\"Iknownotwhatwerehisintentionsatthatmomentwithregardtous；wemightperhapshaveregainedourlibertyifwehadtoldhimwherehissonwas。AsIdressed，Iconsideredwhetherthiswouldnotbethewisestcourse。Butif，onquittingtheroom，suchhadbeenthedispositionofhismind，itwasverydifferentwhenhereturned。HehadfirstgonetoquestionManon’sservants，whowereinthecustodyoftheguard。Fromthosewhohadbeenexpresslyhiredforherservicebyhisson，hecouldlearnnothing；butwhenhefoundthatMarcelhadbeenpreviouslyourservant，hedeterminedtoextractsomeinformationfromhim，bymeansofintimidation，threats，orbribes。
\"Thisladwasfaithful，butweakandunsophisticated。TheremembranceofwhathehaddoneatthepenitentiaryforManon’srelease，joinedtotheterrorwithwhichG————M————nowinspiredhim，sosubduedhismind，thathethoughttheywereaboutleadinghimtothegallows，ortherack。Hepromisedthat，iftheywouldsparehislife，hewoulddiscloseeverythingheknew。ThisspeechmadeG————M————imaginethattherewassomethingmoreseriousintheaffairthanhehadbeforesupposed；henotonlygaveMarcelapromiseofhislife，butahandsomerewardinhandforhisintendedconfession。
\"Theboobythentoldhimtheleadingfeaturesofourplot，ofwhichwehadmadenosecretbeforehim，ashewashimselftohaveborneapartinit。True，heknewnothingofthealterationswehadmadeatParisinouroriginaldesign；buthehadbeeninformed，beforequittingChaillot，ofourprojectedadventure，andoftheparthewastoperform。Hethereforetoldhimthattheobjectwastomakeadupeofhisson；andthatManonwastoreceive，ifshehadnotalreadyreceived，tenthousandfrancs，which，accordingtoourproject，wouldbeeffectuallylosttoG————M————，hisheirsandassignsforever。
\"Havingacquiredthisinformation，theoldgentlemanhastenedbackinaragetotheapartment。Withoututteringaword，hepassedintotheboudoir，whereheeasilyputhishanduponthemoneyandthejewels。Hethenaccostedus，burstingwithrage；
andholdingupwhathewaspleasedtocallourplunder，heloadeduswiththemostindignantreproaches。HeplacedclosetoManon’seyethepearlnecklaceandbracelets。`Doyourecognisethem？’saidhe，inatoneofmockery；’itisnot，perhaps，thefirsttimeyoumayhaveseenthem。Theidenticalpearls，bymyfaith！Theywereselectedbyyourownexquisitetaste！Thepoorinnocents！’addedhe；`theyreallyaremostamiablecreatures，bothoneandtheother；buttheyareperhapsalittletoomuchinclinedtoroguery。’
\"Icouldhardlycontainmyindignationatthisspeech。Iwouldhavegivenforonemoment’sliberty——Heavens！whatwouldInothavegiven？Atlength，Isuppressedmyfeelingssufficientlytosayinatoneofmoderation，whichwasbuttherefinementofrage：`Putanend，sir，tothisinsolentmockery！Whatisyourobject？Whatdoyoupurposedoingwithus？’
\"`M。Chevalier，’heanswered，`myobjectistoseeyouquietlylodgedintheprisonofLeChatelet。Tomorrowwillbringdaylightwithit，andweshallthenbeabletotakeaclearerviewofmatters；andIhopeyouwillatlastdomethefavourtoletmeknowwheremysonis。’
\"ItdidnotrequiremuchconsiderationtofeelconvincedthatourincarcerationinLeChateletwouldbeaseriouscalamity。I
foresawallthedangersthatwouldensue。Inspiteofmypride，Iplainlysawthenecessityofbendingbeforemyfate，andconciliatingmymostimplacableenemybysubmission。Ibeggedofhim，inthequietestmanner，tolistentome。`Iwishtodomyselfbutcommonjustice，sir，’saidItohim；`Iadmitthatmyyouthhasledmeintoegregiousfollies；andthatyouhavehadfairreasontocomplain：butifyouhaveeverfelttheresistlesspoweroflove，ifyoucanenterintothesufferingsofanunhappyyoungman，fromwhomallthathemostlovedwasravished，youmaythinkmeperhapsnotsoculpableinseekingthegratificationofaninnocentrevenge；oratleast，youmayconsidermesufficientlypunished，bytheexposureanddegradationIhavejustnowendured。Neitherpainsnorimprisonmentwillberequisitetomakemetellyouwhereyoursonnowis。Heisinperfectsafety。Itwasnevermyintentiontoinjurehim，nortogiveyoujustcauseforoffence。Iamreadytoletyouknowtheplacewhereheissafelypassingthenight，if，inreturn，youwillsetusatliberty。’
\"Theoldtiger，farfrombeingsoftenedbymyprayer，turnedhisbackuponmeandlaughed。Afewwords，escapedhim，whichshowedthatheperfectlywellknewourwholeplanfromthecommencement。
