第17章

Iwasconsciousthatitwasmyonlychance，andcandidlyrelatedthewholeaffair，andIendedbysayingthatIshouldnotsurvivemydisgrace。Heconsoledmebypromisingthatmydebtwouldbecancelledinthecourseoftheday，ifIwouldswearnevertoplayagainupontrust。Itookanoathtothateffect，andkissinghishand，Iwentoutforawalk，relievedfromagreatload。Ihadnodoubtthatmyexcellentfatherwouldgivemefivehundredsequinsduringtheday，andIenjoyedmyanticipationthehonourIwouldderive，intheopinionofthelovelycountess，bymyexactitudeandpromptdischargeofmydebt。Ifeltthatitgavenewstrengthtomyhopes，andthatfeelingpreventedmefromregrettingmyheavyloss，butgratefulforthegreatgenerosityofmybenefactorIwasfullydeterminedonkeepingmypromise。

Idinedwiththethreefriends，andthematterwasnotevenalludedto；but，aswewererisingfromthetable，aservantbroughtM。deBragadinaletterandaparcel。

Hereadtheletter，askedmetofollowhimintohisstudy，andthemomentwewerealone，hesaid；

"Hereisaparcelforyou。"

Iopenedit，andfoundsomefortysequins。Seeingmysurprise，M。

deBragadinlaughedmerrilyandhandedmetheletter，thecontentsofwhichranthus:

"M。deCasanovamaybesurethatourplayinglastnightwasonlyajoke:heowesmenothing。Mywifebegstosendhimhalfofthegoldwhichhehaslostincash。

"COUNTRINALDI。"

IlookedatM。deBragadin，perfectlyamazed，andheburstoutlaughing。Iguessedthetruth，thankedhim，andembracinghimtenderlyIpromisedtobewiserforthefuture。ThemistIhadbeforemyeyeswasdispelled，Ifeltthatmylovewasdefunct，andI

remainedratherashamed，whenIrealizedthatIhadbeenthedupeofthewifeaswellasofthehusband。

"Thisevening，"saidmycleverphysician，"youcanhaveagaysupperwiththecharmingcountess。"

"Thisevening，mydear，respectedbenefactor，Iwillhavesupperwithyou。Youhavegivenmeamasterlylesson。"

"Thenexttimeyoulosemoneyupontrust，youhadbetternotpayit。"

"ButIshouldbedishonoured。"

"Nevermind。Thesooneryoudishonouryourself，themoreyouwillsave，foryouwillalwaysbecompelledtoacceptyourdishonourwheneveryoufindyourselfutterlyunabletopayyourlosses。Itisthereforemoreprudentnottowaituntilthen。"

"Itismuchbetterstilltoavoidthatfatalimpossibilitybyneverplayingotherwisethanwithmoneyinhand。"

"Nodoubtofit，forthenyouwillsavebothyourhonourandyourpurse。But，asyouarefondofgamesofchance，Iadviseyounevertopunt。Makethebank，andtheadvantagemustbeonyourside。"

"Yes，butonlyaslightadvantage。"

"Asslightasyouplease，butitwillbeonyourside，andwhenthegameisoveryouwillfindyourselfawinnerandnotaloser。Thepunterisexcited，thebankeriscalm。Thelastsays，’Ibetyoudonotguess，’whilethefirstsays，’IbetIcanguess。’Whichisthefool，andwhichisthewiseman？Thequestioniseasilyanswered。I

adjureyoutobeprudent，butifyoushouldpuntandwin，recollectthatyouareonlyanidiotifattheendyoulose。"

"Whyanidiot？Fortuneisveryfickle。"

"Itmustnecessarilybeso；itisanaturalconsequence。Leaveoffplaying，believeme，theverymomentyouseeluckturning，evenifyoushould，atthatmoment，winbutonegroat。"

IhadreadPlato，andIwasastonishedatfindingamanwhocouldreasonlikeSocrates。

Thenextday，ZawoiskicalledonmeveryearlytotellmethatIhadbeenexpectedtosupper，andthatCountRinaldihadpraisedmypromptnessinpayingmydebtsofhonour。Ididnotthinkitnecessarytoundeceivehim，butIdidnotgoagaintoCountRinaldi’s，whomIsawsixteenyearsafterwardsinMilan。AstoZawoiski，IdidnottellhimthestorytillImethiminCarlsbad，oldanddeaf，fortyyearslater。

Threeorfourmonthslater，M。deBragadintaughtmeanotherofhismasterlylessons。Ihadbecomeacquainted，throughZawoiski，withaFrenchmancalledL’Abbadie，whowasthensolicitingfromtheVenetianGovernmenttheappointmentofinspectorofthearmiesoftheRepublic。Thesenateappointed，andIpresentedhimtomyprotector，whopromisedhimhisvote；butthecircumstanceIamgoingtorelatepreventedhimfromfulfillinghispromise。

Iwasinneedofonehundredsequinstodischargeafewdebts，andI

beggedM。deBragadintogivethemtome。

"Why，mydearson，doyounotaskM。del’Abbadietorenderyouthatservice？"

"Ishouldnotdaretodoso，dearfather。"

"Tryhim；Iamcertainthathewillbegladtolendyouthatsum。"

"Idoubtit，butIwilltry。"

IcalleduponL’Abbadieonthefollowingday，andafterashortexchangeofcomplimentsItoldhimtheserviceIexpectedfromhisfriendship。Heexcusedhimselfinaverypolitemanner，drowninghisrefusalinthatseaofcommonplaceswhichpeoplearesuretorepeatwhentheycannotorwillnotobligeafriend。Zawoiskicameinashewasstillapologizing，andIleftthemtogether。IhurriedatoncetoM。deBragadin，andtoldhimmywantofsuccess。HemerelyremarkedthattheFrenchmanwasdeficientinintelligence。

Itjusthappenedthatitwastheverydayonwhichtheappointmentoftheinspectorshipwastobebroughtbeforethesenate。Iwentouttoattendtomybusiness（Ioughttosaytomypleasure），andasIdidnotreturnhometillaftermidnightIwenttobedwithoutseeingmyfather。InthemorningIsaidinhispresencethatIintendedtocalluponL’Abbadietocongratulatehimuponhisappointment。

"Youmayspareyourselfthattrouble；thesenatehasrejectedhisnomination。"

"Howso？ThreedaysagoL’Abbadiefeltsureofhissuccess。"

"Hewasrightthen，forhewouldhavebeenappointedifIhadnotmadeupmymindtospeakagainsthim。Ihaveprovedtothesenatethatarightpolicyforbadethegovernmenttotrustsuchanimportantposttoaforeigner。"

"Iammuchsurprised，foryourexcellencywasnotofthatopinionthedaybeforeyesterday。"

"Verytrue，butthenIdidnotknowM。del’Abbadie。Ifoundoutonlyyesterdaythatthemanwasnotsufficientlyintelligenttofillthepositionhewassoliciting。Ishelikelytopossessasanejudgmentwhenherefusestolendyouonehundredsequins？Thatrefusalhascosthimanimportantappointmentandanincomeofthreethousandcrowns，whichwouldnowbehis。"

WhenIwastakingmywalkonthesamedayImetZawoiskiwithL’Abbadie，anddidnottrytoavoidthem。L’Abbadiewasfurious，andhehadsomereasontobeso。

"Ifyouhadtoldme，"hesaidangrily，"thattheonehundredsequinswereintendedasagagtostopM。deBragadin’smouth，Iwouldhavecontrivedtoprocurethemforyou。"

"Ifyouhadhadaninspector’sbrainsyouwouldhaveeasilyguessedit。"

TheFrenchman’sresentmentprovedveryusefultome，becauseherelatedthecircumstancetoeverybody。Theresultwasthatfromthattimethosewhowantedthepatronageofthesenatorappliedtome。

Commentisneedless；thissortofthinghaslongbeeninexistence，andwilllongremainso，becauseveryoften，toobtainthehighestoffavours，allthatisnecessaryistoobtainthegood—willofaminister’sfavouriteorevenofhisvalet。Mydebtsweresoonpaid。

