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and that's the reason why I have
made up my mind never to marry a man whom I have not studied."
"Supposing you made a mistake?"
"Then I would weep in secret."
"How if you were poor?"
"She need never fear poverty, my lord," said I. "She has an income of
fifty crowns a month for the remainder of her life."
"Oh, that's a different matter. If that is so, sweetheart, you are
privileged. You will be able to live at Venice in perfect independence."
"I think that to live honourably there I only need the protection of a lord
like your excellency."
"As to that, Marcoline, I give you my word that I will do all in my
power for you if you come to Venice. But let me ask you one question,
how are you sure of your income of fifty crowns a month? You are
laughing."
"I laugh because I am such a silly little thing. I don't have any heed for
my own business. My friend there will tell you all about it."
"You have not been joking, have you?" said the worthy old man to me.

"Marcoline," said I, "has not only capital which will produce a larger
sum than that which I have named, but she has also valuable
possessions. Your excellency will note her wisdom in saying that she
would need your lordship's protection at Venice, for she will require
someone to look after the investment of her capital. The whole amount
is in my hands, and if she likes Marcoline can have it all in less than
two hours."
"Very good; then you must start for Venice the day after to-morrow.
Mattio is quite ready to receive you."
"I have the greatest respect and love for my uncle, but it is not to his
care that your excellency must commend me if I resolve to go."
"Then to whom?"
"To your own care, my lord. Your excellency has called me dear
daughter two or three times, lead me, then, to Venice, like a good father,
and I will come willingly; otherwise I protest I will not leave the man
to whom I owe all I have. I will start for London with him the day after
to-morrow."
At these words which delighted me silence fell on all. They waited for
M. Querini to speak, and the general opinion seemed to be that he had
gone too far to be able to draw back. Nevertheless, the old man kept
silence; perhaps in his character of devotee he was afraid of being led
into temptation, or of giving occasion to scandal, and the other guests
were silent like him, and ate to keep each other in countenance.
Mattio's hand trembled as he waited; Marcoline alone was calm and
collected. Dessert was served, and still no one dared to say a word. All
at once this wonderful girl said, in an inspired voice, as if speaking to
herself,--
"We must adore the decrees of Divine Providence, but after the issue,
since mortals are not able to discern the future, whether it be good or
whether it be evil."
"What does that reflection relate to, my dear daughter?" said M.

Querini, "and why do you kiss my hand now?"
"I kiss your hand because you have called me your dear daughter for
the fourth time."
This judicious remark elicited a smile of approval from all, and restored
the general gaiety; but M. Querini asked Marcoline to explain her
observation on Providence.
"It was an inspiration, and the result of self-examination. I am well; I
have learned something of life; I am only seventeen, and in the course
of two months I have become rich by honest means. I am all happy, and
yet I owe my happiness to the greatest error a maiden can commit.
Thus I humble myself before the decrees, of Providence and adore its
wisdom."
"You are right, but, none the less you ought to repent of what you have
done."
"That's where I am puzzled; for before I can repent; I must think of it,
and when I think of it I find nothing for which to repent. I suppose I
shall have to consult some great theologian on the point."
"That will not be necessary; you are, intelligent, and your heart is good,
and I will give you the necessary instruction on the way. When one
repents there is no need to think of the pleasure which our sins have
given us."
In his character of apostle the good M. Querini was becoming piously
amorous of his fair proselyte. He left the table for a few moments, and
when he returned he, told Marcoline that if he had a young lady to take
to, Venice he should be obliged to leave her in