At this the young scoundrel proceeded to shew me his sex, but in such an indecent fashion that his sister, who was sitting on my knee, burst out laughing and took refuge with her mother, who was sitting at the other end of the room in gratitude for the good supper I had given her.  I rose from my chair, and after giving the impudent pederast a box on the ear I asked the mother with what intentions she had brought the young rascal to my house.  By way of reply the infamous woman said,—­

“He’s a pretty lad, isn’t he?”

I gave him a ducat for the blow I had given him, and told the mother to begone, as she disgusted me.  The pathic took my ducat, kissed my hand, and they all departed.

I went to bed feeling amused at the incident, and wondering at the wickedness of a mother who would prostitute her own son to the basest of vices.

Next morning I sent and asked the Jew to call on me.  The Corticelli came with her mother, and the Jew soon after, just as we were going to breakfast.

I proceeded to explain the grievance of the young dancer, and I read the agreement he had made with her, telling him politely that I could easily force him to fulfil it.  The Jew put in several excuses, of which the Corticelli demonstrated the futility.  At last the son of Judah was forced to give in, and promised to speak to the ballet-master the same day, in order that she might dance the ‘pas’ with the actor she named.

“And that, I hope, will please your excellency,” he added, with a low bow, which is not often a proof of sincerity, especially among Jews.

When my guests had taken leave I went to the Abbe Gama, to dine with Marshal Botta who had asked us to dinner.  I made the acquaintance there of Sir Mann, the English ambassador, who was the idol of Florence, very rich, of the most pleasing manners although an Englishman; full of wit, taste, and a great lover of the fine arts.  He invited me to come next day and see his house and garden.  In this home he had made—­furniture, pictures, choice books—­all shewed the man of genius.  He called on me, asked me to dinner, and had the politeness to include Therese, her husband, and Cesarino in the invitation.  After dinner my son sat down at the clavier and delighted the company by his exquisite playing.  While we were talking of likenesses, Sir Mann shewed us some miniatures of great beauty.

Before leaving, Therese told me that she had been thinking seriously of me.

“In what respect?” I asked.

“I have told Redegonde that I am going to call for her, that I will keep her to supper, and have her taken home.  You must see that this last condition is properly carried out.  Come to supper too, and have your carriage in waiting.  I leave the rest to you.  You will only be a few minutes with her, but that’s something; and the first step leads far.”

“An excellent plan.  I will sup with you, and my carriage shall be ready.  I will tell you all about it to-morrow.”