The Memoires of Casanova

evisa Abbe Coste-La

me for Tiretta-Th

reside-Punishment

Madame***-Their

lle. de la Meure Sil

s-My Despair and J

Be

recognized as a Venetian by his accent. He was young Count Tiretta de Trevisa, recommended to my care by Madame Manzoni, who said that he would tell me his story, which I might

he could not have found a better way to my favour than th

e with me, I should like to know in w

p, perhaps of your purse, but

my protection already, and m

his gratitude to

r young gentlemen of my own age, a keeper of the Mont de Piete. The pleasures of the carnival having put us to a good deal of expense,

ey had taken, and I, not being able to pay, took the part of escaping

and a determination to do all in my power to make an honest living; but I can do nothing. I have not cultivated any one talent in a manner to make use of it now. I can play on the flute, but only as an amateur. I only know my own language, and I have no taste f

e; and I was resolved to do honour to Madame Manzoni's introduction, feeling that it was my duty

m next to mine, and get your meals there. I will pay for every

ct to have the honour of seeing you again today. Leave me for the present, as I have got some work to do; and if you

as been the cause o

f, I'll wager, was

sed aright-oh,

them, but make them pay for

he greatest ple

in your goods, you will find

rticular? I would never

y 'particular' a man who cannot be affectiona

such a character. Any hag with golden eyes wil

soon be able to arra

e you

ng to the am

I got there? Tell him my story? He

him, but I expect he is not con

all I

to my tailor's and get yourself a black suit. Tell him you

ich Madame Manzoni had sent me in my room, and in it my manuscripts and my bel

earance all in black, and tha

at Paris. It would have

dear fellow,

I gave orders for him to be admitted; and there presently appeared the same lit

e on the success of my lottery, and then remarked that I

have tickets left for

will invest a tho

you call at my office you

uble to do so; give me any

is the list you

housand francs, and then asked me for a p

s that way, as I only dispo

in that you will have

you will have the tickets to-morrow. They are registered a

which are no

e; I could

y n

numbers I should have to pay out of my

k you might r

sh to remain an hones

m to Madame de Lambertini, the widow of one of the Pope's nephews. Her name, her relationship to the Pope, and the abbe's spontaneous offer, made

orty. She was rather thin, had fine black eyes, a good complexion, lively but giddy manners, was a great laugher, and still capable of exciting a passing fancy. I soon made myself at home with her, a

refused on the plea of an engagement; but Tiretta, who took my meaning, accepted. Soon after I went away

d me that M. du Vernai had commissioned him to warn

ool or a knave? As I am neither, I

merely wanted to warn y

to me in that fashion; and you may make up your min

e la Coste had informed him that I did so. At this I was highly indignant, and I told him what had happened that morning, which let M. du Vernai know what kind of a man the abbe was. I never saw him again, either because he got wi

e in, and said he ha

ping out, have you,

h the she-pope that I kept

afraid of bein

she was thoroughly satis

had to bring into play all

e to accept a room in her house, and to allow her to introduc

n; and how do you think

is gentleman will give me a good

accepted h

do nothing without your advice. She entreated me

be happ

she fell on Tiretta's neck, calling him dear Count "Six-tim

my friend so fine

n honour of which little is known in Fran

u for so nobl

lgar prejudice, she informed me that she wished her cousin to live in the same

"will drop in after dinner, and I am dy

ed to have a witness to his exploits, reduced her to silence. I confess that I witnessed the scene without excitement, but

Count "Six-times." In great astonishment they enquired the origin of his title, and the

of these ladies, ogling the cou

ou like

h implied intimacy, the Pope's niece introduced her cousin Count "Six-strokes". The elderly woman seemed to be astonished at such a name, but the Lambertini gave no explanation. Nevertheless, people seemed to think it rat

me at Loo. She asked me to play but on my refusing did not make

e; "but that's no matter, he will learn

who had brought her began to laugh, and said I should have some difficulty in getting her niece to talk about anything, adding, in a polite manner, that she hoped I would be lenient with her a

upied in mute admiration of her beauty, when she asked

tryman of mine, whom an affair of ho

a curious

on pick it up in Paris, and then he will be laughed at no longer. I am sorry

spo

as, perhaps, your au

tell her, but, perhaps,

to him; they passed the night together, and in token of the satisfaction he gave her she has given him th

