Recollect also that, if you have tempted him by the same manoeuvres which you have employed towards me, you are doubly wrong, for it may be that, if he truly loves you, you have caused him to be miserable." "All you have just said to me," answered Bettina, "is grounded upon false impressions and deceptive appearances.

I do not love Cordiani, and I never had any love for him; on the contrary, I have felt, and I do feel, for him a hatred which he has richly deserved, and I hope to convince you, in spite of every appearance which seems to convict me.

As to the reproach of seduction, I entreat you to spare me such an accusation.

On our side, consider that, if you had not yourself thrown temptation in my way, I never would have committed towards you an action of which I have deeply repented, for reasons which you do not know, but which you must learn from me.

The fault I have been guilty of is a serious one only because I did not foresee the injury it would do me in the inexperienced mind of the ingrate who dares to reproach me with it." Bettina was shedding tears: all she had said was not unlikely and rather complimentary to my vanity, but I had seen too much.