第18章

ImadeupmymindtogotoTreviso，fifteenmilesdistantfromVenice，topawntheringattheMont—de—piete，whichtherelendsmoneyuponvaluablesattherateoffivepercent。ThatusefulestablishmentdoesnotexistinVenice，wheretheJewshavealwaysmanagedtokeepthemonopolyintheirhands。

Igotupearlyonemorning，andwalkedtotheendofthecanaleregio，intendingtoengageagondolatotakemeasfarasMestra，whereIcouldtakeposthorses，reachTrevisoinlessthantwohours，pledgemydiamondring，andreturntoVenicethesameevening。

AsIpassedalongSt。Job’sQuay，Isawinatwo—oaredgondolaacountrygirlbeautifullydressed。Istoppedtolookather；thegondoliers，supposingthatIwantedanopportunityofreachingMestraatacheaprate，rowedbacktotheshore。

Observingthelovelyfaceoftheyounggirl，Idonothesitate，butjumpintothegondola，andpaydoublefare，onconditionthatnomorepassengersaretaken。Anelderlypriestwasseatedneartheyounggirl，herisestoletmetakehisplace，butIpolitelyinsistuponhiskeepingit。

CHAPTERXIX

IFallinLovewithChristine，andFindaHusbandWorthyofHer——

Christine’sWedding"Thosegondoliers，"saidtheelderlypriest，addressingmeinordertobegintheconversation，"areveryfortunate。TheytookusupattheRialtoforthirtysoldi，onconditionthattheywouldbeallowedtoembarkotherpassengers，andhereisonealready；theywillcertainlyfindmore。"

"WhenIaminagondola，reverendsir，thereisnoroomleftforanymorepassengers。"

Sosaying，Igivefortymoresolditothegondoliers，who，highlypleasedwithmygenerosity，thankmeandcallmeexcellency。Thegoodpriest，acceptingthattitleastrulybelongingtome，entreatsmypardonfornothavingaddressedmeassuch。

"IamnotaVenetiannobleman，reverendsir，andIhavenorighttothetitleofExcellenza。"

"Ah！"saystheyounglady，"Iamverygladofit。"

"Whyso，signora？"

"BecausewhenIfindmyselfnearanoblemanIamafraid。ButI

supposethatyouareanillustrissimo。"

"Noteventhat，signora；Iamonlyanadvocate’sclerk。"

"Somuchthebetter，forIliketobeinthecompanyofpersonswhodonotthinkthemselvesaboveme。Myfatherwasafarmer，brotherofmyunclehere，rectorofP————，whereIwasbornandbred。AsIamanonlydaughterIinheritedmyfather’spropertyafterhisdeath，andIshalllikewisebeheiresstomymother，whohasbeenillalongtimeandcannotlivemuchlonger，whichcausesmeagreatdealofsorrow；butitisthedoctorwhosaysit。Now，toreturntomysubject，Idonotsupposethatthereismuchdifferencebetweenanadvocate’sclerkandthedaughterofarichfarmer。Ionlysaysoforthesakeofsayingsomething，forIknowverywellthat，intravelling，onemustacceptallsortsofcompanions:isitnotso，uncle？"

"Yes，mydearChristine，andasaproofyouseethatthisgentlemanhasacceptedourcompanywithoutknowingwhoorwhatweare。"

"ButdoyouthinkIwouldhavecomeifIhadnotbeenattractedbythebeautyofyourlovelyniece？"

Atthesewordsthegoodpeopleburstoutlaughing。AsIdidnotthinkthattherewasanythingverycomicinwhatIhadsaid，Ijudgedthatmytravellingcompanionswererathersimple，andIwasnotsorrytofindthemso。

"Whydoyoulaughsoheartily，beautiful’demigella’？Isittoshewmeyourfineteeth？IconfessthatIhaveneverseensuchasplendidsetinVenice。"

"Oh！itisnotforthat，sir，althougheveryoneinVenicehaspaidmethesamecompliment。IcanassureyouthatinP————allthe’girlshaveteethasfineasmine。Isitnotafact，uncle？"

"Yes，mydearniece。"

"Iwaslaughing，sir，atathingwhichIwillnevertellyou。"

"Oh！tellme，Ientreatyou。"

"Oh！certainlynot，never。"

"Iwilltellyoumyself，"saysthecurate。

"Youwillnot，"sheexclaims，knittingherbeautifuleyebrows。"IfyoudoIwillgoaway。"

"Idefyyoutodoit，mydear。Doyouknowwhatshesaid，sir，whenshesawyouonthewharf？’Hereisaveryhandsomeyoungmanwhoislookingatme，andwouldnotbesorrytobewithus。’Andwhenshesawthatthegondolierswereputtingbackforyoutoembarkshewasdelighted。"

Whiletheunclewasspeakingtome，theindignantniecewasslappinghimontheshoulder。

"Whyareyouangry，lovelyChristine，atmyhearingthatyoulikedmyappearance，whenIamsogladtoletyouknowhowtrulycharmingI

thinkyou？"

"Youaregladforamoment。Oh！IknowtheVenetiansthoroughlynow。

Theyhavealltoldmethattheywerecharmedwithme，andnotoneofthoseIwouldhavelikedevermadeadeclarationtome。"

"Whatsortofdeclarationdidyouwant？"

"There’sonlyonesortforme，sir；thedeclarationleadingtoagoodmarriageinchurch，inthesightofallmen。YetweremainedafortnightinVenice；didwenot，uncle？"

"Thisgirl，"saidtheuncle，"isagoodmatch，forshepossessesthreethousandcrowns。ShehasalwayssaidthatshewouldmarryonlyaVenetian，andIhaveaccompaniedhertoVenicetogiveheranopportunityofbeingknown。Aworthywomangaveushospitalityforafortnight，andhaspresentedmynieceinseveralhouseswhereshemadetheacquaintanceofmarriageableyoungmen，butthosewhopleasedherwouldnothearofmarriage，andthosewhowouldhavebeengladtomarryherdidnottakeherfancy。"

"Butdoyouimagine，reverendsir，thatmarriagescanbemadelikeomelets？AfortnightinVenice，thatisnothing；yououghttolivethereatleastsixmonths。Now，forinstance，Ithinkyourniecesweetlypretty，andIshouldconsidermyselffortunateifthewifewhomGodintendsformewerelikeher，but，evenifsheofferedmenowadowryoffiftythousandcrownsonconditionthatourweddingtakesplaceimmediately，Iwouldrefuseher。Aprudentyoungmanwantstoknowthecharacterofagirlbeforehemarriesher，foritisneithermoneynorbeautywhichcanensurehappinessinmarriedlife。"

"Whatdoyoumeanbycharacter？"askedChristine；"isitabeautifulhand—writing？"

"No，mydear。Imeanthequalitiesofthemindandtheheart。I

shallmostlikelygetmarriedsometime，andIhavebeenlookingforawifeforthelastthreeyears，butIamstilllookinginvain。I

haveknownseveralyounggirlsalmostaslovelyasyouare，andallwithagoodmarriageportion，butafteranacquaintanceoftwoorthreemonthsIfoundoutthattheycouldnotmakemehappy。"

"Inwhatweretheydeficient？"

"Well，Iwilltellyou，becauseyouarenotacquaintedwiththem，andtherecanbenoindiscretiononmypart。OnewhomIcertainlywouldhavemarried，forIlovedherdearly，wasextremelyvain。Shewouldhaveruinedmeinfashionableclothesandbyherloveforluxuries。