Asforhisson，thebrutesaidthathewouldeasilyfindhim，sinceIhadnotassassinatedhim。`ConductthemtothePetit-Chatelet，’saidhetothearchers；`andtakeespecialcarethatthechevalierdoesnotescapeyou：heisascampthatoncebeforeescapedfromSt。Lazare。’
\"Hewentout，andleftmeinaconditionthatyoumaypicturetoyourself。`OHeavens！’criedItomyself，`Ireceivewithhumblesubmissionallyourvisitations；butthatawretchedscoundrelshouldthushavethepowertotyranniseoverme！thisitisthatplungesmeintothedepthsofdespair！’Thearchersbeggedthatwewouldnotdetainthemanylonger。Theyhadacoachatthedoor。`Come，mydearangel，’saidItoManon，aswewentdown，`come，letussubmittoourdestinyinallitsrigour：itmayonedaypleaseHeaventorenderusmorehappy。’
\"Wewentinthesamecoach。Isupportedherinmyarms。IhadnotheardherutterasinglewordsinceG————M————’sfirstappearance：butnow，findingherselfalonewithme，sheaddressedmeinthetenderestmanner，andaccusedherselfofbeingthecauseofallmytroubles。IassuredherthatInevercouldcomplain，whileshecontinuedtoloveme。`ItisnotIthathavereasontocomplain，’Iadded；`imprisonmentforafewmonthshasnoterrorsforme，andIwouldinfinitelypreferLeChatelettoSt。Lazare；butitisforyou，mydearestsoul，thatmyheartbleeds。Whatalotforsuchanangel！Howcanyou，graciousHeaven！subjecttosuchrigourthemostperfectworkofyourownhands？Whyarewenotbothofusbornwithqualitiesconformabletoourwretchedcondition？Weareendowedwithspirit，withtaste，withfeeling；whilethevilestofGod’screatures——brutes，aloneworthyofourunhappyfate，arerevellinginallthefavoursoffortune。’
\"Thesefeelingsfilledmewithgrief；butitwasblisscomparedwithmyprospectsforthefuture。Myfear，onaccountofManon，knewnobounds。ShehadalreadybeenaninmateoftheMagdalen；
andevenifshehadleftitbyfairmeans，Iknewthatarelapseofthisnaturewouldbeattendedwithdisastrousconsequences。I
wishedtoletherknowmyfears：Iwasapprehensiveofexcitinghers。Itrembledforher，withoutdaringtoputheronherguardagainstthedanger；andIembracedhertenderly，tosatisfyher，atleast，ofmylove，whichwasalmosttheonlysentimenttowhichIdaredtogiveexpression。`Manon，’saidI，`tellmesincerely，willyoueverceasetoloveme？’
\"Sheanswered，thatitmadeherunhappytothinkthatIcoulddoubtit。
\"`Verywell，’repliedI，`Idosonolonger；andwiththisconviction，Imaywelldefyallmyenemies。Throughtheinfluenceofmyfamily，IcanensuremyownliberationfromtheChatelet；andmylifewillbeoflittleuse，andofshortduration，ifIdonotsucceedinrescuingyou。’
\"Wearrivedattheprison，wheretheyputusintoseparatecells。Thisblowwasthelesssevere，becauseIwaspreparedforit。IrecommendedManontotheattentionoftheporter，tellinghimthatIwasapersonofsomedistinction，andpromisinghimaconsiderablerecompense。Iembracedmydearestmistressbeforeweparted；Iimploredhernottodistressherselftoomuch，andtofearnothingwhileIlived。Ihadmoneywithme：Igavehersome；andIpaidtheporter，outofwhatremained，theamountofamonth’sexpensesforbothofusin，advance。Thishadanexcellenteffect，forIfoundmyselfplacedinanapartmentcomfortablyfurnished，andtheyassuredmethatManonwasinoneequallygood。
\"Iimmediatelysetaboutdevisingthemeansofprocuringmyliberty。Therecertainlyhadbeennothingactuallycriminalinmyconduct；andsupposingeventhatourfeloniousintentionwasestablishedbytheevidenceofMarcel，Iknewthatcriminalintentionsalonewerenotpunishable。Iresolvedtowriteimmediatelytomyfather，andbegofhimtocomehimselftoParis。Ifeltmuchlesshumiliation，asIhavealreadysaid，inbeinginLeChateletthaninSt。Lazare。Besides，althoughI
preserved，allproperrespectforthepaternalauthority，ageandexperiencehadconsiderablylessenedmytimidity。Iwrote，andtheymadenodifficultyintheprisonaboutforwardingmyletter；
butitwasatroubleIshouldhavesparedmyself，hadIknownthatmyfatherwasabouttoarriveonthefollowingdayinParis。
HehadreceivedtheletterIhadwrittentohimaweekbefore；itgavehimextremedelight；but，notwithstandingtheflatteringhopesIhadheldoutofmyconversion，hecouldnotimplicitlyrelyonmystatements。Hedeterminedthereforetosatisfyhimselfofmyreformationbytheevidenceofhisownsenses，andtoregulatehisconducttowardsmeaccordingtohisconvictionofmysincerity。Hearrivedthedayaftermyimprisonment。
