led me. With this injunction they were too humane to comply. Some
went for the surgeon of the convent, while others reported the
circumstance to the superior. The former applied remedies which assuaged
the pain: the latter was so pleased at my apparent contrition, that he
gave me absolution, and relieved me from the penance to which I had been
subjected. When I recovered, I was more in favour, and was permitted the
same indulgences as before.

But I was some days confined to my bed, during which I was continually
reflecting upon what had passed. I perceived, to my misery, the pale
which I had placed between me and the world, by embracing a monastic
life; and how unfit I was, by temperament, to fulfil my vows. I cursed
my father and mother, who had been the original cause of my present
situation. I cursed the monastic dress which blazoned forth my unhappy
condition. Then I thought of the treacherous girl, and planned schemes
of revenge. I compared my personal qualifications with those of the
young officer; and vanity suggested, that were it not for my vile
professional disguise, the advantage was on my side. At last I decided
upon the steps that I would take.

As I before stated, my purse was well supplied from the lessons which I
gave in music, and from assisting at the serenades. When I was
sufficiently recovered to go out, I proceeded to a barber, and on the
plea of continual headache, for which it had been recommended that I
should shave my head, requested him to make me a false tonsure. In a few
days it was ready, and being very well made, no difference could be
perceived between the wig and my own hair, which was then removed. So
far I had succeeded; but as the greatest caution was necessary in a
proceeding of this nature, to avoid suspicion, I returned to the
convent, where I remained quiet for several days. One evening I again
sallied forth, and when it was quite dark repaired to the _friperie_
show of a Jew, where I purchased a second--hand suit of cavalier's
clothes, which I thought would fit me. I concealed them in my cell, and
the next morning, went in search of a small lodging in some obscure
part, where I might not be subject to observation. This was difficult,
but I at last succeeded in finding one to let, which opened upon a
general staircase of a house, which was appropriated to a variety of
lodgers, who were constantly passing and repassing. I paid the first
month in advance, stating it would be occupi