Fancy！shewasinthehabitofpayingonesequineverymonthtothehair—dresser，andasmuchatleastforpomatumandperfumes。"

"Shewasagiddy，foolishgirl。Now，IspendonlytensoldiinoneyearonwaxwhichImixwithgoat’sgrease，andthereIhaveanexcellentpomatum。"

"Another，whomIwouldhavemarriedtwoyearsago，labouredunderadiseasewhichwouldhavemademeunhappy；assoonasIknewofit，I

ceasedmyvisits。"

"Whatdiseasewasit？"

"Adiseasewhichwouldhavepreventedherfrombeingamother，and，ifIgetmarried，Iwishtohavechildren。"

"AllthatisinGod’shands，butIknowthatmyhealthisexcellent。

Isitnot，uncle？"

"Anotherwastoodevout，andthatdoesnotsuitme。Shewassoover—

scrupulousthatshewasinthehabitofgoingtoherconfessortwiceaweek，andeverytimeherconfessionlastedatleastonehour。I

wantmywifetobeagoodChristian，butnotbigoted。"

"Shemusthavebeenagreatsinner，orelseshewasveryfoolish。I

confessonlyonceamonth，andgetthrougheverythingintwominutes。

Isitnottrue，uncle？andifyouweretoaskmeanyquestions，uncle，Ishouldnotknowwhatmoretosay。"

"OneyoungladythoughtherselfmorelearnedthanI，althoughshewould，everyminute，uttersomeabsurdity。Anotherwasalwayslow—

spirited，andmywifemustbecheerful。"

"Harktothat，uncle！Youandmymotherarealwayschidingmeformycheerfulness。"

"Another，whomIdidnotcourtlong，wasalwaysafraidofbeingalonewithme，andifIgaveherakissshewouldrunandtellhermother。"

"Howsillyshemusthavebeen！Ihaveneveryetlistenedtoalover，forwehaveonlyrudepeasantsinP————，butIknowverywellthattherearesomethingswhichIwouldnottellmymother。"

"Onehadarankbreath；anotherpaintedherface，and，indeed，almosteveryyounggirlisguiltyofthatfault。Iamafraidmarriageisoutofthequestionforme，becauseIwant，forinstance，mywifetohaveblackeyes，andinourdaysalmosteverywomancoloursthembyart；butIcannotbedeceived，forIamagoodjudge。"

"Aremineblack？"

"Youarelaughing？"

"Ilaughbecauseyoureyescertainlyappeartobeblack，buttheyarenotsoinreality。Nevermind，youareverycharminginspiteofthat。"

"Now，thatisamusing。Youpretendtobeagoodjudge，yetyousaythatmyeyesaredyedblack。Myeyes，sir，whetherbeautifulorugly，arenowthesameasGodmadethem。Isitnotso，uncle？"

"Ineverhadanydoubtofit，mydearniece。"

"Andyoudonotbelieveme，sir？"

"No，theyaretoobeautifulformetobelievethemnatural。"

"Oh，dearme！Icannotbearit。"

"Excuseme，mylovelydamigella，IamafraidIhavebeentoosincere。"

Afterthatquarrelweremainedsilent。Thegoodcuratesmilednowandthen，buthisniecefounditveryhardtokeepdownhersorrow。

AtintervalsIstolealookatherface，andcouldseethatshewasverynearcrying。Ifeltsorry，forshewasacharminggirl。Inherhair，dressedinthefashionofwealthycountrywomen，shehadmorethanonehundredsequins’worthofgoldpinsandarrowswhichfastenedtheplaitsofherlonglocksasdarkasebony。Heavygoldear—rings，andalongchain，whichwaswoundtwentytimesroundhersnowyneck，madeafinecontrasttohercomplexion，onwhichtheliliesandtheroseswereadmirablyblended。ItwasthefirsttimethatIhadseenacountrybeautyinsuchsplendidapparel。Sixyearsbefore，LucieatPaseanhadcaptivatedme，butinadifferentmanner。

Christinedidnotutterasingleword，shewasindespair，forhereyesweretrulyofthegreatestbeauty，andIwascruelenoughtoattackthem。Sheevidentlyhatedme，andherangeralonekeptbackhertears。YetIwouldnotundeceiveher，forIwantedhertobringmatterstoaclimax。

WhenthegondolahadenteredthelongcanalofMarghera，IaskedtheclergymanwhetherhehadacarriagetogotoTreviso，throughwhichplacehehadtopasstoreachP————。

"Iintendedtowalk，"saidtheworthyman，"formyparishispoorandIamthesame，butIwilltrytoobtainaplaceforChristineinsomecarriagetravellingthatway。"

"Youwouldconferarealkindnessonmeifyouwouldbothacceptaseatinmychaise；itholdsfourpersons，andthereisplentyofroom。"

"Itisagoodfortunewhichwewerefarfromexpecting"

"Notatall，uncle；Iwillnotgowiththisgentleman。"

"Whynot，mydearniece？"

"BecauseIwillnot。"

"Suchistheway，"Iremarked，withoutlookingather，"thatsincerityisgenerallyrewarded。"

"Sincerity，sir！nothingofthesort，"sheexclaimed，angrily，"itissheerwickedness。Therecanbenotrueblackeyesnowforyouintheworld，but，asyoulikethem，Iamverygladofit。"

"Youaremistaken，lovelyChristine，forIhavethemeansofascertainingthetruth。"

"Whatmeans？"

"Onlytowashtheeyeswithalittlelukewarmrose—water；oriftheladycries，theartificialcolouriscertaintobewashedoff。"

Atthosewords，thescenechangedasifbythewandofaconjuror。

Thefaceofthecharminggirl，whichhadexpressednothingbutindignation，spiteanddisdain，tookanairofcontentmentandofplaciditydelightfultowitness。Shesmiledatherunclewhowasmuchpleasedwiththechangeinhercountenance，fortheofferofthecarriagehadgonetohisheart。

"Nowyouhadbettercryalittle，mydearniece，and’ilsignore’

willrenderfulljusticetoyoureyes。"

Christinecriedinreality，butitwasimmoderatelaughterthatmadehertearsflow。

Thatspeciesofnaturaloriginalitypleasedmegreatly，andasweweregoingupthestepsatthelanding—place，Iofferedhermyfullapologies；sheacceptedthecarriage。Iorderedbreakfast，andtolda’vetturino’togetaveryhandsomechaisereadywhilewehadourmeal，butthecuratesaidthathemustfirstofallgoandsayhismass。

"Verywell，reverendsir，wewillhearit，andyoumustsayitformyintention。"

Iputasilverducatinhishand。

"ItiswhatIaminthehabitofgiving，"Iobserved。

Mygenerositysurprisedhimsomuchthathewantedtokissmyhand。

Weproceededtowardsthechurch，andIofferedmyarmtotheniecewho，notknowingwhethersheoughttoacceptitornot，saidtome，"DoyousupposethatIcannotwalkalone？"

"Ihavenosuchidea，butifIdonotgiveyoumyarm，peoplewillthinkmewantinginpoliteness。"

"Well，Iwilltakeit。ButnowthatIhaveyourarm，whatwillpeoplethink？"

"Perhapsthatweloveeachotherandthatwemakeaverynicecouple。"

"Andifanyoneshouldinformyourmistressthatweareinlovewitheachother，oreventhatyouhavegivenyourarmtoayounggirl？"

"Ihavenomistress，andIshallhavenoneinfuture，becauseIcouldnotfindagirlasprettyasyouinallVenice。"

