Memoirs of Casanova — Volume 16: Depart Switzerland by Giacomo Casanova
page 81 of 110 (73%)
page 81 of 110 (73%)
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"Be pleased to explain to this gentleman, who has just asked me for supper, the meaning of the word 'earnest.'" The good-natured knight explained, with a smile, that the lady, fearing lest my memory should prove defective, wanted me to pay for my supper in advance. I thanked him, and asked her if a louis would be enough; and on her replying in the affirmative, I gave her the Louis and asked for her address. The knight told me politely that he would take me there himself after the theatre, adding,-- "She's the wantonest wench in all Marseilles." He then asked me if I knew the town, and when I told him that I had only come that day he said he was glad to be the first to make my acquaintance. We went to the middle of, the amphitheatre and he pointed out a score of girls to right and left, all of them ready to treat the first comer to supper. They are all on the free list, and the manager finds they serve his ends as respectable women will not sit in their boxes, and they draw people to the theatre. I noticed five or six of a better type than the one I had engaged, but I resolved to stick to her for the evening, and to make the acquaintance of the others another time. "Is your favourite amongst them?" I said to the knight. "No, I keep a ballet-girl, and I will introduce you to her, as I am glad to say that I am free from all jealousy." When the play came to an end he took me to my nymph's lodging, and we parted with the understanding that we were to see more of one another. |
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