“No, because you have as yet only seen fourteen summers; but afterwards there will be someone.” “Maybe, but what I want just now is books, and the help of someone who will guide my reading.” “That would be an easy matter for anyone who knew your tastes.” “I like history and travels, but for a book to please me it must be all true, as I lay it down at the slightest suspicion of its veracity.” “Now I think I may venture to offer my services, and if you will accept them I believe I shall be able to give satisfaction.” “I accept your offer, and shall keep you to your word.” “You need not be afraid of my breaking it, and before I leave for the Hague I will prove that I am reliable.” She then began to rally me on the pleasure I should have at the Hague, where I should see Madame Trenti again. Her freedom, mirth, and extreme beauty set my blood on fire, and M. d’O---- laughed heartily at the war his charming daughter waged on me. At eleven o’clock we got into a well-appointed sleigh and we set out for his small house, where she told me I should find Mdlle. Casanova and her betrothed. “Nevertheless,” said I, “you will continue to be my only attraction.” She made no answer, but it was easy to perceive that my avowal had not displeased her. When we had gone some distance we saw the lovers, who had come out, in spite of the snow, to meet us. We got down, and after taking off our furs we entered the house. I gazed at the young gentleman, who looked at me a moment in return and then whispered in Mdlle. Casanova’s ear. She smiled and whispered something to Esther. Esther stepped up to her father and said a few words to him in a low voice, and everybody began to laugh at once. They all looked at me and I felt certain that I was somehow the point of the joke, but I put on an indifferent air. “There may be a mistake,” said M. d’O----; “at any rate we should ascertain the truth of the matter.” “M. Casanova, had you any adventures on your journey from the Hague to Amsterdam?” At this I looked again at the young gentleman, and I guessed what they were talking about. “No adventure to speak of,” I answered, “except a meeting with a fine fellow who desired to see my carriage turn upside down into the ditch, and who I think is present now.” At these words the laughter broke out afresh, and the gentleman and I embraced each other; but after he had given the true account of the adventure his mistress pretended to be angry, and told him that he ought to have fought. Esther observed that he had shewn more true courage in listening to reason, and M. d’O---- said he was strongly of his daughter’s opinion; however, Mdlle. Casanova, after airing her high-flown ideas, began to sulk with her lover.