"Iamverysorryforyou，forwecannotgoagaintoVenice；andevenifwecould，howcouldweremaintheresixmonths？Yousaidthatsixmonthswerenecessarytoknowagirlwell。"

"Iwouldwillinglydefrayallyourexpenses。"

"Indeed？Thensaysotomyuncle，andhewillthinkitover，forI

couldnotgoalone。"

"Insixmonthsyouwouldknowmelikewise。"

"Oh！Iknow—youverywellalready。"

"Couldyouacceptamanlikeme？"

"Whynot？"

"Andwillyouloveme？"

"Yes，verymuch，whenyouaremyhusband。"

Ilookedattheyounggirlwithastonishment。Sheseemedtomeaprincessinthedisguiseofapeasantgirl。Herdress，madeof’grosdeTours’andallembroideredingold，wasveryhandsome，andcostcertainlytwiceasmuchasthefinestdressofaVenetianlady。Herbracelets，matchingtheneckchain，completedherrichtoilet。Shehadthefigureofanymph，andthenewfashionofwearingamantlenothavingyetreachedhervillage，Icouldseethemostmagnificentbosom，althoughherdresswasfasteneduptotheneck。Theendoftherichly—embroideredskirtdidnotgolowerthantheankles，whichallowedmetoadmiretheneatestlittlefootandthelowerpartofanexquisitelymouldedleg。Herfirmandeasywalk，thenaturalfreedomofallhermovements，acharminglookwhichseemedtosay，"Iamverygladthatyouthinkmepretty，"everything，inshort，causedtheardentfireofamorousdesirestocirculatethroughmyveins。I

couldnotconceivehowsuchalovelygirlcouldhavespentafortnightinVenicewithoutfindingamantomarryortodeceiveher。

Iwasparticularlydelightedwithhersimple，artlesswayoftalking，whichinthecitymighthavebeentakenforsilliness。

Absorbedinmythoughts，andhavingresolvedinmyownmindonrenderingbrillianthomagetohercharms，Iwaitedimpatientlyfortheendofthemass。

AfterbreakfastIhadgreatdifficultyinconvincingthecuratethatmyseatinthecarriagewasthelastone，butIfounditeasiertopersuadehimonourarrivalinTrevisotoremainfordinnerandforsupperatasmall，unfrequentedinn，asItookalltheexpenseuponmyself。HeacceptedverywillinglywhenIaddedthatimmediatelyaftersupperacarriagewouldbeinreadinesstoconveyhimtoP————，wherehewouldarriveinanhourafterapeasantjourneybymoonlight。Hehadnothingtohurryhimon，excepthiswishtosaymassinhisownchurchthenextmorning。

Iorderedafireandagooddinner，andtheideastruckmethatthecuratehimselfmightpledgetheringforme，andthusgivemetheopportunityofashortinterviewwithhisniece。Iproposedittohim，sayingthatIcouldnotverywellgomyself，asIdidnotwishtobeknown。Heundertookthecommissionatonce，expressinghispleasureatdoingsomethingtoobligeme。

Heleftus，andIremainedalonewithChristine。Ispentanhourwithherwithouttryingtogiveherevenakiss，althoughIwasdyingtodoso，butIpreparedherhearttoburnwiththesamedesireswhichwerealreadyburninginmebythosewordswhichsoeasilyinflametheimaginationofayoung’girl。

Thecuratecamebackandreturnedmethering，sayingthatitcouldnotbepledgeduntilthedayafterthemorrow，inconsequenceoftheFestivaloftheHolyVirgin。Hehadspokentothecashier，whohadstatedthatifIlikedthebankwouldlenddoublethesumIhadasked。

"Mydearsir，"Isaid，"youwouldgreatlyobligemeifyouwouldcomebackherefromP————topledgetheringyourself。Nowthatithasbeenofferedoncebyyou，itmightlookverystrangeifitwerebroughtbyanotherperson。OfcourseIwillpayallyourexpenses。"

"Ipromiseyoutocomeback。"

Ihopedhewouldbringhisniecewithhim。

IwasseatedoppositetoChristineduringthedinner，anddiscoveredfreshcharmsinhereveryminute，but，fearingImightloseherconfidenceifItriedtoobtainsomeslightfavour，Imadeupmymindnottogotoworktooquickly，andtocontrivethatthecurateshouldtakeheragaintoVenice。IthoughtthatthereonlyIcouldmanagetobringloveintoplayandtogiveitthefooditrequires。

"Reverendsir，"Isaid，"letmeadviseyoutotakeyournieceagaintoVenice。Iundertaketodefrayallexpenses，andtofindanhonestwomanwithwhomyourChristinewillbeassafeaswithherownmother。Iwanttoknowherwellinordertomakehermywife，andifshecomestoVeniceourmarriageiscertain。"

"Sir，IwillbringmyniecemyselftoVeniceassoonasyouinformmethatyouhavefoundaworthywomanwithwhomIcanleaveherinsafety。"

WhileweweretalkingIkeptlookingatChristine，andIcouldseehersmilewithcontentment。

"MydearChristine，"Isaid，"withinaweekIshallhavearrangedtheaffair。Inthemeantime，Iwillwritetoyou。Ihopethatyouhavenoobjectiontocorrespondwithme。"

"Myunclewillwriteforme，forIhaveneverbeentaughtwriting。"

"What，mydearchild！youwishtobecomethewifeofaVenetian，andyoucannotwrite。"

"Isitthennecessarytoknowhowtowriteinordertobecomeawife？

Icanreadwell。"

"Thatisnotenough，andalthoughagirlcanbeawifeandamotherwithoutknowinghowtotraceoneletter，itisgenerallyadmittedthatayounggirloughttobeabletowrite。Iwonderyouneverlearned。"

"Thereisnowonderinthat，fornotonegirlinourvillagecandoit。Askmyuncle。"

"Itisperfectlytrue，butthereisnotonewhothinksofgettingmarriedinVenice，andasyouwishforaVenetianhusbandyoumustlearn。"

"Certainly，"Isaid，"andbeforeyoucometoVenice，foreverybodywouldlaughatyou，ifyoucouldnotwrite。Iseethatitmakesyousad，mydear，butitcannotbehelped。"

"Iamsad，becauseIcannotlearnwritinginaweek。"

"Iundertake，"saidheruncle，"toteachyouinafortnight，ifyouwillonlypracticediligently。Youwillthenknowenoughtobeabletoimprovebyyourownexertions。"

"Itisagreatundertaking，butIacceptit；Ipromiseyoutoworknightandday，andtobeginto—morrow。"

Afterdinner，Iadvisedthepriestnottoleavethatevening，torestduringthenight，andIobservedthat，bygoingawaybeforeday—

break，hewouldreachP————ingoodtime，andfeelallthebetterforit。Imadethesameproposaltohimintheevening，andwhenhesawthathisniecewassleepy，hewaseasilypersuadedtoremain。I

calledfortheinnkeeper，orderedacarriagefortheclergyman，anddesiredthatafiremightbelitformeinthenextroomwhereI

wouldsleep，butthegoodpriestsaidthatitwasunnecessary，becausethereweretwolargebedsinourroom，thatonewouldbeformeandtheotherforhimandhisniece。

"Weneednotundress，"headded，"aswemeantoleaveveryearly，butyoucantakeoffyourclothes，sir，becauseyouarenotgoingwithus，andyouwillliketoremaininbedto—morrowmorning。"

"Oh！"remarkedChristine，"Imustundressmyself，otherwiseIcouldnotsleep，butIonlywantafewminutestogetreadyinthemorning。"

