslander，butonlythose，likelytogiveitnewforceforslanderisvastlyrelishedintheHolyCity。Yourinnocencewillnotpreventthewholeadventurebeingbookedtoyouraccount，if，infortyyearstimeyouwereproposedaspopeintheconclave。"

DuringthefollowingdaysthefataladventurebegantocausememoreannoyancethanIcouldexpress，foreveryonementionedittome，andIcouldseeclearlythatpeoplepretendedtobelievewhatIsaidonlybecausetheydidnotdaretodootherwise。ThemarchionesstoldmejeeringlythattheSignoraDalacquahadcontractedpeculiarobligationstowardsme，butmysorrowwasverygreatwhen，duringthelastdaysofthecarnival，IremarkedthatCardinalAcquaviva’smannerhadbecomeconstrained，althoughIwastheonlypersonwhoobservedthechange。

Thenoisemadebytheaffairwas，however，beginningtosubside，when，inthefirstdaysofLent，thecardinaldesiredmetocometohisprivateroom，andspokeasfollows"TheaffairofthegirlDalacquaisnowover；itisnolongerspokenof，buttheverdictofthepublicisthatyouandIhaveprofitedbytheclumsinessoftheyoungmanwhointendedtocarryheroff。InrealityIcarelittleforsuchaverdict，for，undersimilarcircumstances，Ishouldalwaysactinasimilarmanner，andIdonotwishtoknowthatwhichnoonecancompelyoutoconfess，andwhich，asamanofhonour，youmustnotadmit。Ifyouhadnopreviousknowledgeoftheintrigue，andhadactuallyturnedthegirloutofyourroom（supposingshedidcometoyou），youwouldhavebeenguiltyofawrongandcowardlyaction，becauseyouwouldhavesealedhermiseryfortheremainderofherdays，anditwouldnothavecausedyoutoescapethesuspicionofbeinganaccomplice，whileatthesametimeitwouldhaveattachedtoyoutheodiumofdastardlytreachery。

NotwithstandingallIhavejustsaid，youcaneasilyimaginethat，inspiteofmyuttercontemptforallgossipingfools，Icannotopenlydefythem。Ithereforefeelmyselfcompelledtoaskyounotonlytoquitmyservice，buteventoleaveRome。Iundertaketosupplyyouwithanhonourablepretextforyourdeparture，soastoinsureyouthecontinuationoftherespectwhichyoumayhavesecuredthroughthemarksofesteemIhavebestoweduponyou。Ipromiseyoutowhisperintheearofanypersonyoumaychoose，andeventoinformeverybody，thatyouaregoingonanimportantmissionwhichIhaveentrustedtoyou。Youhaveonlytonamethecountrywhereyouwanttogo；Ihavefriendseverywhere，andcanrecommendyoutosuchpurposethatyouwillbesuretofindemployment。Mylettersofrecommendationwillbeinmyownhandwriting，andnobodyneedknowwhereyouaregoing。Meetmeto—morrowattheVillaNegroni，andletmeknowwheremylettersaretobeaddressed。Youmustbereadytostartwithinaweek。Believeme，Iamsorrytoloseyou；butthesacrificeisforceduponmebythemostabsurdprejudice。Gonow，anddonotletmewitnessyourgrief。"

Hespokethelastwordsbecausehesawmyeyesfillingwithtears，andhedidnotgivemetimetoanswer。Beforeleavinghisroom，I

hadthestrengthofmindtocomposemyself，andIputonsuchanairofcheerfulnessthattheAbbeGama，whotookmetohisroomtodrinksomecoffee，complimentedmeuponmyhappylooks。

"Iamsure，"hesaid，"thattheyarecausedbytheconversationyouhavehadwithhiseminence。"

"Youareright；butyoudonotknowthesorrowatmyheartwhichI

trynottoshewoutwardly。"

"Whatsorrow？"

"Iamafraidoffailinginadifficultmissionwhichthecardinalhasentrustedmewiththismorning。IamcompelledtoconcealhowlittleconfidenceIfeelinmyselfinordernottolessenthegoodopinionhiseminenceispleasedtoentertainofme。"

