第4章

Iaskedhim（thisbeingamatteressentialtomyplan）whetheranyofthegentlemenhadchildren。Hesaidhecouldnotanswermewithcertaintyastoall，butasforM。deT————，oneoftheprincipaldirectors，heknewthathehadasonoldenoughtobemarried，andwhohadcomeseveraltimestotheHospitalwithhisfather。Thiswasenoughformypurpose。

"Iimmediatelyputanendtoourinterview，and，inreturning，I

toldLescautoftheplanIhadformed。`Ihavetakenit，’saidI，`intomyhead，thatM。deT————，theson，whoisrichandofgoodfamily，musthavethesametasteforpleasurethatotheryoungmenofhisagegenerallyhave。Hecouldhardlybesobadafriendtothefairsex，norsoabsurdastorefusehisservicesinanaffairoflove。IhavearrangedaplanforinterestinghiminfavourofManon。Ifheisamanoffeelingandofrightmind，hewillgiveushisassistancefromgenerosity。Ifheisnottobetouchedbyamotiveofthiskind，hewillatleastdosomethingforahandsomegirl，ifitwereonlywiththehopeofhereaftersharingherfavours。Iwillnotdeferseeinghim，’

addedI，`beyondtomorrow。Ireallyfeelsoelatedbythisproject，thatIderivefromitagoodomen。’

"Lescauthimselfallowedthattheideawasnotunreasonable，andthatwemightfairlyentertainahopeofturningittoaccount。

Ipassedthenightlesssorrowfully。

NextmorningIdressedaswellas，inmypresentstateofindigence，Icouldpossiblycontrivetodo；andwentinahackneycoachtotheresidenceofM。deT————。Hewassurprisedatreceivingavisitfromaperfectstranger。Iauguredfavourablyfromhiscountenanceandthecivilityofhismanner。Iexplainedmyobjectinthemostcandidway；and，toexcitehisfeelingsasmuchaspossible，IspokeofmyardentpassionandofManon’smerit，asoftwothingsthatwereunequalled，exceptbyeachother。Hetoldme，thatalthoughhehadneverseenManon，hehadheardofher；atleast，ifthepersonIwastalkingofwasthesamewhohadbeenthemistressofoldG————M————。IconjecturedthathemusthaveheardofthepartIhadactedinthattransaction，andinordertoconciliatehimmoreandmorebytreatinghimwithconfidence，ItoldhimeverythingthathadoccurredtoManonandmyself。`Yousee，sir，’saidI，`thatallthatcaninterestmeinlife，allthatcancommandmyaffections，isinyourhands。Ihavenoreservewithyou，becauseIhavebeeninformedofyourgenerousandnoblecharacter；and，beingofthesameage，ItrustIshallfindsomeresemblanceinourdispositions。’

"Heseemedflatteredbythismarkofcandourandconfidence。Herepliedinamannerthatbecameamanoftheworld，andamanoffeelingalso，fortheyarenotalwayssynonymousterms。Hetoldmethatheappreciatedmyvisitasapieceofgoodfortune；thatheconsideredmyfriendshipasavaluableacquisition，andthathewouldendeavourtoprovehimselfworthyofit，bythesincerityofhisservices。HecouldnotabsolutelypromisetorestoreManontomyarms，because，ashesaid，hehimselfhadverylittleinfluence；butheofferedtoprocuremethepleasureofseeingher，andtodoeverythinginhispowertoeffectherrelease。Iwasthemoresatisfiedwiththisfrankavowalastohiswantofinfluence，thanIshouldhavebeenbyanunqualifiedpromiseoffulfillingallmywishes。Ifoundinhismoderationapledgeofhissincerity：inaword，Inolongerdoubtedmyentiresuccess。ThepromisealoneofenablingmetoseeManonfilledmewithgratitude，andItestifieditinsoearnestamanner，astogivehimafavourableopinionofmyheartanddisposition；weshookhandswarmly，andpartedswornfriends，merelyfrommutualregard，andthatnaturalfeelingwhichpromptsamanofkindandgeneroussentimentstoesteemanotherofcongenialmind。

"He，indeed，exceededmeintheproofsofhisesteem；for，inferringfrommyadventures，andespeciallymylateescapefromSt。Lazare，thatImightbeinwantofmoney，heofferedmehispurse，andpressedmetoacceptit。Irefused，butsaidtohim，`Youaretookind，mydearsir！Ifinadditiontosuchproofsofkindnessandfriendship，youenablemetoseeManonagain，relyonmyeternalregardandgratitude。Ifyousucceedinrestoringaltogetherthisdearcreaturetomyarms，Ishouldthinkmyselfhappyinspillingthelastdropofmybloodinyourservice。’

"Beforeweparted，weagreedastothetimeandplaceforourmeeting。Hewassoconsiderateastoappointtheafternoonofthesameday。

"Iwaitedforhimatacafe，wherehejoinedmeaboutfouro’clock，andwewenttogethertowardstheMagdalen；mykneestrembledundermeasIcrossedthecourts。`Yeheavenlypowers！’

saidI，`thenIshalloncemorebeholdtheidolofmyheart——thedearobjectofsomanysighsandlamentations！AllInowaskofProvidenceis，tovouchsafemestrengthenoughtoreachherpresence，andafterthat，todisposeasitpleasethofmyfuturefate，andofmylifeitself。Beyondthis，Ihavenoprayertoutter。’

"M。deT————spoketosomeoftheportersoftheestablishment，whoappearedallanxioustopleasehim。ThequarterinwhichManon’sroomlaywaspointedouttous，andourguidecarriedinhishandthekeyofherchamber：itwasoffrightfulsize。I

askedthemanwhoconductedus，andwhosedutyitwastoattendtoManon，howshepassedhertime？Hesaid，thatshehadatemperofthemostangelicsweetness；thatevenhe，disagreeableashisofficialdutiesmustrenderhim，hadneverheardfromherasinglesyllableinthenatureofrebukeorharshness；thathertearshadneverceasedtoflowduringthefirstsixweeksafterherarrival，butthatlatterlysheseemedtobearhermisfortuneswithmoreresignation，andthatsheemployedherselffrommorningtillnightwithherneedle，exceptingsomehoursthatshe，eachday，devotedtoreading。Iaskedwhethershehadbeendecentlyprovidedfor。Heassuredmethatatleastshehadneverfeltthewantofnecessaries。