Isaidnothing，butIwasamazed。Christinethen，lovelyandcharmingenoughtowreckthechastityofaXenocrates，wouldsleepnakedwithheruncle！True，hewasold，devout，andwithoutanyoftheideaswhichmightrendersuchapositiondangerous，yetthepriestwasaman，hehadevidentlyfeltlikeallmen，andheoughttohaveknownthedangerhewasexposinghimselfto。Mycarnal—

mindednesscouldnotrealizesuchastateofinnocence。Butitwastrulyinnocent，somuchsothathediditopenly，anddidnotsupposethatanyonecouldseeanythingwronginit。Isawitallplainly，butIwasnotaccustomedtosuchthings，andfeltlostinwonderment。

AsIadvancedinageandinexperience，Ihaveseenthesamecustomestablishedinmanycountriesamongsthonestpeoplewhosegoodmoralswereinnowaydebasedbyit，butitwasamongstgoodpeople，andI

donotpretendtobelongtothatworthyclass。

Wehadhadnomeatfordinner，andmydelicatepalatewasnotover—

satisfied。Iwentdowntothekitchenmyself，andItoldthelandladythatIwantedthebestthatcouldbeprocuredinTrevisoforsupper，particularlyinwines。

"Ifyoudonotmindtheexpense，sir，trusttome，andIundertaketopleaseyou。IwillgiveyousomeGattawine。"

"Allright，butletushavesupperearly。"

WhenIreturnedtoourroom，IfoundChristinecaressingthecheeksofherolduncle，whowaslaughing；thegoodmanwasseventy—fiveyearsold。

"Doyouknowwhatisthematter？"hesaidtome；"mynieceiscaressingmebecauseshewantsmetoleaveherhereuntilmyreturn。

Shetellsmethatyouwerelikebrotherandsisterduringthehouryouhavespentalonetogetherthismorning，andIbelieveit，butshedoesnotconsiderthatshewouldbeagreattroubletoyou。"

"Notatall，quitethereverse，shewillaffordmegreatpleasure，forIthinkherverycharming。Astoourmutualbehaviour，Ibelieveyoucantrustusbothtodoourduty。"

"Ihavenodoubtofit。Well，Iwillleaveherunderyourcareuntilthedayafterto—morrow。Iwillcomebackearlyinthemorningsoastoattendtoyourbusiness。"

Thisextraordinaryandunexpectedarrangementcausedthebloodtorushtomyheadwithsuchviolencethatmynosebledprofuselyforaquarterofanhour。Itdidnotfrightenme，becauseIwasusedtosuchaccidents，butthegoodpriestwasinagreatfright，thinkingthatitwasaserioushaemorrhage。

WhenIhadallayedhisanxiety，heleftusonsomebusinessofhisown，sayingthathewouldreturnatnight—fall。Iremainedalonewiththecharming，artlessChristine，andlostnotimeinthankingherfortheconfidencesheplacedinme。

"Icanassureyou，"shesaid，"thatIwishyoutohaveathoroughknowledgeofme；youwillseethatIhavenoneofthefaultswhichhavedispleasedyousomuchintheyoungladiesyouhaveknowninVenice，andIpromisetolearnwritingimmediately。"

"Youarecharmingandtrue；butyoumustbediscreetinP————，andconfidetonoonethatwehaveenteredintoanagreementwitheachother。Youmustactaccordingtoyouruncle’sinstructions，foritistohimthatIintendtowritetomakeallarrangements。"

"Youmayrelyuponmydiscretion。Iwillnotsayanythingeventomymother，untilyougivemepermissiontodoso。"

Ipassedtheafternoon，indenyingmyselfeventheslightestlibertieswithmylovelycompanion，butfallingeveryminutedeeperinlovewithher。ItoldherafewlovestorieswhichIveiledsufficientlynottoshockhermodesty。Shefeltinterested，andI

couldseethat，althoughshedidnotalwaysunderstand，shepretendedtodoso，inordernottoappearignorant。

Whenherunclereturned，Ihadarrangedeverythinginmymindtomakehermywife，andIresolvedonplacingher，duringherstayinVenice，inthehouseofthesamehonestwidowwithwhomIhadfoundalodgingformybeautifulCountessA————S————。

Wehadadelicioussupper。IhadtoteachChristinehowtoeatoystersandtruffles，whichshethensawforthefirsttime。Gattawineislikechampagne，itcausesmerrimentwithoutintoxicating，butitcannotbekeptformorethanoneyear。Wewenttobedbeforemidnight，anditwasbroaddaylightwhenIawoke。ThecuratehadlefttheroomsoquietlythatIhadnotheardhim。

Ilookedtowardstheotherbed，Christinewasasleep。Iwishedhergoodmorning，sheopenedhereyes，andleaningonherelbow，shesmiledsweetly。

"Myunclehasgone。Ididnothearhim。"

"DearestChristine，youareaslovelyasoneofGod’sangels。Ihaveagreatlongingtogiveyouakiss。"

"Ifyoulongforakiss，mydearfriend，comeandgivemeone。"

Ijumpoutofmybed，decencymakesherhideherface。Itwascold，andIwasinlove。Ifindmyselfinherarmsbyoneofthosespontaneousmovementswhichsentimentalonecancause，andwebelongtoeachotherwithouthavingthoughtofit，shehappyandratherconfused，Idelighted，yetunabletorealizethetruthofavictorywonwithoutanycontest。

Anhourpassedinthemidstofhappiness，duringwhichweforgotthewholeworld。Calmfollowedthestormygustsofpassionatelove，andwegazedateachotherwithoutspeaking。

Christinewasthefirsttobreakthesilence"Whathavewedone？"shesaid，softlyandlovingly。

"Wehavebecomehusbandandwife。"

"Whatwillmyunclesayto—morrow？"

"Heneednotknowanythingaboutituntilhegivesusthenuptialbenedictioninhisownchurch。"

"Andwhenwillhedoso？"

"Assoonaswehavecompletedallthearrangements。necessaryforapublicmarriage。"

"Howlongwillthatbe？"

"Aboutamonth。"

"WecannotbemarriedduringLent。"

"Iwillobtainpermission。"

"Youarenotdeceivingme？"

"No，forIadoreyou。"

"Then，younolongerwanttoknowmebetter？"

"No；Iknowyouthoroughlynow，andIfeelcertainthatyouwillmakemehappy。"

"Andwillyoumakemehappy，too？"

"Ihopeso。"

"Letusgetupandgotochurch。Whocouldhavebelievedthat，togetahusband，itwasnecessarynottogotoVenice，buttocomebackfromthatcity！"

Wegotup，and，afterpartakingofsomebreakfast，wewenttohearmass。Themorningpassedoffquickly，buttowardsdinner—timeI

thoughtthatChristinelookeddifferenttowhatshedidthedaybefore，andIaskedherthereasonofthatchange。

"Itmustbe，"shesaid，"thesamereasonwhichcausesyoutobethoughtful。"

"Anairofthoughtfulness，mydear，ispropertolovewhenitfindsitselfinconsultationwithhonour。Thisaffairhasbecomeserious，andloveisnowcompelledtothinkandconsider。Wewanttobemarriedinthechurch，andwecannotdoitbeforeLent，nowthatweareinthelastdaysofcarnival；yetwecannotwaituntilEaster，itwouldbetoolong。Wemustthereforeobtainadispensationinordertobemarried。HaveInotreasontobethoughtful？"