ItwasaboutthattimethatmybrotherJeancametoVenicewithGuarienti，aconvertedJew，agreatjudgeofpaintings，whowastravellingattheexpenseofHisMajestytheKingofPoland，andElectorofSaxony。ItwastheconvertedJewwhohadpurchasedforHisMajestythegalleryoftheDukeofModenaforonehundredthousandsequins。GuarientiandmybrotherleftVeniceforRome，whereJeanremainedinthestudioofthecelebratedpainterRaphaelMengs，whomweshallmeetagainhereafter。

Now，asafaithfulhistorian，ImustgivemyreadersthestoryofacertainadventureinwhichwereinvolvedthehonourandhappinessofoneofthemostcharmingwomeninItaly，whowouldhavebeenunhappyifIhadnotbeenathoughtlessfellow。

IntheearlypartofOctober，1746，thetheatresbeingopened，IwaswalkingaboutwithmymaskonwhenIperceivedawoman，whoseheadwaswellenvelopedinthehoodofhermantle，gettingoutoftheFerrarabargewhichhadjustarrived。Seeingheralone，andobservingheruncertainwalk，Ifeltmyselfdrawntowardsherasifanunseenhandhadguidedme。

Icomeuptoher，andoffermyservicesifIcanbeofanyusetoher。Sheanswerstimidlythatsheonlywantstomakesomeenquiries。

"Wearenothereintherightplaceforconversation，"Isaytoher；

"butifyouwouldbekindenoughtocomewithmetoacaf？youwouldbeabletospeakandtoexplainyourwishes。"

Shehesitates，Iinsist，andshegivesway。Thetavernwascloseathand；wegoin，andarealoneinaprivateroom。Itakeoffmymask，andoutofpolitenessshemustputdownthehoodofhermantle。A

largemuslinhead—dressconcealshalfofherface，buthereyes，hernose，andherprettymouthareenoughtoletmeseeonherfeaturesbeauty，nobleness，sorrow，andthatcandourwhichgivesyouthsuchanundefinablecharm。Ineednotsaythat，withsuchagoodletterofintroduction，theunknownatoncecaptivatedmywarmestinterest。

Afterwipingawayafewtearswhichareflowing，inspiteofallherefforts，shetellsmethatshebelongstoanoblefamily，thatshehasrunawayfromherfather’shouse，alone，trustinginGod，tomeetaVenetiannoblemanwhohadseducedherandthendeceivedher，thussealinghereverlastingmisery。

"Youhavethensomehopeofrecallinghimtothepathofduty？I

supposehehaspromisedyoumarriage？"

"Hehasengagedhisfaithtomeinwriting。TheonlyfavourIclaimfromyourkindnessistotakemetohishouse，toleavemethere，andtokeepmysecret。"

"Youmaytrust，madam，tothefeelingsofamanofhonour。Iamworthyofyourtrust。Haveentireconfidenceinme，forIalreadytakeadeepinterestinallyourconcerns。Tellmehisname。"

"Alas！sir，Igivewaytofate。"

Withthesewords，shetakesoutofherbosomapaperwhichshegivesme；IrecognizethehandwritingofZanettoSteffani。Itwasapromiseofmarriagebywhichheengagedhiswordofhonourtomarrywithinaweek，inVenice，theyoungcountessA————S————。WhenI

havereadthepaper，Ireturnittoher，sayingthatIknewthewriterquitewell，thathewasconnectedwiththechancellor’soffice，knownasagreatlibertine，anddeeplyindebt，butthathewouldberichafterhismother’sdeath。

"ForGod’ssaketakemetohishouse。"

"Iwilldoanythingyouwish；buthaveentireconfidenceinme，andbegoodenoughtohearme。Iadviseyounottogotohishouse。Hehasalreadydoneyougreatinjury，and，evensupposingthatyoushouldhappentofindhimathome，hemightbecapableofreceivingyoubadly；ifheshouldnotbeathome，itismostlikelythathismotherwouldnotexactlywelcomeyou，ifyoushouldtellherwhoyouareandwhatisyourerrand。Trusttome，andbequitecertainthatGodhassentmeonyourwaytoassistyou。Ipromiseyouthatto—morrowatthelatestyoushallknowwhetherSteffaniisinVenice，whatheintendstodowithyou，andwhatwemaycompelhimtodo。

UntilthenmyadviceisnottolethimknowyourarrivalinVenice。"

"GoodGod！whereshallIgoto—night？"

"Toarespectablehouse，ofcourse。"

"Iwillgotoyours，ifyouaremarried。"

"Iamabachelor。"

Iknewanhonestwidowwhoresidedinalane，andwhohadtwofurnishedrooms。Ipersuadetheyoungcountesstofollowme，andwetakeagondola。Asweareglidingalong，shetellsmethat，onemonthbefore，Steffanihadstoppedinherneighbourhoodfornecessaryrepairstohistravelling—carriage，andthat，onthesamedayhehadmadeheracquaintanceatahousewhereshehadgonewithhermotherforthepurposeofofferingtheircongratulationstoanewly—marriedlady。

"Iwasunfortunateenough，"shecontinued，"toinspirehimwithlove，andhepostponedhisdeparture。HeremainedonemonthinC————，nevergoingoutbutintheevening，andspendingeverynightundermywindowsconversingwithme。Hesworeathousandtimesthatheadoredme，thathisintentionswerehonourable。Ientreatedhimtopresenthimselftomyparentstoaskmeinmarriage，buthealwaysexcusedhimselfbyallegingsomereason，goodorbad，assuringmethathecouldnotbehappyunlessIshewedhimentireconfidence。Hewouldbegofmetomakeupmymindtorunawaywithhim，unknowntoeverybody，promisingthatmyhonourshouldnotsufferfromsuchastep，because，threedaysaftermydeparture，everybodyshouldreceivenoticeofmybeinghiswife，andheassuredmethathewouldbringmebackonavisittomynativeplaceshortlyafterourmarriage。Alas，sir！whatshallIsaynow？Loveblindedme；Ifellintotheabyss；Ibelievedhim；Iagreedtoeverything。Hegavemethepaperwhichyouhaveread，andthefollowingnightIallowedhimtocomeintomyroomthroughthewindowunderwhichhewasinthehabitofconversingwithme。

IconsentedtobeguiltyofacrimewhichIbelievedwouldbeatonedforwithinthreedays，andheleftme，promisingthatthenextnighthewouldbeagainundermywindow，readytoreceivemeinhisarms。

CouldIpossiblyentertainanydoubtafterthefearfulcrimeIhadcommittedforhim？Ipreparedasmallparcel，andwaitedforhiscoming，butinvain。Oh！whatacruellongnightitwas！InthemorningIheardthatthemonsterhadgoneawaywithhisservantonehouraftersealingmyshame。Youmayimaginemydespair！Iadoptedtheonlyplanthatdespaircouldsuggest，andthat，ofcourse，wasnottherightone。OnehourbeforemidnightIleftmyfather’sroof，alone，thuscompletingmydishonour，butresolvedondeath，ifthemanwhohascruellyrobbedmeofmymostprecioustreasure，andwhomanaturalinstincttoldmeIcouldfindhere，doesnotrestoremethehonourwhichhealonecangivemeback。Iwalkedallnightandnearlythewholeday，withouttakinganyfood，untilIgotintothebarge，whichbroughtmehereintwenty—fourhours。Itravelledintheboatwithfivemenandtwowomen，butnoonesawmyfaceorheardmyvoice，Ikeptconstantlysittingdowninacorner，holdingmyheaddown，halfasleep，andwiththisprayer—bookinmyhands。Iwasleftalone，noonespoketome，andIthankedGodforit。WhenIlandedonthewharf，youdidnotgivemetimetothinkhowIcouldfindoutthedwellingofmyperfidiousseducer，butyoumayimaginetheimpressionproduceduponmebythesuddenapparitionofamaskedmanwho，abruptly，andasifplacedtherepurposelybyProvidence，offeredmehisservices；itseemedtomethatyouhadguessedmydistress，and，farfromexperiencinganyrepugnance，IfeltthatI

wasactingrightlyintrustingmyselfinyourhands，inspiteofallprudencewhich，perhaps，oughttohavemademeturnadeafeartoyourwords，andrefusetheinvitationtoenteralonewithyouthehousetowhichyoutookme。