"Wenowapproachedherdoor。Myheart。beatalmostaudiblyinmybosom。IsaidtoM。deT————，`Goinalone，andprepareherformyvisit；Ifearthatshemaybeovercomebyseeingmeunexpectedly。’Thedoorwasopened。Iremainedinthepassage，andlistenedtotheconversation。Hesaidthathecametobringherconsolation；thathewasafriendofmine，andfeltdeeplyinterestedforthehappinessofusboth。Sheaskedwiththetenderestanxiety，whetherhecouldtellherwhathadbecomeofme。Hepromisedthatsheshouldsoonseemeatherfeet，asaffectionateandasfaithfulasever。`When？’sheasked。`Thisveryday，’saidhe；`thehappymomentshallnotbelongdelayed；

nay，thisveryinstanteven，ifyouwishit。’SheatonceunderstoodthatIwasatthedoor；asshewasrushingtowardsit，Ientered。Weembracedeachotherwiththataboundingandimpassionedtenderness，whichanabsenceofmanymonthsmakessodelicioustothosewhotrulylove。Oursighs，ourbrokenexclamations，thethousandendearingappellationsoflove，exchangedinlanguishingrapture，astonishedM。deT————，andaffectedhimeventotears。

"`Icannothelpenvyingyou，’saidhe，ashebeggedustobeseated；`thereisnolot，howeverglorious，thatIwouldholdascomparabletothepossessionofamistressatoncesotenderandimpassioned。’`NorwouldI，’Ireplied，`giveupherloveforuniversalempire！’

"Theremainderofaninterviewwhichhadbeensolongandsoardentlydesiredbyme，wasofcourseastenderasthecommencement。PoorManonrelatedallheradventures，andItoldhermine：webitterlyweptovereachother’sstory。M。deT————

consoledusbyhisrenewedpromisestoexerthimselfinourservice。Headvisedusnottomakethis，ourfirstinterview，oftoolongduration，thathemighthavethelessdifficultyinprocuringusthesameenjoymentagain。Heatlengthinducedustofollowhisadvice。Manonespeciallycouldnotreconcileherselftotheseparation：shemademeahundredtimesresumemyseat。Atonetimesheheldmebymyhands，atanotherbymycoat。`Alas！’shesaid，`inwhatanabodedoyouleaveme！Whowillanswerformyeverseeingyouagain？’M。deT————promisedherthathewouldoftencomeandseeherwithme。`Astotheabode，’hesaid，’itmustnolongerbecalledtheMagdalen；itisVersailles！nowthatitcontainsapersonwhodeservestheempireofallhearts。’

"ImadethemanwhoattendedapresentasIwentout，inordertoquickenhiszealandattentions。Thisfellowhadamindlessroughandvulgarthanthegeneralityofhisclass。Hehadwitnessedourinterview，andwasaffectedbyit。Theinteresthefeltwasdoubtlessincreasedbythelouisd’orIgavehim。Hetookmeasideaswewentdownintothecourtyard。`Sir，’saidhe，`ifyouwillonlytakemeintoyourservice，orindemnifymeinanywayforthelossofthesituationwhichIfillhere，I

thinkIshouldnothavemuchdifficultyinliberatingthebeauteousManon。’

"Icaughtreadilyatthesuggestion，and，althoughatthemomentIwasalmostinastateofdestitution，Igavehimpromisesfarbeyondhisdesires。Iconsideredthatitwouldbeatalltimeseasytorecompenseamanofhisdescription。`Beassured，myfriend，’saidItohim，`thatthereisnothingIwillnotbereadytodoforyou，andthatyourfortuneisjustascertainasmyown。’Ienquiredwhatmeansheintendedtoemploy。`Noneother，’saidhe，`thanmerelytoopenthedoorofhercellforheratnight，andtoconducthertothestreetdoor，whereyou，ofcourse，willbetoreceiveher。’Iaskedwhethertherewasnodangerofherbeingrecognisedasshetraversedthelonggalleriesandthecourts。Headmittedthattherewasdanger，butthatnothingcouldbedonewithoutsomeslightrisk。

"AlthoughIwasdelightedtofindhimsodetermined，IcalledM。

deT————，andinformedhimoftheproject，andoftheonlydifficultyintheway。Hethoughtitnotsoeasyofexecution。

Heallowedthepossibilityofescapingthus：`Butifsheberecognised，’continuedhe，`ifshebestoppedintheattempt，allhopewillbeoverwithher，perhapsforever。Besides，youwouldbeobligedtoquitParisinstantly，foryoucouldneverevadethesearchthatwouldbemadeforyou：theywouldredoubletheireffortsasmuchonyourownaccountashers。Asinglemanmayeasilyescapedetection，butincompanywithahandsomewoman，itwouldbeutterlyimpossibletoremainundiscovered。’

"Howeversoundthisreasoning，itcouldnot，inmymind，outweightheimmediateprospectofrestoringManontoliberty。I

saidasmuchtoM。deT————，andtrustedthathewouldexcusemyimprudenceandrashness，onthegroundoflove。IaddedthatitwasalreadymyintentiontoquitParisforsomeneighbouringvillage，asIhadoncebeforedone。Wethensettledwiththeservantthatheshouldcarryhisprojectintoexecutionthefollowingday，andtorenderoursuccessascertainashecould，weresolvedtocarryintotheprisonmen’sclothes，inordertofacilitateherescape。

Therewasadifficultytobesurmountedincarryingthemin，butIhadingenuityenoughtomeetit。IbeggedofM。deT————onlytoputontwolightwaistcoatsthenextmorning，andIundertooktoarrangetherest。

WereturnedthefollowingdaytotheHospital。Itookwithmelinen，stockings，etc。，forManon，andovermybody-coatasurtout，whichconcealedthebulkIcarriedinmypockets。Weremainedbutamomentinherroom。M。deT————leftheroneofhiswaistcoats；Igavehermyshortcoat，thesurtoutbeingsufficientforme。Shefoundnothingwantingforhercompleteequipmentbutapairofpantaloons，whichinmyhurryIhadforgotten。

"Thewantofsonecessaryanarticlemighthaveamusedus，iftheembarrassmentitcausedhadbeenofalessseriouskind。I

wasindespairathavingourwholeschemefoiledbyatriflingomissionofthisnature。However，Isoonhitonaremedy，anddeterminedtomakemyownexitsans-culotte，leavingthatportionofmydresswithManon。Mysurtoutwaslong，andIcontrivedbythehelpofafewpinstoputmyselfinadecentconditionforpassingthegate。

"Theremainderofthedayappearedtomeofendlesslength。

Whenatlastnightcame，wewentinacoachtowithinafewyardsoftheHospital。Wewerenotlongwaiting，whenwesawManonmakeherappearancewithherguide。Thedoorofthecoachbeingopened，theybothsteppedinwithoutdelay。Iopenedmyarmstoreceivemyadoredmistress；shetrembledlikeanaspenleaf。Thecoachmanaskedwherehewastodrive？`Totheendoftheworld！’

