\"HeinformedmethatManon，totallyunabletoendurethedreadofwant，and，aboveall，thecertaintyofbeingatonceobligedtodispensewithherequipage，hadbeggedofhimtomakeheracquaintedwithM。G————M————，whohadacharacterforliberality。Hecarefullyavoidedtellingmethatthiswastheresultofhisownadvice，andthathehadpreparedthewaybeforeheintroducedhissister。`Itookhertherethismorning，’saidhe，`andthefellowwassoenchantedwithherlooksthatheatonceinvitedhertoaccompanyhimtohiscountryseat，whereheisgonetopasssomedays。AsIplainlyperceived，’saidLescaut，`theadvantageitmaybetoyou，Itookcaretolethimknowthatshehadlatelyexperiencedveryconsiderablelosses；
andIsopiquedhisgenerositythathebeganbygivingherfourhundredcrowns。Itoldhimthatwaswellenoughforacommencement，butthatmysisterwouldhave，forthefuture，manydemandsformoney；thatshehadthechargeofayoungbrother，whohadbeenthrownuponherhandssincethedeathofourparents；andthat，ifhewishedtoprovehimselfworthyofheraffections，hewouldnotallowhertosufferuneasinessuponaccountofthischild，whomsheregardedaspartofherself。
Thisspeechproduceditseffect，heatoncepromisedtotakeahouseforyouandManon，foryoumustknowthatyouarethepoorlittleorphan。Heundertooktosetyouupinfurniture，andtogiveyoufourhundredlivresamonth，whichifIcalculaterightly，willamounttofourthousandeighthundredperannum。
Heleftorderswithhisstewardtolookoutforahouse，andtohaveitinreadinessbythetimehereturned。Youwillsoon，therefore，againseeManon，whobeggedofmetogiveyouathousandtendermessages，andtoassureyouthatshelovesyoumoredearlythanever。’
V
Infectedwiththatleprosyoflust，WhichtaintsthehoariestyearsofviciousmenMakingthemransacktotheverylastThedregsofpleasurefortheirvanishedjoys。
BYRON。
\"Onsittingdowntoreflectuponthisstrangeturnoffate，I
foundmyselfsoperplexed，andconsequentlysoincapableofarrivingatanyrationalconclusion，thatIallowedLescauttoputrepeatedquestionstomewithoutintheslightestdegreeattendingtotheirpurport。Itwasthenthathonourandvirtuemademefeelthemostpoignantremorse，andthatIrecalledwithbitternessAmiens，myfather’shouse，St。Sulpice，andeveryspotwhereIhadeverlivedinhappyinnocence。BywhataterrificintervalwasInowseparatedfromthatblessedstate！Ibehelditnolongerbutasadimshadowinthedistance，stillattractingmyregretsanddesires，butwithoutthepowerofrousingmetoexertion。`Bywhatfatality，’saidI，`haveI
becomethusdegraded？Loveisnotaguiltypassion！whythenhasitbeentomethesourceofprofligacyanddistress？WhopreventedmefromleadingavirtuousandtranquillifewithManon？WhydidInotmarryherbeforeIobtainedanyconcessionfromherlove？Wouldnotmyfather，whohadthetenderestregardforme，havegivenhisconsent，ifIhadtakenthefairandcandidcourseofsolicitinghim？Yes，myfatherwouldhimselfhavecherishedherasonefartoogoodtobehisson’swife！I
shouldhavebeenhappyintheloveofManon，intheaffectionofmyfather，intheesteemoftheworld，withamoderateportionofthegoodthingsoflife，andaboveallwiththeconsciousnessofvirtue。Disastrouschange！IntowhataninfamouscharacterisithereproposedthatIshouldsink？Toshare————ButcanI
hesitate，ifManonherselfsuggestsit，andifIamtoloseherexceptuponsuchconditions？`Lescaut，’saidI，puttingmyhandstomyeyesasiftoshutoutsuchahorrifyingvision，`ifyourintentionwastorendermeaservice，Igiveyouthanks。Youmightperhapshavestruckoutamorereputablecourse，butitissosettled，isitnot？Letusthenonlythinkofprofitingbyyourlabour，andfulfillingyourengagements。’
\"Lescaut，whohadbeenconsiderablyembarrassed，notonlybymyfury，butbythelongsilencewhichfollowedit，wastoohappytoseemenowtakeacoursesodifferentfromwhathehadanticipated。Hehadnotaparticleofcourage，ofwhichindeedI
have，inthesequelofmystory，abundantproof。`Yes，yes，’hequicklyanswered，`itisgoodserviceIhaverenderedyou，andyouwillfindthatweshallderiveinfinitelymoreadvantagefromitthanyounowexpect。’WeconsultedthenastothebestmodeofpreventingthesuspicionswhichG————M————mightentertainofourrelationship，whenhefoundmeolderandofripermanhoodthanheprobablyimagined。Theonlyplanwecouldhituponwastoassumeinhispresenceaninnocentandprovincialair，andtopersuadehimthatitwasmyintentiontoentertheChurch，andthatwiththatviewIwasobligedtogoeverydaytothecollege。
WealsodeterminedthatIshouldappearasawkwardasIpossiblycouldthefirsttimeIwasadmittedtothehonourofanintroduction。
\"Hereturnedtotownthreeorfourdaysafter，andatonceconductedManontothehousewhichhisstewardhadinthemeantimeprepared。SheimmediatelyapprisedLescautofherreturn，andhehavinginformedme，wewenttogethertohernewabode。Theoldloverhadalreadygoneout。
\"InspiteofthesubmissionwithwhichIhadresignedmyselftoherwishes，Icouldnot，atourmeeting，repressthecompunctiousvisitingsofmyconscience。Iappearedbeforehergrievedanddejected。ThejoyIfeltatseeingheroncemorecouldnotaltogetherdispelmysorrowforherinfidelity：she，onthecontrary，appearedtransportedwiththepleasureofseeingme。
Sheaccusedmeofcoldness。Icouldnothelpmutteringthewordsperfidiousandunfaithful，thoughtheywereprofuselymixedwithsighs。
\"Atfirstshelaughedatmeformysimplicity；butwhenshefoundthatIcontinuedtolookatherwithanunchangingexpressionofmelancholy，andthatIcouldnotbringmyselftoenterwithalacrityintoascenesorepugnanttoallmyfeelings，shewentaloneintoherboudoir。Iverysoonfollowedher，andthenIfoundherinafloodoftears。Iaskedthecauseofhersorrow。`Youcaneasilyunderstandit，’saidshe；`howcanyouwishmetolive，ifmypresencecannolongerhaveanyothereffectthantogiveyouanairofsadnessandchagrin？Notonekisshaveyougivenmeduringthelonghouryouhavebeeninthehouse，whileyouhavereceivedmycaresseswiththedignifiedindifferenceofaGrandTurk，receivingtheforcedhomageoftheSultanasofhisharem。’
