I had unfortunately met him at Spa, and told him I was was going to Portugal. He had
come after me, hoping to use me as a means of getting into good society, and of filling
his pocket with the money of the dupes he aspired to make.
Gamesters have never had any proof of my belonging to their infernal clique, but they
have always persisted in believing that I too am a "Greek."
As soon as this baron heard that I was in Madrid he called on me, and by dint of
politeness obliged me to receive him. I thought any small civilities I might shew or
introductions I might give could do me no harm. He had a travelling companion to whom
he introduced me. He was a fat, ignorant fellow, but a Frenchman, and therefore
agreeable. A Frenchman who knows how to present himself, who is well dressed, and has
the society air, is usually accepted without demur or scrutiny. He had been a cavalry
captain, but had been fortunate enough to obtain an everlasting furlough.
Four or five days after his appearance the baron asked me quietly enough to lend him a
score of louis, as he was hard up. I replied as quietly, thanking him for treating me as a
friend, but informing him that I really could not lend him the money, as I wanted what
little I had for my own necessities.
"But we can do good business together, and you cannot possibly be moneyless."
"I do not know anything about good business, but I do know that I want my money and
cannot part with it."
"We are at our wits' end to quiet our landlord; come and speak to him."
"If I were to do so I should do you more harm than good. He would ask me if I would
answer for you, and I should reply that you are one of those noblemen who stand in need
of no surety. All the same, the landlord would think that if I did not stand your surety, it
must be from my entertaining doubts as to your solvency."
I had introduced Fraiture to Count Manucci, on the Pando, and he requested me to take
him to see the count, to which request I was foolish enough to accede.
A few days later the baron opened his soul to Manucci.
He found the Venetian disposed to be obliging, but wary. He refused to lend money
himself, but introduced the baron to someone who lent him money on pledges without
interest.
The baron and his friend did a little gaming and won a little money, but I held aloof from
them to the best of my ability.
I had my colony and Donna Ignazia, and wanted to live peacefully; and if I had spent a
single night away from home, the innocent girl would have been filled with alarm.
