I was vexed, but I contrived not to show it. A few minutes more, and we took leave of Madame F——.
I was beginning to understand that charming woman, and to dread the ordeal to which she would subject me. But love was stronger than fear, and, fortified with hope, I had the courage to endure the thorns, so as to gather the rose at the end of my sufferings. I was particularly pleased to find that M. D—— R—— was not jealous of me, even when she seemed to dare him to it. This was a point of the greatest importance.
A few days afterwards, as I was entertaining her on various subjects, she remarked how unfortunate it had been for me to enter the lazzaretto at Ancona without any money.
“In spite of my distress,” I said, “I fell in love with a young and beautiful Greek slave, who very nearly contrived to make me break through all the sanitary laws.”
“How so?”
“You are alone, madam, and I have not forgotten your orders.”
“Is it a very improper story?”
“No: yet I would not relate it to you in public.”
“Well,” she said, laughing, “I repeal my order, as M. D—— R—— said I would. Tell me all about it.”
I told my story, and, seeing that she was pensive, I exaggerated the misery I had felt at not being able to complete my conquest.