but I should have been astonished myself at the bare idea of any respectable girl coming to Lambertini's house. I fixed my gaze o

n, two minutes afterward

got to do with sleeping

ectly simple: my friend in a single night di

to tell my aunt of what we have

other thing I a

l me what that

without our going into explanations. When she came back she went behind her aunt's ch

are sorry about?" her eyes spar

l you, do

at I don't think you need have any

then, that this very day an

ased you, you m

hat I was humbled by a circu

hing at me with your

I was humbled because Madame Lambertini made me see

you, for you are tall

ess, but another; you know what I mean,

u to be sorry about? Isn't it

we are discussing, some women,

ciently clear ideas on the subject to imagine what size it would be to be c

ave thought it o

om I thought you looked a well-proportioned

the subject; look for yoursel

e monster! I declare you

ct what she did not possess. I was, moreover, delighted at having taken the opportunity so well. I had punished her for having tried to impose on me; and as I had taken a great fancy to her, I was pleased that she seemed to like her punishment. As

m to attack, turned on her niece and said, "Get you gone, little silly, you are bringing me bad luck! Bes

smiling. "If my aunt knew," said she, "what you had do

ave some evidence of my repentance, but all that

all me a dreadful stupid, and wi

like me to

can't

at I shewed you was

aunt only took me out of the convent a month

d are y

he veil, but not having any relish for t

vexed w

, but I know it was my fault, so I

ere indiscreet I should

which will come in useful. S

quiet; it'

me do as I liked, and at last when she drew it b

is t

f substances, which

pupils make rapid progress, and you giv

appened. I should never have dared to go s

t speech as a dec

is sincere. If it were not, I should

belie

art. But tell me if I

you, for in the space of a quarter of an hour you have taug

you s

more to learn on a matter which I never dared to thi

and after the rapture love requir

s that the rest

natural res

t you don't fr

er gets us

fire is g

ld be necessary to break it open if one wished to enter the sanctuary. She got up in a dignified way, and told me in a polite and feeling manner that she was a well-born girl and worthy of respect. Pretending to be

e anyone happy it will be my husband,

ched this pleasant stage in the proceedings when M. le Noir was announ

him most was the cousin whom the fair niece of the Pope introduced to him under his real name of Tiretta, thinking, doubtless, that his new title would not carry much weight with M. le Noir. Taking up the discourse, I told him that the count was commanded to me by a lady whom I greatly esteemed, and that he had been obli

wit. M. le Noir was a man of much intelligence and great experience. He made her talk of the convent where she had been, and as soon as he knew her name he began t

leasantly on the beauty of her form, and on the two spheres which seemed to lament their too close confinement. Although M. le Noir said nothing of all this, it was easy to see that in his own way he admired her perfections no less than I. He left us at

ading me to take the veil, she wants to marry me to a wealthy Dunkirk merchant, whom I do not know, but (mark this) whom she does not know any more than I do. The matrimonial agent has praised him very much, and very naturally, as a man must praise his own goods. This gent

tible in your sight, I offer you my hand and heart with six

mportant question. I do not exactly know whether I love you, but I am quite sure that I prefer you to any other man. I know that each of us has still to gain the other's esteem, but I am sure you would make my life

not meet your views, I have one favour to ask by granting which you will earn my everlasting gratitude. This is that you will endeavour to see me no more, and will take care not to be present in any company in which you think I am

aving in a manner led her astray, and I should have thought myself worthy of punishment if I had been capable of refusing the hand offered to me with so much nobility of feeling. And a second but still a p

g the woman's life a happy one. My uncertainty in the four days which she had wisely left me convinced me that I was not in love with her. In spite

respected her, but yet I could not make up my mind to repair the wrong I had done her. I could not bear to incur her dislike, but the idea of t

the Lambertini without having come to any decision. The pious niece of the Pope was at mass when I reached her house. I found Tiretta engaged in p

cash, old fellow;

e money is stolen, and I am sorry I have got

e money i

My landlady and two or three women of the same sort pluck the pigeons. The business does not suit me, and I am thinking of leaving it. Sooner or

all means, and I should think you had

knows nothing of the infamous trade she carries on, he would suspect something, and perhaps would leave her after learning the reason of

f Mdlle. de la Meure and her aunt. I asked her if she was still satisfied with my friend "Sixtimes," and she told