"Youknowallnow，sir；butIentreatyounottojudgemetooseverely；Ihavebeenvirtuousallthroughmylife；onemonthagoI

hadnevercommittedafaultwhichcouldcallablushuponmyface，andthebittertearswhichIshedeverydaywill，Ihope，washoutmycrimeintheeyesofGod。Ihavebeencarefullybroughtup，butloveandthewantofexperiencehavethrownmeintotheabyss。Iaminyourhands，andIfeelcertainthatIshallhavenocausetorepentit。"

Ineededallshehadjusttold’metoconfirmmeintheinterestwhichIhadfeltinherfromthefirstmoment。ItoldherunsparinglythatSteffanihadseducedandabandonedherofmaliceaforethought，andthatsheoughttothinkofhimonlytoberevengedofhisperfidy。Mywordsmadehershudder，andsheburiedherbeautifulfaceinherhands。

Wereachedthewidow’shouse。Iestablishedherinapretty，comfortableroom，andorderedsomesupperforher，desiringthegoodlandladytoskewhereveryattentionandtoletherwantfornothing。

Ithentookanaffectionateleaveofher，promisingtoseeherearlyinthemorning。

Onleavingthisinterestingbuthaplessgirl，IproceededtothehouseofSteffani。Iheardfromoneofhismother’sgondoliersthathehadreturnedtoVenicethreedaysbefore，butthat，twenty—fourhoursafterhisreturn，hehadgoneawayagainwithoutanyservant，andnobodyknewhiswhereabouts，notevenhismother。Thesameevening，happeningtobeseatednexttoanabbefromBolognaatthetheatre，Iaskedhimseveralquestionsrespectingthefamilyofmyunfortunateprotegee。

Theabbebeingintimatelyacquaintedwiththem，IgatheredfromhimalltheinformationIrequired，and，amongstotherthings，Iheardthattheyoungcountesshadabrother，thenanofficerinthepapalservice。

VeryearlythenextmorningIcalleduponher。Shewasstillasleep。

Thewidowtoldmethatshehadmadeaprettygoodsupper，butwithoutspeakingasingleword，andthatshehadlockedherselfupinherroomimmediatelyafterwards。Assoonasshehadopenedherdoor，I

enteredherroom，and，cuttingshortherapologiesforhavingkeptmewaiting，IinformedherofallIhadheard。

Herfeaturesborethestampofdeepsorrow，butshelookedcalmer，andhercomplexionwasnolongerpale。ShethoughtitunlikelythatSteffaniwouldhaveleftforanyotherplacebutforC—————。

Admittingthepossibilitythatshemightberight，IimmediatelyofferedtogotoC—————myself，andtoreturnwithoutlossoftimetofetchher，incaseSteffanishouldbethere。WithoutgivinghertimetoanswerItoldheralltheparticularsIhadlearnedconcerningherhonourablefamily，whichcausedherrealsatisfaction。

"Ihavenoobjection，"shesaid，"toyourgoingtoC————，andIthankyouforthegenerosityofyouroffer，butIbegyouwillpostponeyourjourney。IstillhopethatSteffaniwillreturn，andthenIcantakeadecision。"

"Ithinkyouarequiteright，"Isaid。"Willyouallowmetohavesomebreakfastwithyou？"

"DoyousupposeIcouldrefuseyou？"

"Ishouldbeverysorrytodisturbyouinanyway。Howdidyouusetoamuseyourselfathome？"

"Iamveryfondofbooksandmusic；myharpsichordwasmydelight。"

Ileftherafterbreakfast，andintheeveningIcamebackwithabasketfullofgoodbooksandmusic，andIsentheranexcellentharpsichord。Mykindnessconfusedher，butIsurprisedhermuchmorewhenItookoutofmypocketthreepairsofslippers。Sheblushed，andthankedmewithgreatfeeling。Shehadwalkedalongdistance，hershoeswereevidentlywornout，herfeetsore，andsheappreciatedthedelicacyofmypresent。AsIhadnoimproperdesignwithregardtoher，Ienjoyedhergratitude，andfeltpleasedattheideasheevidentlyentertainedofmykindattentions。Ihadnootherpurposeinviewbuttorestorecalmtohermind，andtoobliteratethebadopinionwhichtheunworthySteffanihadgivenherofmeningeneral。

Ineverthoughtofinspiringherwithloveforme，andIhadnottheslightestideathatIcouldfallinlovewithher。Shewasunhappy，andherunhappiness——asacredthinginmyeyes——calledallthemoreformymosthonourablesympathy，because，withoutknowingme，shehadgivenmeherentireconfidence。Situatedasshewas，Icouldnotsupposeherheartsusceptibleofharbouringanewaffection，andI

wouldhavedespisedmyselfifIhadtriedtoseduceherbyanymeansinmypower。

Iremainedwithheronlyaquarterofanhour，beingunwillingthatmypresenceshouldtroubleheratsuchamoment，assheseemedtobeatalosshowtothankmeandtoexpressallhergratitude。

Iwasthusengagedinaratherdelicateadventure，theendofwhichI

couldnotpossiblyforesee，butmywarmthformyprot1geedidnotcooldown，andhavingnodifficultyinprocuringthemeanstokeepherIhadnowishtoseethelastsceneoftheromance。Thatsingularmeeting，whichgavemetheusefulopportunityoffindingmyselfendowedwithgenerousdispositions，strongereventhanmyloveforpleasure，flatteredmyself—lovemorethanIcouldexpress。I

wasthentryingagreatexperiment，andconsciousthatIwantedsadlytostudymyself，Igaveupallmyenergiestoacquirethegreatscienceofthe’xxxxxxxxxxxx’。

Onthethirdday，inthemidstofexpressionsofgratitudewhichI

couldnotsucceedinstoppingshetoldmethatshecouldnotconceivewhyIshewedhersomuchsympathy，becauseIoughttohaveformedbutapooropinionofherinconsequenceofthereadinesswithwhichshehadfollowedmeintothecaf？ShesmiledwhenIansweredthatI

couldnotunderstandhowIhadsucceededingivinghersogreataconfidenceinmyvirtue，whenIappearedbeforeherwithamaskonmyface，inacostumewhichdidnotindicateaveryvirtuouscharacter。

"Itwaseasyforme，madam，"Icontinued，"toguessthatyouwereabeautyindistress，whenIobservedyouryouth，thenoblenessofyourcountenance，and，morethanall，yourcandour。ThestampoftruthwassowellaffixedtothefirstwordsyouutteredthatIcouldnothavetheshadowofadoubtleftinmeastoyourbeingtheunhappyvictimofthemostnaturalofallfeelings，andastoyourhavingabandonedyourhomethroughasentimentofhonour。Yourfaultwasthatofawarmheartseducedbylove，overwhichreasoncouldhavenosway，andyourflight——theactionofasoulcryingforreparationorforrevenge—fullyjustifiesyou。Yourcowardlyseducermustpaywithhislifethepenaltyduetohiscrime，andheoughtnevertoreceive，bymarryingyou，anunjustreward，forheisnotworthyofpossessingyouafterdegradinghimselfbythevilestconduct。"

"Everythingyousayistrue。Mybrother，Ihope，willavengeme。"

"YouaregreatlymistakenifyouimaginethatSteffaniwillfightyourbrother；Steffaniisacowardwhowillneverexposehimselftoanhonourabledeath。"

AsIwasspeaking，sheputherhandinherpocketanddrewforth，afterafewmoments’consideration，astilettosixincheslong，whichsheplacedonthetable。

"Whatisthis？"Iexclaimed。

"ItisaweaponuponwhichIreckoneduntilnowtouseagainstmyselfincaseIshouldnotsucceedinobtainingreparationforthecrimeI

havecommitted。Butyouhaveopenedmyeyes。Takeaway，Ientreatyou，thisstiletto，whichhenceforthisuselesstome。Itrustinyourfriendship，andIhaveaninwardcertaintythatIshallbeindebtedtoyouformyhonouraswellasformylife。"

Iwasstruckbythewordsshehadjustuttered，andIfeltthatthosewords，aswellasherlooks，hadfoundtheirwaytomyheart，besidesenlistingmygeneroussympathy。Itookthestiletto，andleftherwithsomuchagitationthatIhadtoacknowledgetheweaknessofmyheroism，whichIwasverynearturningintoridicule；yetIhadthewonderfulstrengthtoperform，atleastbyhalves，thecharacterofaCatountiltheseventhday。

