“It is M. the Chevalier de Seingalt.”
“Himself, mademoiselle, and sorely grieved at your misfortune.”
“Be kind enough to come in again for a moment.”
“I am sorry to say that I have an important engagement.”
“I will not keep you for longer than a quarter of an hour.”
I could not refuse so small a favour, and she employed the time in telling me how unfortunate they had been in Hanover, how they had come to London to obtain compensation, of their failure, their debts, the cruelty of the landlord, their mother’s illness, the prison that awaited her, the likelihood of their being cast into the street, and the cruelty of all their acquaintances.
“We have nothing to sell, and all our resources consist of two shillings, which we shall have to spend on bread, on which we live.”
“Who are your friends? How can they abandon you at such a time?”
She mentioned several names — among others, Lord Baltimore, Marquis Carracioli, the Neapolitan ambassador, and Lord Pembroke.
“I can’t believe it,” said I, “for I know the two last noblemen to be both rich and generous. There must be some good reason for their conduct, since you are beautiful; and for these gentlemen beauty is a bill to be honoured on sight.”
“Yes, there is a reason. These rich noblemen abandon us with contempt. They refuse to take pity on us because we refuse to yield to their guilty passion.”
“That is to say, they have taken a fancy to you, and as you will not have pity on them they refuse to have pity on you. Is it not so?”
“That is exactly the situation.”
“Then I think they are in the right.”
“In the right?”
“Yes, I am quite of their opinion. We leave you to enjoy your sense of virtue3, and we spend our money in procuring4 those favours which you refuse us. Your misfortune really is your prettiness, if you were ugly you would get twenty guineas fast enough. I would give you the money myself, and the action would be put down to benevolence5; whereas, as the case stands, if I were to give you anything it would be thought that I was actuated by the hope of favours to come, and I should be laughed at, and deservedly, as a dupe.”
I felt that this was the proper way to speak to the girl, whose eloquence6 in pleading her cause was simply wonderful.
She did not reply to my oration7, and I asked her how she came to know me.
“I saw you at Richmond with the Charpillon.”
“She cost me two thousand guineas, and I got nothing for my money; but I have profited by the lesson, and in future I shall never pay in advance.”
Just then her mother called her, and, begging me to wait a moment, she went into her room, and returned almost directly with the request that I would come and speak to the invalid8.
I found her sitting up in her bed; she looked about forty-five, and still preserved traces of her former beauty; her countenance9 bore the imprint10 of sadness, but had no marks of sickness whatsoever11. Her brilliant and expressive12 eyes, her intellectual face, and a suggestion of craft about her, all bade me be on my guard, and a sort of false likeness13 to the Charpillon’s mother made me still more cautious, and fortified14 me in my resolution to give no heed15 to the appeals of pity.
“Madam,” I began, “what can I do for you?”
“Sir,” she replied, “I have heard the whole of your conversations with my daughters, and you must confess that you have not talked to them in a very fatherly manner.”
“Quite so, but the only part which I desire to play with them is that of lover, and a fatherly style would not have been suitable to the part. If I had the happiness of being their father, the case would be altered. What I have said to your daughters is what I feel, and what I think most likely to bring about the end I have in view. I have not the slightest pretence16 to virtue, but I adore the fair sex, and now you and they know the road to my purse. If they wish to preserve their virtue, why let them; nobody will trouble them, and they, on their side, must not expect anything from men. Good-bye, madam; you may reckon on my never addressing your daughters again.”
“Wait a moment, sir. My husband was the Count of — — and you see that my daughters are of respectable birth.”
“Have you not pity for our situation?”
“I pity you extremely, and I would relieve you in an instant if your daughters were ugly, but as it is they are pretty, and that alters the case.”
“What an argument!”
“It is a very strong one with me, and I think I am the best judge of arguments which apply to myself. You want twenty guineas; well, you shall have them after one of your five countesses has spent a joyous18 night with me.”
“What language to a woman of my station! Nobody has ever dared to speak to me in such a way before.”
“Pardon me, but what use is rank without a halfpenny? Allow me to retire.
“To-day we have only bread to eat.”
“Well, certainly that is rather hard on countesses.”
“You are laughing at the title, apparently19.”
“Yes, I am; but I don’t want to offend you. If you like, I will stop to dinner, and pay for all, yourself included.”
