Nevertheless, there is hardly one among them who can compare with you, my dear Casanova, in respect of experience or intelligence.
If, in addition to all the arguments I have adduced, you take my personal feelings into account, I find it difficult to doubt that you will gladly respond to the call which now reaches you from so exalted and so friendly a source.
"Till then, receive the assurances of my undying friendship.
"BRAGADINO." "Postscript.

Immediately upon receipt of your acceptance, it will be a pleasure to me to send you a remittance of two hundred lire through the banking firm of Valori in Mantua.

The sum is to defray the cost of your journey.
"B." * * * * * Long after Casanova had finished reading the letter, he stood holding the paper so as to conceal the deathly pallor of his countenance.

From the dining-table came a continuous noise, the rattle of plates and the clinking of glasses; but conversation had entirely ceased.

At length Amalia ventured to say: "The food is getting cold, Chevalier; won't you go on with your meal ?" "You must excuse me," replied Casanova, letting his face be seen once more, for by now, owing to his extraordinary self-control, he had regained outward composure.