\"`Hearkentome，Manon，’saidI，embracingher；`Icannotconcealfromyouthatmyheartisbitterlyafflicted。Idonotnowalludetotheuneasinessyoursuddenflightcausedme，nortotheunkindnessofquittingmewithoutawordofconsolation，afterhavingpassedthenightawayfromme。Thepleasureofseeingyouagainwouldmorethancompensateforall；butdoyouimaginethatIcanreflectwithoutsighsandtearsuponthedegradingandunhappylifewhichyounowwishmetoleadinthishouse？Saynothingofmybirth，orofmyfeelingsofhonour；
lovelikeminederivesnoaidfromargumentsofthatfeeblenature；butdoyouimaginethatIcanwithoutemotionseemylovesobadlyrecompensed，orrathersocruellytreated，byanungratefulandunfeelingmistress？’
\"Sheinterruptedme。`Stop，chevalier，’saidshe，`itisuselesstotorturemewithreproaches，which，comingfromyou，alwayspiercemyheart。Iseewhatannoysyou。IhadhopedthatyouwouldhaveagreedtotheprojectwhichIhaddevisedformendingourshatteredfortunes，anditwasfromafeelingofdelicacytoyouthatIbegantheexecutionofitwithoutyourassistance；butIgiveitupsinceitdoesnotmeetyourapprobation。’Sheaddedthatshewouldnowmerelyrequestalittlepatientforbearanceduringtheremainderoftheday；thatshehadalreadyreceivedfivehundredcrownsfromtheoldgentleman，andthathehadpromisedtobringherthateveningamagnificentpearlnecklacewithotherjewels，and，inadvance，halfoftheyearlypensionhehadengagedtoallowher。`Leavemeonlytimeenough，’saidshetome，togetpossessionofthesepresents；Ipromiseyouthathewillhavelittletoboastoffromhisconnectionwithme，forinthecountryIrepulsedallhisadvances，puttinghimofftillourreturntotown。Itistruethathehaskissedmyhandathousandtimesover，anditisbutjustthatheshouldpayforeventhisamusement：Iamsurethat，consideringhisrichesaswellashisage，fiveorsixthousandfrancsisnotanunreasonableprice！’
\"Herdeterminationwasofmorevalueinmyeyesthantwentythousandcrowns。IcouldfeelthatIwasnotyetbereftofeverysentimentofhonour，bythesatisfactionIexperiencedatescapingthusfrominfamy，ButIwasbornforbriefjoys，andmiseriesoflongduration。Fateneverrescuedmefromoneprecipice，buttoleadmetoanother。WhenIhadexpressedmydelighttoManonatthischangeinherintentions，ItoldhershehadbetterinformLescautofit，inorderthatwemighttakeourmeasuresinconcert。Atfirsthemurmured，butthemoneyinhandinducedhimtoenterintoourviews。ItwasthendeterminedthatweshouldallmeetatG————M————’ssuppertable，andthat，fortworeasons：first，fortheamusementofpassingmeoffasaschoolboy，andbrothertoManon；andsecondly，topreventtheoldprofligatefromtakinganylibertieswithhismistress，onthestrengthofhisliberalpaymentsinadvance。LescautandIweretoretire，whenhewenttotheroomwhereheexpectedtopassthenight；andManon，insteadoffollowinghim，promisedtocomeout，andjoinus。Lescautundertooktohaveacoachwaitingatthedoor。
\"Thesupperhourhavingarrived，M。G————M————madehisappearance。AlreadyLescautwaswithhissisterinthesupperroom。Themomenttheloverentered，hepresentedhisfaironewithacompletesetofpearls，necklaces，ear-rings，andbracelets，whichmusthavecostatleastathousandcrowns。Hethenplacedonthetablebeforeher，inlouisd’or，twothousandfourhundredfrancs，thehalfofheryear’sallowance。Heseasonedhispresentwithmanyprettyspeechesinthetruestyleoftheoldcourt。Manoncouldnotrefusehimafewkisses：itwassealingherrighttothemoneywhichhehadjusthandedtoher。Iwasatthedoor，andwaitingforLescaut’ssignaltoentertheroom。
\"Heapproachedtotakemebythehand，whileManonwassecuringthemoneyandjewels，andleadingmetowardsM。G————M————，hedesiredmetomakemybow。Imadetwoorthreemostprofoundones。`Prayexcusehim，sir，’saidLescaut，`heisamerechild。
HehasnotyetacquiredmuchofthetonofParis；butnodoubtwithalittletroubleweshallimprovehim。Youwilloftenhavethehonourofseeingthatgentleman，here，’saidhe，turningtowardsme：`takeadvantageofit，andendeavourtoimitatesogoodamodel。’
\"Theoldlibertineappearedtobepleasedwithme。Hepattedmeonthecheek，sayingthatIwasafineboy，butthatIshouldbeonmyguardinParis，whereyoungmenwereeasilydebauched。
LescautassuredhimthatIwasnaturallyofsograveacharacterthatIthoughtofnothingbutbecomingaclergyman，andthat，evenasachild，myfavouriteamusementwasbuildinglittlechapels。`IfancyalikenesstoManon，’saidtheoldgentleman，puttinghishandundermychin。Iansweredhim，withthemostsimpleair——`Sir，thefactis，thatweareverycloselyconnected，andIlovemysisterasanotherportionofmyself。’
`Doyouhearthat，’saidhetoLescaut；`heisindeedacleverboy！Itisapityheshouldnotseesomethingoftheworld。’
`Oh，sir，’Ireplied，`Ihaveseenagreatdealofitathome，attendingchurch，andIbelieveImightfindinParissomegreaterfoolsthanmyself。’`ListenIsaidhe；`itispositivelywonderfulinaboyfromthecountry。’
\"Thewholeconversationduringsupperwasofthesamekind。
Manon，withherusualgaiety，wasseveraltimesonthepointofspoilingthejokebyherburstsoflaughter。Icontrived，whileeating，torecounthisownidenticalhistory，andtopainteventhefatethatawaitedhim。LescautandManonwereinanagonyoffearduringmyrecital，especiallywhileIwasdrawinghisportraittothelife：buthisownvanitypreventedhimfromrecognisingit，andIdiditsowellthathewasthefirsttopronounceitextremelylaughable。YouwillallowthatIhadreasonfordwellingonthisridiculousscene。
Atlengthitwastimetoretire。Hehintedattheimpatienceoflove。LescautandItookourdeparture。G————M————wenttohisroom，andManon，makingsomeexcuseforherabsence，cametojoinusatthegate。Thecoach，thatwaswaitingforusafewdoorsoff，droveuptowardsus，andwewereoutofthestreetinaninstant。
