I never believed in such a one.

Labor can always command its price, and what so laborious in this age as to be honest?
What so difficult as to keep silence on other people's affairs?
Such herculean tasks deserve payment! A valet who is generously bribed, in addition to his wages, can be relied on; if underpaid, all heaven and earth will not persuade him to hold his tongue.

Left alone at last in my sleeping chamber, I remained for some time before actually going to bed.

I took off the black spectacles which served me so well, and looked at myself in the mirror with some curiosity.

I never permitted Vincenzo to enter my bedroom at night, or before I was dressed in the morning, lest he should surprise me without these appendages which were my chief disguise, for in such a case I fancy even his studied composure would have given way.