And youth runs away from old age, because it is its most cruel enemy.
An interval of repose became necessary, in consequence of the activity of our enjoyment.

Our senses were not tired out, but they required the rest which renews their sensitiveness and restores the buoyancy necessary to active service.
Bellino was the first to break our silence.
"Dearest," she said, "are you satisfied now?
Have you found me truly loving ?" "Truly loving?
Ah! traitress that you are! Do you, then, confess that I was not mistaken when I guessed that you were a charming woman?
And if you truly loved me, tell me how you could contrive to defer your happiness and mine so long?
But is it quite certain that I did not make a mistake ?" "I am yours all over; see for yourself." Oh, what delightful survey! what charming beauties! what an ocean of enjoyment! But I could not find any trace of the protuberance which had so much terrified and disgusted me.
"What has become," I said, "of that dreadful monstrosity ?" "Listen to me," she replied, "and I will tell you everything.
"My name is Therese.

My father, a poor clerk in the Institute of Bologna, had let an apartment in his house to the celebrated Salimberi, a castrato, and a delightful musician.

He was young and handsome, he became attached to me, and I felt flattered by his affection and by the praise he lavished upon me.

I was only twelve years of age; he proposed to teach me music, and finding that I had a fine voice, he cultivated it carefully, and in less than a year I could accompany myself on the harpsichord.