"Ifmyadvicecanbeofanyservicetoyou，praydisposeofme；butyouarequiterighttochewyourselfcalmandcheerful。IsitanybusinesstotransactinRome？"

"No；itisajourneyIshallhavetoundertakeinaweekortendays。"

"Whichway？"

"Towardsthewest。"

"Oh！Iamnotcurioustoknow。"

IwentoutaloneandtookawalkintheVillaBorghese，whereIspenttwohourswrappedindarkdespair。IlikedRome，Iwasonthehighroadtofortune，andsuddenlyIfoundmyselfintheabyss，withoutknowingwheretogo，andwithallmyhopesscatteredtothewinds。I

examinedmyconduct，Ijudgedmyselfseverely，Icouldnotfindmyselfguiltyofanycrimesaveoftoomuchkindness，butIperceivedhowrightthegoodFatherGeorgihadbeen。Mydutywasnotonlytotakenopartintheintrigueofthetwolove，butalsotochangemyFrenchteacherthemomentIbeardofit；butthiswaslikecallinginadoctorafterdeathhasstruckthepatient。Besides，youngasI

was，havingnoexperienceyetofmisfortune，andstilllessofthewickednessofsociety，itwasverydifficultformetohavethatprudencewhichamangainsonlybylongintercoursewiththeworld。

"WhereshallIgo？"Thiswasthequestionwhichseemedtomeimpossibleofsolution。Ithoughtofitallthroughthenight，andthroughthemorning，butIthoughtinvain；afterRome，IwasindifferentwhereIwentto！

Intheevening，notcaringforanysupper，Ihadgonetomyroom；theAbbeGamacametomewitharequestfromthecardinalnottoacceptanyinvitationtodinnerforthenextday，ashewantedtospeaktome。IthereforewaiteduponhiseminencethenextdayattheVillaNegroni；hewaswalkingwithhissecretary，whomhedismissedthemomenthesawme。Assoonaswewerealone，Igavehimalltheparticularsoftheintrigueofthetwolovers，andIexpressedinthemostvividmannerthesorrowIfeltatleavinghisservice。

"Ihavenohopeofsuccess，"Iadded，"forIamcertainthatFortunewillsmileuponmeonlyaslongasIamnearyoureminence。"

FornearlyanhourItoldhimallthegriefwithwhichmyheartwasbursting，weepingbitterly；yetIcouldnotmovehimfromhisdecision。Kindly，butfirmlyhepressedmetotellhimtowhatpartofEuropeIwantedtogo，anddespairasmuchasvexationmademenameConstantinople。

"Constantinople！"heexclaimed，movingbackasteportwo。

"Yes，monsignor，Constantinople，"Irepeated，wipingawaymytears。

Theprelate，amanofgreatwit，butaSpaniardtotheveryback—

bone，afterremainingsilentafewminutes，said，withasmile，"IamgladyouhavenotchosenIspahan，asIshouldhavefeltratherembarrassed。Whendoyouwishtogo？"

"Thisdayweek，asyoureminencehasorderedme。"

"DoyouintendtosailfromNaplesorfromVenice？"

"FromVenice。"

"Iwillgiveyousuchapassportaswillbeneeded，foryouwillfindtwoarmiesinwinter—quartersintheRomagna。ItstrikesmethatyoumaytelleverybodythatIsentyoutoConstantinople，fornobodywillbelieveyou。"

Thisdiplomaticsuggestionnearlymademesmile。ThecardinaltoldmethatIshoulddinewithhim，andheleftmetojoinhissecretary。

WhenIreturnedtothepalace，thinkingofthechoiceIhadmade，I

saidtomyself，"EitherIammad，orIamobeyingtheimpulseofamysteriousgeniuswhichsendsmetoConstantinopletoworkoutmyfate。"Iwasonlyastonishedthatthecardinalhadsoreadilyacceptedmychoice。"Withoutanydoubt，"Ithought，"hedidnotwishmetobelievethathehadboastedofmorethanhecouldachieve，intellingmethathehadfriendseverywhere。ButtowhomcanherecommendmeinConstantinople？Ihavenottheslightestidea，buttoConstantinopleImustgo。"