“You are an eccentric individual. My girls are sad, for I am going to prison. You will find their company wearisome.”
“That is my affair.”
“You had much better give them the money you would spend on the dinner.”
“No, madam. I must have at least the pleasures of sight and sound for my money. I will stay your arrest till to-morrow, and afterwards Providence20 may possibly intervene on your behalf.”
“The landlord will not wait.”
“Leave me to deal with him.”
I told Goudar to go and see what the man would take to send the bailiff away for twenty-four hours. He returned with the message that he must have a guinea and bail21 for the twenty guineas, in case the lodgers22 might take to flight before the next day.
My wine merchant lived close by. I told Gondar to wait for me, and the matter was soon settled and the bailiff sent away, and I told the five girls that they might take their ease for twenty-four hours more.
I informed Gondar of the steps I had taken, and told him to go out and get a good dinner for eight people. He went on his errand, and I summoned the girls to their mother’s bedside, and delighted them all by telling them that for the next twenty-four hours they were to make good cheer. They could not get over their surprise at the suddenness of the change I had worked in the house.
“But this is all I can do for you,” said I to the mother. “Your daughters are charming, and I have obtained a day’s respite24 for you all without asking for anything in return; I shall dine, sup, and pass the night with them without asking so much as a single kiss, but if your ideas have not changed by to-morrow you will be in exactly the same position as you were a few minutes ago, and I shall not trouble you any more with my attentions.”
“What do you mean my ‘changing my ideas’?”
“I need not tell you, for you know perfectly25 well what I mean.”
“My daughters shall never become prostitutes.”
“I will proclaim their spotless chastity all over London — but I shall spend my guineas elsewhere.”
“You are a cruel man.”
“I confess I can be very cruel, but it is only when I don’t meet with kindness.”
Goudar came back and we returned to the ladies’ room, as the mother did not like to shew herself to my friend, telling me that I was the only man she had permitted to see her in bed during the whole time she had been in London.
Our English dinner was excellent in its way, but my chief pleasure was to see the voracity26 with which the girls devoured27 the meal. One would have thought they were savages28 devouring29 raw meat after a long fast. I had got a case of excellent wine and I made each of them drink a bottle, but not being accustomed to such an indulgence they became quite drunk. The mother had devoured the whole of the plentiful30 helpings31 I had sent in to her, and she had emptied a bottle of Burgundy, which she carried very well.
In spite of their intoxication32, the girls were perfectly safe; I kept my word, and Goudar did not take the slightest liberty. We had a pleasant supper, and after a bowl of punch I left them feeling in love with the whole bevy33, and very uncertain whether I should be able to shew as brave a front the next day.
As we were going away Goudar said that I was conducting the affair admirably, but if I made a single slip I should be undone34.
I saw the good sense of his advice, and determined35 to shew that I was as sharp as he.
The next day, feeling anxious to hear the result of the council which the mother had doubtless held with the daughters, I called at their house at ten o’clock. The two eldest sisters were out, endeavouring to beat up some more friends, and the three youngest rushed up to me as if they had been spaniels and I their master, but they would not even allow me to kiss them. I told them they made a mistake, and knocked at the mother’s door. She told me to come in, and thanked me for the happy day I had given them.
“Am I to withdraw my bail, countess?”
“You can do what you like, but I do not think you capable of such an action.”
“You are mistaken. You have doubtless made a deep study of the human heart; but you either know little of the human mind, or else you think you have a larger share than any other person. All your daughters have inspired me with love, but were it a matter of life and death I would not do a single thing for them or you before you have done me the only favour that is in your power. I leave you to your reflections, and more especially to your virtues36.”
She begged me to stay, but I did not even listen to her. I passed by the three charmers, and after telling my wine merchant to withdraw his security I went in a furious mood to call on Lord Pembroke. As soon as I mentioned the Hanoverians he burst out laughing, and said these false innocents must be made to fulfil their occupation in a proper manner.
“They came whining37 to me yesterday,” he proceeded, “and I not only would not give them anything, but I laughed them to scorn. They have got about twelve guineas out of me on false pretences38; they are as cunning sluts as the Charpillon.”
I told him what I had done the day before, and what I intended to offer: twenty guineas for the first, and as much for each of the others, but nothing to be paid in advance.