Imustexplainhowacertainsuspicionoftheyoungladyaroseinmymind。Thatdoubtwasheavyonmyheart，for，ifithadprovedtrue，Ishouldhavebeenadupe，andtheideawashumiliating。Shehadtoldmethatshewasamusician；Ihadimmediatelysentheraharpsichord，and，yet，althoughtheinstrumenthadbeenatherdisposalforthreedays，shehadnotopeneditonce，forthewidowhadtoldmeso。Itseemedtomethatthebestwaytothankmeformyattentivekindnesswouldhavebeentogivemeaspecimenofhermusicaltalent。Hadshedeceivedme？Ifso，shewouldlosemyesteem。But，unwillingtoformahastyjudgment，Ikeptonmyguard，withafirmdeterminationtomakegooduseofthefirstopportunitythatmightpresentitselftoclearupmydoubts。

Icalleduponherthenextdayafterdinner，whichwasnotmyusualtime，havingresolvedoncreatingtheopportunitymyself。Icaughtherseatedbeforeatoilet—glass，whilethewidowdressedthemostbeautifulauburnhairIhadeverseen。Itenderedmyapologiesformysuddenappearanceatanunusualhour；sheexcusedherselffornothavingcompletedhertoilet，andthewidowwentonwithherwork。ItwasthefirsttimeIhadseenthewholeofherface，herneck，andhalfofherarms，whichthegracesthemselveshadmoulded。I

remainedinsilentcontemplation。Ipraised，quitebychance，theperfumeofthepomatum，andthewidowtooktheopportunityoftellingherthatshehadspentincombs，powder，andpomatumthethreelivresshehadreceivedfromher。IrecollectedthenthatshehadtoldmethefirstdaythatshehadleftC—————withtenpaoli。

Iblushedforveryshame，forIoughttohavethoughtofthat。

Assoonasthewidowhaddressedherhair，shelefttheroomtopreparesomecoffeeforus。Itookuparingwhichhadbeenlaidbyheronthetoilet—table，andIsawthatitcontainedaportraitexactlylikeher；Iwasamusedatthesingularfancyshehadhadofhavingherlikenesstakeninaman’scostume，withblackhair。"Youaremistaken，"shesaid，"itisaportraitofmybrother。HeistwoyearsolderthanI，andisanofficerinthepapalarmy。"

Ibeggedherpermissiontoputtheringonherfinger；sheconsented，andwhenItried，outofmeregallantry，tokissherhand，shedrewitback，blushing。Ifearedshemightbeoffended，andIassuredherofmyrespect。

"Ah，sir！"sheanswered，"inthesituationinwhichIamplaced，I

mustthinkofdefendingmyselfagainstmyownselfmuchmorethanagainstyou。"

Thecomplimentstruckmeassofine，andsocomplimentarytome，thatIthoughtitbetternottotakeitup，butshecouldeasilyreadinmyeyesthatshewouldneverfindmeungratefulforwhateverfeelingsshemightentertaininmyfavour。YetIfeltmylovetakingsuchproportionsthatIdidnotknowhowtokeepitamysteryanylonger。

Soonafterthat，asshewasagainthankingmeforthebooks——Ihadgivenher，sayingthatIhadguessedhertasteexactly，becauseshedidnotlikenovels，sheadded，"Ioweyouanapologyfornothavingsungtoyouyet，knowingthatyouarefondofmusic。"Thesewordsmademebreathefreely；withoutwaitingforanyanswer，shesatdownbeforetheinstrumentandplayedseveralpieceswithafacility，withaprecision，withanexpressionofwhichnowordscouldconveyanyidea。Iwasinecstacy。Ientreatedhertosing；aftersomelittleceremony，shetookoneofthemusicbooksIhadgivenher，andshesangatsightinamannerwhichfairlyravishedme。Ibeggedthatshewouldallowmetokissherhand，andshedidnotsayyes，butwhenItookitandpressedmylipsonit，shedidnotopposeanyresistance；Ihadthecouragetosmothermyardentdesires，andthekissIimprintedonherlovelyhandwasamixtureoftenderness，respect，andadmiration。

Itookleaveofher，smitten，fulloflove，andalmostdeterminedondeclaringmypassion。Reservebecomessillinesswhenweknowthatouraffectionisreturnedbythewomanwelove，butasyetIwasnotquitesure。

ThedisappearanceofSteffaniwasthetalkofVenice，butIdidnotinformthecharmingcountessofthatcircumstance。Itwasgenerallysupposedthathismotherhadrefusedtopayhisdebts，andthathehadrunawaytoavoidhiscreditors。Itwasverypossible。But，whetherhereturnedornot，IcouldnotmakeupmymindtolosetheprecioustreasureIhadinmyhands。YetIdidnotseeinwhatmanner，inwhatquality，Icouldenjoythattreasure，andIfoundmyselfinaregularmaze。SometimesIhadanideaofconsultingmykindfather，butIwouldsoonabandonitwithfear，forIhadmadeatrialofhisempirictreatmentintheRinaldiaffair，andstillmoreinthecaseofl’Abbadie。HisremediesfrightenedmetothatextentthatIwouldratherremainillthanbecuredbytheirmeans。

OnemorningIwasfoolishenoughtoenquirefromthewidowwhethertheladyhadaskedherwhoIwas。Whatanegregiousblunder！Isawitwhenthegoodwoman，insteadofansweringme，said，"Doesshenotknowwhoyouare？"

"Answerme，anddonotaskquestions，"Isaid，inordertohidemyconfusion。

Theworthywomanwasright；throughmystupidityshewouldnowfeelcurious；thetittle—tattleoftheneighbourhoodwouldofcoursetakeuptheaffairanddiscussit；andallthroughmythoughtlessness！Itwasanunpardonableblunder。Oneoughtnevertobemorecarefulthaninaddressingquestionstohalf—educatedpersons。Duringthefortnightthatshehadpassedundermyprotection，thecountesshadshewnmenocuriositywhatevertoknowanythingaboutme，butitdidnotprovethatshewasnotcuriousonthesubject。IfIhadbeenwise，IshouldhavetoldhertheveryfirstdaywhoIwas，butImadeupformymistakethateveningbetterthananybodyelsecouldhavedoneit，and，afterhavingtoldherallaboutmyself，Ientreatedherforgivenessfornothavingdonesosooner。Thankingmeformyconfidence，sheconfessedhowcuriousshehadbeentoknowmebetter，andsheassuredmethatshewouldneverhavebeenimprudentenoughtoaskanyquestionsaboutmefromherlandlady。Womenhaveamoredelicate，asurertactthanmen，andherlastwordswereahome—

thrustforme。

OurconversationhavingturnedtotheextraordinaryabsenceofSteffani，shesaidthatherfathermustnecessarilybelievehertobehidingwithhimsomewhere。"Hemusthavefoundout，"sheadded，"thatIwasinthehabitofconversingwithhimeverynightfrommywindow，andhemusthaveheardofmyhavingembarkedforVeniceonboardtheFerrarabarge。IfeelcertainthatmyfatherisnowinVenice，makingsecretlyeveryefforttodiscoverme。WhenhevisitsthiscityhealwaysputsupatBoncousin；willyouascertainwhetherheisthere？"

SheneverpronouncedSteffani’snamewithoutdisgustandhatred，andshesaidshewouldburyherselfinaconvent，farawayfromhernativeplace，wherenoonecouldbeacquaintedwithhershamefulhistory。

Iintendedtomakesomeenquiriesthenextday，butitwasnotnecessaryformetodoso，forintheevening，atsupper—time，M。

Barbarosaidtous，"Anobleman，asubjectofthePope，hasbeenrecommendedtome，andwishesmetoassisthimwithmyinfluenceinaratherdelicateandintricatematter。Oneofourcitizenshas，itappears，carriedoffhisdaughter，andhasbeenhidingsomewherewithherforthelastfortnight，butnobodyknowswhere。TheaffairoughttobebroughtbeforetheCouncilofTen，butthemotheroftheravisherclaimstobearelativeofmine，andIdonotintendtointerfere。"

IpretendedtotakenointerestinM。Barbaro’swords，andearlythenextmorningIwenttotheyoungcountesstotellhertheinterestingnews。Shewasstillasleep；but，beinginahurry，IsentthewidowtosaythatIwantedtoseeheronlyfortwominutesinordertocommunicatesomethingofgreatimportance。Shereceivedme，coveringherselfuptothechinwiththebed—clothes。

