The worthy marchioness was delighted to receive this order, and looked upon it as a good omen, for I had tired her dreadfully. I kissed her, saying that I was going to the country to collect together what remained of the substances that I had used in my ceremonies, but I promised to dine with her on the morrow. I shut myself up in my room with the Undine, and we amused ourselves as best we could till it was night, for she could not go out while it was light in her spiritual costume. I took off my handsome wedding garment, and as soon as it was dusk we crept out, and went away to Marcoline’s lodging in a hackney coach, carrying with us the planetary offerings which I had gained so cleverly. We were dying of hunger, but the delicious supper which was waiting for us brought us to life again. As soon as we got into the room Marcoline took off her green clothes and put on her woman’s dress, saying,-- “I was not born to wear the breeches. Here, take the beautiful necklace the madwoman gave me!” “I will sell it, fair Undine, and you shall have the proceeds.” “Is it worth much?” “At least a thousand sequins. By the time you get back to Venice you will be worth at least five thousand ducats, and you will be able to get a husband and live with him in a comfortable style.” “Keep it all, I don’t want it; I want you. I will never cease to love you; I will do whatever you tell me, and I promise never to be jealous. I will care for you--yes, as if you were my son.” “Do not let us say anything more about it, fair Marcoline, but let us go to bed, for you have never inspired me with so much ardour as now.” “But you must be tired.” “Yes, but not exhaustion, for I was only able to perform the distillation once.” “I thought you sacrificed twice on that old altar. Poor old woman! she is still pretty, and I have no doubt that fifty years ago she was one of the first beauties in France. How foolish of her to be thinking of love at that age.” “You excited me, but she undid your work even more quickly.” “Are you always obliged to have a girl beside you when you make love to her?” “No; before, there was no question of making a son.” “What? you are going to make her pregnant? That’s ridiculous! Does she imagine that she has conceived?” “Certainly; and the hope makes her happy.” “What a mad idea! But why did you try to do it three times?” “I thought to shew my strength, and that if I gazed on you I should not fail; but I was quite mistaken.” “I pity you for having suffered so much.” “You will renew my strength.”