Iexclaimed；`tosomeplacewhereIcanneveragainbeseparatedfromManon。’

"Thisburst，whichIcouldnotcontrol，wasnearbringingmeintofreshtrouble。ThecoachmanreflecteduponwhatIsaid，andwhenIafterwardstoldhimthenameofthestreettowhichI

wishedhimtodrive，heansweredthathefearedIwasabouttoimplicatehiminsomebadbusiness；thathesawplainlyenoughthatthegood-lookingyoungmanwhomIcalledManonwasagirlelopingfromtheHospital，andthathewaslittledisposedindeedtoruinhimselfforloveofme。

"Extortionwasthesourceofthisscoundrel’sdelicacy。WewerestilltooneartheHospitaltomakeanynoise。`Silence！’saidI

tohim，`youshallhavealouisd’orforthejob’：forlessthanthathewouldhavehelpedmetoburntheHospital。

"WearrivedatLescaut’shouse。Asitwaslate，M。deT————

leftusontheway，promisingtovisitusthenextmorning。Theservantaloneremained。

"IheldManoninsuchcloseembraceinmyarms，thatweoccupiedbutoneplaceinthecoach。Shecriedforjoy，andIcouldfeelhertearstricklingdownmycheeks。

"WhenwewereaboutgettingoutatLescaut’s，Ihadanewdifficultywiththecoachman，whichwasattendedwiththemostunfortunateresults。Irepentedofhavingpromisedthefellowalouisd’or，notonlybecauseitwasextravagantfolly，butforanotherstrongerreason，thatitwasatthemomentoutofmypowertopayhim。IcalledforLescaut，andhecamedowntothedoor。Iwhisperedtohimthecauseofmypresentembarrassment。

Beingnaturallyrough，andnotatallinthehabitoftreatinghackney-coachmenwithrespect，heansweredthatIcouldnotbeserious。`Alouis！’saidhe；`twentyblowsofacanewouldbetherightpaymentforthatrascal！’Ientreatedhimnottodestroyus；whenhesnatchedmycanefrommyhand，andwasabouttolayitonthecoachman。Thefellowhadprobablybeforeexperiencedtheweightofaguardsman’sarm，andinstantlydroveoff，cryingout，thatIhadcheatedhim，andshouldhearofhimagain。Iinvainendeavouredtostophim。

"Hisflightcausedme，ofcourse，thegreatestalarm。Ihadnodoubtthathewouldimmediatelygiveinformationtothepolice。

`Youhaveruinedme，’saidItoLescaut；`Ishallbenolongersafeatyourhouse；wemustgohenceatonce。’IgaveManonmyarm，andasquicklyaspossiblegotoutofthedangerousneighbourhood。Lescautaccompaniedus。"

TheChevalierdesGrieuxhavingoccupiedmorethananhourwithhisstory，Ibeggedhimtogivehimselfalittlerest，andmeanwhiletoshareoursupper。Hesaw，bytheattentionwepaidhim，thatwewereamused，andpromisedthatweshouldhearsomethingofperhapsgreaterinterestinthesequel。Whenwehadfinishedsupper，hecontinuedinthefollowingwords。

VII……Howchancesmock，AndchangesfillthecupofalterationWithdiversliquors。

SHAKESPEARE。

"HowinscrutablydoesProvidenceconnectevents！Wehadhardlyproceededforfiveminutesonourway，whenaman，whosefaceI

couldnotsee，recognisedLescaut。Hehadnodoubtbeenwatchingforhimnearhishome，withthehorribleintentionwhichhenowunhappilyexecuted。`ItISLescaut！’saidhe，snappingapistolathishead；`heshallsuptonightwiththeangels！’Hetheninstantlydisappeared。Lescautfell，withouttheleastsignoflife。IpressedManontofly，forwecouldbeofnousetoadeadman，andIfearedbeingarrestedbythepolice，whowouldcertainlybesoonuponthespot。Iturneddownthefirstnarrowstreetwithherandtheservant：shewassooverpoweredbythesceneshehadjustwitnessed，thatIcouldhardlysupporther。

Atlast，attheendofthestreet，Iperceivedahackney-coach；

wegotintoit，butwhenthecoachmanaskedwhitherheshoulddrive，Iwasscarcelyabletoanswerhim。Ihadnocertainasylum——noconfidentialfriendtowhomIcouldhaverecourse。I

wasalmostdestituteofmoney，havingbutonedollarleftinmypurse。FrightandfatiguehadsounnervedManon，thatshewasalmostfaintingatmyside。MyimaginationtoowasfullofthemurderofLescaut，andIwasnotwithoutstrongapprehensionsofthepatrol。Whatwastobedone？IluckilyrememberedtheinnatChaillot，wherewefirstwenttoresideinthatvillage。I

hopedtobenotonlysecure，buttocontinuethereforsometimewithoutbeingpressedforpayment。`TakeustoChaillot，’saidI

tothecoachman。Herefusedtodriveussofaratthatlatehourforlessthantwelvefrancs。Anewembarrassment！Atlastweagreedforhalfthatsum——allthatmypursecontained。

"ItriedtoconsoleManonaswewentalong，butdespairwasranklinginmyownheart。Ishouldhavedestroyedmyselfathousandtimesover，ifIhadnotfeltthatIheldinmyarmsallthatcouldattachmetolife：thisreflectionreconciledme。`I

possessheratleast，’saidI；`shelovesme！sheismine！

VainlydoesTibergecallthisamerephantomofhappiness。’I

could，withoutfeelinginterestoremotion，seethewholeworldbesidesperisharoundme。Why？BecauseIhaveinitnoobjectofaffectionbeyondher。

"Thissentimentwastrue；however，whileIsolightlyesteemedthegoodthingsoftheworld，Ifeltthattherewasnodoingwithoutsomelittleportionofthem，wereitonlytoinspireamorethoroughcontemptfortheremainder。Loveismorepowerfulthanwealth——moreattractivethangrandeurorfame；but，alas！itcannotexistwithoutcertainartificialaids；andthereisnothingmorehumiliatingtothefeelings，ofasensitivelover，thantofindhimself，bywantofmeans，reducedtothelevelofthemostvulgarminds。

"Itwaseleveno’clockwhenwearrivedatChaillot。Theyreceivedusattheinnasoldacquaintances，andexpressednosortofsurpriseatseeingManoninmaleattire，foritwasthecustominParisandtheenvironstoadoptalldisguises。ItookcaretohaveherservedwithasmuchattentionasifIhadbeeninprosperouscircumstances。Shewasignorantofmypoverty，andIcarefullykeptherso，beingresolvedtoreturnalonethefollowingdaytoParis，toseeksomecureforthisvexatiouskindofmalady。