AssoonasIhadinformedherofallIknew，sheentreatedmetoenlistM。Barbaroasamediatorbetweenherselfandherfather，assuringmethatshewouldratherdiethanbecomethewifeofthemonsterwhohaddishonouredher。Iundertooktodoit，andshegavemethepromiseofmarriageusedbythedeceivertoseduceher，sothatitcouldbeshewntoherfather。

InordertoobtainM。Barbaro’smediationinfavouroftheyoungcountess，itwouldhavebeennecessarytotellhimthatshewasundermyprotection，andIfeltitwouldinjuremyprotegee。Itooknodeterminationatfirst，andmostlikelyoneofthereasonsformyhesitationwasthatIsawmyselfonthepointoflosingher，whichwasparticularlyrepugnanttomyfeelings。

AfterdinnerCountA———S————wasannouncedaswishingtoseeM。

Barbaro。Hecameinwithhisson，thelivingportraitofhissister。

M。Barbarotookthemtohisstudytotalkthematterover，andwithinanhourtheyhadtakenleave。Assoonastheyhadgone，theexcellentM。Barbaroaskedme，asIhadexpected，toconsultmyheavenlyspirit，andtoascertainwhetherhewouldberightininterferinginfavourofCountA———S———。Hewrotethequestionhimself，andIgavethefollowinganswerwiththeutmostcoolness:

"Yououghttointerfere，butonlytoadvisethefathertoforgivehisdaughterandtogiveupallideaofcompellinghertomarryherravisher，forSteffanihasbeensentencedtodeathbythewillofGod。"

Theanswerseemedwonderfultothethreefriends，andIwasmyselfsurprisedatmyboldness，butIhadaforebodingthatSteffaniwastomeethisdeathatthehandsofsomebody；lovemighthavegivenbirthtothatpresentiment。M。deBragadin，whobelievedmyoracleinfallible，observedthatithadnevergivensuchaclearanswer，andthatSteffaniwascertainlydead。HesaidtoM。deBarbaro，"Youhadbetterinvitethecountandhissontodinnerhereto—morrow。

Youmustactslowlyandprudently；itwouldbenecessarytoknowwherethedaughterisbeforeyouendeavourtomakethefatherforgiveher。"

M。BarbaroverynearlymademedropmyseriouscountenancebytellingmethatifIwouldtrymyoracleIcouldletthemknowatoncewherethegirlwas。IansweredthatIwouldcertainlyaskmyspiritonthemorrow，thusgainingtimeinordertoascertainbeforehandthedispositionofthefatherandofhisson。ButIcouldnothelplaughing，forIhadplacedmyselfunderthenecessityofsendingSteffanitothenextworld，ifthereputationofmyoraclewastobemaintained。

Ispenttheeveningwiththeyoungcountess，whoentertainednodoubteitherofherfather’sindulgenceoroftheentireconfidenceshecouldreposeinme。

WhatdelightthecharminggirlexperiencedwhensheheardthatI

woulddinethenextdaywithherfatherandbrother，andthatIwouldtellhereverywordthatwouldbesaidabouther！Butwhathappinessitwasformetoseeherconvincedthatshewasrightinlovingme，andthat，withoutme，shewouldcertainlyhavebeenlostinatownwherethepolicyofthegovernmenttoleratesdebaucheryasasolitaryspeciesofindividualfreedom。Wecongratulatedeachotheruponourfortuitousmeetingandupontheconformityinourtastes，whichwethoughttrulywonderful。Weweregreatlypleasedthathereasyacceptanceofmyinvitation，ormypromptnessinpersuadinghertofollowandtotrustme，couldnotbeascribedtothemutualattractionofourfeatures，forIwasmasked，andherhoodwasthenasgoodasamask。WeentertainednodoubtthateverythinghadbeenarrangedbyHeaventogetusacquainted，andtofireusboth，evenunknowntoourselves，withloveforeachother。

"Confess，"Isaidtoher，inamomentofenthusiasm，andasIwascoveringherhandwithkisses，"confessthatifyoufoundmetobeinlovewithyouyouwouldfearme。"

"Alas！myonlyfearistoloseyou。"

Thatconfession，thetruthofwhichwasmadeevidentbyhervoiceandbyherlooks，provedtheelectricsparkwhichignitedthelatentfire。Foldingherrapidlyinmyarms，pressingmymouthonherlips，readinginherbeautifuleyesneitheraproudindignationnorthecoldcompliancewhichmighthavebeentheresultofafearoflosingme，Igavewayentirelytothesweetinclinationoflove，andswimmingalreadyinaseaofdelightsIfeltmyenjoymentincreasedahundredfoldwhenIsaw，onthecountenanceofthebelovedcreaturewhosharedit，theexpressionofhappiness，oflove，ofmodesty，andofsensibility，whichenhancesthecharmofthegreatesttriumph。

Shehadscarcelyrecoveredhercomposurewhenshecasthereyesdownandsigheddeeply。ThinkingthatIknewthecauseofit，Ithrewmyselfonmykneesbeforeher，andspeakingtoherwordsofthewarmestaffectionIbegged，Ientreatedher，toforgiveme。

"WhatoffencehaveItoforgiveyoufor，dearfriend？Youhavenotrightlyinterpretedmythoughts。Yourlovecausedmetothinkofmyhappiness，andinthatmomentacruelrecollectiondrewthatsighfromme。Prayrisefromyourknees。"

Midnighthadstruckalready；Itoldherthathergoodfamemadeitnecessaryformetogoaway；Iputmymaskonandleftthehouse。I

wassosurprised，soamazedathavingobtainedafelicityofwhichI

didnotthinkmyselfworthy，thatmydeparturemusthaveappearedratherabrupttoher。Icouldnotsleep。Ipassedoneofthosedisturbednightsduringwhichtheimaginationofanamorousyoungmanisunceasinglyrunningaftertheshadowsofreality。Ihadtasted，butnotsavoured，thathappyreality，andallmybeingwaslongingforherwhoalonecouldmakemyenjoymentcomplete。Inthatnocturnaldramaloveandimaginationwerethetwoprincipalactors；

hope，inthebackground，performedonlyadumbpart。Peoplemaysaywhattheypleaseonthatsubjectbuthopeisinfactnothingbutadeceitfulflattereracceptedbyreasononlybecauseitisofteninneedofpalliatives。Happyarethosemenwho，toenjoylifetothefullestextent，requireneitherhopenorforesight。

Inthemorning，recollectingthesentenceofdeathwhichIhadpassedonSteffani，Ifeltsomewhatembarrassedaboutit。IwishedIcouldhaverecalledit，aswellforthehonourofmyoracle，whichwasseriouslyimplicatedbyit，asforthesakeofSteffanihimself，whomIdidnothatehalfsomuchsinceIwasindebtedtohimforthetreasureinmypossession。

Thecountandhissoncametodinner。Thefatherwassimple，artless，andunceremonious。Itwaseasytoreadonhiscountenancethegriefhefeltattheunpleasantadventureofhisdaughter，andhisanxietytosettletheaffairhonourably，butnoangercouldbetracedonhisfeaturesorinhismanners。Theson，ashandsomeasthegodoflove，hadwitandgreatnobilityofmanner。Hiseasy，unaffectedcarriagepleasedme，andwishingtowinhisfriendshipI

shewedhimeveryattention。

Afterthedessert，M。Barbarocontrivedtopersuadethecountthatwewerefourpersonswithbutoneheadandoneheart，andtheworthynoblemanspoketouswithoutanyreserve。Hepraisedhisdaughterveryhighly。HeassuredusthatSteffanihadneverenteredhishouse，andthereforehecouldnotconceivebywhatspell，speakingtohisdaughteronlyatnightandfromthestreetunderthewindow，hehadsucceededinseducinghertosuchanextentastomakeherleaveherhomealone，onfoot，twodaysafterhehadlefthimselfinhispost—chaise。

"Then，"observedM。Barbaro，"itisimpossibletobecertainthatheactuallyseducedher，ortoprovethatshewentoffwithhim。"

"Verytrue，sir，butalthoughitcannotbeproved，thereisnodoubtofit，andnowthatnooneknowswhereSteffaniis，hecanbenowherebutwithher。Ionlywanthimtomarryher。"

