“No, she doesn’t tire me at all; she is pretty and amusing. But how can you imagine that I really love her, when you know very well that the whole affair is only designed to cast dust in everyone’s eyes?” “Anastasia fully believes that you adore her, and indeed I am not sorry that you should give her a little taste for gallantry.” “If I can persuade her to leave her door open I can easily visit you, for she will not imagine for a moment that after leaving her I go to your room instead of my own.” “Take care how you set about it.” “I will see what I can do this evening.” The marquis and Lucrezia had not the slightest doubt that Anastasia spent every night with me, and they were delighted at the idea. The whole of the day I devoted to the worthy marquis, who said my company made him happy. It was no sacrifice on my part, for I liked his principles and his way of thinking. On the occasion of my third supper with Anastasia I was more tender than ever, and she was very much astonished to find that I had cooled down when I got to my room. “I am glad to see you so calm,” said she, “you quite frightened me at supper.” “The reason is that I know you think yourself in danger when you are alone with me.” “Not at all; you are much more discreet than you were nine years ago.” “What folly did I commit then?” “No folly, but you did not respect my childhood.” “I only gave you a few caresses, for which I am now sorry, as you are frightened of me, and persist in locking your door.” “I don’t mistrust you, but I have told you my reasons for locking the door. I think that you must mistrust me, as you won’t go to bed while I am in the room.” “You must think me very presumptuous. I will go to bed, but you must not leave me without giving me a kiss.” “I promise to do so.” I went to bed, and Anastasia spent half an hour beside me. I had a good deal of difficulty in controlling myself, but I was afraid of her telling the marchioness everything. As she left me she gave me such a kind embrace that I could bear it no longer, and guiding her hand I shewed her the power she exercised over me. She then went away, and I shall not say whether my behaviour irritated or pleased her. The next day I was curious to know how much she had told the marchioness, and on hearing nothing of the principal fact I felt certain she would not lock her door that evening. When the evening came I defied her to shew the same confidence in me as I had shewn in her. She replied that she would do so with pleasure, if I would blow out my candle and promise not to put my hand on her. I easily gave her the required promise, for I meant to keep myself fresh for Leonilda. I undressed hastily, followed her with bare feet, and laid myself beside her.