onarch to ask too

ontinued to jest till the arr

was in half mourning, and looked so pretty in this costume, which threw up the whi

the liking I had taken for the amiable girl I paid her all possible attention. I told the aunt th

pered girl, sir, but she is utterly d

d the niece, "but I was never foun

nuns are of the

t got to do w

to have no vital religion. But let us talk of something else. All

lle about to

bably arrive at the be

e a l

is a well-to-

ghter of a councillor, and I did not imagine th

marrying beneath one? My niece's intended is an honest, and therefore a noble, man, and

upposing she

kind of thing will come

which would be present at the execution of Damien, and finding them extremely desirous of witnessing this horrible sight I offere

went out on the plea of business, and, taking the first coach I came across, in a quarter of an hour I succeeded in

quet. Mdlle. de la Meure, who knew nothing about it, was tired of looking on. I

splayed in it such intelligence and such admirable characteristics

ve. I will be content wit

to which I owe my being chosen before other men who would not have refused your hand, even wi

lad you like

that you know my heart, do no

t forget how

sition in which I shall be worthy of your hand. You must remember that I am only in furnished apar

intended husband

ll take ca

ou know, matters will

, and me only, will get you an inviolable asylum in the best convent in Paris. He will also retain counsel on your behalf, and if your mother's will is properly drawn out your aunt will soon be obliged to hand over your dowry, and to give security f

on a circumstance which wounds my sense of modesty. You said

I w

ould have done a very foolish thing in offering to marry you, but I may as well tell y

respectful kisses; and I feel certain that if a notary and priest had been the

at was going on at the other end of the room. At last I thought it my duty to see w

iretta, who held a book in one hand. I saw at once that they were talking about a lottery, but why were they disputing? Tir

the closed book. The book is then opened at the place where the pin is, and if the leaf is blank the player loses; but if, on the other hand, the leaf bears a number, he is given the corresponding ticket, and an article of the value indicated on the ticket is then handed to him. Please to observe, sir, that the lowest prize is twelve francs,

ave won everybody's money with their accurse

y are rogues,"

vernment lottery are rogues too"; whereon Tiretta gave him a box on the ear.

give you the choice of the following alternatives: You can, if you like, return to the persons present the money you have unlawfully won from them, whereupon I will let you go with your box. If you refuse to do

me to venture to decide between them. In point of fact I was rather inclined to believe the rascals, but I was angry with them, and I wanted them to pay a good price for having made a comparison, quite right in the main, but odious to me in the extreme. The same reason, doubtless, prevented me from giving them back their book, which I had no earthly r

might have let the

cheated

one with the book, and I have done th

y remarks, and the conve

a. I found this argument irresistible, and I felt obliged to return them the book, threatening them at the same time with imprisonment if they dared to ca

la Meure, and I took it to her the same day. I had

packing themselves together as tightly as possible took up their positions at the window, leaning forward on their elbows, so as to prevent us seeing from behind. The window had two steps to it, and they stood on the second; and in order to see we had to stand on th

xecution are too well known to render it necessary for me to speak of them; indeed, the accoun

ard, had tried to assassinate Louis XV.; and though the attempt was a failure, and he only

t aunt did not budge an inch. Was it because their hearts were hardened? They told me, and I pretended to believe them, that their horror at the wretch's wickedness prevented them feeling that compassion which his unheard-of tor

s precautions rather far, and, not wishing to interrupt my friend or to make the lady feel awkward, I turned my head and stood in such a way that my sweetheart could see nothing of what was going on; this put the good lady at her ease. For two hour

ad happened, but the aunt seemed to me to have a rather pensive appearance. She had been under the fatal necessity of keeping quiet and letting Tiretta do what

e-des-Arts. She asked me to come and see her the following day as she had something to tell me, and I remarked that she took no notice of my friend as she left us. W

doing behind Ma

w nothing, or any

h a way that neither the Lambertini or the pretty niece could see you. I can guess what your goal was

. She may pretend to be put out, but as she kept quiet the who

de might suggest that you had been lacking in respect

lways be lacking in respect to women

at lovers may do when they are together, and wh

r, without the least opposition; had I not therefo

you. She wants to speak to me to-morrow, and I have no

uld not speak to you of the comic piece of

some good lessons on the subject, and they are delighted to confess to a third party; and these

if she likes. We shall

faction; in which case I shall

me by the 'Lex talionis', which would be hardly practicable without a repetition of the original offence.