"Itstrikesmethatitwouldbebetternottoinsistuponacompulsorymarriagewhichwouldsealyourdaughter’smisery，forSteffaniis，ineveryrespect，oneofthemostworthlessyoungmenwehaveamongstourgovernmentclerks。"

"WereIinyourplace，"saidM。deBragadin，"Iwouldletmydaughter’srepentancedisarmmyanger，andIwouldforgiveher。"

"Whereisshe？Iamreadytofoldherinmyarms，buthowcanI

believeinherrepentancewhenitisevidentthatsheisstillwithhim。"

"IsitquitecertainthatinleavingC————sheproceededtothiscity？"

"Ihaveitfromthemasterofthebargehimself，andshelandedwithintwentyyardsoftheRomangate。Anindividualwearingamaskwaswaitingforher，joinedheratonce，andtheybothdisappearedwithoutleavinganytraceoftheirwhereabouts。"

"VerylikelyitwasSteffaniwaitingthereforher。"

"No，forheisshort，andthemanwiththemaskwastall。Besides，I

haveheardthatSteffanihadleftVenicetwodaysbeforethearrivalofmydaughter。ThemanmusthavebeensomefriendofSteffani，andhehastakenhertohim。"

"But，mydearcount，allthisismeresupposition。"

"Therearefourpersonswhohaveseenthemanwiththemask，andpretendtoknowhim，onlytheydonotagree。Hereisalistoffournames，andIwillaccusethesefourpersonsbeforetheCouncilofTen，ifSteffanishoulddenyhavingmydaughterinhispossession。"

Thelist，whichhehandedtoM。Barbaro，gavenotonlythenamesofthefouraccusedpersons，butlikewisethoseoftheiraccusers。Thelastname，whichM。Barbaroread，wasmine。WhenIheardit，I

shruggedmyshouldersinamannerwhichcausedthethreefriendstolaughheartily。

M。deBragadin，seeingthesurpriseofthecountatsuchuncalled—

formirth，saidtohim，"ThisisCasanovamyson，andIgiveyoumywordofhonourthat，ifyourdaughterisinhishands，sheisperfectlysafe，althoughhemaynotlookexactlythesortofmantowhomyounggirlsshouldbetrusted。"

Thesurprise，theamazement，andtheperplexityofthecountandhissonwereanamusingpicture。Thelovingfatherbeggedmetoexcusehim，withtearsinhiseyes，tellingmetoplacemyselfinhisposition。Myonlyanswerwastoembracehimmostaffectionately。

ThemanwhohadrecognizedmewasanotedpimpwhomIhadthrashedsometimebeforeforhavingdeceivedme。IfIhadnotbeentherejustintimetotakecareoftheyoungcountess，shewouldnothaveescapedhim，andhewouldhaveruinedherforeverbytakinghertosomehouseofill—fame。

TheresultofthemeetingwasthatthecountagreedtopostponehisapplicationtotheCouncilofTenuntilSteffani’splaceofrefugeshouldbediscovered。

"IhavenotseenSteffaniforsixmonths，sir，"Isaidtothecount，"butIpromiseyoutokillhiminaduelassoonashereturns。"

"Youshallnotdoit，"answeredtheyoungcount，verycoolly，"unlesshekillsmefirst。"

"Gentlemen，"exclaimedM。deBragadin，"Icanassureyouthatyouwillneitherofyoufightaduelwithhim，forSteffaniisdead。"

"Dead！"saidthecount。

"Wemustnot，"observedtheprudentBarbaro，"takethatwordinitsliteralsense，butthewretchedmanisdeadtoallhonourandself—

respect。"

Afterthattrulydramaticscene，duringwhichIcouldguessthatthedenouementoftheplaywasnearathand，Iwenttomycharmingcountess，takingcaretochangemygondolathreetimes——anecessaryprecautiontobafflespies。

Igavemyanxiousmistressanexactaccountofalltheconversation。

Shewasveryimpatientformycoming，andwepttearsofjoywhenI

repeatedherfather’swordsofforgiveness；butwhenItoldherthatnobodyknewofSteffanihavingenteredherchamber，shefellonherkneesandthankedGod。Ithenrepeatedherbrother’swords，imitatinghiscoolness:"Youshallnotkillhim，unlesshekillsmefirst。"Shekissedmetenderly，callingmeherguardianangel，hersaviour，andweepinginmyarms。Ipromisedtobringherbrotheronthefollowingday，orthedayafterthatatthelatest。Wehadoursupper，butwedidnottalkofSteffani，orofrevenge，andafterthatpleasantmealwedevotedtwohourstotheworshipofthegodoflove。

Ileftheratmidnight，promisingtoreturnearlyinthemorning——myreasonfornotremainingallnightwithherwasthatthelandladymight，ifnecessary，swearwithoutscruplethatIhadneverspentanightwiththeyounggirl。Itprovedaveryluckyinspirationofmine，for，whenIarrivedhome，IfoundthethreefriendswaitingimpatientlyformeinordertoimparttomewonderfulnewswhichM。

deBragadinhadheardatthesittingofthesenate。

"Steffani，"saidM。deBragadintome，"isdead，asourangelParalisrevealedittous；heisdeadtotheworld，forhehasbecomeaCapuchinfriar。Thesenate，asamatterofcourse，hasbeeninformedofit。WealoneareawarethatitisapunishmentwhichGodhasvisiteduponhim。LetusworshiptheAuthorofallthings，andtheheavenlyhierarchywhichrendersusworthyofknowingwhatremainsamysterytoallmen。Nowwemustachieveourundertaking，andconsolethepoorfather。WemustenquirefromParaliswherethegirlis。ShecannotnowbewithSteffani。Ofcourse，GodhasnotcondemnedhertobecomeaCapuchinnun。"

"Ineednotconsultmyangel，dearestfather，foritisbyhisexpressordersthatIhavebeencompelleduntilnowtomakeamysteryoftherefugefoundbytheyoungcountess。"

Irelatedthewholestory，exceptwhattheyhadnobusinesstoknow，for，intheopinionoftheworthymen，whohadpaidheavytributetoLove，allintrigueswerefearfulcrimes。M。DandoloandM。Barbaroexpressedtheirsurprisewhentheyheardthattheyounggirlhadbeenundermyprotectionforafortnight，butM。deBragadinsaidthathewasnotastonished，thatitwasaccordingtocabalisticscience，andthatheknewit。

"Wemustonly，"headded，"keepupthemysteryofhisdaughter’splaceofrefugeforthecount，untilweknowforacertaintythathewillforgiveher，andthathewilltakeherwithhimtoC————，ortoanyotherplacewherehemaywishtolivehereafter。"

"Hecannotrefusetoforgiveher，"Isaid，"whenhefindsthattheamiablegirlwouldneverhaveleftC————ifherseducerhadnotgivenherthispromiseofmarriageinhisownhandwriting。Shewalkedasfarasthebarge，andshelandedattheverymomentIwaspassingtheRomangate。Aninspirationfromabovetoldmetoaccostherandtoinvitehertofollowme。Sheobeyed，asifshewasfulfillingthedecreeofHeaven，Itookhertoarefugeimpossibletodiscover，andplacedherunderthecareofaGod—fearingwoman。"

Mythreefriendslistenedtomesoattentivelythattheylookedlikethreestatues。Iadvisedthemtoinvitethecounttodinnerforthedayafternext，becauseIneededsometimetoconsult’Paralisdemodotenendi’。IthentoldM。BarbarotoletthecountknowinwhatsensehewastounderstandSteffani’sdeath。Heundertooktodoit，andweretiredtorest。

Isleptonlyfourorfivehours，and，dressingmyselfquickly，hurriedtomybelovedmistress。Itoldthewidownottoservethecoffeeuntilwecalledforit，becausewewantedtoremainquietandundisturbedforsomehours，havingseveralimportantletterstowrite。

Ifoundthelovelycountessinbed，butawake，andhereyesbeamingwithhappinessandcontentment。ForafortnightIhadonlyseenhersad，melancholy，andthoughtful。Herpleasedcountenance，whichI

naturallyascribedtomyinfluence，filledmewithjoy。Wecommencedasallhappyloversalwaysdo，andwewerebothunsparingofthemutualproofsofourlove，tenderness，andgratitude。