\"AlthoughImustconfessthatthisproceedingappearedtomelittleshortofactualrobbery，itwasnotthemostdishonestonewithwhichIthoughtIhadtoreproachmyself。IhadmorescruplesaboutthemoneywhichIhadwonatplay。However，wederivedaslittleadvantagefromoneasfromtheother；andHeavensometimesordainsthatthelightestfaultshallmeettheseverestpunishment。
\"M。G————M————wasnotlonginfindingoutthathehadbeenduped。Iamnotsurewhetherhetookanystepsthatnighttodiscoverus，buthehadinfluenceenoughtoensureaneffectualpursuit，andweweresufficientlyimprudenttorelyupontheextentofParisandthedistancebetweenourresidenceandhis。
Notonlydidhediscoverourabodeandourcircumstances，butalsowhoIwas——thelifethatIhadledinParis——Manon’sformerconnectionwithB————，——themannerinwhichshehaddeceivedhim：
inaword，allthescandalousfactsofourhistory。Hethereforeresolvedtohaveusapprehended，andtreatedlessascriminalsthanasvagabonds。Anofficercameabruptlyonemorningintoourbedroom，withhalfadozenarchersoftheguard。Theyfirsttookpossessionofourmoney，orIshouldrathersay，ofG————M————’s。
Theymadeusquicklygetup，andconductedustothedoor，wherewefoundtwocoaches，intooneofwhichtheyforcedpoorManon，withoutanyexplanation，andIwastakenintheothertoSt。Lazare。
Onemusthaveexperiencedthiskindofreverse，tounderstandthedespairthatiscausedbyit。ThepoliceweresavageenoughtodenymetheconsolationofembracingManon，orofbiddingherfarewell。Iremainedforalongtimeignorantofherfate。ItwasperhapsfortunateformethatIwaskeptinastateofignorance，forhadIknownwhatshesuffered，Ishouldhavelostmysenses，probablymylife。
\"Myunhappymistresswasdraggedthenfrommypresence，andtakentoaplacetheverynameofwhichfillsmewithhorrortoremember。Thistobethelotofacreaturethemostperfect，whomusthavesharedthemostsplendidthroneonearth，ifothermenhadonlyseenandfeltasIdid！Shewasnottreatedharshlythere，butwasshutupinanarrowprison，andobliged，insolitaryconfinement，toperformacertainquantityofworkeachday，asanecessaryconditionforobtainingthemostunpalatablefood。Ididnotlearnthistillalongtimeafter，whenIhadmyselfenduredsomemonthsofroughandcrueltreatment。
\"Myguardsnothavingtoldmewhereitwasthattheyhadbeenorderedtoconductme，itwasonlyonmyarrivalatSt。LazarethatIlearnedmydestination。Iwouldhavepreferreddeath，atthatmoment，tothestateintowhichIbelievedmyselfabouttobethrown。Ihadtheutmostterrorofthisplace。Mymiserywasincreasedbytheguardsonmyentrance，examiningoncemoremypockets，toascertainwhetherIhadaboutmeanyarmsorweaponsofdefence。
\"Thegovernorappeared。Hehadbeeninformedofmyapprehension。Hesalutedmewithgreatmildness。`Donot，mygoodsir，’saidItohim，`allowmetobetreatedwithindignity。
Iwouldsufferahundreddeathsratherthanquietlysubmittodegradingtreatment。’`No，no，’hereplied，`youwillactquietlyandprudently，andweshallbemutuallycontentwitheachother。’Hebeggedofmetoascendtooneofthehighestrooms；I
followedhimwithoutamurmur。Thearchersaccompaniedustothedoor，andthegovernor，enteringtheroom，madeasignforthemtodepart。`Iamyourprisoner，Isuppose？’saidI；`well，whatdoyouintendtodowithme？’Hesaid，hewasdelightedtoseemeadoptsoreasonableatone；thatitwouldbehisdutytoendeavourtoinspiremewithatasteforvirtueandreligion，andminetoprofitbyhisexhortationsandadvice：thatlightlyasI
mightbedisposedtoratehisattentionstome，Ishouldfindnothingbutenjoymentinmysolitude。`Ah，enjoyment，indeed！’
repliedI；\"youdonotknow，mygoodsir，theonlythingonearththatcouldaffordmeenjoyment。’`Iknowit，’saidhe，`butItrustyourinclinationswillchange。’Hisanswershowedthathehadheardofmyadventures，andperhapsofmyname。I
beggedtoknowifsuchwerethefact。Hetoldmecandidlythattheyhadinformedhimofeveryparticular。
\"ThisblowwastheseverestofanyIhadyetexperienced。I
literallyshedatorrentoftears，inallthebitternessofunmixeddespair；Icouldnotreconcilemyselftothehumiliationwhichwouldmakemeaproverbtoallmyacquaintances，andthedisgraceofmyfamily。Ipassedaweekinthemostprofounddejection，withoutbeingcapableofgaininganyinformation，orofoccupyingmyselfwithanythingbutmyowndegradation。TheremembranceevenofManonaddednothingtomygrief；itonlyoccurredtomeasacircumstancethathadprecededmynewsorrow；
andthesenseofshameandconfusionwasatpresenttheall-absorbingpassion。
\"Therearefewpersonswhohaveexperiencedtheforceofthesespecialworkingsofthemind。Thegeneralityofmenareonlysensibleoffiveorsixpassions，inthelimitedroundofwhichtheypasstheirlives，andwithinwhichalltheiragitationsareconfined。Removethemfromtheinfluenceofloveandhate，pleasureandpain，hopeandfear，andtheyhavenofurtherfeeling。Butpersonsofafinercastcanbeaffectedinathousanddifferentways；itwouldalmostseemthattheyhadmorethanfivesenses，andthattheyareaccessibletoideasandsensationswhichfarexceedtheordinaryfacultiesofhumannature；and，consciousthattheypossessacapacitywhichraisesthemabovethecommonherd，thereisnothingofwhichtheyaremorejealous。Hencespringstheirimpatienceundercontemptandridicule；andhenceitisthatasenseofdebasementisperhapsthemostviolentofalltheiremotions。
\"IhadthismelancholyadvantageatSt。Lazare。Mygriefappearedtothegovernorsoexcessive，that，dreadingtheconsequences，hethoughthewasboundtotreatmewithmoremildnessandindulgence。Hevisitedmetwoorthreetimesaday；
heoftenmademetakeaturnwithhiminthegarden，andshowedhisinterestformeinhisexhortationsandgoodadvice。I
listenedalwaysattentively；andwarmlyexpressedmysenseofhiskindness，fromwhichhederivedhopesofmyultimateconversion。
\"`Youappeartome，’saidheoneday，`ofadispositionsomildandtractable，thatIcannotcomprehendtheexcessesintowhichyouhavefallen。Twothingsastonishme：oneis，how，withyourgoodqualities，youcouldhaveeverabandonedyourselftovice；