“I had the same idea myself, but I cried off, and I don’t think you’ll succeed, as Lord Baltimore offered them forty apiece; that is two hundred guineas in all, and the bargain has fallen through because they want the money to be paid in advance. They paid him a visit yesterday, but found him pitiless, for he has been taken in several times by them.”
“We shall see what will happen when the mother is under lock and key; I’ll bet we shall have them cheaply.”
I came home for dinner, and Goudar, who had just been at their house, reported that the bailiff would only wait till four o’clock, that the two eldest daughters had come back empty-handed, and that they had been obliged to sell one of their dresses to buy a morsel39 of bread.
I felt certain that they would have recourse to me again, and I was right. We were at dessert when they put in an appearance. I made them sit down, and the eldest sister exhausted40 her eloquence to persuade me to give them another three days’ grace.
“You will find me insensible,” said I, “unless you are willing to adopt my plan. If you wish to hear it, kindly41 follow me into the next room.”
She did so, leaving her sister with Goudar, and making her sit down on a sofa beside me, I shewed her twenty guineas, saying —
“These are yours; but you know on what terms?”
She rejected my offer with disdain42, and thinking she might wish to salve her virtue by being attacked, I set to work; but finding her resistance serious I let her alone, and begged her to leave my house immediately. She called to her sister, and they both went out.
In the evening, as I was going to the play, I called on my wine merchant to hear the news. He told me that the mother had been taken to prison, and that the youngest daughter had gone with her; but he did not know what had become of the four others.
I went home feeling quite sad, and almost reproaching myself for not having taken compassion43 on then; however, just as I was sitting down to supper they appeared before me like four Magdalens. The eldest, who was the orator44 of the company, told me that their mother was in prison, and that they would have to pass the night in the street if I did not take pity on them.
“You shall have rooms, beds, and good fires,” said I, “but first let me see you eat.”
Delight appeared on every countenance, and I had numerous dishes brought for them. They ate eagerly but sadly, and only drank water.
“Your melancholy45 and your abstinence displeases46 me,” said I, to the eldest girl; “go upstairs and you will find everything necessary for your comfort, but take care to be gone at seven in the morning and not to let me see your faces again.”
They went up to the second floor without a word.
An hour afterwards, just as I was going to bed, the eldest girl came into my room and said she wished to have a private interview with me. I told my negro to withdraw, and asked her to explain herself.
“What will you do for us,” said she, “if I consent to share your couch?”
“I will give you twenty guineas, and I will lodge23 and board you as long as you give me satisfaction.”
Without saying a word she began to undress, and got into bed. She was submissive and nothing more, and did not give me so much as a kiss. At the end of a quarter of an hour I was disgusted with her and got up, and giving her a bank note for twenty guineas I told her to put on her clothes and go back to her room.
“You must all leave my house to-morrow,” I said, “for I am ill pleased with you. Instead of giving yourself up for love you have prostituted yourself. I blush for you.”
She obeyed mutely, and I went to sleep in an ill humour.
At about seven o’clock in the morning I was awakened47 by a hand shaking me gently. I opened my eyes, and I was surprised to see the second daughter.
“What do you want?” I said, coldly.
“I want you to take pity on us, and shelter us in your house for a few days longer. I will be very grateful. My sister has told me all, you are displeased48 with her, but you must forgive her, for her heart is not her own. She is in love with an Italian who is in prison for debt.”
“And I suppose you are in love with someone else?” “No, I am not.”
“Could you love me?”
She lowered her eyes, and pressed my hand gently. I drew her towards me, and embraced her, and as I felt her kisses answer mine, I said —
“You have conquered.”
“My name is Victoire.”
“I like it, and I will prove the omen2 a true one.”
Victoire, who was tender and passionate49, made me spend two delicious hours, which compensated50 me for my bad quarter of an hour of the night before.
When our exploits were over, I said —
“Dearest Victoire, I am wholly throe. Let your mother be brought here as soon as she is free. Here are twenty guineas for you.”
She did not expect anything, and the agreeable surprise made her in an ecstasy51; she could not speak, but her heart was full of happiness. I too was happy, and I believed that a great part of my happiness was caused by the knowledge that I had done a good deed. We are queer creatures all of us, whether we are bad or good. From that moment I gave my servants orders to lay the table for eight persons every day, and told them that I was only at home to Goudar. I spent money madly, and felt that I was within a measurable distance of poverty.