Afterourdelightfulamoroussport，Itoldherthenews，butlovehadsocompletelytakenpossessionofherpureandsensitivesoul，thatwhathadbeenimportantwasnowonlyanaccessory。ButthenewsofherseducerhavingturnedaCapuchinfriarfilledherwithamazement，and，passingverysensibleremarksontheextraordinaryevent，shepitiedSteffani。Whenwecanfeelpity，welovenolonger，butafeelingofpitysucceedingloveisthecharacteristiconlyofagreatandgenerousmind。Shewasmuchpleasedwithmeforhavinginformedmythreefriendsofherbeingundermyprotection，andshelefttomycareallthenecessaryarrangementsforobtainingareconciliationwithherfather。

Nowandthenwerecollectedthatthetimeofourseparationwasnearathand，ourgriefwasbitter，butwecontrivedtoforgetitintheecstacyofouramorousenjoyment。

"Ah！whycanwenotbelongforevertoeachother？"thecharminggirlwouldexclaim。"ItisnotmyacquaintancewithSteffani，itisyourlosswhichwillsealmyeternalmisery。"

Butitwasnecessarytobringourdelightfulinterviewtoaclose，forthehourswereflyingwithfearfulrapidity。Ileftherhappy，hereyeswetwithtearsofintensefelicity。

Atthedinner—tableM。Barbarotoldmethathehadpaidavisittohisrelative，Steffani’smother，andthatshehadnotappearedsorryatthedecisiontakenbyherson，althoughhewasheronlychild。

"Hehadthechoice，"shesaid，"betweenkillinghimselfandturningfriar，andhetookthewisercourse。"

ThewomanspokelikeagoodChristian，andsheprofessedtobeone；

butshespokelikeanunfeelingmother，andshewastrulyone，forshewaswealthy，andifshehadnotbeencruellyavaricioushersonwouldnothavebeenreducedtothefearfulalternativeofcommittingsuicideorofbecomingaCapuchinfriar。

ThelastandmostseriousmotivewhichcausedthedespairofSteffani，whoisstillalive，remainedamysteryforeverybody。MyMemoirswillraisetheveilwhennoonewillcareanythingaboutit。

Thecountandhissonwere，ofcourse，greatlysurprised，andtheeventmadethemstillmoredesirousofdiscoveringtheyounglady。

Inordertoobtainacluetoherplaceofrefuge，thecounthadresolvedonsummoningbeforetheCouncilofTenalltheparties，accusedandaccusing，whosenameshehadonhislist，withtheexceptionofmyself。Hisdeterminationmadeitnecessaryforustoinformhimthathisdaughterwasinmyhands，andM。deBragadinundertooktolethimknowthetruth。

Wewereallinvitedtosupperbythecount，andwewenttohishostelry，withtheexceptionofM。deBragadin，whohaddeclinedtheinvitation。Iwasthuspreventedfromseeingmydivinitythatevening，butearlythenextmorningImadeupforlosttime，andasithadbeendecidedthatherfatherwouldonthatverydaybeinformedofherbeingundermycare，weremainedtogetheruntilnoon。

Wehadnohopeofcontrivinganothermeeting，forIhadpromisedtobringherbrotherintheafternoon。

Thecountandhissondinedwithus，andafterdinnerM。deBragadinsaid，"Ihavejoyfulnewsforyou，count；yourbeloveddaughterhasbeenfound！"

Whatanagreeablesurpriseforthefatherandson！M。deBragadinhandedthemthepromiseofmarriagewrittenbySteffani，andsaid，"This，gentlemen，evidentlybroughtyourlovelyyoungladytothevergeofmadnesswhenshefoundthathehadgonefromC————withouther。Sheleftyourhousealoneonfoot，andasshelandedinVeniceProvidencethrewherinthewayofthisyoungman，whoinducedhertofollowhim，andhasplacedherunderthecareofanhonestwoman，whomshehasnotleftsince，whomshewillleaveonlytofallinyourarmsassoonassheiscertainofyourforgivenessforthefollyshehascommitted。"

"Oh！letherhavenodoubtofmyforgivingher，"exclaimedthefather，intheecstacyofjoy，andturningtome，"Dearsir，Ibegofyounottodelaythefortunatemomentonwhichthewholehappinessofmylifedepends。"

Iembracedhimwarmly，sayingthathisdaughterwouldberestoredtohimonthefollowingday，andthatIwouldlethissonseeherthatveryafternoon，soastogivehimanopportunityofpreparingherbydegreesforthathappyreconciliation。M。Barbarodesiredtoaccompanyus，andtheyoungman，approvingallmyarrangements，embracedme，swearingeverlastingfriendshipandgratitude。

Wewentoutallthreetogether，andagondolacarriedusinafewminutestotheplacewhereIwasguardingatreasuremorepreciousthanthegoldenapplesoftheHesperides。But，alas！Iwasonthepointoflosingthattreasure，theremembranceofwhichcausesme，evennow，adelicioustrembling。

Iprecededmytwocompanionsinordertopreparemylovelyyoungfriendforthevisit，andwhenItoldherthat，accordingtomyarrangements，herfatherwouldnotseehertillonthefollowingday:

"Ah！"sheexclaimedwiththeaccentoftruehappiness，"thenwecanspendafewmorehourstogether！Go，dearest，goandbringmybrother。"

Ireturnedwithmycompanions，buthowcanIpaintthattrulydramaticsituation？Oh！howinferiorartmusteverbetonature！

Thefraternallove，thedelightbeaminguponthosetwobeautifulfaces，withaslightshadeofconfusiononthatofthesister，thepurejoyshininginthemidstoftheirtendercaresses，themosteloquentexclamationsfollowedbyastillmoreeloquentsilence，theirlovinglookswhichseemlikeflashesoflightninginthemidstofadewoftears，athoughtofpolitenesswhichbringsblushesonhercountenance，whensherecollectsthatshehasforgottenherdutytowardsanoblemanwhomsheseesforthefirsttime，andfinallytherewasmypart，notaspeakingone，butyetthemostimportantofall。Thewholeformedalivingpicturetowhichthemostskilfulpaintercouldnothaverenderedfulljustice。

Wesatdownatlast，theyoungcountessbetweenherbrotherandM。

Barbaro，onthesofa，I，oppositetoher，onalowfoot—stool。

"Towhom，dearsister，areweindebtedforthehappinessofhavingfoundyouagain？"

"Tomyguardianangel，"sheanswered，givingmeherhand，"tothisgenerousmanwhowaswaitingforme，asifHeavenhadsenthimwiththespecialmissionofwatchingoveryoursister；itishewhohassavedme，whohaspreventedmefromfallingintothegulfwhichyawnedundermyfeet，whohasrescuedmefromtheshamethreateningme，ofwhichIhadthennoconception；itistohimIamindebtedforall，tohimwho，asyousee，kissesmyhandnowforthefirsttime。"

Andshepressedherhandkerchieftoherbeautifuleyestodryhertears，butourswereflowingatthesametime。

Suchistruevirtue，whichneverlosesitsnobleness，evenwhenmodestycompelsittouttersomeinnocentfalsehood。Butthecharminggirlhadnoideaofbeingguiltyofanuntruth。Itwasapure，virtuoussoulwhichwasthenspeakingthroughherlips，andsheallowedittospeak。Hervirtueseemedtowhispertoherthat，inspiteofhererrors，ithadneverdesertedher。Ayounggirlwhogiveswaytoarealfeelingoflovecannotbeguiltyofacrime，orbeexposedtoremorse。

Towardstheendofourfriendlyvisit，shesaidthatshelongedtothrowherselfatherfather’sfeet，butthatshewishedtoseehimonlyintheevening，soasnottogiveanyopportunitytothegossipsoftheplace，anditwasagreedthatthemeeting，whichwastobethelastsceneofthedrama，shouldtakeplacethenextdaytowardstheevening。

Wereturnedtothecount’shostelryforsupper，andtheexcellentman，fullypersuadedthathewasindebtedtomeforhishonouraswellasforhisdaughter’s，lookedatmewithadmiration，andspoketomewithgratitude。Yethewasnotsorrytohaveascertainedhimself，andbeforeIhadsaidso，thatIhadbeenthefirstmanwhohadspokentoherafterlanding。Beforepartingintheevening，M。

