"So much the worse for them, madam; the Scripture is plain enough. 'Tis written in the first verse of the fourth chapter that Adam knew Eve after his expulsion from their terrestial paradise, and that in consequence she conceived Cain."
"Yea, but the verse sayeth not that Adam did not know her before, and, consequently, he might so have done."
"This I cannot allow, for had he know her before she would have conceived; 'twere foolish to suppose that two creatures, who had just quitted God's hands, and were, in consequence, as nigh perfect as is possible, could consummate the act of generation with no result."
The conversation now becomes very theological and controversial, and we take leave to omit it.
……After dinner……I went apart with Helène, who told me that her cousin and the pastor would sup with her mother on the following day.
"Hedvige," she added, "will stay and sleep with me, as is ever her custom when she cometh with her uncle to sup. It remaineth to be seen if thou art willing to hide in a spot I will show thee to-morrow at eleven of the clock, in order to pass the night with us. Call on my mother at that hour to-morrow, and I will find means of showing thee the spot. "
In the morning I paid the mother a visit, and as Helène was escorting me out, she showed me a closed door 'twixt the two stairs.
"At seven hours of the clock," said she, "thou will find it open, and when thou art within, put on the bolt. Take care lest any see thee as thou enter the house."
Casanova, in due course, takes up his position
72
