I saw the English woman I had met at Sartori’s, the same to whom the baron had been so generous. She spoke Italian, and was attractive in many ways, so I was well pleased to find myself opposite to her, and we had a pleasant dinner. After a fortnight’s abstinence it was not surprising that she inspired me with desires, but I concealed them nevertheless, for her lover seemed to respect her. I only allowed myself to tell the baron that I thought him the happiest of men. Towards the close of the dinner the girl noticed three dice on the mantel and took them up, saying,-- “Let us have a wager of a guinea, and spend it on oysters and champagne.” We could not refuse, and the baron having lost called the waiter and gave him his orders. While we were eating the oysters she suggested that we should throw again to see which should pay for the dinner. We did so and she lost. I did not like my luck, and wishing to lose a couple of guineas I offered to throw against the baron. He accepted, and to my annoyance I won. He asked for his revenge and lost again. “I don’t want to win your money,” said I, “and I will give you your revenge up to a hundred guineas.” He seemed grateful and we went on playing, and in less than half an hour he owed me a hundred guineas. “Let us go on,” said he. “My dear baron, the luck’s against you; you might lose a large sum of money. I really think we have had enough.” Without heeding my politeness, he swore against fortune and against the favour I seemed to be shewing him. Finally he got up, and taking his hat and cane, went out, saying,-- “I will pay you when I come back.” As soon as he had gone the girl said: “I am sure you have been regarding me as your partner at play.” “If you have guessed that, you will also have guessed that I think you charming.” “Yes, I think I have.” “Are you angry with me?” “Not in the least.” “You shall have the fifty guineas as soon as he has paid me.” “Very good, but the baron must know nothing about it.” “Of course not.” The bargain was scarcely struck before I began to shew her how much I loved her. I had every reason to congratulate myself on her complaisance, and I thought this meeting a welcome gleam of light when all looked dark around me. We had to make haste, however, as the door was only shut with a catch. I had barely time to ascertain her address and the hour at which she could see me, and whether I should have to be careful with her lover. She replied that the baron’s fidelity was not of a character to make him very exacting. I put the address in my pocket, and promised to pass a night with her. The baron came in again, and said,-- “I have been to a merchant to discount this bill of exchange, and though it is drawn on one of the best house in Cadiz, and made out by a good house in London, he would not have anything to do with it.” I took the bill and saw some millions mentioned on it, which astonished me.