Volume I Part 69 (2/2)

”Because I would not have it in that position”

”You would not?”

”No”

Without ood lesson, in order to get soh to pay in advance But I have broken none of her limbs, and I took care to apply my blows only on her posteriors, on which spot I have no doubt that all the ain, and sent her back in a boat which chanced to pass, and she was landed in safety The hter has kept her hateful , it is only of having given a thrashi+ng to an infairl, the pupil of a still more infaistrate was acquainted with the girl, and theduped me so easily I was summoned, but did not appear before the court, and a as on the point of being issued against rave was filed against istrate

It would have been less serious for me if the second affair had been carried before the Council of Ten, because one court ht have saved me from the other

The second crih felony in the eyes of the clergy, and a great deal was made of it I was summoned to appear within twenty-four hours, and it was evident that I would be arrested iood advice, toldstorm was to run away The advice was certainly wise, and I lost no ti ready

I have never left Venice with so ues on hand, and I was very lucky at cards My three friends assured ainst otten, and in Venice, when public opinion has forgotten anything, it can be easily arranged

I left Venice in the evening and the next day I slept at Verona Two days afterwards I reached Mantua I was alone, with plenty of clothes and jewels, without letters of introduction, but with a well-filled purse, enjoying excellent health and my twenty-three years

In Mantua I ordered an excellent dinner, the very first thing one ought to do at a large hotel, and after dinner I went out for a walk In the evening, after I had seen the coffee-houses and the places of resort, I went to the theatre, and I was delighted to see Marina appear on the stage as a coreatest applause, which she deserved, for she danced beautifully She was tall, handsoraceful I i my acquaintance with her, if she happened to be free, and after the opera I engaged a boy to take me to her house She had just sat down to supper with someone, but the moment she saw me she threw her napkin down and flew toby her waruest was afor orders, had already laid a plate for me, and Marina invited me to sit down near her I felt vexed, because the aforesaid individual had not risen to salute me, and before I accepted Marina's invitation I asked her who the gentleentleman,” she said, ”is Count Celi, of Roratulate you,” I said to her, and turning towards the so-called count, ”Sir,” I added, ”do not be angry at our hter”

”She is a prostitute”

”True,” said Marina, ”and you can believe the count, for he is my procurer”

At those words, the brute threw his knife at her face, but she avoided it by running away The scoundrel followed her, but I drew my sword, and said,

”Stop, or you are a dead man”

I ihtmy arm she entreated me to take her with me

”With pleasure,” I said

The count then invitedday, at the Casino of Pomi, to hear what he had to say

”Very well, sir, at four in the afternoon,” I answered

I took Marina tothat I was thoughtful, said,

”Are you sorry to have saved lad to have done so, but tell aives himself out as Count Celi I made his acquaintance here He courtedwon a large sulish hi that he had given me an interest in his bank As soon as I had beco compliant with all the men he wanted to ings The welcoave you very likely vexed him, and you know the rest Here I am, and here I will ree ive hie to-morroill not see that scoundrel any more I will be only yours, if you are free as in Corfu, and if you love me still”