Heronlyanswerwastocomeandkissmetenderly。Ihadspokenthetruth，yetIhadnottoldherallmyreasonsforbeingsopensive。I

foundmyselfdrawnintoanengagementwhichwasnotdisagreeabletome，butIwishedithadnotbeensoverypressing。Icouldnotconcealfrommyselfthatrepentancewasbeginningtocreepintomyamorousandwell—disposedmind，andIwasgrievedatit。Ifeltcertain，however，thatthecharminggirlwouldneverhaveanycausetoreproachmeforhermisery。

Wehadthewholeeveningbeforeus，andasshehadtoldmethatshehadnevergonetoatheatre，Iresolvedonaffordingherthatpleasure。IsentforaJewfromwhomIprocuredeverythingnecessarytodisguiseher，andwewenttothetheatre。Amaninloveenjoysnopleasurebutthatwhichhegivestothewomanheloves。Aftertheperformancewasover，ItookhertotheCasino，andherastonishmentmademelaughwhenshesawforthefirsttimeafarobank。Ihadnotmoneyenoughtoplaymyself，butIhadmorethanenoughtoamuseherandtoletherplayareasonablegame。Igavehertensequins，andexplainedwhatshehadtodo。Shedidnotevenknowthecards，yetinlessthananhourshehadwononehundredsequins。Imadeherleaveoffplaying，andwereturnedtotheinn。Whenwewereinourroom，Itoldhertoseehowmuchmoneyshehad，andwhenIassuredherthatallthatgoldbelongedtoher，shethoughtitwasadream。

"Oh！whatwillmyunclesay？"sheexclaimed。

Wehadalightsupper，andspentadelightfulnight，takinggoodcaretopartbyday—break，soasnottobecaughtinthesamebedbytheworthyecclesiastic。Hearrivedearlyandfoundussleepingsoundlyinourrespectivebeds。Hewokeme，andIgavehimtheringwhichhewenttopledgeimmediately。Whenhereturnedtwohourslater，hesawusdressedandtalkingquietlynearthefire。Assoonashecamein，Christinerushedtoembracehim，andsheshewedhimallthegoldshehadinherpossession。Whatapleasantsurpriseforthegoodoldpriest！Hedidnotknowhowtoexpresshiswonder！HethankedGodforwhathecalledamiracle，andheconcludedbysayingthatweweremadetoinsureeachother’shappiness。

Thetimetoparthadcome。IpromisedtopaythemavisitinthefirstdaysofLent，butonconditionthatonmyarrivalinP————I

wouldnotfindanyoneinformedofmynameorofmyconcerns。Thecurategavemethecertificateofbirthofhisnieceandtheaccountofherpossessions。AssoonastheyhadgoneItookmydepartureforVenice，fullofloveforthecharminggirl，anddeterminedonkeepingmyengagementwithher。Iknewhoweasyitwouldbeformetoconvincemythreefriendsthatmymarriagehadbeenirrevocablywritteninthegreatbookoffate。

Myreturncausedthegreatestjoytothethreeexcellentmen，because，notbeingaccustomedtoseemethreedaysabsent，M。

DandoloandM。Barbarowereafraidofsomeaccidenthavingbefallenme；butM。deBragadin’sfaithwasstronger，andheallayedtheirfears，sayingtothemthat，withParaliswatchingoverme，Icouldnotbeinanydanger。

TheverynextdayIresolvedoninsuringChristine’shappinesswithoutmakinghermywife。IhadthoughtofmarryingherwhenI

lovedherbetterthanmyself，butafterobtainingpossessionthebalancewassomuchonmysidethatmyself—loveprovedstrongerthanmyloveforChristine。Icouldnotmakeupmymindtorenouncetheadvantages，thehopeswhichIthoughtwereattachedtomyhappyindependence。YetIwastheslaveofsentiment。Toabandontheartless，innocentgirlseemedtomeanawfulcrimeofwhichIcouldnotbeguilty，andthemereideaofitmademeshudder。Iwasawarethatshewas，perhaps，bearinginherwombalivingtokenofourmutuallove，andIshiveredatthebarepossibilitythatherconfidenceinmemightberepaidbyshameandeverlastingmisery。

Ibethoughtmyselfoffindingherahusbandineverywaybetterthanmyself；ahusbandsogoodthatshewouldnotonlyforgivemefortheinsultIshouldthusbeguiltyoftowardsher，butalsothankmeattheend，andlikemeallthebetterformydeceit。

Tofindsuchahusbandcouldnotbeverydifficult，forChristinewasnotonlyblessedwithwonderfulbeauty，andwithawell—establishedreputationforvirtue，butshewasalsothepossessorofafortuneamountingtofourthousandVenetianducats。

Shutupinaroomwiththethreeworshippersofmyoracle，I

consultedParalisupontheaffairwhichIhadsomuchatheart。Theanswerwas:

"Serenusmustattendtoit。"

SerenuswasthecabalisticnameofM。deBragadin，andtheexcellentmanimmediatelyexpressedhimselfreadytoexecutealltheordersofParalis。Itwasmydutytoinformhimofthoseorders。

"Youmust，"Isaidtohim，"obtainfromtheHolyFatheradispensationforaworthyandvirtuousgirl，soastogivehertheprivilegeofmarryingduringLentinthechurchofhervillage；sheisayoungcountrygirl。Hereishercertificateofbirth。Thehusbandisnotyetknown；butitdoesnotmatter，Paralisundertakestofindone。"

"Trusttome，"saidmyfather，"IwillwriteatoncetoourambassadorinRome，andIwillcontrivetohavemylettersentbyspecialexpress。Youneednotbeanxious，leaveitalltome，Iwillmakeitabusinessofstate，andImustobeyParalisallthemorereadilythatIforeseethattheintendedhusbandisoneofusfour。

Indeed，wemustprepareourselvestoobey。"

Ihadsometroubleinkeepingmylaughterdown，foritwasinmypowertometamorphoseChristineintoagrandVenetianlady，thewifeofasenator；butthatwasnotmyintention。Iagainconsultedtheoracleinordertoascertainwhowouldbethehusbandoftheyounggirl，andtheanswerwasthatM。Dandolowasentrustedwiththecareoffindingone，young，handsome，virtuous，andabletoservetheRepublic，eitherathomeorabroad。M。Dandolowastoconsultmebeforeconcludinganyarrangements。Igavehimcourageforhistaskbyinforminghimthatthegirlhadadowryoffourthousandducats，butIaddedthathischoicewastobemadewithinafortnight。M。

deBragadin，delightedatnotbeingentrustedwiththecommission，laughedheartily。

Thosearrangementsmademefeelatpeacewithmyself。IwascertainthatthehusbandIwantedwouldbefound，andIonlythoughtoffinishingthecarnivalgaily，andofcontrivingtofindmypursereadyforacaseofemergency。

Fortunesoonrenderedmepossessorofathousandsequins。Ipaidmydebts，andthelicenceforthemarriagehavingarrivedfromRometendaysafterM。deBragadinhadappliedforit，Igavehimonehundredducats，thatbeingthesumithadcost。ThedispensationgaveChristinetherightofbeingmarriedinanychurchinChristendom，shewouldonlyhavetoobtainthesealoftheepiscopalcourtofthedioceseinwhichthemarriagewastotakeplace，andnopublicationofbannswasrequired。Wewanted，therefore，butonething——atriflingone，namely，thehusband。M。Dandolohadalreadyproposedthreeorfourtome，butIhadrefusedthemforexcellentreasons。

