“I can give the young lady lessons every morning at nine o’clock at my own home.” “No, do you come to her house, but at whatever hour you like. I will pay you, and I hope you will make her one of your best pupils. I must warn you, however, that she is not a novice.” “I will call on her to-day, and to-morrow I will tell you what I can make of her; but I think I had better tell you my terms: I charge three Piedmontese livres a lesson.” “I think that is very reasonable; I will call on you to-morrow.” “You do me honour. Here is my address. If you like to come in the afternoon you will see the rehearsal of a ballet.” “Is it not rehearsed at the theatre?” “Yes, but at the theatre no on-lookers are allowed by the orders of the superintendent of police.” “This superintendent of yours puts his finger into a good many pies.” “In too many.” “But at your own house anybody may come?” “Undoubtedly, but I could not have the dancers there if my wife were not present. The superintendent knows her, and has great confidence in her.” “You will see me at the rehearsal.” The wretched superintendent had erected a fearful system of surveillance against the lovers of pleasure, but it must be confessed that he was often cheated. Voluptuousness was all the more rampant when thus restrained; and so it ever will be while men have passions and women desires. To love and enjoy, to desire and to satisfy one’s desires, such is the circle in which we move, and whence we can never be turned. When restrictions are placed upon the passions as in Turkey, they still attain their ends, but by methods destructive to morality. At the worthy Mazzali’s I found two gentlemen to whom she introduced me. One was old and ugly, decorated with the Order of the White Eagle--his name was Count Borromeo; the other, young and brisk, was Count A---- B---- of Milan. After they had gone I was informed that they were paying assiduous court to the Chevalier Raiberti, from whom they hoped to obtain certain privileges for their lordships which were under the Sardinian rule. The Milanese count had not a penny, and the Lord of the Borromean Isles was not much better off. He had ruined himself with women, and not being able to live at Milan he had taken refuge in the fairest of his isles, and enjoyed there perpetual spring and very little else. I paid him a visit on my return from Spain, but I shall relate our meeting when I come to my adventures, my pleasures, my misfortunes, and above all my follies there, for of such threads was the weft of my life composed, and folly was the prominent element. The conversation turned on my house, and the lively Mazzoli asked me how I liked my cook. I replied that I had not yet tried him, but I proposed to put him to test the next day, if she and the gentlemen would do me the honour of supping with me.