At noon the mother came in a sedan-chair, and went to bed directly. I went to see her, and did not evince any surprise when she began to thank me for my noble generosity52. She wanted me to suppose that she thought I had given her daughters forty guineas for nothing, and I let her enjoy her hypocrisy53.
In the evening I took them to Covent Garden, where the castrato Tenducci surprised me by introducing me to his wife, of whom he had two children. He laughed at people who said that a castrato could not procreate. Nature had made him a monster that he might remain a man; he was born triorchis, and as only two of the seminal54 glands55 had been destroyed the remaining one was sufficient to endow him with virility56.
When I got back to my small seraglio I supped merrily with the five nymphs, and spent a delicious night with Victoire, who was overjoyed at having made my conquest. She told me that her sister’s lover was a Neapolitan, calling himself Marquis de Petina, and that they were to get married as soon as he was out of prison. It seemed he was expecting remittances57, and the mother would be delighted to see her daughter a marchioness.
“How much does the marquis owe?”
“Twenty guineas.”
“And the Neapolitan ambassador allows him to languish58 in prison for such a beggarly sum? I can’t believe it.”
“The ambassador won’t have anything to do with him, because he left Naples without the leave of the Government.”
“Tell your sister that if the ambassador assures me that her lover’s name is really the Marquis de Petina, I will get him out of prison immediately.”
I went out to ask my daughter, and another boarder of whom I was very fond, to dinner, and on my way called on the Marquis of Caraccioli, an agreeable man, whose acquaintance I had made at Turin. I found the famous Chevalier d’Eon at his house, and I had no need of a private interview to make my inquiries59 about Petina.
“The young man is really what he professes60 to me,” said the ambassador, “but I will neither receive him nor give him any money till I hear from my Government that he has received leave to travel.”
That was enough for me, and I stayed there for an hour listening to d’Eon’s amusing story.
Eon had deserted61 the embassy on account of ten thousand francs which the department of foreign affairs at Versailles had refused to allow him, though the money was his by right. He had placed himself under the protection of the English laws, and after securing two thousand subscribers at a guinea apiece, he had sent to press a huge volume in quarto containing all the letters he had received from the French Government for the last five or six years.
About the same time a London banker had deposited the sum of twenty thousand guineas at the Bank of England, being ready to wager62 that sum that Eon was a woman. The bet was taken by a number of persons who had formed themselves into a kind of company for the purpose, and the only way to decide it was that Eon should be examined in the presence of witnesses. The chevalier was offered half the wager, but he laughed them to scorn. He said that such an examination would dishonour63 him, were he man or woman. Caraccioli said that it could only dishonour him if he were a woman, but I could not agree with this opinion. At the end of a year the bet was declared off; but in the course of three years he received his pardon from the king, and appeared at Court in woman’s dress, wearing the cross of St. Louis.
Louis XV. had always been aware of the chevalier’s sex, but Cardinal64 Fleuri had taught him that it became kings to be impenetrable, and Louis remained so all his life.
When I got home I gave the eldest Hanoverian twenty guineas, telling her to fetch her marquis out of prison, and bring him to dine with us, as I wanted to know him. I thought she would have died with joy.
The third sister, having taken counsel with Victoire, and doubtless with her mother also, determined to earn twenty guineas for herself, and she had not much trouble in doing so. She it was on whom Lord Pembroke had cast the eye of desire.
These five girls were like five dishes placed before a gourmand65, who enjoys them one after the other. To my fancy the last was always the best. The third sister’s name was Augusta.
Next Sunday I had a large number of guests. There were my daughter and her friend, Madame Cornelis, and her son. Sophie was kissed and caressed66 by the Hanoverians, while I bestowed67 a hundred kisses on Miss Nancy Steyne, who was only thirteen, but whose young beauty worked sad havoc68 with my senses. My affection was supposed to be fatherly in its character, but, alas69 I it was of a much more fleshly kind. This Miss Nancy, who seemed to me almost divine, was the daughter of a rich merchant. I said that I wanted to make her father’s acquaintance, and she replied that her father proposed coming to call on me that very day. I was delighted to hear of the coincidence, and gave order that he should be shewn in as soon as he came.
The poor marquis was the only sad figure in the company. He was young and well-made, but thin and repulsively70 ugly. He thanked me for my kindness, saying that I had done a wise thing, as he felt sure the time would come when he would repay me a hundredfold.