andtheother，whichamazesmestillmore，is，howyoucanreceivewithsuchperfecttempermyadviceandinstructions，afterhavinglivedsolonginacourseofdebauchery。Ifitbesincererepentance，youpresentasingularexampleofthebenignmercyofHeaven；ifitproceedfromthenaturalgoodnessofyourdisposition，thenyoucertainlyhavethatwithinyouwhichwarrantsthehopethataprotractedresidenceinthisplacewillnotberequiredtobringyoubacktoaregularandrespectablelife。’
\"Iwasdelightedtofindthathehadsuchanopinionofme。I
resolvedtostrengthenitbyacontinuanceofgoodconduct，convincedthatitwasthesurestmeansofabridgingthetermofmyconfinement。Ibeggedofhimtofurnishmewithbooks。HewasagreeablysurprisedtofindthatwhenherequestedmetosaywhatIshouldprefer，Imentionedonlysomereligiousandinstructiveworks。Ipretendedtodevotemyselfassiduouslytostudy，andIthusgavehimconvincingproofofthemoralreformationhewassoanxioustobringabout。Itwasnothing，however，butrankhypocrisy——Iblushtoconfessit。Insteadofstudying，whenaloneIdidnothingbutcursemydestiny。I
lavishedthebitterestexecrationsonmyprison，andthetyrantswhodetainedmethere。IfIceasedforamomentfromtheselamentations，itwasonlytorelapseintothetormentingremembranceofmyfatalandunhappylove。Manon’sabsence——themysteryinwhichherfatewasveiled——thedreadofneveragainbeholdingher；theseformedthesubjectofmymelancholythoughts。IfanciedherinthearmsofG————M————。FarfromimaginingthathecouldhavebeenbruteenoughtosubjecthertothesametreatmenttowhichIwascondemned，Ifeltpersuadedthathehadonlyprocuredmyremoval，inorderthathemightpossessherinundisturbedenjoyment。
\"Oh！howmiserablewerethedaysandnightsIthuspassed！Theyseemedtobeofendlessduration。Myonlyhopeofescapenow，wasinhypocrisy；Iscrutinisedthecountenance，andcarefullymarkedeveryobservationthatfellfromthegovernor，inordertoascertainwhathereallythoughtofme；andlookingonhimasthesolearbiterofmyfuturefate，Imadeitmystudytowin，ifpossible，hisfavour。IsoonhadthesatisfactiontofindthatI
wasfirmlyestablishedinhisgoodgraces，andnolongerdoubtedhisdispositiontobefriendme。
\"I，oneday，venturedtoaskhimwhethermyliberationdependedonhim。Herepliedthatitwasnotaltogetherinhishands，butthathehadnodoubtthatonhisrepresentationM。G————M————，atwhoseinstancethelieutenant-generalofpolicehadorderedmetobeconfined，wouldconsenttomybeingsetatliberty。`MayI
flattermyself，’rejoinedI，inthemildesttone，`thathewillconsidertwomonths，whichIhavenowspentinthisprison，asasufficientatonement？’Heofferedtospeaktohim，ifIwishedit。Iimploredhimwithoutdelaytodomethatfavour。
\"HetoldmetwodaysafterwardsthatG————M————wassosensiblyaffectedbywhathehadheard，thathenotonlywasreadytoconsenttomyliberation，butthathehadevenexpressedastrongdesiretobecomebetteracquaintedwithme，andthathehimselfpurposedtopaymeavisitinprison。Althoughhispresencecouldnotaffordmemuchpleasure，Ilookeduponitasacertainpreludetomyliberation。
\"HeaccordinglycametoSt。Lazare。ImethimwithanairmoregraveandcertainlylesssillythanIhadexhibitedathishousewithManon。Hespokereasonablyenoughofmyformerbadconduct。
Headded，asiftoexcusehisowndelinquencies，thatitwasgraciouslypermittedtotheweaknessofmantoindulgeincertainpleasures，almost，indeed，promptedbynature，butthatdishonestyandsuchshamefulpracticesoughttobe，andalwayswouldbe，inexorablypunished。
\"Ilistenedtoallhesaidwithanairofsubmission，whichquitecharmedhim。IbetrayednosymptomsofannoyanceevenatsomejokesinwhichheindulgedaboutmyrelationshipwithManonandLescaut，andaboutthelittlechapelsofwhichhesupposedI
musthavehadtimetoerectagreatmanyinSt。Lazare，asIwassofondofthatoccupation。Buthehappened，unluckilybothformeandforhimself，toadd，thathehopedManonhadalsoemployedherselfinthesameedifyingmannerattheMagdalen。
NotwithstandingthethrillofhorrorIfeltatthesoundofthename，Ihadstillpresenceofmindenoughtobeg，inthegentlestmanner，thathewouldexplainhimself。`Oh！yes，’hereplied，`shehasbeentheselasttwomonthsattheMagdalenlearningtobeprudent，andItrustshehasimprovedherselfasmuchthere，asyouhavedoneatSt。Lazare！’
\"Ifaneternalimprisonment，ordeathitself，hadbeenpresentedtomyview，Icouldnothaverestrainedtheexcitementintowhichthisafflictingannouncementthrewme。Iflungmyselfuponhiminsoviolentaragethathalfmystrengthwasexhaustedbytheeffort。Ihad，however，morethanenoughlefttodraghimtotheground，andgrasphimbythethroat。Ishouldinfalliblyhavestrangledhim，ifhisfall，andthehalf-stifledcrieswhichhehadstillthepowertoutter，hadnotattractedthegovernorandseveraloftheprieststomyroom。Theyrescuedhimfrommyfury。
\"Iwas，myself，breathlessandalmostimpotentfromrage。`OhGod！’Icried——`Heavenlyjustice！MustIsurvivethisinfamy？’
Itriedagaintoseizethebarbarianwhohadthusrousedmyindignation——theypreventedme。Mydespair——mycries——mytears，exceededallbelief：Iravedinsoincoherentamannerthatallthebystanders，whowereignorantofthecause，lookedateachotherwithasmuchdreadassurprise。
\"G————M————inthemeantimeadjustedhiswigandcravat，andinhisangerathavingbeensoill-treated，orderedmetobekeptundermoresevererestraintthanbefore，andtobepunishedinthemannerusualwithoffendersinSt。Lazare。`No，sir！’saidthegovernor，`itisnotwithapersonofhisbirththatweareinthehabitofusingsuchmeansofcoercion；besides，heishabituallysomildandwell-conducted，thatIcannotbutthinkyoumusthavegivenprovocationforsuchexcessiveviolence。’
ThisreplydisconcertedG————M————beyondmeasureandhewentaway，declaringthatheknewhowtoberevengedonthegovernor，aswellasonme，andeveryoneelsewhodaredtothwarthim。
