Volume VI Part 24 (2/2)

”My peace of mind and hers require me to leave her

”Wretch that I am, to have lost all for all! I should have made allowance for the peculiar Spanish character

”I ain; the difficulty would have added piquancy to the intrigue I have behaved as if I were once more twenty, and I have lost all

”At dinner she will be all sad and tearful I must find some way out of this terrible situation”

Thus soliloquising, I came home ill pleased with the line of conduct I had adopted

My hairdresser aiting for me, but I sent him away, and told my cook not to servethe need of rest, I flung myself on ot up and ordered dinner to be brought in, and sent athenazia appeared in a costume of black velvet, adorned with ribbons and lace In my opinion there is no more seductive costume in Europe when the wearer is pretty

I also noticed that every feature of her face breathed peace and cal so well, and I could not help congratulating her She replied with a save her a kiss, which she took as meekly as a lamb

Philippe arrived, and we sat down to table I saw that my fair sweetheart had crossed the Rubicon; the day on

”I a, and it will come of itself”

However, I did not conceal my bliss, and made love to her whenever the servant was out of the room She was not only submissive, but even ardent

Before we left the table she asked ; I adore you”

”Then take ht”

”Quick! Fetch the hairdresser”

Whenwith impatience we set out on foot, as I was afraid we should not secure a good place if aited till the carriage was ready We found a fine box with only two persons in it, and Ignazia, after glancing round, said she was glad that the detestable duchess was not anywhere near us

After soed me to take her to the Prado, where all the best people in Madrid are to be seen

Donna Ignazia leant on ht ht

All at once we met the Venetian ambassador and his favourite, Manucci

They had just arrived froreeted each other with due Spanish politeness, and the ah conazia pretended not to understand, but she presseda short distance with us M de Mocenigo said he hoped I would dine with hi day, and after I had nodded acquiescence in the French style we parted

Towards the evening we took soentle pressure of my arm on the way prepared o on the balcony waiting for us He congratulated his daughter on her pleasant appearance and the pleasure she must have taken in my society