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370 The Adventures of Gil Blas of Santillane cealing only one circumstance. I did not speak a syllable of Scipio, but took to myself the honour of the discovery, according to the practice of those who live among the great. By these means I acquired a great many compliments. “Mr. Gil Blas, (said the minister to me, with an air of raillery) I am ravished to find, that with your other talents, you likewise possess that of discovering obliging beauties; when I have occasion for one of that class, you will give me leave to apply to you.” “My Lord, (I replied in the same tone) I thank your grace for intending me the preference; but give me leave to say, that I should be scrupulous in serving your excellency in that manner. Signior Rodrigo has been so long in possession of that employment, that it would be unjust in me to deprive him of it.” The duke smiled at my answer, then changing the discourse, asked if his nephew did not want money for this adventure. “Pardon me, (said I) he begs you will send him a thousand pistoles.” “Very well, (replied the minister) carry them to him, bid him spare nothing, but approve of whatever expence the prince shall propose.” chapter xi. The private visit and presents which the prince of Spain made to Catalina. Iwent that instant with five hundred double pistoles to the Count de Lemos, who told me, “You could not come in better season. I have spoke to the prince; he has bit at the hook, and burns with impatience to see Catalina. This very night he intends to slip privately out of the palace, in order to visit her. It is a thing determined, and our measures are taken accordingly. Inform the ladies of his resolution, and give them that money which you have brought; for it is right to let them see that he is no ordinary lover whom they are to receive: besides, the bounty of princes ought to precede their intrigues. As you will accompany him, together with me, (added he) be sure of being at his couchée1 this evening. Your coach also (for I think it is proper we should use it) must wait for us near the palace about midnight.” I immediately repaired to the house, but did not see Catalina, who (they told me) was a-bed; so that I could only speak with Signiora Mencia, to whom I said, “Madam, pray excuse me for appearing in your house by day; but it is not in my power to do otherwise , for I must give you notice, that the prince of Spain will be here this night, and here (added I, putting the bag of money in her hand) is an offering which he sends to the temple of Cytherea,2 to render the divinities of the place propitious. You see I have not engaged you in a bad affair.” “I am very much obliged to you, (she replied) but tell me, Signior de Santillane, does the prince love musick?” “He loves it (answered I) to distraction; nothing can entertain him so much as a fine voice, accompanied by a lute delicately touched.” “So much the better! (cried she in a transport of joy) you give me Volume Three: VIII.11 371 infinite pleasure in telling me this; for my niece has the pipe of a nightingale, and plays upon the lute to admiration; she likewise dances perfectly well.” “Heavens! (cried I in my turn) what perfections, my good aunt! so many are not necessary to make a girl’s fortune; one of these talents is sufficient for the purpose.” Having thus paved the way, I waited for the hour of the prince’s couchée; then giving orders to my coachman, I rejoined the Count de Lemos, who told me that the prince, to get rid of his company the sooner, would feign a slight indisposition, and even go to bed, the better to persuade them of his being sick; but that he would rise again in an hour, and by a back-door, gain a private stair that led into the court-yard. When he had informed me of what they had concerted together, he posted me in a place thro’ which he assured me they would pass; and there I danced attendance so long, that I began to think our gallant had taken another road, or lost his desire of seeing...

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