I passed the rest of the day in relating to M—M—the adventures I had encountered since I quitted her; but as I had not time to finish my tale, I promised to return on the following day at the same hour.
The young girl, who had been listening to me all the while, although I seemed to be addressing only her friend, said she was dying to know the end of my adventure with the mistress of the Duke of Matelone.[102] ...
... On the following day, after dining, I returned to the convent, and having sent up my name to M—M—, I entered the room where the grating was more convenient. Before long M—M—arrived alone, but divining my desires, she added that her pretty young friend would soon join us.
“Thou hast fired her imagination,” she said. “She hath told me all about it, playing a thousand wanton tricks and calling me her dear husband. Thou hast seduced her, and I am very glad thou art going, for I believe she might lose her reason. Thou wilt see how she hath attired herself.”
“Art sure of her discretion?”
“Perfectly, but I beg of thee to do naught in my presence. When I see the moment approaching, I will leave the room.”
“Thou art an angel, beloved, but thou mightest be something better an thou wouldst——”
“I want naught for myself, because that may not be.”
“Thou couldst——”
“Nay—I will have naught to do with a pastime which would re-kindle fires hardly yet quenched. I have spoken. I suffer; but let us say no more on the matter.”