Idinedalonewithhiseminence；hemadeagreatshowofpeculiarkindnessandIofgreatsatisfaction，formyself—pride，strongereventhanmysorrow，forbademetoletanyoneguessthatIwasindisgrace。Mydeepestgriefwas，however，toleavethemarchioness，withwhomIwasinlove，andfromwhomIhadnotobtainedanyimportantfavour。

Twodaysafterwards，thecardinalgavemeapassportforVenice，andasealedletteraddressedtoOsmanBonneval，PachaofCaramania，inConstantinople。Therewasnoneedofmysayinganythingtoanyone，but，asthecardinalhadnotforbiddenmetodoit，Ishewedtheaddressonthelettertoallmyacquaintances。

TheChevalierdeLezze，theVenetianAmbassador，gavemealetterforawealthyTurk，averyworthymanwhohadbeenhisfriend；DonGasparandFatherGeorgiaskedmetowritetothem，buttheAbbeGams，laughed，andsaidhewasquitesureIwasnotgoingtoConstantinople。

IwenttotakemyfarewellofDonnaCecilia，whohadjustreceivedaletterfromLucrezia，impartingthenewsthatshewouldsoonbeamother。IalsocalleduponAngeliqueandDonFrancisco，whohadlatelybeenmarriedandhadnotinvitedmetothewedding。

WhenIcalledtotakeCardinalAcquaviva’sfinalinstructionshegavemeapursecontainingonehundredounces，worthsevenhundredsequins。Ihadthreehundredmore，sothatmyfortuneamountedtoonethousandsequins；Ikepttwohundred，andfortherestItookaletterofexchangeuponaRagusanwhowasestablishedinAncona。I

leftRomeinthecoachwithaladygoingtoOurLadyofLoretto，tofulfilavowmadeduringasevereillnessofherdaughter，whoaccompaniedher。Theyoungladywasugly；myjourneywasarathertediousone。

CHAPTERXI

MyShortButRatherTooGayVisitToAncona——Cecilia，Marina，Bellino——theGreekSlaveoftheLazzaretto——BellinoDiscoversHimselfIarrivedinAnconaonthe25thofFebruary，1744，andputupatthebestinn。Pleasedwithmyroom，Itoldminehosttoprepareformeagoodmeatdinner；butheansweredthatduringLentallgoodCatholicseatnothingbutfish。

"TheHolyFatherhasgrantedmepermissiontoeatmeat。"

"Letmeseeyourpermission。"

"Hegaveittomebywordofmouth。"

"Reverendsir，Iamnotobligedtobelieveyou。"

"Youareafool。"

"Iammasterinmyownhouse，andIbegyouwillgotosomeotherinn。"

Suchananswer，coupledtoamostunexpectednoticetoquit，threwmeintoaviolentpassion。Iwasswearing，raving，screaming，whensuddenlyagrave—lookingindividualmadehisappearanceinmyroom，andsaidtome:

"Sir，youarewrongincallingformeat，wheninAnconafishismuchbetter；youarewronginexpectingthelandlordtobelieveyouonyourbareword；andifyouhaveobtainedthepermissionfromthePope，youhavebeenwronginsolicitingitatyourage；youhavebeenwronginnotaskingforsuchpermissioninwriting；youarewrongincallingthehostafool，becauseitisacomplimentthatnomanislikelytoacceptinhisownhouse；and，finally，youarewronginmakingsuchanuproar。"

Farfromincreasingmybadtemper，thisindividual，whohadenteredmyroomonlytotreatmetoasermon，mademelaugh。

"Iwillinglypleadguilty，sir，"Ianswered，"toallthecountswhichyouallegeagainstme；butitisraining，itisgettinglate，Iamtiredandhungry，andthereforeyouwilleasilyunderstandthatIdonotfeeldisposedtochangemyquarters。Willyougivemesomesupper，asthelandlordrefusestodoso？"

"No，"hereplied，withgreatcomposure，"becauseIamagoodCatholicandfast。ButIwillundertaketomakeitallrightforyouwiththelandlord，whowillgiveyouagoodsupper。"

