My second adventure, although likewise with a common girl, was of a nature very different, as well in its origin as in its effects.Ihave already said that Captain Olivet gave me a dinner on board his vessel, and that I took with me the secretary of the Spanish embassy.I expected a salute of cannon.The ship's company was drawn up to receive us, but not so much as a priming was burnt, at which Iwas mortified, on account of Carrio, whom I perceived to be rather piqued at the neglect.A salute of cannon was given on board merchantships to people of less consequence than we were; I besides thought I deserved some distinguished mark of respect from the captain.I could not conceal my thoughts, because this at all times was impossible to me, and although the dinner was a very good one, and Olivet did the honors of it perfectly well, I began it in an ill humor, eating but little, and speaking still less.At the first health, at least, I expected a volley;- nothing.Carrio, who read what passed within me, laughed at hearing me grumble like a child.Before dinner was half over I saw a gondola approach the vessel."Bless me, sir," said the captain, "take care of yourself, the enemy approaches."I asked him what he meant, and he answered jocosely.The gondola made the ship's side, and I observed a gay young damsel come on board very lightly, and coquettishly dressed, and who at three steps was in the cabin, seated by my side, before I had time to perceive a cover was laid for her.She was equally charming and lively, a brunette, not more than twenty years of age.She spoke nothing but Italian, and her accent alone was sufficient to turn my head.As she ate and chattered she cast her eyes upon me; steadfastly looked at me for a moment, and then exclaimed, "Good Virgin! Ah, my dear Bremond, what an age it is since I saw thee!" Then she threw herself into my arms, sealed her lips to mine, and pressed me almost to strangling.Her large black eyes, like those of the beauties of the East, darted fiery shafts into my heart, and although the surprise at first stupefied my senses, voluptuousness made a rapid progress within, and this to such a degree that the beautiful seducer herself was, notwithstanding the spectators, obliged to restrain my ardor, for I was intoxicated, or rather become furious.When she perceived she had made the impression she desired, she became more moderate in her caresses, but not in her vivacity, and when she thought proper to explain to us the real or false cause of all her petulance, she said Iresembled M.de Bremond, director of the customs of Tuscany, to such a degree as to be mistaken for him; that she had turned this M.de Bremond's head, and would do it again; that she had quitted him because he was a fool; that she took me in his place; that she would love me because it pleased her so to do, for which reason I must love her as long as it was agreeable to her, and when she thought proper to send me about my business, I must be patient as her dear Bremond had been.What was said was done.She took possession of me as of a man that belonged to her, gave me her gloves to keep, her fan, her cinda, and her coif, and ordered me to go here or there, to do this or that, and I instantly obeyed her.She told me to go and send away her gondola, because she chose to make use of mine, and Iimmediately sent it away; she bid me to move from my place, and prey Carrio to sit down in it, because she had something to say to him; and I did as she desired.They chatted a good while together, but spoke low, and I did not interrupt them.She called me, and I approached her."Hark thee, Zanetto," said she to me, "I will not be loved in the French manner; this indeed will not be well.In the first moment of lassitude, get thee gone: but stay not by the way, I caution thee."After dinner we went to see the glass manufactory at Murano.She bought a great number of little curiosities; for which she left me to pay without the least ceremony.But she everywhere gave away little trinkets to a much greater amount than of the things we had purchased.
By the indifference with which she threw away her money, I perceived she annexed to it but little value.When she insisted upon a payment, I am of opinion it was more from a motive of vanity than avarice.She was flattered by the price her admirers set upon her favors.
In the evening we conducted her to her apartments.As we conversed together, I perceived a couple of pistols upon her toilette."Ah! ah!"said I, taking one of them up, "this is a patch-box of a new construction: may I ask what, is its use? I know you have other arms which give more fire than those upon your table." After a few pleasantries of the same kind, she said to us, with an ingenuousness which rendered her still more charming, "When I am complaisant to persons whom I do not love, I make them pay for the weariness they cause me; nothing can be more just; but if I suffer their caresses, I will not bear their insults; nor miss the first who shall be wanting to me in respect."At taking leave of her, I made another appointment for the next day.
