In my state of chronic irritation I felt much annoyed that there was no
decent place at Ancona where a man might appease his passions for his
money. I trembled to think that I was in danger of falling really in love
with Leah, and I told the consul every day that I was in no hurry to go.
I was as foolish as a boy in his calf-love. I pictured Leah as the purest
of women, for with strong passions she refused to gratify them. I saw in
her a model of virtue; she was all self-restraint and purity, resisting
temptation in spite of the fire that consumed her.

Before long the reader will discover how very virtuous Leah was.

After nine or ten days I had recourse to violence, not in deeds but in
words. She confessed I was in the right, and said my best plan would be
to forbid her to come and see me in the morning. At dinner, according to
her, there would be no risk.

I made up my mind to ask her to continue her visits, but to cover her
breast and avoid all amorous conversation.

"With all my heart," she replied, laughing; "but be sure I shall not be
the first to break the conditions."

I felt no inclination to break them either, for three days later I felt
weary of the situation, and told the consul I would start on the first
opportunity. My passion for Leah was spoiling my appetite, and I thus saw
myself deprived of my secondary pleasure without any prospect of gaining
my primary enjoyment.

After what I had said to the consul I felt I should be bound to go, and I
went to bed calmly enough. But about two o'clock in the morning I had,