“Nevertheless,” she added, “this will not prevent my coming alone when I have any matter of importance to communicate to you.  Promise me, sweetheart, to sup and sleep at the casino at least once a week, and write me a note each time by the housekeeper’s wife.”

I made no difficulty in promising her that much.

We thus passed a fortnight quietly enough, as she was happy again, and her amorous inclinations had returned in full force.  About this time she gave me a piece of news which delighted me—­namely, that C——­ C——­ had no longer anything to fear.

Full of amorous wishes and having to be content with the teasing pleasure of seeing one another through a wretched grating, we racked our brains to find out some way to be alone together to do what we liked, without any risk.

“I am assured,” she said, “of the good faith of the gardener’s sister.  I can go out and come in without fear of being seen, for the little door leading to the convent is not overlooked by any window—­indeed it is thought to be walled up.  Nobody can see me crossing the garden to the little stream, which is considered unnavigable.  All we want is a one-oared gondola, and I cannot believe that with the help of money you will be unable to find a boatman on whom we may rely.”

I understood from these expressions that she suspected me of becoming cold towards her, and this suspicion pierced me to the heart.

“Listen,” said I, “I will be the boatman myself.  I will come to the quay, pass by the little door, and you shall lead me to your room where I will pass the whole night with you, and the day, too, if you think you can hide me.”

“That plan,” said she, “makes me shudder.  I tremble at the danger to which you might be exposed.  No, I should be too unfortunate if I were to be the cause of your misfortune, but, as you can row, come in the boat, let me know the time as closely as possible; the trusty woman will be on the watch, and I will not keep you four minutes waiting.  I will get into the boat, we will go to our beloved casino, and then we shall be happy without fearing anything.”

“I will think it over”

The way I took to satisfy her was as follows:  I bought a small boat, and without telling her I went one night all by myself round the island to inspect the walls of the convent on the side of the lagune.  With some difficulty I made out a little door, which I judged to be the only one by which she could pass, but to go from there to the casino was no small matter, since one was obliged to fetch a wide course, and with one oar I could not do the passage in less than a quarter of an hour, and that with much toil.  Nevertheless, feeling sure of success, I told my pretty nun of the plan, and never was news received with so much pleasure.  We set our watches together, and fixed our meeting for the Friday following.