\"TheSuperior，havingorderedsomeofthebrotherhoodtoescorthimoutoftheprison，remainedalonewithme。Heconjuredmetotellhimatoncewhatwasthecauseofthefracas。——`Oh，mygoodsir！’saidItohim，continuingtocrylikeachild，`imaginethemosthorriblecruelty，figuretoyourselfthemostinhumanofatrocities——thatiswhatG————M————hashadthecowardlybasenesstoperpetrate：hehaspiercedmyheart。NevershallI
recoverfromthisblow！Iwouldgladlytellyouthewholecircumstance，’addedI，sobbingwithgrief；`youarekind-hearted，andcannotfailtopityme。’
\"Igavehim，asbrieflyasIcould，ahistoryofmylong-standingandinsurmountablepassionforManon，oftheflourishingconditionofourfortunesprevioustotherobberycommittedbyourservants，oftheofferswhichG————M————hadmadetomymistress，oftheunderstandingtheyhadcometo，andthemannerinwhichithadbeendefeated。Tobesure，I
representedthingstohiminasfavourablealightforusaspossible。`Nowyoucancomprehend，’continuedI，`thesourceofM。G————M————’sholyzealformyconversion。Hehashadinfluenceenoughtohavemeshutuphere，outofmererevenge。
ThatIcanpardon；but，mygoodsir，thatisnotall。Hehastakenfrommemyheart’sblood：hehashadManonshamefullyincarceratedintheMagdalen；andhadtheeffronterytoannounceittomethisdaywithhisownlips。IntheMagdalen，goodsir！
Ohheavens！myadorablemistress，mybelovedManon，adegradedinmateoftheHospital！HowshallIcommandstrengthofmindenoughtosurvivethisgriefandshame！’
\"ThegoodFather，seeingmeinsuchaffliction，endeavouredtoconsoleme。Hetoldmethathehadneverunderstoodmyhistory，asIjustnowrelatedit；hehadofcourseknownthatIledadissolutelife，buthehadimaginedthatM。G————M————’sinterestaboutmewastheresultofhisesteemandfriendshipformyfamily；thatitwasinthissensehehadexplainedthemattertohim；thatwhatIhadnowtoldhimshouldassuredlyproduceachangeinmytreatment，andthathehadnodoubtbuttheaccuratedetailwhichheshouldimmediatelytransmittothelieutenant-generalofpolicewouldbringaboutmyliberation。
\"HethenenquiredwhyIhadneverthoughtofinformingmyfamilyofwhathadtakenplace，sincetheyhadnotbeeninstrumentaltomyincarceration。Isatisfactorilyansweredthisbystatingmyunwillingnesstocausemyfatherpain，ortobringuponmyselfthehumiliationofsuchanexposure。Intheend，hepromisedtogodirectlytothelieutenant-generalofpoliceifitwereonly，saidhe，tobebeforehandwithM。G————M————，whowentoffinsucharage，andwhohadsufficientinfluencetomakehimselfformidable。
\"IlookedforthegoodFather’sreturnwithallthesuspenseofamanexpectingsentenceofdeath。ItwastorturetometothinkofManonattheMagdalen。Besidestheinfamyofsuchaprison，I
knewnothowshemightbetreatedthere；andtherecollectionofsomeparticularsIhadformerlyheardofthishorribleplace，incessantlyrenewedmymisery。Costwhatitmight，Iwassobentuponrelievingherbysomemeansorother，thatIshouldassuredlyhavesetfiretoSt。Lazare，ifnoothermodeofescapehadpresenteditself。
\"Iconsideredwhatchanceswouldremaintomeifthelieutenant-
generalstillkeptmeinconfinement。Itaxedmyingenuity：I
scannedeveryimaginablegleamofhope——Icoulddiscovernothingthatgavemeanyprospectofescape，andIfearedthatIshouldexperienceonlymorerigidconfinement，ifImadeanunsuccessfulattempt。IthoughtofsomefriendsfromwhomImighthopeforaid，butthen，howwasItomakethemawareofmysituation？AtlengthIfanciedthatIhadhituponaplansoingenious，astoofferafairprobabilityofsuccess。IpostponedthedetailsofitsarrangementuntilaftertheSuperior’sreturn，incaseofhishavingfailedintheobjectofhisvisit。
\"Hesoonarrived：Ididnotobserveuponhiscountenanceanyofthosemarksofjoythatindicategoodnews。`Ihavespoken，’
saidhe，`tothelieutenant-generalofpolice，butIwastoolate，M。G————M————wentstraighttohimafterquittingus，andsoprejudicedhimagainstyou，thathewasonthepointofsendingmefreshinstructionstosubjectyoutocloserconfinement。
\"`However，whenIlethimknowthetruthofyourstory，hereconsideredthematter，and，smilingattheincontinenceofoldG————M————，hesaiditwouldbenecessarytokeepyouhereforsixmonthslonger，inordertopacifyhim；thelesstobelamented，’headded，`becauseyourmoralswouldbesuretobenefitbyyourresidencehere。HedesiredthatIwouldshowyoueverykindnessandattention，andIneednotassureyouthatyoushallhavenoreasontocomplainofyourtreatment。’
\"ThisspeechoftheSuperior’swaslongenoughtoaffordmetimetoformaprudentresolution。Isawthatbybetrayingtoostronganimpatienceformyliberty，Ishouldprobablybeupsettingallmyprojects。Iacknowledgedtohim，that，asitwasnecessarytometoremain，itwasaninfinitecomforttoknowthatIpossessedaplaceinhisesteem。Ithenrequested，andwithunaffectedsincerity，afavour，whichcouldbeofnoconsequencetoothers，andwhichwouldcontributemuchtomypeaceofmind；itwastoinformafriendofmine，adevoutclergyman，wholivedatSt。
Sulpice，thatIwasatSt。Lazare，andtopermitmeoccasionallytoreceivehisvisits。
\"ThiswasofcoursemyfriendTiberge；notthatIcouldhopefromhimtheassistancenecessaryforeffectingmyliberty；butI
wishedtomakehimtheunconsciousinstrumentofmydesigns。Inaword，thiswasmyproject：IwishedtowritetoLescaut，andtochargehimandourcommonfriendswiththetaskofmydeliverance。Thefirstdifficultywastohavemyletterconveyedtohim：thisshouldbeTiberge’soffice。However，asheknewhimtobeManon’sbrother，Idoubtedwhetherhewouldtakechargeofthiscommission。MyplanwastoenclosemylettertoLescautinanothertosomerespectablemanofmyacquaintance，beggingofhimtotransmitthefirsttoitsaddresswithoutdelay；andasitwasnecessarythatIshouldhavepersonalcommunicationwithLescaut，inordertoarrangeourproceedings，ItoldhimtocallonmeatSt。Lazare，andassumethenameofmyeldestbrother，asifhehadcometoParisexpresslytoseeme。IpostponedtillourmeetingallmentionofthesafestandmostexpeditiouscourseIintendedtosuggestforourfutureconduct。ThegovernorinformedTibergeofmywishtoseehim。Thisever-faithfulfriendhadnotsoentirelylostsightofmeastobeignorantofmypresentabode，anditisprobablethat，inhisheart，hedidnotregretthecircumstance，fromanideathatitmightfurnishthemeansofmymoralregeneration。Helostnotimeinpayingmethedesiredvisit。
