Ten young Venetian noblemen, from twenty to twenty-two years of age, were at Corfu as midshipmen in the navy.

We had, besides, about a dozen civil clerks in the police of the island, or in the administration of justice, entitled 'grandi offciali di terra'.

Those who were blessed with handsome wives had the pleasure of seeing their houses very much frequented by admirers who aspired to win the favours of the ladies, but there was not much heroic love-making, perhaps for the reason that there were then in Corfu many Aspasias whose favours could be had for money.

Gambling was allowed everywhere, and that all absorbing passion was very prejudicial to the emotions of the heart.
The lady who was then most eminent for beauty and gallantry was Madame F----.

Her husband, captain of a galley, had come to Corfu with her the year before, and madam had greatly astonished all the naval officers.
Thinking that she had the privilege of the choice, she had given the preference to M.D---- R-----, and had dismissed all the suitors who presented themselves.