I had given my daughter six guineas to buy a pelisse, and she took me to my bedroom to shew it me. Her mother followed her to congratulate me on my seraglio.
At dinner gaiety reigned71 supreme72. I sat between my daughter and Miss Nancy Steyne, and felt happy. Mr. Steyne came in as we were at the oysters73. He kissed his daughter with that tender affection which is more characteristic, I think, of English parents than those of any other nation.
Mr. Steyne had dined, but he nevertheless ate a hundred scolloped oysters, in the preparation of which my cook was wonderfully expert; he also honoured the champagne75 with equal attention.
We spent three hours at the table and then proceeded to the third floor, where Sophie accompanied her mother’s singing on the piano, and young Cornelis displayed his flute-playing talents. Mr. Steyne swore that he had never been present at such a pleasant party in his life, adding that pleasure was forbidden fruit in England on Sundays and holidays. This convinced me that Steyne was an intelligent man, though his French was execrable. He left at seven, after giving a beautiful ring to my daughter, whom he escorted back to school with Miss Nancy.
The Marquis Petina foolishly observed to me that he did not know where to find a bed. I understood what he wanted, but I told him he would easily find one with a little money. Taking his sweetheart aside I gave her a guinea for him, begging her to tell him not to visit me again till he was invited.
When all the guests were gone, I led the five sisters to the mother’s room. She was wonderfully well, eating, drinking, and sleeping to admiration76, and never doing anything, not even reading or writing. She enjoyed the ‘dolce far niente’ in all the force of the term. However, she told me she was always thinking of her family, and of the laws which it imposed on her.
I could scarcely help laughing, but I only said that if these laws were the same as those which her charming daughters followed, I thought them wiser than Solon’s.
I drew Augusta on to my knee, and said —
“My lady, allow me to kiss your delightful77 daughter.”
Instead of giving me a direct answer, the old hypocrite began a long sermon on the lawfulness78 of the parental79 kiss. All the time Augusta was lavishing80 on me secret but delicious endearments81.
‘O tempora! O mores82!’
The next day I was standing83 at my window, when the Marquis Caraccioli, who was passing by, greeted me, and asked me if he could come in. I bade him welcome, and summoning the eldest sister told the ambassador that this young lady was going to marry the Marquis Petina as soon as his remittances arrived.
He addressed himself to her, and spoke84 as follows:
“Mademoiselle, it is true that your lover is really a marquis, but he is very poor and will never have any money; and if he goes back to Naples he will be imprisoned85, and if he is released from the State prison his creditors86 will put him in the Vittoria.”
However this salutary warning had no effect.
After the ambassador had taken his leave I was dressing17 to take a ride when Augusta told me that, if I liked, Hippolyta her sister would come with me, as she could ride beautifully.
“That’s amusing,” said I, “make her come down.”
Hippolyta came down and begged me to let her ride with me, saying that she would do me credit.
“Certainly;” said I, “but have you a man’s riding suit or a woman’s costume?”
“No.”
“Then we must put off the excursion till to-morrow.”
I spent the day in seeing that a suit was made for her, and I felt quite amorous87 when Pegu, the tailor, measured her for the breeches. Everything was done in time and we had a charming ride, for she managed her horse with wonderful skill.
After an excellent supper, to which wine had not been lacking, the happy Hippolyta accompanied Victoire into my room and helped her to undress. When she kissed her sister I asked if she would not give me a kiss too, and after some jesting Augusta changed the joke into earnest by bidding her come to bed beside me, without taking the trouble to ask my leave, so sure did she feel of my consent. The night was well spent, and I had no reason to complain of want of material, but Augusta wisely let the newcomer have the lion’s share of my attentions.
Next day we rode out again in the afternoon, followed by my negro, who was a skilful88 horseman himself. In Richmond Park Hippolyta’s dexterity89 astonished me; she drew all eyes on her. In the evening we came home well pleased with our day’s ride, and had a good supper.
As the meal proceeded I noticed that Gabrielle, the youngest of all, looked sad and a little sulky. I asked her the reason, and with a little pout90 that became her childish face admirably, she replied —
“Because I can ride on horseback as well as my sister.”
“Very good,” said I, “then you shall ride the day after to-morrow.” This put her into a good temper again.
Speaking of Hippolyta’s skill, I asked her where she had learnt to ride. She simply burst out laughing. I asked her why she laughed, and she said —
“Why, because I never learnt anywhere; my only masters were courage and some natural skill.”