Thereuponhewentdownstairs，andI，comparingmyhastinesstohiscalm，acknowledgedthemanworthyofteachingmesomelessons。Hesooncameupagain，informedmethatpeacewassigned，andthatI

wouldbeservedimmediately。

"Willyounottakesupperwithme？"

"No，butIwillkeepyoucompany。"

Iacceptedhisoffer，andtolearnwhohewas，Itoldhimmyname，givingmyselfthetitleofsecretarytoCardinalAcquaviva。

"MynameisSancioPico，"hesaid；"IamaCastilian，andthe’proveditore’ofthearmyofH。C。M。，whichiscommandedbyCountdeGagesundertheordersofthegeneralissimo，theDukeofModem。"

Myexcellentappetiteastonishedhim，andheenquiredwhetherIhaddined。"No，"saidI；andIsawhiscountenanceassumeanairofsatisfaction。

"Areyounotafraidsuchasupperwillhurtyou？"hesaid。

"Onthecontrary，Ihopeitwilldomeagreatdealofgood。"

"ThenyouhavedeceivedthePope？"

"No，forIdidnottellhimthatIhadnoappetite，butonlythatI

likedmeatbetterthanfish。"

"Ifyoufeeldisposedtohearsomegoodmusic，"hesaidamomentafter，"followmetothenextroom；theprimadonnaofAnconalivesthere。"

Thewordsprimadonnainterestedmeatonce，andIfollowedhim。I

saw，sittingbeforeatable，awomanalreadysomewhatadvancedinage，withtwoyounggirlsandtwoboys，butIlookedinvainfortheactress，whomDonSancioPicoatlastpresentedtomeintheshapeofoneofthetwoboys，whowasremarkablyhandsomeandmighthavebeenseventeen。Ithoughthewasa’castrato’who，asisthecustominRome，performedallthepartsofaprimadonna。Themotherpresentedto，meherotherson，likewiseverygood—looking，butmoremanlythanthe’castrato’，althoughyounger。HisnamewasPetronio，and，keepingupthetransformationsofthefamily，hewasthefirstfemaledancerattheopera。Theeldestgirl，whowasalsointroducedtome，wasnamedCecilia，andstudiedmusic；shewastwelveyearsold；theyoungest，calledMarina，wasonlyeleven，andlikeherbrotherPetroniowasconsecratedtotheworshipofTerpsichore。Boththegirlswereverypretty。

ThefamilycamefromBolognaandliveduponthetalentofitsmembers；cheerfulnessandamiabilityreplacedwealthwiththem。

Bellino，suchwasthenameofthecastrato，yieldingtotheentreatiesofDonSancio，rosefromthetable，wenttotheharpiscord，andsangwiththevoiceofanangelandwithdelightfulgrace。TheCastilianlistenedwithhiseyesclosedinanecstasyofenjoyment，butI，farfromclosingmyeyes，gazedintoBellino’s，whichseemedtodartamorouslightningsuponme。IcoulddiscoverinhimsomeofthefeaturesofLucreziaandthegracefulmannerofthemarchioness，andeverythingbetrayedabeautifulwoman，forhisdressconcealedbutimperfectlythemostsplendidbosom。Theconsequencewasthat，inspiteofhishavingbeenintroducedasaman，Ifanciedthattheso—calledBellinowasadisguisedbeauty，and，myimaginationtakingatoncethehighestflight，Ibecamethoroughlyenamoured。

Wespenttwoverypleasanthours，andIreturnedtomyroomaccompaniedbytheCastilian。"Iintendtoleaveveryearlyto—

morrowmorning，"hesaid，"forSinigaglia，withtheAbbeVilmarcati，butIexpecttoreturnforsupperthedayafterto—morrow。"Iwishedhimahappyjourney，sayingthatwewouldmost’likelymeetontheroad，asIshouldprobablyleaveAnconamyselfonthesameday，afterpayingavisittomybanker。

IwenttobedthinkingofBellinoandoftheimpressionhehadmadeuponme；IwassorrytogoawaywithouthavingprovedtohimthatI

wasnotthedupeofhisdisguise。Accordingly，IwaswellpleasedtoseehimentermyroominthemorningassoonasIhadopenedmydoor。