Atlastheofferedonewhosuitedmeexactly。

Ihadtotakethediamondringoutofpledge，andnotwishingtodoitmyself，IwrotetothepriestmakinganappointmentinTreviso。I

wasnot，ofcourse，surprisedwhenIfoundthathewasaccompaniedbyhislovelyniece，who，thinkingthatIhadcometocompleteallarrangementsforourmarriage，embracedmewithoutceremony，andI

didthesame。Iftheunclehadnotbeenpresent，Iamafraidthatthosekisseswouldhavecausedallmyheroismtovanish。Igavethecuratethedispensation，andthehandsomefeaturesofChristineshonewithjoy。ShecertainlycouldnotimaginethatIhadbeenworkingsoactivelyforothers，and，asIwasnotyetcertainofanything，Ididnotundeceiveherthen。IpromisedtobeinP————withineightortendays，whenwewouldcompleteallnecessaryarrangements。Afterdinner，Igavethecuratetheticketfortheringandthemoneytotakeitoutofpledge，andweretiredtorest。Thistime，veryfortunately，therewasbutonebedintheroom，andIhadtotakeanotherchamberformyself。

Thenextmorning，IwentintoChristine’sroom，andfoundherinbed。

Herunclehadgoneoutformydiamondring，andalonewiththatlovelygirl，IfoundthatIhad，whennecessary，completecontrolovermypassions。Thinkingthatshewasnottobemywife，andthatshewouldbelongtoanother，Iconsidereditmydutytosilencemydesires。Ikissedher，butnothingmore。

Ispentonehourwithher，fightinglikeSaintAnthonyagainstthecarnaldesiresofmynature。Icouldseethecharminggirlfullofloveandofwonderatmyreserve，andIadmiredhervirtueinthenaturalmodestywhichpreventedherfrommakingthefirstadvances。

Shegotoutofbedanddressedherselfwithoutshewinganydisappointment。Shewould，ofcourse，havefeltmortifiedifshebadhadtheslightestideathatIdespisedher，orthatIdidnotvaluehercharms。

Herunclereturned，gavemethering，andwehaddinner，afterwhichhetreatedmetoawonderfulexhibition。Christinehadlearnedhowtowrite，and，togivemeaproofofhertalent，shewroteveryfluentlyandveryprettilyinmypresence。

Weparted，aftermypromisingtocomebackagainwithintendays，andIreturnedtoVenice。

OnthesecondSundayinLent，M。Dandolotoldmewithanairoftriumphthatthefortunatehusbandhadbeenfound，andthattherewasnodoubtofmyapprovalofthenewcandidate。HenamedCharles————

whomIknewbysight——veryhandsomeyoungman，ofirreproachableconduct，andabouttwenty—twoyearsofage。HewasclerktoM。

Ragionatoandgod—sonofCountAlgarotti，asisterofwhomhadmarriedM。Dandolo’sbrother。

"Charles，"saidM。Dandolotome，"haslosthisfatherandhismother，andIfeelsatisfiedthathisgodfatherwillguaranteethedowrybroughtbyhiswife。Ihavespokentohim，andIbelievehimdisposedtomarryanhonestgirlwhosedowrywouldenablehimtopurchaseM。Ragionato’soffice。"

"Itseemstopromiseverywell，butIcannotdecideuntilIhaveseenhim。"

"Ihaveinvitedhimtodinewithusto—morrow。"

Theyoungmancame，andIfoundhimworthyofallM。Dandolo’spraise。Webecamefriendsatonce；hehadsometasteforpoetry，I

readsomeofmyproductionstohim，andhavingpaidhimavisitthefollowingday，heshewedmeseveralpiecesofhisowncompositionwhichwerewellwritten。Heintroducedmetohisaunt，inwhosehousehelivedwithhissister，andIwasmuchpleasedwiththeirfriendlywelcome。Beingalonewithhiminhisroom，Iaskedhimwhathethoughtoflove。

"Idonotcareforlove，"heanswered:"butIshouldliketogetmarriedinordertohaveahouseofmyown。"

WhenIreturnedtothepalace，ItoldM。DandolothathemightopentheaffairwithCountAlgarotti，andthecountmentionedittoCharles，whosaidthathecouldnotgiveanyanswer，eitheronewayortheother，untilheshouldhaveseentheyounggirl，talkedwithher，andenquiredaboutherreputation。AsforCountAlgarotti，hewasreadytobeanswerableforhisgod—son，thatistoguaranteefourthousandducatstothewife，providedherdowrywasworththatamount。Thosewereonlythepreliminaries；therestbelongedtomyprovince。

DandolohavinginformedCharlesthatthematterwasentirelyinmyhands，hecalledonmeandenquiredwhenIwouldbekindenoughtointroducehimtotheyoungperson。Inamedtheday，addingthatitwasnecessarytodevoteawholedaytothevisit，assheresidedatadistanceoftwentymilesfromVenice，thatwewoulddinewithherandreturnthesameevening。Hepromisedtobereadyformebyday—

break。IimmediatelysentanexpresstothecuratetoinformhimofthedayonwhichIwouldcallwithafriendofminewhomIwishedtointroducetohisniece。

Ontheappointedday，Charleswaspunctual。ItookcaretolethimknowalongtheroadthatIhadmadetheacquaintanceoftheyounggirlandofheruncleastravellingcompanionsfromVenicetoMestraaboutonemonthbefore，andthatIwouldhaveofferedmyselfasahusband，ifIhadbeeninapositiontoguaranteethedowryoffourthousandducats。Ididnotthinkitnecessarytogoanyfurtherinmyconfidences。

Wearrivedatthegoodpriest’shousetwohoursbeforemid—day，andsoonafterourarrival，Christinecameinwithanairofgreatease，expressingallherpleasureatseeingme。SheonlybowedtoCharles，enquiringfrommewhetherhewaslikewiseaclerk。

CharlesansweredthathewasclerkatRagionato。

Shepretendedtounderstand，inordernottoappearignorant。

"Iwantyoutolookatmywriting，"shesaidtome，"andafterwardswewillgoandseemymother。"

DelightedatthepraisebestoweduponherwritingbyCharles，whenheheardthatshehadlearnedonlyonemonth，sheinvitedustofollowher。Charlesaskedherwhyshehadwaiteduntiltheageofnineteentostudywriting。

"Well，sir，whatdoesitmattertoyou？Besides，ImusttellyouthatIamseventeen，andnotnineteenyearsofage。"

Charlesentreatedhertoexcusehim，smilingatthequicknessofheranswer。

Shewasdressedlikeasimplecountrygirl，yetveryneatly，andsheworeherhandsomegoldchainsroundherneckandonherarms。ItoldhertotakemyarmandthatofCharles，whichshedid，castingtowardsmealookoflovingobedience。Wewenttohermother’shouse；thegoodwomanwascompelledtokeepherbedowingtosciatica。Asweenteredtheroom，arespectable—lookingman，whowasseatednearthepatient，roseatthesightofCharles，andembracedhimaffectionately。Iheardthathewasthefamilyphysician，andthecircumstancepleasedmemuch。

Afterwehadpaidourcomplimentstothegoodwoman，thedoctorenquiredafterCharles’sauntandsister；andalludingtothesisterwhowassufferingfromasecretdisease，Charlesdesiredtosayafewwordstohiminprivate；theylefttheroomtogether。BeingalonewiththemotherandChristine，IpraisedCharles，hisexcellentconduct，hishighcharacter，hisbusinessabilities，andextolledthehappinessofthewomanwhowouldbehiswife。TheybothconfirmedmypraisesbysayingthateverythingIsaidofhimcouldbereadonhisfeatures。Ihadnotimetolose，soItoldChristinetobeonherguardduringdinner，asCharlesmightpossiblybethehusbandwhomGodhadintendedforher。