“And has your sister learnt?”
“No,” said Gabrielle, “but I can ride just as well.”
I could scarcely believe it, for Hippolyta had seemed to float on her horse, and her riding skewed the utmost skill and experience. Hoping that her sister would vie with her, I said that I would take them out together, and the very idea made them both jump with joy.
Gabrielle was only fifteen, and her shape, though not fully74 developed, was well marked, and promised a perfect beauty by the time she was in her maturity91. Full of grace and simplicity92, she said she would like to come with me to my room, and I readily accepted her offer, not caring whether the scheme had been concerted between her and her other sisters.
As soon as we were alone, she told me that she had never had a lover, and she allowed me to assure myself of the fact with the same child- like simplicity. Gabrielle was like all the others; I would have chosen her if I had been obliged to make the choice. She made me feel sorry for her sake, to hear that the mother had made up her mind to leave. In the morning I gave her her fee of twenty guineas and a handsome ring as a mark of my peculiar93 friendship, and we spent the day in getting ready our habits for the ride of the day following.
Gabrielle got on horseback as if she had had two years in the riding school. We went along the streets at a walking pace, but as soon as we were in the open country we broke into a furious gallop94, and kept it up till we got to Barnet, where we stopped to breakfast. We had done the journey in twenty-five minutes, although the distance is nearly ten miles. This may seem incredible, but the English horses are wonderfully swift, and we were all of us well mounted. My two nymphs looked ravishing. I adored them, and I adored myself for making them so happy.
Just as we were remounting, who should arrive but Lord Pembroke. He was on his way to St. Alban’s. He stopped his horse, and admired the graceful95 riding of my two companions; and not recognizing them immediately, he begged leave to pay his court to them. How I laughed to myself! At last he recognized them, and congratulated me on my conquest, asking if I loved Hippolyta. I guessed his meaning, and said I only loved Gabrielle.
“Very good,” said he; “may I come and see you?”
“Certainly,” I replied.
After a friendly hand-shake we set out once more, and were soon back in London.
Gabrielle was done up and went to bed directly; she slept on till the next morning without my disturbing her peaceful sleep, and when she awoke and found herself in my arms, she began to philosophise.
“How easy it is,” said she, “to be happy when one is rich, and how sad it is to see happiness out of one’s reach for lack of a little money. Yesterday I was the happiest of beings, and why should I not be as happy all my days? I would gladly agree that my life should be short provided that it should be a happy one.”
I, too, philosophised, but my reflections were sombre. I saw my resources all but exhausted, and I began to meditate96 a journey to Lisbon. If my fortune had been inexhaustible, the Hanoverians might have held me in their silken fetters97 to the end of my days. It seemed to me as if I loved them more like a father than a lover, and the fact that I slept with them only added to the tenderness of the tie. I looked into Gabrielle’s eyes, and there I saw but love. How could such a love exist in her unless she were naturally virtuous98, and yet devoid99 of those prejudices which are instilled100 into us in our early years.
The next day Pembroke called and asked me to give him a dinner. Augusta delighted him. He made proposals to her which excited her laughter as he did not want to pay till after the event, and she would not admit this condition. However, he gave her a bank note for ten guineas before he left, and she accepted it with much grace. The day after he wrote her a letter, of which I shall speak presently.
A few minutes after the nobleman had gone the mother sent for me to come to her, and after paying an eloquent101 tribute to my virtues, my generosity, and my unceasing kindness towards her family, she made the following proposal:
“As I feel sure that you have all the love of a father for my daughters, I wish you to become their father in reality! I offer you my hand and heart; become my husband, you will be their father, their lord and mine. What do you say to this?”
I bit my lips hard and had great difficulty in restraining my inclination102 to laughter. Nevertheless, the amazement103, the contempt, and the indignation which this unparalleled piece of impudence104 aroused in me soon brought me to myself. I perceived that this consummate105 hypocrite had counted on an abrupt106 refusal, and had only made this ridiculous offer with the idea of convincing me that she was under the impression that I had left her daughters as I had found them, and that the money I had spent on them was merely a sign of my tender and fatherly affection. Of course she knew perfectly well how the land lay, but she thought to justify107 herself by taking this step. She was aware that I could only look upon such a proposal as an insult, but she did not care for that.