"Atsuppersheappearedpaleandthin；IhadnotobservedthisattheHospital，astheroominwhichIsawherwasbadlylighted。Iaskedheriftheexcessivepalenesswerenotcausedbytheshockofwitnessingherbrother’sdeath？Sheassuredmethat，horrifiedasshenaturallywasattheevent，herpalenesswaspurelytheeffectofathreemonths’absencefromme。`Youdolovemethendevotedly？’Iexclaimed。

"`AthousandtimesmorethanIcantell！’washerreply。

"`Youwillneverleavemeagain？’Iadded。

"`No！never，never！’answeredshe。

"Thisassurancewasconfirmedbysomanycaressesandvows，thatitappearedimpossibleshecould，totheendoftime，forgetthem。Ihaveneverdoubtedthatshewasatthatmomentsincere。

Whatmotivecouldshehavehadfordissemblingtosuchadegree？

Butshebecameafterwardsstillmorevolatilethanever，orrathershewasnolongeranything，andentirelyforgotherself，when，inpovertyandwant，shesawotherwomenlivinginabundance。Iwasnowonthepointofreceivinganewproofofherinconstancy，whichthrewallthathadpassedintotheshade，andwhichledtothestrangestadventurethateverhappenedtoamanofmybirthandprospects。

"AsIknewherdisposition，IhastenedthenextdaytoParis。

Thedeathofherbrother，andthenecessityofgettinglinenandclothesforher，weresuchgoodreasons，thatIhadnooccasionforanyfurtherpretext。Ilefttheinn，withtheintention，asItoldManonandthelandlord，ofgoinginahiredcarriage，butthiswasamereflourish；necessityobligedmetotravelonfoot：

IwalkedveryfastasfarasCours-la-Reine，whereIintendedtorest。Amomentofsolitudeandtranquillitywasrequisitetocomposemyself，andtoconsiderwhatwastobedoneinParis。

"Isatdownuponthegrass。Iplungedintoaseaofthoughtsandconsiderations，whichatlengthresolvedthemselvesintothreeprincipalheads。Ihadpressingwantofaninfinitenumberofabsolutenecessaries；Ihadtoseeksomemodeofatleastraisingahopeforthefuture；and，thoughlast，notleastinimportance，Ihadtogaininformation，andadoptmeasures，tosecureManon’ssafetyandmyown。Afterhavingexhaustedmyselfindevisingprojectsuponthesethreechiefpoints，Iwasobligedtoputoutofviewforthemomentthetwolast。WewerenotillshelteredfromobservationintheinnatChaillot；andastofuturewants，Ithoughtitwouldbetimeenoughtothinkaboutthemwhenthoseofthemomentweresatisfied。

"Themainobjectnowwastoreplenishmypurse。M。deT————hadonceofferedmehis，butIhadanextremerepugnancetomentionthesubjecttohimagain。Whatadegradationtoexposeone’smiserytoastranger，andtoaskforcharity：itmustbeeitheramanoflowmindwhowouldthusdemeanhimself，andthatfromabasenesswhichmustrenderhiminsensibletothedegradation，orahumbleChristian，fromaconsciousnessofgenerosityinhimself，whichmustputhimabovethesenseofshame。Iwouldhavesacrificedhalfmylifetobesparedthehumiliation。

"`Tiberge，’saidI，`kindTiberge，willherefusemewhathehasitinhispowertogrant？No，hewillassuredlysympathiseinmymisery；buthewillalsotorturemewithhislectures！Onemustendurehisreproaches，hisexhortations，histhreats：I

shallhavetopurchasehisassistancesodearly，thatIwouldrathermakeanysacrificethanencounterthisdistressingscene，whichcannotfailtoleavemefullofsorrowandremorse。Well，’

thoughtIagain，`allhopemustberelinquished，sincenoothercoursepresentsitself：sofaramIfromadoptingeitherofthese，thatIwouldsoonershedhalfmybloodthanfaceoneoftheseevils，orthelastdropratherthanencounterboth。Yes，theverylastdrop，’Irepeatedafteramoment’sreflection，`I

wouldsacrificewillinglyratherthansubmittosuchbasesupplication！

"`Butitisnotinrealityaquestionofmyexistence！Manon’slifeandmaintenance，herloveandherfidelity，areatstake！

Whatconsiderationcanoutweighthat？Inherarecentredallmyglory，happiness，andfuturefortune！TherearedoubtlessmanythingsthatIwouldgladlygiveupmylifetoobtain，ortoavoid；buttoestimateathingmerelybeyondthevalueofmyownlife，isnotputtingitonaparwiththatofManon。’Thisideasoondecidedme：Iwentonmyway，resolvedtogofirsttoTiberge，andafterwardstoM。deT————。

"OnenteringParisItookahackney-coach，thoughIhadnotwherewithaltopayforit；IcalculatedontheloanIwasgoingtosolicit。IdrovetotheLuxembourg，whenceIsentwordtoTibergethatIwaswaitingforhim。Ihadnottostaymanyminutes。Itoldhimwithouthesitationtheextremityofmywants。HeaskedifthefiftypoundswhichIhadreturnedtohimwouldsuffice，andheatoncewenttofetchitwiththatgenerousair，thatpleasureinbestowingwhich`blessethhimthatgives，andhimthattakes，’andwhichcanonlybeknowntoloveortotruefriendship。

"AlthoughIhadneverentertainedadoubtofTiberge’sreadinesstograntmyrequest，yetIwassurprisedathavingobtaineditonsucheasyterms，thatistosay，withoutawordofreprimandformyimpenitence；butIwasprematureinfancyingmyselfsafefromhisreproaches，forwhenhehadcountedoutthemoney，andIwasonthepointofgoingaway，hebeggedofmetotakeawalkwithhiminthegarden。IhadnotmentionedManon’sname；heknewnothingofherescape；sothathislecturewasmerelyuponmyownrashflightfromSt。Lazare，anduponhisapprehensionslest，insteadofprofitingbythelessonsofmoralitywhichIhadreceivedthere，Ishouldagainrelapseintodissipation。

"Hetoldme，thathavinggonetopaymeavisitatSt。Lazare，thedayaftermyescape，hehadbeenastonishedbeyondexpressionathearingthemodeinwhichIhadeffectedit；thathehadafterwardsaconversationwiththeSuperior；thatthegoodFatherhadnotquiterecoveredtheshock；thathehad，however，thegenerositytoconcealtherealcircumstancesfromthelieutenant-generalofpolice，andthathehadpreventedthedeathoftheporterfrombecomingknownoutsidethewalls；thatIhad，therefore，uponthatscore，nogroundforalarm，butthat，ifI

retainedonegrainofprudence，IshouldprofitbythishappyturnwhichProvidencehadgiventomyaffairs，andbeginbywritingtomyfather，andreconcilingmyselftohisfavour；andfinallythat，ifIwouldbeguidedbyhisadvice，IshouldatoncequitParis，andreturntothebosomofmyfamily。