ve let us know what you

dered the whole process null and void; but as it was she stood in

tice that the Lambertini was angry with you, too? Sh

plaint against me. We have fallen out

all

enoese had not thrown herself between us murder might have been committed. When the poor wretch saw his cheek in the glass, he became so furious that nothing short of the return of all his money would appease him. They gave it him back, in spite of my advice, for in doing so they admitted, tacitly at all events, that it had been won by cheating. This caused a sharp dispute between the Lambertini and myself after he had gone. She said we should have kept

the worthy man I told him that his mistress had called me a beggar, that she was a common prostitute, that I was not her cousin, nor in any way related to her, and that I should leave her that very day. As soon a

ong as a man has not committed a dishonourable action, as long as his heart is sound, though his head may go astray, the path of duty is still open to him.

s prepared for what was coming and I waited for her to break the silence which all women of her position observe. "You will be surprised, sir, at what I am going to tell you, for I have determined to bring before you a complaint of an unheard-of character. The case is really of the most delicate nature, and I am impelled to make a confidant of you by t

the guilty p

e s

t is his

as insulted me in the

e thought him cap

but then you a

of his offence? You may

will be able to guess it. Yesterday, during the execution of the wretched D

ncommon, and I think you might make some allowance for the strength of love, the close quarters, and above all for the youth and passion of the sinner. Moreover, the offence is one which may be

he injured party kept silence (a circumstan

repentance and prove himself deserving of pardon. Remember, madam, that Tiretta is only a man, and ther

si

evertheless, without this incentive the circumstance would never have taken pla

remarks have been characterized by much Christian feeling. However, you are reasoning

eading me completely off the scen

self, "as I don't think him capable of such an

on dried her tears, a

with reason, and in making amends for; but the crime of which that brute has

mean it? This is dreadf

mstances of the case. Pardon my tears, which flow

m outraged re

ief, and I should have mentioned it if I had not feared

ly attached to religion than I, and nothing c

t I am destined to suffer eternal punis

ou will not abandon it at least say nothing to me on the subject. I will promise you to tell him not

lived with t

een them was a criminal one, and I have dra

t mean to

my word o

I don't wish the young man's death, but yo

thout signal amends, but I can think of nothing at all commensurate with the offence.

is t

leave you alone, so that you can wreak all your wrath upon him, provided you will allow me to

t be left in the other where I shall receive you,

t think that I have been informed of his misdoings. As soon as we be there, and the

onfusion. I will make him tremble. I am curious to h

r presence will make him eloquent, as I sho

well on the subject of grace, and made so many quotations from St. Augustine, that the abbe and the devotee took me for a zealous Jansenista character with which my dress and ap

her the culprit bound hand and foot next day, after the play was over. To put her at her e

rime he had committed on the body of a lady in every way virtuous and respectable, but the

he has had the cour

deny the

how the land lay. In the position I was in it was impossible for me to say where I took up my dwellin

d if you only stay with her a short time (which I don't think will be the case) take a coach and be off. You know the least a pious woman like her can do will be to provide me with fire and company. Don't forget that she is well-born like yourself. These women of quality are, no doubt, as immoral as any o

t to tell her the reason. She will be pleased with your discretio

eak the truth. I w

but it may seem convi

f this breach of honour, I must tell them that I had made a mental reservation not to keep my promise, and those

use of the insulted and virtuous lady. She received us with great dignity, but yet the

if you had forewarned me of your visit

atre, I pretended to be obliged to go, and begged her

id I to the count, "don't wait. Take a coach

and two minutes after who should enter but my sweethear

nd to tell her woman not to come upstairs unless she rings the bell. Your friend is with her,

curious,

ce, for all this mystery seems

all know all; bu

she has become liberal or rather lavish

new thin

quite

committed. I was not sorry to be obliged to tell her the story in plain language, and to give more expression I employed the language of gesture, which made her blush and laugh at the same time. I then told her that, having taken up the question of the reparation that was due to her aunt, I h

in committing this crime with my aunt, which I think would only be possible with the consent of the party attacked, but

d not like it she had onl

; she need only have

sks you to keep still and he will overcome all obstacles. Moreove

ould defy all the T

might have known that it would only make you laugh. And what satisfaction does she expect to get from a brute like that, who possibly t