"Forme？"

"Yes，foryou。Charlesisoneofathousand；youwouldbemuchhappierwithhimthanyoucouldbewithme；thedoctorknowshim，andyoucouldascertainfromhimeverythingwhichIcannotfindtimetotellyounowaboutmyfriend。"

ThereadercanimagineallIsufferedinmakingthisdeclaration，andmysurprisewhenIsawtheyounggirlcalmandperfectlycomposed！

Hercomposuredriedthetearsalreadygatheringinmyeyes。Afterashortsilence，sheaskedmewhetherIwascertainthatsuchahandsomeyoungmanwouldhaveher。ThatquestiongavemeaninsightintoChristine’sheartandfeelings，andquietedallmysorrow，forI

sawthatIhadnotknownherwell。Iansweredthat，beautifulasshewas，therewasnodoubtofherbeinglovedbyeverybody。

"Itwillbeatdinner，mydearChristine，thatmyfriendwillexamineandstudyyou；donotfailtoshewallthecharmsandqualitieswithwhichGodhasendowedyou，butdonotlethimsuspectourintimacy。"

"Itisallverystrange。Ismyuncleinformedofthiswonderfulchange？"

"No。"

"Ifyourfriendshouldfeelpleasedwithme，whenwouldhemarryme？"

"Withintendays。Iwilltakecareofeverything，andyouwillseemeagaininthecourseoftheweek:"

Charlescamebackwiththedoctor，andChristine，leavinghermother’sbedside，tookachairoppositetous。SheansweredverysensiblyallthequestionsaddressedtoherbyCharles，oftenexcitinghismirthbyherartlessness，butnotshewinganysilliness。

Oh！charmingsimplicity！offspringofwitandofignorance！thycharmisdelightful，andthoualonehasttheprivilegeofsayinganythingwithoutevergivingoffence！Buthowunpleasantthouartwhenthouartnotnatural！andthouartthemasterpieceofartwhenthouartimitatedwithperfection！

Wedinedratherlate，andItookcarenottospeaktoChristine，noteventolookather，soasnottoengrossherattention，whichshedevotedentirelytoCharles，andIwasdelightedtoseewithwhateaseandinterestshekeptuptheconversation。Afterdinner，andasweweretakingleave，IheardthefollowingwordsutteredbyCharles，whichwenttomyveryheart:

"Youaremade，lovelyChristine，toministertothehappinessofaprince。"

AndChristine？Thiswasheranswer:

"Ishouldesteemmyselffortunate，sir，ifyoushouldjudgemeworthyofministeringtoyours。"

ThesewordsexcitedCharlessomuchthatheembracedme！

Christinewassimple，butherartlessnessdidnotcomefromhermind，onlyfromherheart。Thesimplicityofmindisnothingbutsilliness，thatoftheheartisonlyignoranceandinnocence；itisaqualitywhichsubsistsevenwhenthecausehasceasedtobe。Thisyounggirl，almostachildofnature，wassimpleinhermanners，butgracefulinathousandtriflingwayswhichcannotbedescribed。Shewassincere，becauseshedidnotknowthattoconcealsomeofourimpressionsisoneofthepreceptsofpropriety，andasherintentionswerepure，shewasastrangertothatfalseshameandmockmodestywhichcausepretendedinnocencetoblushataword，oratamovementsaidormadeveryoftenwithoutanywickedpurpose。

DuringourjourneybacktoVeniceCrarlesspokeofnothingbutofhishappiness。Hehaddecidedlyfalleninlove。

"Iwillcallto—morrowmorninguponCountAlgarotti，"hesaidtome，"andyoumaywritetothepriesttocomewithallthenecessarydocumentstomakethecontractofmarriagewhichIlongtosign。"

HisdelightandhissurprisewereintensewhenItoldhimthatmyweddingpresenttoChristinewasadispensationfromthePopeforhertobemarriedinLent。

"Then，"heexclaimed，"wemustgofullspeedahead！"

Intheconferencewhichwasheldthenextdaybetweenmyyoungsubstitute，hisgod—father，andM。Dandolo，itwasdecidedthattheparsonshouldbeinvitedtocomewithhisniece。Iundertooktocarrythemessage，andleavingVenicetwohoursbeforemorningI

reachedP————early。Thepriestsaidhewouldbereadytostartimmediatelyaftermass。IthencalledonChristine，andItreatedhertoafatherlyandsentimentalsermon，everywordofwhichwasintendedtopointouttoherthetrueroadtohappinessinthenewconditionwhichshewasonthepointofadopting。Itoldherhowsheoughttobehavetowardsherhusband，towardshisauntandhissister，inordertocaptivatetheiresteemandtheirlove。Thelastpartofmydiscoursewaspatheticandratherdisparagingtomyself，for，asI

enforceduponherthenecessityofbeingfaithfultoherhusband，I

wasnecessarilyledtoentreatherpardonforhavingseducedher。

"Whenyoupromisedtomarryme，afterwehadbothbeenweakenoughtogivewaytoourlove，didyouintendtodeceiveme？"

"Certainlynot。"

"Thenyouhavenotdeceivedme。Onthecontrary，Ioweyousomegratitudeforhavingthoughtthat，ifourunionshouldproveunhappy，itwasbettertofindanotherhusbandforme，andIthankGodthatyouhavesucceededsowell。Tellme，now，whatIcananswertoyourfriendincaseheshouldaskme，duringthefirstnight，whyIamsodifferenttowhatavirginoughttobe？"

"ItisnotlikelythatCharles，whoisfullofreserveandpropriety，wouldaskyousuchathing，butifheshould，tellhimpositivelythatyouneverhadalover，andthatyoudonotsupposeyourselftobedifferenttoanyothergirl。"

"Willhebelieveme？"

"Hewoulddeserveyourcontempt，andentailpunishmentonhimselfifhedidnot。Butdismissallanxiety；thatwillnotoccur。A

sensibleman，mydearChristine，whenhehasbeenrightlybroughtup，neverventuresuponsuchaquestion，becauseheisnotonlycertaintodisplease，butalsosurethathewillneverknowthetruth，forifthetruthislikelytoinjureawomanintheopinionofherhusband，shewouldbeveryfoolish，indeed，toconfessit。"

"Iunderstandyourmeaningperfectly，mydearfriend；letus，then，embraceeachotherforthelasttime。"

"No，forwearealoneandIamveryweak。Iadoretheeasmuchasever。"

"Donotcry，dearfriend，for，trulyspeaking，Ihavenowishforit。"

Thatsimpleandcandidanswerchangedmydispositionsuddenly，and，insteadofcrying，Ibegantolaugh。Christinedressedherselfsplendidly，andafterbreakfastweleftP————。WereachedVeniceinfourhours。Ilodgedthematagoodinn，andgoingtothepalace，I

toldM。Dandolothatourpeoplehadarrived，thatitwouldbehisprovincetobringthemandCharlestogetheronthefollowingday，andtoattendtothematteraltogether，becausethehonourofthefuturehusbandandwife，therespectduetotheirparentsandtopropriety，forbadeanyfurtherinterferenceonmypart。

Heunderstoodmyreasons，andactedaccordingly。HebroughtCharlestome，Ipresentedbothofthemtothecurateandhisniece，andthenleftthemtocompletetheirbusiness。

IheardafterwardsfromM。DandolothattheyallcalleduponCountAlgarotti，andattheofficeofanotary，wherethecontractofmarriagewassigned，andthat，afterfixingadayforthewedding，CharleshadescortedhisintendedbacktoP————。