"Ilistenedtohimattentivelytillhehadfinished。Therewasmuchinwhathesaidtogratifyme。Inthefirstplace，IwasdelightedtolearnthatIhadnothingtofearonaccountofSt。

Lazare——thestreetsofParisatleastwereagainopentome。

ThenIrejoicedtofindthatTibergehadnosuspicionofManon’sescape，andherreturntomyarms。Ievenremarkedthathehadnotmentionedhername，probablyfromtheideathat，bymyseemingindifferencetoher，shehadbecomelessdeartomyheart。Iresolved，ifnottoreturnhome，atleasttowritetomyfather，asheadvisedme，andtoassurehimthatIwasdisposedtoreturntomyduty，andconsulthiswishes。MyintentionwastourgehimtosendmemoneyforthepurposeofpursuingmyordinarystudiesattheUniversity，forIshouldhavefounditdifficulttopersuadehimthatIhadanyinclinationtoresumemyecclesiasticalhabit。IwasintruthnotatallaversetowhatIwasnowgoingtopromisehim。Onthecontrary，Iwasreadytoapplymyselftosomecreditableandrationalpursuit，sofarastheoccupationwouldbecompatiblewithmylove。I

reckoneduponbeingabletolivewithmymistress，andatthesametimecontinuingmystudies。Isawnoinconsistencyinthisplan。

"Thesethoughtsweresosatisfactorytomymind，thatIpromisedTibergetodispatchaletterbythatday’sposttomyfather：infact，onleavinghim，Iwentintoascrivener’s，andwroteinsuchasubmissiveanddutifultone，that，onreadingovermyownletter，IanticipatedthetriumphIwasgoingtoachieveovermyfather’sheart。

"AlthoughIhadmoneyenoughtopayforahackney-coachaftermyinterviewwithTiberge，IfeltapleasureinwalkingindependentlythroughthestreetstoM。deT————’shouse。Therewasgreatcomfortinthisunaccustomedexerciseofmyliberty，astowhichmyfriendhadassuredmeIhadnothingnowtoapprehend。

However，itsuddenlyoccurredtome，thathehadbeenonlyreferringtoSt。Lazare，andthatIhadtheotheraffairoftheHospitalonmyhands；beingimplicated，ifnotasanaccomplice，atalleventsasawitness。Thisthoughtalarmedmesomuch，thatIslippeddownthefirstnarrowstreet，andcalledacoach。

IwentatoncetoM。deT————’s，andhelaughedatmyapprehensions。Imyselfthoughtthemridiculousenough，whenheinformedmethattherewasnomoredangerfromLescaut’saffray，thanfromtheHospitaladventure。Hetoldmethat，fromthefearoftheirsuspectingthathehadahandinManon’sescape，hehadgonethatmorningtotheHospitalandaskedtoseeher，pretendingnottoknowanythingofwhathadhappened；thattheyweresofarfromentertainingtheleastsuspicionofeitherofus，thattheylostnotimeinrelatingtheadventureasapieceofnewstohim；andthattheywonderedhowsoprettyagirlasManonLescautcouldhavethoughtofelopingwithaservant：thatherepliedwithseemingindifference，thatitbynomeansastonishedhim，forpeoplewoulddoanythingforthesakeofliberty。

"HecontinuedtotellmehowhethenwenttoLescaut’sapartments，inthehopeoffindingmetherewithmydearmistress；thatthemasterofthehouse，whowasacoachmaker，protestedhehadseenneithermenorManon；butthatitwasnowonderthatwehadnotappearedthere，ifourobjectwastoseeLescaut，forthatwemusthavedoubtlessheardofhishavingbeenassassinatedabouttheverysametime；uponwhich，herelatedallthatheknewofthecauseandcircumstancesofthemurder。

"Abouttwohourspreviously，aguardsmanofLescaut’sacquaintancehadcometoseehim，andproposedplay。Lescauthadsucharapidandextravagantrunofluck，thatinanhourtheyoungmanwasminustwelvehundredfrancs——allthemoneyhehad。

Findinghimselfwithoutasou，hebeggedofLescauttolendhimhalfthesumhehadlost；andtherebeingsomedifficultyonthispoint，anangryquarrelarosebetweenthem。Lescauthadrefusedtogivehimtherequiredsatisfaction，andtheotherswore，onquittinghim，thathewouldtakehislife；athreatwhichhecarriedintoexecutionthesamenight。M。deT————waskindenoughtoadd，thathehadfelttheutmostanxietyonouraccount，andthat，suchastheywere，heshouldgladlycontinuetoushisservices。Iatoncetoldhimtheplaceofourretreat。

Hebeggedofmetoallowhimtosupwithus。

"AsIhadnothingmoretodothantoprocurethelinenandclothesforManon，Itoldhimthatwemightstartalmostimmediately，ifhewouldbesogoodastowaitformeamomentwhileIwentintooneortwoshops。IknownotwhetherhesuspectedthatImadethispropositionwiththeviewofcallinghisgenerosityintoplay，orwhetheritwasbythemereimpulseofakindheart；but，havingconsentedtostartimmediately，hetookmetoashopkeeper，whohadlatelyfurnishedhishouse。HetheremademeselectseveralarticlesofamuchhigherpricethanIhadproposedtomyself；andwhenIwasaboutpayingthebill，hedesiredthemannottotakeasoufromme。Thishedidsogracefully，thatIfeltnoshameinacceptinghispresent。WethentooktheroadtoChaillottogether，whereIarrivedmuchmoreeasyinmindthanwhenIhadleftitthatmorning。

"MyreturnandthepoliteattentionsofM。deT————dispelledallManon’smelancholy。`Letusforgetourpastannoyances，mydearsoul，’saidItoher，`andendeavourtoliveastillhappierlifethanbefore。Afterall，thereareworsemastersthanlove：

fatecannotsubject，ustoasmuchsorrowasloveenablesustotasteofhappiness。’Oursupperwasatruesceneofjoy。

