Towards the end of the ball I went away in a sedan-chair, which I stopped near the door of an hotel, and a little further on I took another which brought me to the door of the pastry-cook’s.  I found Zenobia in bed.  She said she was sure I would come back by myself.  I undressed as quickly as I could, and got into bed with this Venus of a woman.  She was absolute perfection.  I am sure that if Praxiteles had had her for a model, he would not have required several Greek beauties from which to compose his Venus.  What a pity that such an exquisite figure should be the property of a sorry tailor.

I stripped her naked, and after due contemplation I made her feel how much I loved her.  She was pleased with my admiration, and gave me back as much as she got.  I had her entirely to myself for the first time.  When we heard the trot of four horses we rose and put on our clothes in a twinkling.

When the charming beggars came in, I told them that I should be able to help in their toilette as they had not to change their chemises, and they did not make many objections.

My gaze was fixed all the while on Mdlle.  Q——.  I admired her charms, and I was delighted to see that she was not miserly in their display.  After Zenobia had done her hair she left her to me, and went to attend on the others.  She allowed me to put on her dress, and did not forbid my eyes wandering towards a large rent in her chemise, which let me see almost the whole of one of her beautiful breasts.

“What are you going to do with this chemise?”

“You will laugh at our silliness.  We have determined to keep everything as a memorial of the splendid evening we have had.  My brother will bring it all to the house.  Are you coming to see us this evening?”

“If I were wise I should avoid you.”

“And if I were wise I shouldn’t ask you to come.”

“That is fairly answered!  Of course I will come; but before we part may I ask one kiss?”

“Say two.”

Her brother and the marquis left the room, and two sedan-chairs I had summoned took off the cousins.

As soon as the marquis was alone with me he asked me very politely to let him share in the expenses.

“I guessed you were going to humiliate me.”

“Such was not my intention, and I do not insist; but then you know I shall be humiliated.”

“Not at all; I reckon on your good sense.  It really costs me nothing.  Besides, I give you my word to let you pay for all the parties of pleasure we enjoy together during the carnival.  We will sup here when you like; you shall invite the company, and I will leave you to pay the bill.”

“That arrangement will suit me admirably.  We must be friends.  I leave you with this charming attendant.  I did not think that such a beauty could exist in Milan unknown to all but you.”

“She is a townswoman, who knows how to keep a secret.  Do you not?”