VI
Itisastrangethingtonotetheexcessofthispassion；
andhowitbravesthenatureandvalueofthings，bythis——
thatthespeakinginaperpetualhyperboleiscomelyinnothingbutinlove。——BACON。
\"MyinterviewwithTibergewasofthemostfriendlydescription。
Isawthathisobjectwastodiscoverthepresenttemperofmymind。Iopenedmyhearttohimwithoutanyreserve，exceptastothemerepointofmyintentionofescaping。`Itisnotfromsuchafriendasyou，’saidI，`thatIcaneverwishtodissemblemyrealfeelings。Ifyouflatteredyourselfwithahopethatyouwereatlastabouttofindmegrownprudentandregularinmyconduct，alibertinereclaimedbythechastisementsoffortune，releasedalikefromthetrammelsoflove，andthedominionthatManonwieldsoverme，Imustincandoursay，thatyoudeceiveyourself。Youstillbeholdme，asyouleftmefourmonthsago，theslave——ifyouwill，theunhappyslave——ofapassion，fromwhichInowhope，asferventlyandasconfidentlyasIeverdid，toderiveeventuallysolidcomfort。’
\"Heanswered，thatsuchanacknowledgmentrenderedmeutterlyinexcusable；thatitwasnouncommoncasetomeetsinnerswhoallowedthemselvestobesodazzledwiththeglareofviceastopreferitopenlytothetruesplendourofvirtue；theywereatleastdeludedbythefalseimageofhappiness，thepoordupesofanemptyshadow；buttheknowandfeelasIdid，thattheobjectofmyattachmentwasonlycalculatedtorendermeculpableandunhappy，andtocontinuethusvoluntarilyinacareerofmiseryandcrime，involvedacontradictionofideasandofconductlittlecreditabletomyreason。
\"`Tiberge，’repliedI，`itiseasytotriumphwhenyourargumentsareunopposed。Allowmetoreasonforafewmomentsinmyturn。Canyoupretendthatwhatyoucallthehappinessofvirtueisexemptfromtroubles，andcrosses，andcares？Bywhatnamewillyoudesignatethedungeon，therack，theinflectionsandtorturesoftyrants？WillyousaywiththeMystics[1]thatthesoulderivespleasurefromthetormentsofthebody？Youarenotboldenoughtoholdsuchadoctrine——aparadoxnottobemaintained。Thishappiness，then，thatyouprizesomuch，hasathousanddrawbacks，oris，moreproperlyspeaking，butatissueofsufferingsthroughwhichonehopestoattainfelicity。Ifbythepowerofimaginationonecanevenderivepleasurefromthesesufferings，hopingthattheymayleadtoahappyend，why，letmeask，doyoudeemmyconductsenseless，whenitisdirectedbypreciselythesameprinciple？IloveManon：Iwadethroughsorrowandsufferinginordertoattainhappinesswithher。Mypathisoneindeedofdifficulties，butthemerehopeofreachingthedesiredgoalmakesiteasyanddelightful；andIshallthinkmyselfbuttoobountifullyrepaidbyonemomentofhersociety，forallthetroublesIencounterinmycourse。Thereappearsthereforenodifferencebetweenus，or，iftherebeany，itisassuredlyinmyfavour；fortheblissIhopeforisnearandtangible，yoursisfardistant，andpurelyspeculative。Mineisofthesamekindasmysufferings，thatistosay，evidenttomysenses；yoursisofanincomprehensiblenature，andonlydiscerniblethroughthedimmediumoffaith。’
[1]AfavouritetenetoftheMystics，advocatedbyMadamedeGuyon，andadoptedbytheamiableandeloquentFenelon，was，thattheloveoftheSupremeBeingmustbepureanddisinterested；
thatis，exemptfromallviewsofinterest，andallhopeofreward。SeethecontroversybetweenBossuetandFenelon。
\"Tibergeappearedshockedbymyremarks。Heretiredtwoorthreepacesfromme，whilehesaid，inthemostserioustone，thatmyargumentwasnotonlyaviolationofgoodsense，butthatitwasthemiserablesophistryofirreligion；`forthecomparison，’headded，`ofthepitifulrewardofyoursufferingswiththatheldouttousbythedivinerevelation，istheessenceofimpietyandabsurditycombined。’
\"`Iacknowledge，’saidI，`thatthecomparisonisnotajustone，butmyargumentdoesnotatalldependuponit。Iwasabouttoexplainwhatyouconsideracontradiction——theperseveringinapainfulpursuit；andIthinkIhavesatisfactorilyproved，thatiftherebeanycontradictioninthat，weshallbebothequallyobnoxioustothecharge。Itwasinthislight，only，thatI
couldobservenodifferenceinourcases，andIcannotasyetperceiveany。
\"`Youmayprobablyanswer，thattheproposedend，thepromisedreward，ofvirtue，isinfinitelysuperiortothatoflove？Noonedisputesit，butthatisnotthequestion——weareonlydiscussingtherelativeaidtheybothaffordintheenduranceofaffliction。Judgeofthatbythepracticaleffect：aretherenotmultitudeswhoabandonalifeofstrictvirtue？howfewgiveupthepursuitsoflove！
\"`Again，youwillreplythatiftherebedifficultiesintheexerciseofvirtue，theyarebynomeansuniversalandsure；thatthegoodmandoesnotnecessarilymeettyrantsandtortures，andthat，onthecontrary，alifeofvirtueisperfectlycompatiblewithreposeandenjoyment。Icansaywithequaltruth，thatloveisoftenaccompaniedbycontentandhappiness；andwhatmakesanotherdistinctionofinfiniteadvantagetomyargument，Imayaddthatlove，thoughitoftendeludes，neverholdsoutotherthanhopesofblissandjoy，whilstreligionexactsfromhervotariesmortificationandsorrow。
\"`Donotbealarmed，’saidI，perceivingthatIhadalmostoffendedhiszealousfeelingsofdevotion。`Ionlywishtosay，thatthereisnomoreunsuccessfulmethodofweaningman’sheartfromlove，thanbyendeavouringtodecryitsenjoyments，andbypromisinghimmorepleasurefromtheexerciseofvirtue。Itisaninherentprincipleinournature，thatourfelicityconsistsonlyinpleasure。Idefyyoutoconceiveanyothernotionofit；
