"I don't think that would be proper, and my father might be offended and not allow me to see you any more." "And supposing he told you not to be scrupulous about trifles?" "Then I should despise him and continue to do my duty." So clear a declaration shewed me that if I persevered in this intrigue I might go on for ever without success. I also bethought me that I ran a risk of neglecting my chief business, which would not allow me to stay long in Ancona. I said nothing more to Leah just then, and when the dessert came in I gave her some Cyprus wine, which she declared was the most delicious nectar she had ever tasted. I saw that the wine was heating her, and it seemed incredible to me that Bacchus should reign without Venus; but she had a hard head, her blood was hot and her brain cool. However, I tried to seize her hand and kiss it, but she drew it away, saying pleasantly,-- "It's too much for honour and too little for love." This witty remark amused me, and it also let me know that she was not exactly a neophyte. I determined to postpone matters till the next day, and told her not to get me any supper as I was supping with the Venetian consul. The consul had told me that he did not dine, but that he would always be delighted to see me at supper. It was midnight when I came home, and everyone was asleep except the maid who let me in. I gave her such a gratuity that she must have wished me to keep late hours for the rest of my stay. I proceeded to sound her about Leah, but she told me nothing but good. If she was to be believed, Leah was a good girl, always at work, loved by all, and fancy free. The maid could not have praised her better if she had been paid to do so. In the morning Leah brought the chocolate and sat down on my bed, saying that we should have some fine foie gras, and that she should have all the better appetite for dinner as she had not taken any supper. "Why didn't you take any supper?" "I suppose it was because of your excellent Cyprus wine, to which my father has taken a great liking." "Ah! he like it? We will give him some." Leah was in a state of undress as before, and the sight of her half-covered spheres drove me to distraction. "Are you not aware that you have a beautiful breast?" said I. "I thought all young girls were just the same." "Have you no suspicion that the sight is a very pleasant one for me?" "If that be so, I am very glad, for I have nothing to be ashamed of, for a girl has no call to hide her throat any more than her face, unless she is in grand company." As she was speaking, Leah looked at a golden heart transfixed with an arrow and set with small diamonds which served me as a shirt stud. "Do you like the little heart?" said I. "Very much. Is it pure gold?" "Certainly, and that being so I think I may offer it to you." So saying I took it off, but she thanked me politely, and said that a girl who gave nothing must take nothing. "Take it; I will never ask any favour of you."