The supper came through the revolving:  dumb-waiter in very good order, two dishes at a tune.  I passed some remarks upon everything; but, to tell the truth, everything was excellent:  game, fish, oysters, truffles, wine, dessert, and the whole served in very fine Dresden china and silver-gilt plate.

I told him that he had forgotten hard eggs, anchovies, and prepared vinegar to dress a salad.  He lifted his eyes towards heaven, as if to plead guilty, to a very heinous crime.

After a supper which lasted two hours, and during which I must certainly have won the admiration of my host, I asked him to bring me the bill.  He presented it to me shortly afterwards, and I found it reasonable.  I then dismissed him, and lay down in the splendid bed in the alcove; my excellent supper brought on very soon the most delicious sleep which, without the Burgundy and the Champagne, might very likely not have visited me, if I had thought that the following night would see me in the same place, and in possession of a lovely divinity.  It was broad day-light when I awoke, and after ordering the finest fruit and some ices for the evening I left the casino.  In order to shorten a day which my impatient desires would have caused me to find very long, I went to the faro-table, and I saw with pleasure that I was as great a favourite with fortune as with love.  Everything proceeded according to my wishes, and I delighted in ascribing my happy success to the influence of my nun.

I was at the place of meeting one hour before the time appointed, and although the night was cold I did not feel it.  Precisely as the hour struck I saw a two-oared gondola reach the shore and a mask come out of it, speak a few words to the gondolier, and take the direction of the statue.  My heart was beating quickly, but seeing that it was a man I avoided him, and regretted not having brought my pistols.  The mask, however, turning round the statue, came up to me with outstretched hands; I then recognized my angel, who was amused at my surprise and took my arm.  Without speaking we went towards St. Mark’s Square, and reached my casino, which was only one hundred yards from the St. Moses Theatre.

I found everything in good order; we went upstairs and I threw off my mask and my disguise; but M——­ M——­ took delight in walking about the rooms and in examining every nook of the charming place in which she was received.  Highly gratified to see me admire the grace of her person, she wanted me likewise to admire in her attire the taste and generosity of her lover.  She was surprised at the almost magic spell which, although she remained motionless, shewed her lovely person in a thousand different manners.  Her multiplied portraits, reproduced by the looking-glasses, and the numerous wax candles disposed to that effect, offered to her sight a spectacle entirely new to her, and from which she could not withdraw her eyes.  Sitting down on a stool I contemplated her elegant