anditrequireslittletimetoarriveattheconviction，that，ofallpleasures，thoseofloveareimmeasurablythemostenchanting。Amanquicklydiscernsthedelusion，whenhehearsthepromisemadeoflivelierenjoyment，andtheeffectofsuchmisrepresentationisonlytomakehimdoubtthetruthofamoresolidpromise。
\"`Letthepreacherwhoseeksthereformationofasinnertellmethatvirtueisindispensablynecessary，butnotdisguiseitsdifficultyanditsattendantdenials。Saythattheenjoymentsoflovearefleeting，ifyouwill，thattheyarerigidlyforbidden，thattheyleadwithcertaintytoeternalsuffering；and，whatwouldassuredlymakeadeeperimpressionuponmethananyotherargument，saythatthemoresweetanddelectabletheyare，thebrighterwillbetherewardofHeavenforgivingthemupinsacrifice；butdointhenameofjusticeadmit，that，constitutedastheheartofmanis，theyformhere，onearth，ourmostperfecthappiness。’
\"MylastsentencerestoredtoTibergehisgoodhumour。Heallowedthatmyideaswerenotaltogethersounreasonable。Theonlypointhemade，wasinaskingmewhyIdidnotcarrymyownprincipleintooperation，bysacrificingmypassiontothehopeofthatremunerationofwhichIhaddrawnsobrilliantapicture。
`Oh！mydearfriend，’repliedI；`thatitiswhichmakesmeconsciousofmyownmiseryandweakness：true，alas！itisindeedmydutytoactaccordingtomyargument；buthaveIthepowerofgoverningmyownactions？WhataidwillenablemetoforgetManon’scharms？’’Godforgiveme，’saidTiberge，`IcanalmostfancyyouaJansenist[1]。`IknownotofwhatsectIam，’
repliedI，`nordoIindeedveryclearlyseetowhichIoughttobelong；butIcannothelpfeelingthetruthofthisatleastoftheirtenets。’
[1]ThefirstpropositionoftheJansenistswas，thattherearedivinepreceptswhichgoodmen，notwithstandingtheirdesiretoobservethem，areneverthelessabsolutelyunabletoobey：Godnothavinggiventhemsuchameasureofgraceasisessentiallynecessarytorenderthemcapableofobedience。——Mosheim’sEccles。
Hist。，ii。397。
\"Oneeffectofourconversationwastorevivemyfriend’spityformeinallitsforce。Heperceivedthattherewasinmyerrorsmoreofweaknessthanofvice；andhewasthemoredisposedintheendtogivemeassistance；withoutwhichIshouldinfalliblyhaveperishedfromdistressofmind。However，I
carefullyconcealedfromhimmyintentionofescapingfromSt。
Lazare。Imerelybeggedofhimtotakechargeofmyletter；I
haditreadybeforehecame，andIsoonfoundanexcuseforthenecessityofwriting。Hefaithfullytransmittedit，andLescautreceivedbeforeeveningtheoneIhadenclosedforhim。
\"Hecametoseemenextmorning，andfortunatelywasadmittedundermybrother’sname。Iwasoverjoyedatfindinghiminmyroom。Icarefullyclosedthedoor。`Letuslosenotime，’I
said。`FirsttellmeaboutManon，andthenadvisemehowIamtoshakeoffthesefetters。’Heassuredmethathehadnotseenhissistersincethedaybeforemyarrest，andthatitwasonlybyrepeatedenquiries，andaftermuchtrouble，thathehadatlengthbeenabletodiscoverherfateaswellasmine；andthathehadtwoorthreetimespresentedhimselfattheMagdalen，andbeenrefusedadmittance。`Wretch！’mutteredItomyself，`dearlyshallG————M————payforthis！’
`Astoyourescape，’continuedLescaut，`itwillnotbesoeasyasyouimagine。Lastevening，Iandacoupleoffriendswalkedroundthisestablishmenttoreconnoitreit；andweagreedthat，asyourwindowslookedintoacourtsurroundedbybuildings，asyouyourselfmentionedinyourletter，therewouldbevastdifficultyingettingyouout。Besides，youareonthethirdstory，anditwouldbeimpossibletointroduceropesorladdersthroughthewindow。Ithereforeseenomeansfromwithout——inthehouseitselfwemusthituponsomescheme。’
\"`No，’repliedI；`Ihaveexaminedeverythingminutely，particularlysince，throughthegovernor’sindulgence，myconfinementhasbeenlessrigorous。Iamnolongerlockedintomyroom；Ihavelibertytowalkinthegallery；butthereis，uponeverylanding，astrongdoorkeptclosednightandday，sothatitisimpossiblethatingenuityalone，unaidedbysomeviolentefforts，canrescueme。
\"`Wait，’saidI，afterturninginmymindforamomentanideathatstruckmeasexcellent；`couldyoubringmeapistol？’
`Softly，’saidLescauttome，`youdon’tthinkofcommittingmurder？’IassuredhimthatIhadsolittleintentionofshootinganyone，thatitwouldnotbeevennecessarytohavethepistolloaded。`Bringittometomorrow，’Iadded，`anddonotfailtobeexactlyoppositethegreatentrancewithtwoorthreeofyourfriendsateleventomorrownight；IthinkIshallbeabletojoinyouthere。’Heinvainrequestedmetoexplainmyplan。
ItoldhimthatsuchanattemptasIcontemplatedcouldonlyappearrationalafterithadsucceeded。Ibeggedofhimtoshortenhisvisit，inorderthathemightwiththelessdifficultybeadmittednextmorning。Hewasaccordinglyadmittedasreadilyasonhisfirstvisit。Hehadputonsoseriousanair，moreover，thatastrangerwouldhavetakenhimforarespectableperson。
\"WhenIfoundinmyhandtheinstrumentofmyliberty，Inolongerdoubtedmysuccess。Itwascertainlyastrangeandaboldproject；butofwhatwasInotcapable，withthemotivesthatinspiredme？Ihad，sinceIwasallowedpermissiontowalkinthegalleries，foundopportunitiesofobservingthateverynighttheporterbroughtthekeysofallthedoorstothegovernor，andsubsequentlytherealwaysreignedaprofoundsilenceinthehouse，whichshowedthattheinmateshadretiredtorest。TherewasanopencommunicationbetweenmyroomandthatoftheSuperior。Myresolutionwas，ifherefusedquietlytosurrenderthekeys，toforcehim，byfearofthepistol，todeliverthemup，andthenbytheirhelptogainthestreet。Iimpatientlyawaitedthemomentforexecutingmypurpose。Theporterarrivedathisusualtime，thatistosay，soonafternineo’clock。I
