Volume VI Part 7 (2/2)

”She knows that I aamester; and as she adoresher at Warsaw before she is confined If you are in any want of money, look upon my purse as your own”

I thanked hi extreme prudence

As a matter of fact, I had no need of money I had played with moderation, and my profits aainst h the bruise that Mercy had given me was still apparent, I escorted the marchioness to the tables, and there she drew all eyes upon her She was fond of piquet, and we played together for small stakes for some time In the end she lost twenty crowns toher

When ent back we met Croce and Conti, who had both won--Conti a score of louis at Faro, and Croce uineas at 'passe dix', which he had been playing at a club of Englishmen I was more lively at supper than dinner, and excited Charlotte to laughter by my wit

Henceforth the Poles and the Tomatis only saw me at intervals I was in love with the fair marchioness, and everybody said it was very natural

When a week had elapsed, Croce, finding that the pigeons would not coave, went to the public rooain, and his spirits were unaltered; he was still gay, still ate well and drank better, and caressed his victi on

I loved her, but did not dare to reveallest it should be unrequited; and I was afraid to tell her of Croce's losses lest she should put down my action to some ulterior motive; in fine, I was afraid to lose the trust she had already begun to place in me

At the end of three weeks Conti, who had played with prudence and success, left Croce and set out for Verona with his wife and servant A few days later Charlotte dise, her native town

Towards the middle of September all the Polish party left the Spa for Paris, where I promised to rejoin them I only stayed for Charlotte's sake; I foresaw a catastrophe, and I would not abandon her Every day Croce lost heavily, and at last he was obliged to sell his jewellery

Then cas, her rings, and all the jewels she had He lost everything, but this wonderful girl was as affectionate as ever To owns, and then selling his oardrobe he went to his last fight with fortune, provided with two hundred Louis He played like a madman, without common-sense or prudence, and lost all

His pockets were e me he beckoned to me, and I followed hian, ”I have two alternatives, I can killto the house I shall eo to Warsaw on foot, and I leave my wife in your hands, for I know you adore her It ive her the dreadful news of the pass to which I have coood by far for a poor wretch like me Take her to Paris and I rite to you there at your brother's address I know you have le louis from you I have still two or three pieces left, and I assure you that I ao Farewell; once more I commend Charlotte to your care; I would that she had never knownme went his way I was stupefied at what lay before nant woman that the ht that supported me in that moment was that it would be done for love of her, and I felt thankful that I had sufficient means to secure her from privation

I went to the house and told her that we ed till the evening She sighed, wished hiuised my emotions so well that she conceived no suspicion After the arden of the Capuchin Monastery, which was close at hand To prepare her for the fatal news I asked her if she would approve of her lover exposing hi adieu to her rather thanso,” she replied ”He ought to escape by all means, if only to save his life for my sake Has my husband done so?

Speak openly to h to resist even so fatal a blow, for I know I have a friend in you Speak”

”Well, I will tell you all But first of all remember this; you must look uponas life remains to him”

”In that case I cannot be called unfortunate, for I have a true friend

Say on”

I told all that Croce had toldhis last words: ”I commend Charlotte to your care; I would that she had never known me”

For a few minutes she remained motionless, as one turned into stone

By her attitude, by her laboured and unequal breath, I could divine soer, and sorrow, and pity, that was raging in the noble breast I was cut to the heart At last she wiped away the big tears that began to trickle down her cheeks, and turning to hed and said,--

”Dear friend, since I can count on you, I am far indeed from utter misery”

”I swear to you, Charlotte, that I will never leave you till I place you again in your husband's hands, provided I do not die before”