Memoirs of Casanova — Volume 21: South of France by Giacomo Casanova
page 18 of 135 (13%)
page 18 of 135 (13%)
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We said no more just then, for she needed rest. Annette came to undress
her, and I was glad to see the goodness of my niece towards her, but the coolness with which the girl behaved to her mistress did not escape my notice. As soon as she came to sleep with me I gently remonstrated with her, bidding her to do her duty better for the future. Instead of answering with a caress, as she ought to have done, she began to cry. "My dear child," said I, "your tears weary me. You are only here to amuse me, and if you can't do that, you had better go." This hurt her foolish feelings of vanity, and she got up and went away without a word, leaving me to go to sleep in a very bad temper. In the morning I told her, in a stern voice, that if she played me such a trick again I would send her away. Instead of trying to soothe me with a kiss the little rebel burst out crying again. I sent her out of the room impatiently, and proceeded to count my gains. I thought no more about it, but presently my niece came in and asked me why I had vexed poor Annette. "My dear niece," said I, "tell her to behave better or else I will send her back to her mother's." She gave me no reply, but took a handful of silver and fled. I had not time to reflect on this singular conduct, for Annette came in rattling her crowns in her pocket, and promised, with a kiss, not to make me angry any more. Such was my niece. She knew I adored her, and she loved me; but she did |
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