he went in like a blind man,

ther men are like him I am sure I should

sure of attaining; but I think I can guess what it will be namely, a formal declaration of love; and I

ever fall in love with her, or play the part with such a face as hers before his eyes. Have you ever seen a countenance as disgusting as my

for an assault at that age; not like me who only feel myself a man in pr

feel quite sure that I shall have your heart in such g

hought things pointed towards a reconciliation, and judged the matter was getting s

ead and cheese, a slice of ham, and some

, then; I am fain

reasonable appetites should have been able to sup on what there was; but (how I know not) the whole disappeared, and also two bottles of Chambertin, which I se

our aunt has been doing the la

e in the wall, and I will look and see. I can only s

I will sleep on the sofa here, and do you

room, where I saw a pretty bed, a

oo small for y

omfortable"; and so saying s

o press the bosom of her dress, where were imprisoned two spheres which seemed to lament thei

resist, but you will n

always l

se her, and what would one not promise! The modesty inherent in the sex, the fear of results, perhaps a kind of instinct which reveals to them the natural faithlessness of men make women ask for su

y sweetheart on fire, her charms having never before been exposed

g rendered to your beauty the greate

s her onl

s out, and I had to spen

o away from you, for I should die here bet

sweetheart. I will get u

found her standing so as to display all her beauties, and I could refrain no longer. I pressed her to

d after making a good fire she went to her room, and I remained on the sofa

leep, M.

, good morning. And what

mine, I have

to be worthy of so

me that he m

ed to hear it

nding the night here, or he will think it was spent with my niece. I am very much

, for I am grateful to you fo

. If you knew how he loved me! I am grateful to him, and I have taken

an! You have arranged

se; for you know that it is necessary, at first, to act in such a way as to give no opportunity to slanderers. My lover will have all he wants, and whenever you, sir, h

yesterday evening an excellent supper and ke

ow she gave you anything, as t

h there are no remains, and after keeping me company she went

were pleased with everything, but

r, madam-in my eye

her door. Come open the door, why have you shut yourself up, you little

disorder of her dress, but what costume could h

ng all night, and when one is playing one only thinks of the game. I have determined on taking young Tiretta to board with us. He is an excellent and clever young man, and I am sure he will learn to speak French befor

id I ever tell her anythin

it is. Do you mean by 'other occasions,' tha

say that I had never told h

ope to have the pleasure of M. Casanova's company at dinner; we will start immediately after the

bye; and I went home as fast as I could walk, for I was as

"I find you have got a pl

ear. My pay is to be twenty-five louis a mo

ratulat

it is worth

thorn. She told me you were

t to her; but I am quite sure your

see you set out for Villette. I shall come and see you there now and then, as

pleasure had given her a new life, a new being. We had a capital dinner, as the good lady had made the repast dainty like herself; but in the dishes the

ughter, whose company at supper was all I had of her,

y should do all in their power to retain our hearts, and the best way to do so is to cherish our desire of possessing them; but desire is only kept alive by being denied: enjoyment kills it, since one cannot desire what one has got. I am,

ves, and is therefore eager to impart his bliss to another. We know, also, that, as a general rule, women, when once enjoyed, double their love and affection. On the other hand, women think more of the pleasure they receive than of that which they impart, a

ations intended her for Clement, who had been teaching her the clavichord for the last three years. She knew of the arrangement and had no objection, for though she did not love him she liked him very well. Most girls are wedded without love, and they are not sorry for it afterwards. They know that by marriage they become of some co

e was quite right. The departure of Mdlle. de la Meure had a good deal to do with my determination to declare myself; and I was very sorry to have done so afterwards, for aft

been very friendly to me at Paris he did not so much as look at me all through the meal, and treated Tiretta in the same way. I, for my part, took no notice of him, but Tiretta, not so patient as I, at last

d see my apartment. It was a very nice room on the ground floor, and facing hers. I took care to point out to her how easily I could pay her a visit after everyone was in bed, but she said

of her aunt's fol

he, "that we do not kn

or pretends

o go and ask him what kind of night he had passed. I did so, but seeing

lease don't say anything about it to your aunt: I pro

ke sheep's

e same. Though he is not over sharp h

such a poor op

I think selling one's

you p

he same coin a

ary I thought her very clever, and as virtuous as clever. I should

me pleasant conversation with him.