HecametooffermetheservicesofhisyoungbrotherPetronioduringmystayinAncona，insteadofmyengagingavaletdeplace。I

willinglyagreedtotheproposal，andsentPetroniotogetcoffeeforallthefamily。

IaskedBellinotositonmybedwiththeintentionofmakinglovetohim，andoftreatinghimlikeagirl，butthetwoyoungsistersranintomyroomanddisturbedmyplans。Yetthetrioformedbeforemeaverypleasingsight；theyrepresentednaturalbeautyandartlesscheerfulnessofthreedifferentkinds；unobtrusivefamiliarity，theatricalwit，pleasingplayfulness，andprettyBolognesemannerswhichIwitnessedforthefirsttime；allthiswouldhavesufficedtocheermeifIhadbeendowncast。CeciliaandMarinaweretwosweetrosebuds，which，tobloominalltheirbeauty，requiredonlytheinspirationoflove，andtheywouldcertainlyhavehadthepreferenceoverBellinoifIhadseeninhimonlythemiserableoutcastofmankind，orratherthepitifulvictimofsacerdotalcruelty，for，inspiteoftheiryouth，thetwoamiablegirlsofferedontheirdawningbosomthepreciousimageofwomanhood。

Petroniocamewiththecoffeewhichhepouredout，andIsentsometothemother，whoneverleftherroom。Petroniowasatruemaleharlotbytasteandbyprofession。ThespeciesisnotscareinItaly，wheretheoffenceisnotregardedwiththewildandferociousintoleranceofEnglandandSpain。Ihadgivenhimonesequintopayforthecoffee，andtoldhimtokeepthechange，and，tochewmehisgratitude，hegavemeavoluptuouskisswithhalf—openlips，supposinginmeatastewhichIwasveryfarfromentertaining。I

disabusedhim，buthedidnotseemtheleastashamed。Itoldhimtoorderdinnerforsixpersons，butheremarkedthathewouldorderitonlyforfour，ashehadtokeephisdearmothercompany；shealwaystookherdinnerinbed。Everyonetohistaste，Ithought，andIlethimdoashepleased。

Twominutesafterhehadgone，thelandlordcametomyroomandsaid，"Reverendsir，thepersonsyouhaveinvitedherehaveeachtheappetiteoftwomenatleast；Igiveyounoticeofit，becauseImustchargeaccordingly。""Allright，"Ireplied，"butletushaveagooddinner。"

WhenIwasdressed，IthoughtIoughttopaymycomplimentstothecompliantmother。Iwenttoherroom，andcongratulatedheruponherchildren。ShethankedmeforthepresentIhadgiventoPetronio，andbegantomakemetheconfidantofherdistress。"Themanagerofthetheatre，"shesaid，"isamiserwhohasgivenusonlyfiftyRomancrownsforthewholecarnival。Wehavespentthemforourliving，and，toreturntoBologna，weshallhavetowalkandbegourway。"

Herconfidencemovedmypity，soItookagoldquadruplefrommypurseandofferedittoher；sheweptforjoyandgratitude。

"Ipromiseyouanothergoldquadruple，madam，"Isaid，"ifyouwillconfideinmeentirely。ConfessthatBellinoisaprettywomanindisguise。"

"Icanassureyouitisnotso，althoughhehastheappearanceofawoman。"

"Notonlytheappearance，madam，butthetone，themanners；Iamagoodjudge。"

"Nevertheless，heisaboy，forhehashadtobeexaminedbeforehecouldsingonthestagehere。"

"Andwhoexaminedhim？"

"Mylordbishop’schaplain。"

"Achaplain？"

"Yes，andyoumaysatisfyyourselfbyenquiringfromhim。"

"Theonlywaytoclearmydoubtswouldbetoexaminehimmyself。"

"Youmay，ifhehasnoobjection，buttrulyIcannotinterfere，asI

donotknowwhatyourintentionsare。"

"Theyarequitenatural。"

IreturnedtomyroomandsentPetronioforabottleofCypruswine。

Hebroughtthewineandsevensequins，thechangeforthedoubloonI

hadgivenhim。IdividedthembetweenBellino，CeciliaandMarina，andbeggedthetwoyounggirlstoleavemealonewiththeirbrother。

