t as yet experienced the influence of the tender passion. I
had found the ladies of Florence so inveterately given to intrigue, and
had seen so many instances in which the best and most affectionate of
husbands were grossly deceived by their wives, that I had not only
conceived an abhorrence at the idea of linking my fortunes with one of
my own countrywomen, but even made a solemn vow that if ever I married,
my choice should not fall upon a Tuscan. It was with such impressions as
these that I quitted Florence on the business to which I have alluded:
and I cared not if I never returned thither--so shallow, heartless, and
superficial did its gay society appear to me.

"On my arrival at Naples I assumed the name of Cornari, and,
representing myself as a young man of humble birth and moderate fortune,
mixed in the best society that would receive a stranger of such poor
pretensions. I had already learned at Florence that the fair sex are
invariably dazzled by titles and riches; and I had a curiosity to try
whether I should be at all sought after when apparently unpossessed of
such qualifications. Not that I had any serious thoughts of matrimony;
for I was far from being so romantic as to suppose that any beautiful
lady of high birth would fall in love with me so long as I passed for
plain Signor Cornari. No; it was merely a whim of mine--would that I had
never undertaken to gratify it.

"I was altogether unattended by any retinue, having quitted Florence
with only a single valet, who died of sudden illness on the road. Thus
did I enter Naples alone, with my package of necessaries fastened to the
saddle of the steed that bore me. I put up at a small, but respectable
hostel; and the first few days of my residence at the Neapolitan capital
were passed in making inquiries concerning the individual whose large
debt to my deceased father had been the principal cause of my journey
thither.

"I found him, at length, but perceiving that he was totally unable to
liquidate the claim upon him, I did not discover my real name, and took
my leave, resolving to think no more of the matter.

"Returning to the inn, I happened to pass through one of the most
squalid and miserable parts of the city, when my attention was suddenly
fixed upon the most charming female figure I had ever seen in my life.
The object of my interest was respectably but plainly clad; indeed, she
appeared to belong to the class of petty tradespeople. Her form was most