Onhisreturn，Charlespaidmeavisit。HetoldmethatChristinehadwonbyherbeautyandpleasingmannerstheaffectionofhisaunt，ofhissister，andofhisgod—father，andthattheyhadtakenuponthemselvesalltheexpenseofthewedding。

"Weintendtobemarried，"headded，"onsuchadayatP————，andI

trustthatyouwillcrownyourworkofkindnessbybeingpresentattheceremony。"

Itriedtoexcusemyself，butheinsistedwithsuchafeelingofgratitude，andwithsomuchearnestness，thatIwascompelledtoaccept。IlistenedwithrealpleasuretotheaccounthegavemeoftheimpressionproduceduponallhisfamilyanduponCountAlgarottibythebeauty，theartlessness，therichtoilet，andespeciallybythesimpletalkofthelovelycountrygirl。

"Iamdeeplyinlovewithher，"Charlessaidtome，"andIfeelthatitistoyouthatIshallbeindebtedforthehappinessIamsuretoenjoywithmycharmingwife。ShewillsoongetridofhercountrywayoftalkinginVenice，becausehereenvyandslanderwillbuttooeasilyshewhertheabsurdityofit。"

Hisenthusiasmandhappinessdelightedme，andIcongratulatedmyselfuponmyownwork。YetIfeltinwardlysomejealousy，andIcouldnothelpenvyingalotwhichImighthavekeptformyself。

M。DaridoloandM。BarbarohavingbeenalsoinvitedbyCharles，I

wentwiththemtoP————。Wefoundthedinner—tablelaidoutintherector’shousebytheservantsofCountAlgarotti，whowasactingasCharles’sfather，andhavingtakenuponhimselfalltheexpenseofthewedding，hadsenthiscookandhismajor—domotoP————。

WhenIsawChristine，thetearsfilledmyeyes，andIhadtoleavetheroom。Shewasdressedasacountrygirl，butlookedaslovelyasanymph。Herhusband，heruncle，andCountAlgarottihadvainlytriedtomakeheradopttheVenetiancostume，butshehadverywiselyrefused。

"AssoonasIamyourwife，"shehadsaidtoCharles，"Iwilldressasyouplease，buthereIwillnotappearbeforemyyoungcompanionsinanyothercostumethantheoneinwhichtheyhavealwaysseenme。

Ishallthusavoidbeinglaughedat，andaccusedofpride，bythegirlsamongwhomIhavebeenbroughtup。"

Therewasinthesewordssomethingsonoble，sojust，andsogenerous，thatCharlesthoughthissweetheartasupernaturalbeing。

Hetoldmethathehadenquired，fromthewomanwithwhomChristinehadspentafortnight，abouttheoffersofmarriageshehadrefusedatthattime，andthathehadbeenmuchsurprised，fortwoofthoseofferswereexcellentones。

"Christine，"headded，"wasevidentlydestinedbyHeavenformyhappiness，andtoyouIamindebtedforthepreciouspossessionofthattreasure。"

Hisgratitudepleasedme，andImustrendermyselfthejusticeofsayingthatIentertainednothoughtofabusingit。IfelthappyinthehappinessIhadthusgiven。

Werepairedtothechurchtowardseleveno’clock，andwereverymuchastonishedatthedifficultyweexperiencedingettingin。AlargenumberofthenobilityofTreviso，curioustoascertainwhetheritwastruethatthemarriageceremonyofacountrygirlwouldbepubliclyperformedduringLentwhen，bywaitingonlyonemonth，adispensationwouldhavebeenuseless，hadcometoP————。EveryonewonderedatthepermissionhavingbeenobtainedfromthePope，everyoneimaginedthattherewassomeextraordinaryreasonforit，andwasindespairbecauseitwasimpossibletoguessthatreason。

Inspiteofallfeelingsofenvy，everyfacebeamedwithpleasureandsatisfactionwhentheyoungcouplemadetheirappearance，andnoonecoulddenythattheydeservedthatextraordinarydistinction，thatexceptiontoallestablishedrules。

AcertainCountessofTos……，fromTreviso，Christine’sgod—mother，wentuptoheraftertheceremony，andembracedhermosttenderly，complainingthatthehappyeventhadnotbeencommunicatedtoherinTreviso。Christine，inherartlessway，answeredwithasmuchmodestyassweetness，thatthecountessoughttoforgiveherifshehadfailedinherdutytowardsher，onaccountofthemarriagehavingbeendecidedonsohastily。Shepresentedherhusband，andbeggedCountAlgarottitoatoneforhererrortowardshergod—motherbyinvitinghertojointheweddingrepast，aninvitationwhichthecountessacceptedwithgreatpleasure。Thatbehaviour，whichisusuallytheresultofagoodeducationandalongexperienceofsociety，wasinthelovelypeasant—girldueonlytoacandidandwell—balancedmindwhichshoneallthemorebecauseitwasallnatureandnotart。

Astheyreturnedfromthechurch，CharlesandChristinekneltdownbeforetheyoungwife’smother，whogavethemherblessingwithtearsofjoy。

Dinnerwasserved，and，ofcourse，Christineandherhappyspousetooktheseatsofhonour。Minewasthelast，andIwasverygladofit，butalthougheverythingwasdelicious，Iateverylittle，andscarcelyopenedmylips。

Christinewasconstantlybusy，sayingprettythingstoeveryoneofherguests，andlookingatherhusbandtomakesurethathewaspleasedwithher。

Onceortwicesheaddressedhisauntandsisterinsuchagraciousmannerthattheycouldnothelpleavingtheirplacesandkissinghertenderly，congratulatingCharlesuponhisgoodfortune。IwasseatednotveryfarfromCountAlgarotti，andIheardhimsayseveraltimestoChristine’sgod—motherthathehadneverfeltsodelightedinhislife。

Whenfouro’clockstruck，Charleswhisperedafewwordstohislovelywife，shebowedtohergod—mother，andeverybodyrosefromthetable。

Aftertheusualcompliments——andinthiscasetheyborethestampofsincerity——thebridedistributedamongallthegirlsofthevillage，whowereintheadjoiningroom，packetsfullofsugar—plumswhichhadbeenpreparedbeforehand，andshetookleaveofthem，kissingthemallwithoutanypride。CountAlgarottiinvitedallthegueststosleepatahousehehadinTreviso，andtopartakethereofthedinnerusuallygiventhedayafterthewedding。Theunclealoneexcusedhimself，andthemothercouldnotcome，owingtoherdiseasewhichpreventedherfrommoving。ThegoodwomandiedthreemonthsafterChristine’smarriage。

Christinethereforelefthervillagetofollowherhusband，andfortheremainderoftheirlivestheylivedtogetherinmutualhappiness。

CountAlgarotti，Christine’sgod—motherandmytwonoblefriends，wentawaytogether。Thebrideandbridegroomhad，ofcourse，acarriagetothemselves，andIkepttheauntandthesisterofCharlescompanyinanother。Icouldnothelpenvyingthehappymansomewhat，althoughinmyinmostheartIfeltpleasedwithhishappiness。

Thesisterwasnotwithoutmerit。Shewasayoungwidowoftwenty—

five，andstilldeservedthehomageofmen，butIgavethepreferencetotheaunt，whotoldmethathernewniecewasatreasure，ajewelwhichwasworthyofeverybody’sadmiration，butthatshewouldnotlethergointosocietyuntilshecouldspeaktheVenetiandialectwell。