“I have known Count Capsucefalo for two years, and have found him useful, for, though he has given me no money, he has made me profit largely through the people he has introduced to me.  About the end of last autumn he came to me one day, and said that if I could make up as a nun with some clothes he would get me, and in that character pass a night with an Englishman, I should be the better by five hundred sequins.  ’You need not be afraid of anything,’ said he, ’as I myself will take you to the casino where the dupe will be awaiting you, and I will come and take you back to your imaginary convent towards the end of the night.  He shewed me how I must behave, and told me what to reply if my lover asked any questions about the discipline of the convent.

“I liked the plot, gentlemen, and I told him I was ready to carry it out.  And be pleased to consider that there are not many women of my profession who would hesitate over a chance of getting five hundred sequins.  Finding the scheme both agreeable and profitable, I promised to play my part with the greatest skill.  The bargain was struck, and he gave me full instructions as to my dialogue.  He told me that the Englishman could only talk about my convent and any lovers I might have had; that on the latter point I was to cut him short, and to answer with a laugh that I did not know what he was talking about, and even to tell him that I was a nun in appearance only, and that in the course of toying I might let him see my hair.  ‘That,’ said Capsucefalo, ’won’t prevent him from thinking you a nun—­yes! and the very nun he is amorous of, for he will have made up his mind that you cannot possibly be anyone else.’  Seizing the point of the jest, I did not take the trouble to find out the name of the nun I was to represent, nor the convent whence I was to come; the only thing in my head was the five hundred sequins.  So little have I troubled about aught else that, though I passed a delicious night with you, and found you rather worthy of being paid for than paying, I have not ascertained who and what you are, and I don’t know at this moment to whom I am speaking.  You know what a night I had; I have told you it was delicious, and I was happy in the idea that I was going to have another.  You have found everything out.  I am sorry, but I am not afraid of anything, since I can put on any disguise I like, and can’t prevent my lovers taking me for a saint if they like to do so.  You have found weapons in my possession, but everyone is allowed to bear arms in self-defence.  I plead not guilty on all counts.”

“Do you know me?” said I.

“No, but I have often seen you passing under my window.  I live at St. Roch, near the bridge.”

The way in which the woman told her yarn convinced us that she was an adept in the science of prostitution, but we thought Capsucefalo, in spite of the count, worthy of the pillory.  The girl was about ten years older than M. M., she was pretty, but light-complexioned, while my beautiful nun had fine dark brown hair and was at least three inches taller.