allowedanhourtoelapse，inorderthatthepriestsaswellastheservantsmightbeallasleep。Iatlengthproceededwithmypistolandalightedcandle。Ifirstgaveagentletapatthegovernor’sdoortoawakenwithoutalarminghim。Iknockedasecondtimebeforeheheardme；andsupposingofcoursethatitwasoneofthepriestswhowastakenillandwantedassistance，hegotoutofbed，dressedhimself，andcametothedoor。Hehad，however，theprecautiontoaskfirstwhoitwas，andwhatwaswanted？Iwasobligedtomentionmyname，butIassumedaplaintivetone，tomakehimbelievethatIwasindisposed。`Ah！
itisyou，mydearboy，’saidheonopeningthedoor；`whatcanbringyouhereatthishour？’Isteppedinsidethedoor，andleadinghimtotheoppositesideoftheroom，IdeclaredtohimthatitwasabsolutelyimpossibleformetoremainlongeratSt。
Lazare；thatthenightwasthemostfavourabletimeforgoingoutunobserved，andthatIconfidentlyexpected，fromhistriedfriendship，thathewouldconsenttoopenthegatesforme，orentrustmewiththekeystoletmyselfout。
\"Thiscomplimenttohisfriendshipseemedtosurprisehim。Hestoodforafewmomentslookingatmewithoutmakinganyreply。
FindingthatIhadnotimetolose，IjustbeggedtoassurehimthatIhadthemostlivelysenseofallhiskindnesses，butthatfreedomwasdearertomanthaneveryotherconsideration，especiallysotome，whohadbeencruellyandunjustlydeprivedofit；thatIwasresolvedthisnighttorecoverit，costwhatitwould，andfearinglesthemightraisehisvoiceandcallforassistance，IlethimseethepowerfulincentivetosilencewhichIhadkeptconcealedinmybosom。`Apistol！’criedhe。`What！
myson？willyoutakeawaymylifeinreturnfortheattentionsI
haveshownyou？’`Godforbid，’repliedI；`youaretooreasonabletodrivemetothathorribleextremity：butIamdeterminedtobefree，andsofirmlydetermined，thatifyoudefeatmyproject，Iwillputanendtoyourexistence。’`But，mydearson！’saidhe，paleandfrightened，`whathaveIdonetoyou？Whatreasonhaveyoufortakingmylife？’`No！’repliedI，impatiently，`Ihavenodesignuponyourlife，ifyou，yourself，wishtolive；openbutthedoorsforme，andyouwillfindmethemostattachedoffriends。’Iperceivedthekeysuponthetable。
Irequestedhewouldtaketheminhishandandwalkbeforeme，makingaslittlenoiseashepossiblycould。
\"Hesawthenecessityofconsenting。Weproceeded，andasheopenedeachdoor，herepeated，alwayswithasigh，`Ah！myson，whocouldhavebelievedit？’`Nonoise，goodFather，nonoise，’
Iasoftenansweredinmyturn。Atlengthwereachedakindofbarrier，justinsidethegreatentrance。Ialreadyfanciedmyselffree，andkeptclosebehindthegovernor，withmycandleinonehand，andmypistolintheother。
\"Whilehewasendeavouringtoopentheheavygate，oneoftheservants，whosleptinanadjoiningroom，hearingthenoiseofthebolts，jumpedoutofbed，andpeepedforthtoseewhatwaspassing。ThegoodFatherapparentlythoughthimstrongenoughtooverpowerme。Hecommandedhim，mostimprudently，tocometohisassistance。Hewasapowerfulruffian，andthrewhimselfuponmewithoutaninstant’shesitation。Therewasnotimeforparleying——Ilevelledmypistolandlodgedthecontentsinhisbreast！`See，Father，ofwhatmischiefyouhavebeenthecause，’
saidItomyguide；`butthatmustnotpreventusfromfinishingourwork，’Iadded，pushinghimontowardsthelastdoor。Hedidnotdarerefusetoopenit。Imademyexitinperfectsafety，and，afewpacesoff，foundLescautwithtwofriendswaitingforme，accordingtohispromise。
\"Weremovedatoncetoadistance。Lescautenquiredwhetherhehadnotheardthereportofapistol？`Youaretoblame，’saidI，`whydidyoubringitcharged？’I，however，couldnothelpthankinghimforhavingtakenthisprecaution，withoutwhichI
doubtlessmusthavecontinuedmuchlongeratSt。Lazare。Wewenttopassthenightatatavern，whereImadeup，insomedegree，forthemiserablefarewhichhadbeendoledouttomefornearlythreemonths。Iwasveryfar，however，fromtastingperfectenjoyment；Manon’ssufferingsweremine。`Shemustbereleased，’
saidItomycompanions：`thiswasmysoleobjectindesiringmyownliberty。Irelyonyouraidingmewithallyouringenuity；
asformyself，mylifeshallbedevotedtothepurpose。’
\"Lescaut，whowasnotdeficientintact，andstilllessinthatbetterpartofvalourcalleddiscretion，dweltuponthenecessityofactingwithextremecaution：hesaidthatmyescapefromSt。
Lazare，andtheaccidentthathappenedonmyleavingit，wouldassuredlycreateasensation；thatthelieutenant-generalofpolicewouldcauseastrictsearchtobemadeforme，anditwouldbedifficulttoevadehim；infine，that，unlessdisposedtoencountersomethingworse，perhaps，thanSt。Lazare，itwouldberequisiteformetoremainconcealedforafewdays，inordertogivetheenemy’szealtimetocool。Nodoubtthiswaswisecounsel；but，oneshouldhavebeenwiseoneselftohavefollowedit。Suchcalculatingslownesslittlesuitedmypassion。TheutmostIcouldbringmyselftopromisewas，thatIwouldsleepthroughthewholeofthenextday。Helockedmeinmybedroom，whereIremainedpatientlyuntilnight。
\"IemployedgreatpartofthetimeindevisingschemesforrelievingManon。Ifeltpersuadedthatherprisonwasevenmoreinaccessiblethanminehadbeen。Forcewasoutofthequestion。
Artificewastheonlyresource；butthegoddessofinventionherselfcouldnothavetoldmehowtobegin。Ifelttheimpossibilityofworkinginthedark，andthereforepostponedthefurtherconsiderationofmyschemesuntilIcouldacquiresomeknowledgeoftheinternalarrangementsoftheHospital，inwhichshewasconfined。
\"Assoonasnightrestoredtomemyliberty，IbeggedofLescauttoaccompanyme。Wewerenotlongindrawingoneoftheportersintoconversation；heappearedareasonableman。IpassedforastrangerwhohadoftenwithadmirationheardtalkoftheHospital，andoftheorderthatreignedwithinit。Ienquiredintothemostminutedetails；and，proceedingfromonesubjecttoanother，weatlengthspokeofthemanagers，andoftheseI
beggedtoknowthenamesandtherespectivecharacters。Hegavemesuchinformationuponthelatterpointasatoncesuggestedanideawhichflatteredmyhopes，andIimmediatelysetaboutcarryingitintoexecution。