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。