“I know a pearl amongst cooks,” said he, “and you can have him directly.” “You, chevalier, are the pearl of men. Get me this wonder, tell him I am hard to please, and agree on the sum I am to pay him per month.” The cook, who was an excellent one, came the same evening. “It would be a good idea,” said Raiberti, “to call on the Count d’Aglie. He knows that the Corticelli is your mistress, and he has given a formal order to Madame Pacienza, the lady with whom she lives, that when you come and see her you are not to be left alone together.” This order amused me, and as I did not care about the Corticelli it did not trouble me in the least, though Raiberti, who thought I was in love with her, seemed to pity me. “Since she has been here,” he said, “her conduct has been irreproachable.” “I am glad to hear that.” “You might let her take some lessons from the dancing-master Dupre,” said he. “He will no doubt give her something to do at the carnival.” I promised to follow his advice, and I then paid a visit to the superintendent of police. He received me well, complimented me on my return to Turin, and then added with a smile:-- “I warn you that I have been informed that you keep a mistress, and that I have given strict orders to the respectable woman with whom she lives not to leave her alone with you.” “I am glad to hear it,” I replied, “and the more as I fear her mother is not a person of very rigid morals. I advised the Chevalier Raiberti of my intentions with regard to her, and I am glad to see that he has carried them out so well. I hope the girl will shew herself worthy of your protection.” “Do you think of staying here throughout the carnival?” “Yes, if your excellency approves.” “It depends entirely on your good conduct.” “A few peccadilloes excepted, my conduct is always above reproach.” “There are some peccadilloes we do not tolerate here. Have you seen the Chevalier Osorio?” “I think of calling on him to-day or to-morrow.” “I hope you will remember me to him.” He rang his bell, bowed, and the audience was over. The Chevalier Osorio received me at his office, and gave me a most gracious reception. After I had given him an account of my visit to the superintendent, he asked me, with a smile, if I felt inclined to submit with docility to not seeing my mistress in freedom. “Certainly,” said I, “for I am not in love with her.” Osorio looked at me slyly, and observed, “Somehow I don’t think your indifference will be very pleasing to the virtuous duenna.” I understood what he meant, but personally I was delighted not to be able to see the Corticelli save in the presence of a female dragon. It would make people talk, and I loved a little scandal, and felt curious to see what would happen.