Barbaroinvitedthemtodinnerforthenextday。

Iwenttomycharmingmistressveryearlythefollowingmorning，and，althoughtherewassomedangerinprotractingourinterview，wedidnotgiveitathought，or，ifwedid，itonlycausedustomakegooduseoftheshorttimethatwecouldstilldevotetolove。

Afterhavingenjoyed，untilourstrengthwasalmostexpiring，themostdelightful，themostintensevoluptuousnessinwhichmutualardourcanenfoldtwoyoung，vigorous，andpassionatelovers，theyoungcountessdressedherself，and，kissingherslippers，saidshewouldneverpartwiththemaslongasshelived。Iaskedhertogivemealockofherhair，whichshedidatonce。ImeanttohaveitmadeintoachainliketheonewovenwiththehairofMadameF————，whichIstillworeroundmyneck。

Towardsdusk，thecountandhisson，M。Dandolo，M。Barbaro，andmyself，proceededtogethertotheabodeoftheyoungcountess。Themomentshesawherfather，shethrewherselfonherkneesbeforehim，butthecount，burstingintotears，tookherinhisarms，coveredherwithkisses，andbreathedoverherwordsofforgiveness，ofloveandblessing。Whatasceneforamanofsensibility！Anhourlaterweescortedthefamilytotheinn，and，afterwishingthemapleasantjourney，IwentbackwithmytwofriendstoM。deBragadin，towhomI

gaveafaithfulaccountofwhathadtakenplace。

WethoughtthattheyhadleftVenice，butthenextmorningtheycalledattheplaceinapeottawithsixrowers。Thecountsaidthattheycouldnotleavethecitywithoutseeingusoncemore；withoutthankingusagain，andmeparticularly，forallwehaddoneforthem。

M。deBragadin，whohadnotseentheyoungcountessbefore，wasstruckbyherextraordinarylikenesstoherbrother。

Theypartookofsomerefreshments，andembarkedintheirpeotta，whichwastocarrythem，intwenty—fourhours，toPontediLagoOscuro，ontheRiverPo，nearthefrontiersofthepapalstates。ItwasonlywithmyeyesthatIcouldexpresstothelovelygirlallthefeelingswhichfilledmyheart，butsheunderstoodthelanguage，andIhadnodifficultyininterpretingthemeaningofherlooks。

NeverdidanintroductionoccurinbetterseasonthanthatofthecounttoM。Barbaro。Itsavedthehonourofarespectablefamily；

anditsavedmefromtheunpleasantconsequencesofaninterrogatoryinthepresenceoftheCouncilofTen，duringwhichIshouldhavebeenconvictedofhavingtakentheyounggirlwithme，andcompelledtosaywhatIhaddonewithher。

AfewdaysafterwardsweallproceededtoPaduatoremaininthatcityuntiltheendofautumn。IwasgrievednottofindDoctorGozziinPadua；hehadbeenappointedtoabeneficeinthecountry，andhewaslivingtherewithBettina；shehadnotbeenabletoremainwiththescoundrelwhohadmarriedheronlyforthesakeofhersmalldowry，andhadtreatedherveryill。

IdidnotlikethequietlifeofPadua，andtoavoiddyingfromennuiIfellinlovewithacelebratedVenetiancourtesan。HernamewasAncilla；sometimeafter，thewell—knowndancer，Campioni，marriedherandtookhertoLondon，whereshecausedthedeathofaveryworthyEnglishman。Ishallhavetomentionheragaininfouryears；nowI

haveonlytospeakofacertaincircumstancewhichbroughtmyloveadventurewithhertoacloseafterthreeorfourweeks。

CountMedini，ayoung，thoughtlessfellowlikemyself，andwithinclinationsofmuchthesamecast，hadintroducedmetoAncilla。

Thecountwasaconfirmedgamblerandathoroughenemyoffortune。

TherewasagooddealofgamblinggoingonatAncilla’s，whosefavouriteloverhewas，andthefellowhadpresentedmetohismistressonlytogivehertheopportunityofmakingadupeofmeatthecard—table。

And，totellthetruth，Iwasadupeatfirst；notthinkingofanyfoulplay，Iacceptedillluckwithoutcomplaining；butonedayI

caughtthemcheating。Itookapistoloutofmypocket，and，aimingatMedini’sbreast，Ithreatenedtokillhimonthespotunlessherefundedatonceallthegoldtheyhadwonfromme。Ancillafaintedaway，andthecount，afterrefundingthemoney，challengedmetofollowhimoutandmeasureswords。Iplacedmypistolsonthetable，andwewentout。Reachingaconvenientspot，wefoughtbythebrightlightofthemoon，andIwasfortunateenoughtogivehimagashacrosstheshoulder。Hecouldnotmovehisarm，andhehadtocryformercy。

Afterthatmeeting，Iwenttobedandsleptquietly，butinthemorningIrelatedthewholeaffairtomyfather，andheadvisedmetoleavePaduaimmediately，whichIdid。

CountMediniremainedmyenemythroughallhislife。IshallhaveoccasiontospeakofhimagainwhenIreachNaples。

Theremainderoftheyear1746passedoffquietly，withoutanyeventsofimportance。Fortunewasnowfavourabletomeandnowadverse。

TowardstheendofJanuary，1747，IreceivedaletterfromtheyoungcountessA————S————，whohadmarriedtheMarquisof————。Sheentreatedmenottoappeartoknowher，ifbychanceIvisitedthetowninwhichsheresided，forshehadthehappinessofhavinglinkedherdestinytothatofamanwhohadwonherheartafterhehadobtainedherhand。

Ihadalreadyheardfromherbrotherthat，aftertheirreturntoC————，hermotherhadtakenhertothecityfromwhichherletterwaswritten，andthere，inthehouseofarelativewithwhomshewasresiding，shehadmadetheacquaintanceofthemanwhohadtakenuponhimselfthechargeofherfuturewelfareandhappiness。Isawheroneyearafterwards，andifithadnotbeenforherletter，Ishouldcertainlyhavesolicitedanintroductiontoherhusband。Yet，peaceofmindhasgreatercharmseventhanlove；but，whenloveisintheway，wedonotthinkso。

ForafortnightIwastheloverofayoungVenetiangirl，veryhandsome，whomherfather，acertainRamon，exposedtopublicadmirationasadanceratthetheatre。Imighthaveremainedlongerhercaptive，ifmarriagehadnotforciblybrokenmychains。Herprotectress，MadameCeciliaValmarano，foundheraveryproperhusbandinthepersonofaFrenchdancer，calledBinet，whohadassumedthenameofBinetti，andthushisyoungwifehadnottobecomeaFrenchwoman；shesoonwongreatfameinmorewaysthanone。

Shewasstrangelyprivileged；timewithitsheavyhandseemedtohavenopoweroverher。Shealwaysappearedyoung，evenintheeyesofthebestjudgesoffaded，bygonefemalebeauty。Men，asageneralrule，donotaskforanythingmore，andtheyarerightinnotrackingtheirbrainforthesakeofbeingconvincedthattheyarethedupesofexternalappearance。ThelastloverthatthewonderfulBinettikilledbyexcessofamorousenjoymentwasacertainMosciuski，aPole，whomfatebroughttoVenicesevenoreightyearsago；shehadthenreachedhersixty—thirdyear！

MylifeinVenicewouldhavebeenpleasantandhappy，ifIcouldhaveabstainedfrompuntingatbasset。Theridottiwereonlyopentonoblemenwhohadtoappearwithoutmasks，intheirpatricianrobes，andwearingtheimmensewigwhichhadbecomeindispensablesincethebeginningofthecentury。Iwouldplay，andIwaswrong，forIhadneitherprudenceenoughtoleaveoffwhenfortunewasadverse，norsufficientcontrolovermyselftostopwhenIhadwon。Iwasthengamblingthroughafeelingofavarice。Iwasextravagantbytaste，andIalwaysregrettedthemoneyIhadspent，unlessithadbeenwonatthegaming—table，foritwasonlyinthatcasethatthemoneyhad，inmyopinion，costmenothing。

AttheendofJanuary，findingmyselfunderthenecessityofprocuringtwohundredsequins，MadameManzonicontrivedtoobtainformefromanotherwomantheloanofadiamondringworthfivehundred。