as it costs me nothing I

her f

there's one thing I like

ake good ca

ting I offered her. 'I am sure,' said she, 'that my refusal will pain yo

joined her. She treated me as her gossip, and played the timid child for T

after telling me that I was lost both in this world and the n

who also came with her, made a bank at faro and in a couple of hours won everybody's money with the exception of mine, as I knew better than to play. My time was better occupied in the company of my sweet mistress. I saw through the Piedmontese, and had put him down as a knave; but Tiretta was not so sharp, and consequently lost all the money he had in his pockets and a hundred lou

ron at St. Petersburg, and in the yea

o him that when he played he was at the mercy of the banker, who might be a rogue

myself be r

hoice in the matter; no

l not pay him th

so, and to do so b

do what you will, even though one be di

and head at once, and have some e

weeter night than before, for it is often a matter of some difficulty to pluck the first flower; and th

ell me that the Dunkirk merchant had arrived, that he was coming to dine at Madame's, and that she requested me to make one of the party. I was prepared

you th

out her; but love betrays i

etta. I will come to dinner, b

elcomed it; but to have only just lifted the nectar to my lips, and to see the precious vessel escape fr

hat I could not do so. If the reader has been placed in the same position he will understand my feelings. I could

surprised to find Mdlle. de la Meure

would have pronounced you

doesn't

not seen

lthough I trust with your he

ate. He introduced himself simply but in a polite manner to Madame, and he did not look at his future wife till the aunt presented her to him. His manner immediately became more pleasing; and without making use

dlle. de la Meure went to her room, and the aunt went into her closet with the banker and the merchant, and they were in close conversation for two hours. At the end of that time the gentlemen were obl

you, my

be very glad to see

merchant would have gone away with

nt, "what do you th

the conversation, for it is very possible that my face has not repelled him, but so far he knows nothin

k nonsense, and make him lose the good

ance of the truth, so much the better for him; and so much the worse for both of us, if we de

you think

and his manners are kind and polit

nothing more to say

that's where your fault lies; it's your self-conceit which

know what he i

he is only la

ons for thinking

you will never

lle is quite right in saying that I do not laugh at her. I d

have a game at piquet, and I will play against

supper-time. On his return, Tiretta made us almost die of laughing with hi

n some pretty kind of undress, when all of a sudden I saw her come in with all her

peak to you for a moment, and then I will take off my clothes.

you li

rly

ent,

e ends, and our friendship begins. Get you to

t our friendship

hus, but it is my irrevocable determination. If I am to become another's wife, I must take care to

us have one f

as!

re wee

. In God's na

weep in your chamber; sta

o more

was covered with shame and regret, and could not sleep. I hated myself, for I knew not

thing pleasant to say, I pretended to have the toothache as an excuse for not talking. Sick at heart, absent-minded, and feeling the effects of a sleepless night, I was well-nigh mad with love, jealousy, and despair. Mdlle. d

ourse of an hour and bade us congratulate her, as she was to be married in a week, and after the wedding she would accompany her

did not fall dead on the spot.

I told her that her refusal to marry me would cost me my life. Full of that idea I rose and wrote her a letter, strong with all the strength of tumultuous passion. This was some relief, and getting into bed I slept till morning. As soon as I was awake I summoned a messenger and promised him twelve francs if he would deliver my letter, and report its receipt in an hour and a half. My letter was under cover of a note addressed to Tiretta, in which I

erent being from my ordinary self; anger, vanity, and shame had destroyed my powers of reasoning. The charming girl whom I was forced to admire, whom I should have esteemed all the more for the course she had taken, whom I had regarded as an angel, became in my eyes a hateful monster, a meet object for punishment. At last I determined on a sure method of revenge, which I knew to be bot

for a quarter of an hour my thoughts only grew more bitter and my determination more fixed. All at once he came into the room, in his dressing-gown, and received me with open arms, telling me in the kindest of voices that he had been expecting me to call, as he could guess what feelings I, a friend of his future wife's, could have for him, a

turned to me; but I am happy to say I refrained from playing

erament-the Chevalier L--, amongst others, who in a fit of passion used to feel his soul escaping by every pore. If at the moment when his anger burst fort

forced to confess to myself that chance and chance alone had saved me from becoming a villain. As I was reflecting on what had happened I met my brother, and he completed my cure. I took him to dine at Silvia's and stayed there till mid