know none but
physical pleasures, it was qualified to breed distaste and aversion in
me.

I am sensible how much error may have lurked in this decision. I had
brought with me the belief of their being unchaste; and seized, perhaps
with too much avidity, any appearance that coincided with my
prepossessions. Yet the younger by no means inspired the same disgust;
though I had no reason to suppose her more unblemished than the elder.
Her modesty seemed unaffected, and was by no means satisfied, like that
of the elder, with defeating future curiosity. The consciousness of what
had already been exposed filled her with confusion, and she would have
flown away, if her companion had not detained her by some degree of
force. "What ails the girl? There's nothing to be frightened at.
Fellow!" she repeated, "what brings you here?"

I advanced and stood before them. I looked steadfastly, but, I believe,
with neither effrontery nor anger, on the one who addressed me. I spoke
in a tone serious and emphatical. "I come for the sake of speaking to a
woman who formerly resided in this house, and probably resides here
still. Her name is Clemenza Lodi. If she be here, I request you to
conduct me to her instantly."

Methought I perceived some inquietude, a less imperious and more
inquisitive air, in this woman, on hearing the name of Clemenza. It was
momentary, and gave way to peremptory looks. "What is your business with
her? And why did you adopt this mode of inquiry? A very extraordinary
intrusion! Be good enough to leave the chamber. Any questions proper to
be answered will be answered below."

"I meant not to intrude or offend. It was not an idle or impertinent
motive that led me hither. I waited below for some time after soliciting
an audience of you through the servant. She assured me you were absent,
and laid me under the necessity of searching for Clemenza Lodi myself,
and without a guide. I am anxious to withdraw, and request merely to be
directed to the room which she occupies."

"I direct you," replied she, in a more resolute tone, "to quit the room
and the house."

"Impossible, madam," I replied, still looking at her earnestly; "leave
the house without seeing her! You might as well enjoin me to pull the
Andes on my head!--to walk barefoot to Pekin! Impossible!"

Some solicitude was now mingled with her anger. "This is strange
insolence! unaccountable behaviour!--begone from my room! will you
compel me to call the gentlem