"InpossessionofManonandoftwelvehundredandfiftyfrancs，IwasprouderandmorecontentedthantherichestvoluptuaryofPariswithuntoldtreasures。Wealthshouldbemeasuredbythemeansitaffordsusofsatisfyingourdesires。Theredidnotremaintomeatthismomentasinglewishunaccomplished。Eventhefuturegavemelittleconcern。Ifeltahope，amountingalmosttocertainty，thatmyfatherwouldallowmethemeansoflivingrespectablyinParis，becauseIhadbecomeentitled，onenteringuponmytwentiethyear，toashareofmymother’sfortune。IdidnotconcealfromManonwhatwastheextentofmypresentwealth；butIadded，thatitmightsufficetosupportusuntilourfortunewasbettered，eitherbytheinheritanceIhavejustalludedto，orbytheresourcesofthehazard-table。

VIII

ThisPassionhathitsfloodsintheverytimesofweakness，whicharegreatprosperity，andgreatadversity；bothwhichtimeskindleLove，andmakeitmorefervent。——BACON。

"ForseveralweeksIthuscontinuedtothinkonlyofenjoyingthefullluxuryofmysituation；andbeingrestrained，byasenseofhonour，aswellasalurkingapprehensionofthepolice，fromrenewingmyintimacywithmyformercompanionsatthehotelofTransylvania，Ibegantoplayincertaincoterieslessnotorious，wheremygoodluckrendereditunnecessaryformetohaverecoursetomyformeraccomplishments。Ipassedapartoftheafternoonintown，andreturnedalwaystosupperatChaillot，accompaniedveryoftenbyM。deT————，whoseintimacyandfriendshipforusdailyincreased。

"Manonsoonfoundresourcesagainstennui。Shebecameacquaintedwithsomeyoungladies，whomthespringbroughtintotheneighbourhood。Theyoccupiedtheirleisurehoursinwalking，andthecustomaryamusementsofpersonsoftheirsexandage。

Theirlittlegainsatcards（alwayswithininnocentlimits）werelaidoutindefrayingtheexpenseofacoach，inwhichtheytookanairingoccasionallyintheBoisdeBoulogne；andeachnightwhenIreturned，IwassureoffindingManonmorebeautiful——morecontented——moreaffectionatethanever。

"Therearose，however，certainclouds，whichseemedtothreatenthecontinuanceofthisblissfultranquillity，buttheyweresoondispelled；andManon’ssprightlinessmadetheaffairsoexcessivelycomicalinitstermination，thatitisevennowpleasingtorecurtoit，asaproofofthetendernessaswellasthecheerfulnessofherdisposition。

"Theonlyservantwehadcametomeoneday，withgreatembarrassment，andtakingmeaside，toldmethathehadasecretoftheutmostimportancetocommunicatetome。Iurgedhimtoexplainhimselfwithoutreserve。Aftersomehesitation，hegavemetounderstandthataforeignerofhighrankhadapparentlyfalleninlovewithManon。Ifeltmybloodboilattheannouncement。`Hassheshownanypenchantforhim？’Ienquired，interruptingmyinformantwithmoreimpatiencethanwasrequisite，ifIdesiredtohaveafullexplanation。

"Hewasalarmedatmyexcitement；andrepliedinanundecidedtone，thathehadnotmadesufficientlyminuteobservationtosatisfyme；butthat，havingnoticedforseveraldaystogethertheregulararrivalofthestrangerattheBoisdeBoulogne，where，quittinghiscarriage，hewalkedbyhimselfinthecross-avenues，appearingtoseekopportunitiesofmeetingManon，ithadoccurredtohimtoformanacquaintancewiththeservants，inordertodiscoverthenameoftheirmaster；thattheyspokeofhimasanItalianprince，andthattheyalsosuspectedhewasuponsomeadventureofgallantry。Hehadnotbeenabletolearnanythingfurther，headded，tremblingashespoke，becausetheprince，thenonthepointofleavingthewood，hadapproachedhim，andwiththemostcondescendingfamiliarityaskedhisname；

uponwhich，asifheatonceknewthathewasinourservice，hecongratulatedhimonhaving，forhismistress，themostenchantingpersonuponearth。

"Ilistenedtothisrecitalwiththegreatestimpatience。Heendedwiththemostawkwardexcuses，whichIattributedtotheprematureandimprudentdisplayofmyownagitation。InvainI

imploredhimtocontinuehishistory。Heprotestedthatheknewnothingmore，andthatwhathehadpreviouslytoldme，havingonlyhappenedtheprecedingday，hehadnothadasecondopportunityofseeingtheprince’sservants。Iencouragedhim，notonlywithpraises，butwithasubstantialrecompense；andwithoutbetrayingtheslightestdistrustofManon，Irequestedhim，inthemildestmanner，tokeepstrictwatchuponalltheforeigner’smovements。

"Intruth，theeffectofhisfrightwastoleavemeinastateofthecruellestsuspense。Itwaspossiblethatshehadorderedhimtosuppresspartofthetruth。However，afteralittlereflection，IrecoveredsufficientlyfrommyfearstoseethemannerinwhichIhadexposedmyweaknesses。IcouldhardlyconsideritacrimeinManontobeloved。Judgingfromappearances，itwasprobablethatshewasnotevenawareofherconquest。`AndwhatkindoflifeshallIinfuturelead，’

thoughtI，`ifIamcapableoflettingjealousysoeasilytakepossessionofmymind？’

"IreturnedonthefollowingdaytoParis，withnootherintentionthantohastentheimprovementofmyfortune，byplayingdeeperthanever，inordertobeinaconditiontoquitChaillotonthefirstrealoccasionforuneasiness。ThatnightI

learnednothingatallcalculatedtotroublemyrepose。Theforeignerhad，asusual，madehisappearanceintheBoisdeBoulogne；andventuring，fromwhathadpassedtheprecedingday，toaccostmyservantmorefamiliarly，hespoketohimopenlyofhispassion，butinsuchtermsasnottoleadtotheslightestsuspicionofManon’sbeingawareofit。Heputathousandquestionstohim，andatlasttriedtobribehimwithlargepromises；andtakingaletterfromhispocket，heinvainentreatedhim，withthepromiseofsomelouisd’ors，toconveyittoher。

"Twodayspassedwithoutanythingmoreoccurring：thethirdwasofadifferentcharacter。Ilearnedonmyarrival，laterthanusual，fromParis，thatManon，whileinthewood，hadlefthercompanionsforamoment，andthattheforeigner，whohadfollowedheratashortdistance，approached，uponhermakinghimasign，andthatshehandedhimaletter，whichhetookwithatransportofjoy。Hehadonlytimetoexpresshisdelightbykissingthebillet-doux，forshewasoutofsightinaninstant。Butsheappearedinunusuallyhighspiritstheremainderoftheday；andevenafterherreturntoourlodgings，hergaietycontinued。I

trembledateveryword。

"`Areyouperfectlysure，’saidI，inanagonyoffear，tomyservant，`thatyoureyeshavenotdeceivedyou？’HecalledHeaventowitnessthetruthofwhathehadtoldme。