I resolved to keep on the mask, and replied that her proposition was undoubtedly108 a very great honour for me, but it was also a very important question, and so I begged her to allow me some time for consideration.
When I got back to my room I found there the mistress of the wretched Marquis Petina, who told me that her happiness depended on a certificate from the Neapolitan ambassador that her lover was really the person he professed109 to be. With this document he would be able to claim a sum of two hundred guineas, and then they could both go to Naples, and he would marry her there. “He will easily obtain the royal pardon,” said she. “You, and you alone, can help us in the matter, and I commend myself to your kindness.”
I promised to do all I could for her. In fact, I called on the ambassador, who made no difficulty about giving the required certificate. For the moment my chilly110 conquest was perfectly happy, but though I saw she was very grateful to me I did not ask her to prove her gratitude111.
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eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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oration
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| n.演说，致辞，叙述法 | |
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invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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imprint
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| n.印痕，痕迹；深刻的印象；vt.压印，牢记 | |
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whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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13
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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17
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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19
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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21
bail
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| v.舀（水），保释；n.保证金，保释，保释人 | |
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22
lodgers
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| n.房客，租住者( lodger的名词复数 ) | |
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23
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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24
respite
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| n.休息，中止，暂缓 | |
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25
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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voracity
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| n.贪食，贪婪 | |
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devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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30
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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31
helpings
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| n.（食物）的一份( helping的名词复数 )；帮助，支持 | |
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32
intoxication
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| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
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33
bevy
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| n.一群 | |
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34
undone
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| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
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35
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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37
whining
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| n. 抱怨，牢骚 v. 哭诉，发牢骚 | |
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38
pretences
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| n.假装( pretence的名词复数 )；作假；自命；自称 | |
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39
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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40
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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41
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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43
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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44
orator
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| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
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45
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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46
displeases
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| 冒犯，使生气，使不愉快( displease的第三人称单数 ) | |
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47
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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48
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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49
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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50
compensated
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| 补偿，报酬( compensate的过去式和过去分词 )； 给（某人）赔偿（或赔款） | |
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51
ecstasy
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| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
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52
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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53
hypocrisy
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| n.伪善，虚伪 | |
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54
seminal
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| adj.影响深远的；种子的 | |
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55
glands
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| n.腺( gland的名词复数 ) | |
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56
virility
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| n.雄劲，丈夫气 | |
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57
remittances
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| n.汇寄( remittance的名词复数 )；汇款，汇款额 | |
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58
languish
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| vi.变得衰弱无力，失去活力，（植物等）凋萎 | |
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59
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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60
professes
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| 声称( profess的第三人称单数 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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61
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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62
wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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63
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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64
cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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65
gourmand
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| n.嗜食者 | |
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66
caressed
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| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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67
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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68
havoc
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| n.大破坏，浩劫，大混乱，大杂乱 | |
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69
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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70
repulsively
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| adv.冷淡地 | |
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71
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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72
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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73
oysters
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| 牡蛎( oyster的名词复数 ) | |
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74
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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75
champagne
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| n.香槟酒；微黄色 | |
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76
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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77
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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78
lawfulness
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| 法制，合法 | |
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79
parental
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| adj.父母的；父的；母的 | |
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80
lavishing
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| v.过分给予，滥施( lavish的现在分词 ) | |
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81
endearments
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| n.表示爱慕的话语，亲热的表示( endearment的名词复数 ) | |
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82
mores
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| n.风俗，习惯，民德，道德观念 | |
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83
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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84
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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85
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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86
creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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87
amorous
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| adj.多情的；有关爱情的 | |
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88
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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89
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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90
pout
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| v.撅嘴；绷脸；n.撅嘴；生气，不高兴 | |
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91
maturity
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| n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期 | |
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92
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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93
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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94
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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95
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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96
meditate
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| v.想，考虑，（尤指宗教上的）沉思，冥想 | |
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97
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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98
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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99
devoid
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| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
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100
instilled
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| v.逐渐使某人获得（某种可取的品质），逐步灌输( instill的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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101
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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102
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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103
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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104
impudence
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| n.厚颜无耻；冒失；无礼 | |
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105
consummate
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| adj.完美的；v.成婚；使完美 [反]baffle | |
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106
abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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107
justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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108
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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109
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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110
chilly
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| adj.凉快的，寒冷的 | |
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111
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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