"Bellino，Iamcertainthatyournaturalconformationisdifferentfrommine；mydear，youareagirl。"

"Iamaman，butacastrato；Ihavebeenexamined。"

"Allowmetoexamineyoulikewise，andIwillgiveyouadoubloon。"

"Icannot，foritisevidentthatyouloveme，andsuchloveiscondemnedbyreligion。"

"Youdidnotraisetheseobjectionswiththebishop’schaplain。"

"Hewasanelderlypriest，andbesides，heonlyjustglancedatme。"

"Iwillknowthetruth，"saidI，extendingmyhandboldly。

Butherepulsedmeandrosefromhischair。Hisobstinacyvexedme，forIhadalreadyspentfifteenorsixteensequinstosatisfymycuriosity。

Ibeganmydinnerwithaverybadhumour，buttheexcellentappetiteofmyprettyguestsbroughtmeround，andIsoonthoughtthat，afterall，cheerfulnesswasbetterthansulking，andIresolvedtomakeupformydisappointmentwiththetwocharmingsisters，whoseemedwelldisposedtoenjoyafrolic。

Ibeganbydistributingafewinnocentkissesrightandleft，asI

satbetweenthemnearagoodfire，eatingchestnutswhichwewettedwithCypruswine。Butverysoonmygreedyhandstouchedeverypartwhichmylipscouldnotkiss，andCecilia，aswellasMarina，delightedinthegame。SeeingthatBellinowassmiling，Ikissedhimlikewise，andhishalf—openruffleattractingmyhand，Iventuredandwentinwithoutresistance。ThechiselofPraxiteleshadnevercarvedafinerbosom！

"Oh！thisisenough，"Iexclaimed；"Icannolongerdoubtthatyouareabeautifully—formedwoman！"

"Itis，"hereplied，"thedefectofallcastrati。"

No，itistheperfectionofallhandsomewomen。Bellino，believeme，Iamenoughofagoodjudgetodistinguishbetweenthedeformedbreastofacastrato，andthatofabeautifulwoman；andyouralabasterbosombelongstoayoungbeautyofseventeensummers。"

Whodoesnotknowthatlove，inflamedbyallthatcanexciteit，neverstopsinyoungpeopleuntilitissatisfied，andthatonefavourgrantedkindlesthewishforagreaterone？Ihadbegunwell，Itriedtogofurtherandtosmotherwithburningkissesthatwhichmyhandwaspressingsoardently，butthefalseBellino，asifhehadonlyjustbeenawareoftheillicitpleasureIwasenjoying，roseandranaway。Angerincreasedinmetheardouroflove，andfeelingthenecessityofcalmingmyselfeitherbysatisfyingmyardentdesiresorbyevaporatingthem，IbeggedCecilia，Bellino’spupil，tosingafewNeapolitanairs。

Ithenwentouttocalluponthebanker，fromwhomItookaletterofexchangeatsightuponBologna，fortheamountIhadtoreceivefromhim，andonmyreturn，afteralightsupperwiththetwoyoungsisters，Ipreparedtogotobed，havingpreviouslyinstructedPetroniotoorderacarriageforthemorning。

IwasjustlockingmydoorwhenCecilia，halfundressed，cameintosaythatBellinobeggedmetotakehimtoRimini，wherehewasengagedtosinginanoperatobeperformedafterEaster。

"Goandtellhim，mydearlittleseraph，thatIamreadytodowhathewishes，ifhewillonlygrantmeinyourpresencewhatIdesire；I

wanttoknowforacertaintywhetherheisamanorawoman。"

Sheleftmeandreturnedsoon，sayingthatBellinohadgonetobed，butthatifIwouldpostponemydepartureforonedayonlyhepromisedtosatisfymeonthemorrow。

"Tellmethetruth，Cecilia，andIwillgiveyousixsequins。"

"Icannotearnthem，forIhaveneverseenhimnaked，andIcannotsweartohisbeingagirl。Buthemustbeaman，otherwisehewouldnothavebeenallowedtoperformhere。"