"Iknownottowhatexcessthetormentsofmymindwouldhavedrivenme，ifManon，whoheardmecomein，hadnotmetmewithanairofimpatience，andcomplainedofmydelay。BeforeIhadtimetoreply，sheloadedmewithcaresses；andwhenshefoundwewerealone，shereproachedmewarmlywiththehabitIwascontractingofstayingoutsolate。Mysilencegaveheranopportunityofcontinuing；andshethensaidthatforthelastthreeweeksIhadneverspentoneentiredayinhersociety；thatshecouldnotenduresuchprolongedabsence；thatsheshouldatleastexpectmetogiveupadaytoherfromtimetotime，andthatsheparticularlywishedmetobewith，heronthefollowingdayfrommorningtillnight。

"`YoumaybeverycertainIshalldothat，’saidI，inratherasharptone。Shedidnotappeartonoticemyannoyance；sheseemedtometohavemorethanherusualcheerfulness；andshedescribed，withinfinitepleasantry，themannerinwhichshehadspenttheday。

"`Incomprehensiblegirl！"saidItomyself；`whatamItoexpectaftersuchaprelude？’Theadventuresofmyfirstseparationoccurredtome；nevertheless，IfanciedIsawinhercheerfulness，andtheaffectionatereceptionshegaveme，anairoftruththatperfectlyaccordedwithherprofessions。

"ItwasaneasymatteratsuppertoaccountforthelowspiritswhichIcouldnotconceal，byattributingthemtoalossIhadthatdaysustainedatthegaming-table。IconsidereditmostfortunatethattheideaofmyremainingallthenextdayatChaillotwassuggestedbyherself：Ishouldthushaveampletimefordeliberation。Mypresencewouldpreventanyfearsforatleastthenextday；andifnothingshouldoccurtocompelmetodisclosethediscoveryIhadalreadymade，Iwasdeterminedonthefollowingdaytomovemyestablishmentintotown，andfixmyselfinaquarterwhereIshouldhavenothingtoapprehendfromtheinterferenceofprinces。Thisarrangementmademepassthenightmoretranquilly，butitbynomeansputanendtothealarmIfeltattheprospectofanewinfidelity。

"WhenIawokeinthemorning，Manonsaidtome，thatalthoughweweretopassthedayathome，shedidnotatallwishthatI

shouldbelesscarefullydressedthanonotheroccasions；andthatshehadaparticularfancyfordoingthedutiesofmytoilettethatmorningwithherownhands。Itwasanamusementsheoftenindulgedin：butsheappearedtotakemorepainsonthisoccasionthanIhadeverobservedbefore。Togratifyher，I

wasobligedtositathertoilettetable，andtryallthedifferentmodessheimaginedfordressingmyhair。Inthecourseoftheoperation，shemademeoftenturnmyheadroundtowardsher，andputtingbothhandsuponmyshoulders，shewouldexaminemewithmostanxiouscuriosity：then，showingherapprobationbyoneortwokisses，shewouldmakemeresumemypositionbeforetheglass，inordertocontinueheroccupation。

"Thisamatorytriflingengagedustilldinner-time。Thepleasuresheseemedtoderivefromit，andhermorethanusualgaiety，appearedtomesothoroughlynatural，thatIfounditimpossibleanylongertosuspectthetreasonIhadpreviouslyconjuredup；andIwasseveraltimesonthepointofcandidlyopeningmymindtoher，andthrowingoffaloadthathadbeguntoweighheavilyuponmyheart：butIflatteredmyselfwiththehopethattheexplanationwouldeverymomentcomefromherself，andI

anticipatedthedelicioustriumphthiswouldaffordme。

"Wereturnedtoherboudoir。Shebeganagaintoputmyhairinorder，andIhumouredallherwhims；whentheycametosaythatthePrinceof————wasbelow，andwishedtoseeher。Thenamealonealmostthrewmeintoarage。

"`Whatthen，’exclaimedI，asIindignantlypushedherfromme，`who？——whatprince？’

"Shemadenoanswertomyenquiries。

"`Showhimupstairs，’saidshecoollytotheservant；andthenturningtowardsme，`Dearestlove！youwhomIsoferventlyadore，’sheaddedinthemostbewitchingtone，`Ionlyaskofyouonemoment’spatience；onemoment，onesinglemoment！Iwillloveyoutenthousandtimesmorethanever：yourcompliancenowshallnever，duringmylife，beforgotten。’

"Indignationandastonishmentdeprivedmeofthepowerofutterance。Sherenewedherentreaties，andIcouldnotfindadequateexpressionstoconveymyfeelingsofangerandcontempt。

Buthearingthedooroftheante-chamberopen，shegraspedwithonehandmylocks，whichwerefloatingovermyshoulders，whileshetookhertoilettemirrorintheother，andwithallherstrengthledmeinthismannertothedooroftheboudoir，whichsheopenedwithherknee，andpresentedtotheforeigner，whohadbeenpreventedbythenoiseheheardinsidefromadvancingbeyondthemiddleoftheante-chamber，aspectaclethatmusthaveindeedamazedhim。Isawamanextremelywelldressed，butwithaparticularlyill-favouredcountenance。

"Notwithstandinghisembarrassment，hemadeheraprofoundbow。

Manongavehimnotimeforspeech-making；sheheldupthemirrorbeforehim：`Look，sir，’saidshetohim，`observeyourselfminutely，andIonlyaskyouthentodomejustice。Youwishmetoloveyou：thisisthemanwhomIlove，andwhomIhavesworntoloveduringmywholelife：makethecomparisonyourself。Ifyouthinkyoucanrivalhiminmyaffections，tellmeatleastuponwhatpretensions；forIsolemnlydeclaretoyou，that，intheestimationofyourmostobedienthumbleservant，alltheprincesinItalyarenotworthasingleoneofthehairsInowholdinmyhand。’

"Duringthiswhimsicalharangue，whichshehadapparentlypreparedbeforehand，Itriedinvaintodisengagemyself，andfeelingcompassionforapersonofsuchconsideration，Iwasdesirous，bymypolitenessatleast，ofmakingsomereparationforthislittleoutrage。Butrecoveringhisself-possessionwiththeeaseofamanaccustomedtotheworld，heputanendtomyfeelingsofpitybyhisreply，whichwas，inmyopinion，rudeenough。

"`Younglady！younglady！’saidhetoher，withasardonicsmile，’myeyesintruthareopened，andIperceivethatyouaremuchlessofanovicethanIhadpicturedtomyself。’

"Heimmediatelyretiredwithoutlookingatheragain，mutteringtohimselfthattheFrenchwomenwerequiteasbadasthoseofItaly。Ifeltlittledesire，onthisoccasion，tochangehisopinionofthefairsex。

"Manonletgomyhand，threwherselfintoanarmchair，andmadetheroomresoundwithhershoutsoflaughter。IcandidlyconfessthatIwastouchedmostsensiblybythisunexpectedproofofheraffection，andbythesacrificeofherowninterestwhichIhadjustwitnessed，andwhichshecouldonlyhavebeeninducedtomakebyherexcessiveloveforme。Still，however，Icouldnothelpthinkingshehadgonerathertoofar。IreproachedherwithwhatIcalledherindiscretion。Shetoldmethatmyrival，afterhavingbesiegedherforseveraldaysintheBoisdeBoulogne，andhavingmadehercomprehendhisobjectbysignsandgrimaces，hadactuallymadeanopendeclarationoflove；informingheratthesametimeofhisnameandallhistitles，bymeansofaletter，whichhehadsentthroughthehandsofthecoachmanwhodroveherandhercompanions；thathehadpromisedher，ontheothersideoftheAlps，abrilliantfortuneandeternaladoration；thatshereturnedtoChaillot，withtheintentionofrelatingtomethewholeadventure，butthat，fancyingitmightbemadeasourceofamusementtous，shecouldnothelpgratifyingherwhim；thatsheaccordinglyinvitedtheItalianprince，byaflatteringnote，topayheravisit；andthatithadaffordedherequaldelighttomakemeanaccomplice，withoutgivingmetheleastsuspicionofherplan。IsaidnotawordoftheinformationIhadreceivedthroughanotherchannel；andtheintoxicationoftriumphantlovemademeapplaudallshehaddone。

IX

’Twaseverthus；——fromchildhood’shourI’veseenmyfondesthopesdecay；——

Ineverlovedatreeorflower，Butitwassuretofadeaway；

InevernursedadearGazelle，Togladmewithitsdark-blueeye，But，whenitcametoknowmewell，Andloveme，itwassuretodie。

MOORE。

"DuringmylifeIhaveremarkedthatfatehasinvariablychosenforthetimeofitsseverestvisitations，thosemomentswhenmyfortuneseemedestablishedonthefirmestbasis。InthefriendshipofM。deT————，andthetenderaffectionsofManon，I

imaginedmyselfsothoroughlyhappy，thatIcouldnotharbourtheslightestapprehensionofanynewmisfortune：therewasone，nevertheless，atthisveryperiodimpending，whichreducedmetothestateinwhichyoubeheldmeatPassy，andwhicheventuallybroughtinitstrainmiseriesofsodeplorableanature，thatyouwillhavedifficultyinbelievingthesimplerecitalthatfollows。

"Oneevening，whenM。deT————remainedtosupwithus，weheardthesoundofacarriagestoppingatthedooroftheinn。

Curiositytemptedustoseewhoitwasthatarrivedatthishour。

TheytoldusitwasyoungG————M————，thesonofourmostvindictiveenemy，ofthatdebauchedoldsinnerwhohadincarceratedmeinSt。Lazare，andManonintheHospital。Hisnamemadethebloodmounttomycheeks。`ItisProvidencethathasledhimhere，’saidItoM。deT————，thatImaypunishhimforthecowardlybasenessofhisfather。Heshallnotescapewithoutourmeasuringswordsatleast。’M。deT————，whoknewhim，andwasevenoneofhismostintimatefriends，triedtomoderatemyfeelingsofangertowardshim。Heassuredmethathewasamostamiableyoungman，andsolittlecapableofcountenancinghisfather’sconduct，thatIcouldnotbemanyminutesinhissocietywithoutfeelingesteemandaffectionforhim。Aftersayingmanymorethingsinhispraise，hebeggedmypermissiontoinvitehimtocomeandsitinourapartment，aswellastosharetheremainderofoursupper。AstotheobjectionofManonbeingexposedbythisproceedingtoanydanger，hepledgedhishonourandgoodfaith，thatwhenoncetheyoungmanbecameacquaintedwithus，weshouldfindinhimamostzealousdefender。Aftersuchanassurance，Icouldoffernofurtheropposition。

"M。deT————didnotintroducehimwithoutdelayingafewmomentsoutside，tolethimknowwhowewere。Hecertainlycameinwithanairthatprepossessedusinhisfavour：heshookhandswithme；wesatdown；headmiredManon；heappearedpleasedwithme，andwitheverythingthatbelongedtous；andheatewithanappetitethatdidabundanthonourtoourhospitality。

"Whenthetablewascleared，ourconversationbecamemoreserious。Hehungdownhisheadwhilehespokeofhisfather’sconducttowardsus。Hemade，onhisownpart，themostsubmissiveexcuses。`Isaythelessuponthesubject，’saidhe，`becauseI

donotwishtorecallacircumstancethatfillsmewithgriefandshame。’Ifheweresincereinthebeginning，hebecamemuchmoresointheend，fortheconversationhadnotlastedhalfanhour，whenIperceivedthatManon’scharmshadmadeavisibleimpressionuponhim。Hislooksandhismannerbecamebydegreesmoretender。He，however，allowednoexpressiontoescapehim；

but，withouteventheaidofjealousy，Ihadhadexperienceenoughinloveaffairstodiscernwhatwaspassing。

"Heremainedwithustillalatehourinthenight，andbeforehetookhisleave，congratulatedhimselfonhavingmadeouracquaintance，andbeggedpermissiontocallandrenewtheofferofhisservices。HewentoffnextmorningwithM。deT————，whoacceptedtheofferofaseatinhiscarriage。

"Ifelt，asIbeforesaid，nottheslightestsymptomofjealousyIhadamorefoolishconfidencethaneverinManon’svows。Thisdearcreaturehadsoabsoluteadominionovermywholesoulandaffections，thatIcouldgiveplacetonoothersentimenttowardsherthanthatofadmirationandlove。FarfromconsideringitacrimethatsheshouldhavepleasedyoungG————M————，Iwasgratifiedbytheeffectofhercharms，andexperiencedonlyafeelingofprideinbeinglovedbyagirlwhomthewholeworldfoundsoenchanting。Ididnotevendeemitworthwhiletomentionmysuspicionstoher。Wewereforsomedaysoccupiedinarranginghernewwardrobe，andinconsideringwhetherwemightventuretothetheatrewithouttheriskofbeingrecognised。M。

deT————cameagaintoseeusbeforetheendoftheweek，andweconsultedhimuponthispoint。HesawclearlythatthewaytopleaseManonwastosayyes：weresolvedtogoalltogetherthatsameevening。