\"HisfirstvisitwastoTiberge，towhosecareIbeggedthathewouldaddresshisanswer。Hecouldnotlearnfromhimeithermypresentabodeorcondition：TibergemerelytoldhimofmyprincipaladventuressinceIhadescapedfromSt。Lazare。
TibergespokewarmlyofthedispositiontovirtuewhichIhadevincedatourlastinterview。Headded，thatheconsideredmeashavingquitegotridofManon；butthathewasneverthelesssurprisedatmynothavinggivenhimanyintelligenceaboutmyselfforaweek。Myfatherwasnottobeduped。HefullycomprehendedthattherewassomethinginthesilenceofwhichTibergecomplained，whichhadescapedmypoorfriend’spenetration；andhetooksuchpainstofindmeout，thatintwodaysafterhisarrivalhelearnedthatIwasinLeChatelet。
\"BeforeIreceivedthisvisit，whichIlittleexpectedsosoon，Ihadthehonourofonefromthelieutenant-generalofpolice，or，tocallthingsbytheirrightnames，Iwassubjectedtoanofficialexamination。Heupbraidedmecertainly，butnotinanyharshorannoyingmanner。Hetoldme，inthekindesttone，thathebitterlylamentedmybadconduct；thatIhadcommittedagrossindiscretioninmakinganenemyofsuchamanasM。G————M————；
thatintruthitwaseasytoseethattherewas，intheaffair，moreofimprudenceandfollythanofmalice；butthatstillitwasthesecondtimeIhadbeenbroughtasaculpritunderhiscognisance；andthathehadhopedIshouldhavebecomemoresedate，aftertheexperienceoftwoorthreemonthsinSt。
Lazare。
\"DelightedatfindingthatIhadarationaljudgetodealwith，Iexplainedtheaffairtohiminamanneratoncesorespectfulandsomoderate，thatheseemedexceedinglysatisfiedwithmyanswerstoallthequeriesheput。Hedesiredmenottoabandonmyselftogrief，andassuredmethathefelteverydispositiontoserveme，aswellonaccountofmybirthasmyinexperience。I
venturedtobespeakhisattentionsinfavourofManon，andI
dweltuponhergentleandexcellentdisposition。Hereplied，withasmile，thathehadnotyetseenher，butthatshehadbeenrepresentedtohimasamostdangerousperson。Thisexpressionsoexcitedmysympathy，thatIurgedathousandanxiousargumentsinfavourofmypoormistress，andIcouldnotrestrainevenfromsheddingtears。
Hedesiredthemtoconductmebacktomychamber。`Love！love！’
criedthisgravemagistrateasIwentout，`thouartnevertobereconciledwithdiscretion！’
\"Ihadbeenoccupiedwiththemostmelancholyreflections，andwasthinkingoftheconversationIhadhadwiththelieutenant-generalofpolice，whenIheardmydooropen。Itwasmyfather。AlthoughIoughttohavebeenhalfpreparedforseeinghim，andhadreasonstoexpecthisarrivalwithinadayortwo，yetIwassothunderstruck，thatIcouldwillinglyhavesunkintotheearth，ifithadbeenopenatmyfeet。Iembracedhiminthegreatestpossiblestateofconfusion。Hetookaseat，withouteitheroneorotherofushavingutteredaword。
\"AsIremainedstanding，withmyheaduncovered，andmyeyescastontheground，`Beseated，sir，’saidheinasolemnvoice；
`beseated。Ihavetothankthenotorietyofyourdebaucheriesforlearningtheplaceofyourabode。Itistheprivilegeofsuchfameasyours，thatitcannotlieconcealed。Youareacquiringcelebritybyanunerringpath。DoubtlessitwillleadyoutotheGreve，[1]andyouwillthenhavetheunfadinggloryofbeinghelduptotheadmirationoftheworld。’
[1]Whohase’erbeenatParismustneedsknowtheGreve，Thefatalretreatofth’unfortunatebrave，Wherehonourandjusticemostoddlycontribute，Toeaseheroes’painsbythehalterandgibbet。——PRIOR。
\"Imadenoreply。Hecontinued：`Whatanunhappylotisthatofafather，whohavingtenderlylovedachild，andstrainedeverynervetobringhimupavirtuousandrespectableman，findshimturnoutintheendaworthlessprofligate，whodishonourshim。Toanordinaryreverseoffortuneonemaybereconciled；
timesoftenstheaffliction，andeventheindulgenceofsorrowitselfisnotunavailing；butwhatremedyisthereforanevilthatisperpetuallyaugmenting，suchastheprofligacyofaviciousson，whohasdesertedeveryprincipleofhonour，andiseverplungingfromdeepintodeepervice？Youaresilent，’addedhe：`lookatthiscounterfeitmodesty，thishypocriticalairofgentleness！——mighthenotpassforthemostrespectablememberofhisfamily？’
\"AlthoughIcouldnotbutfeelthatIdeserved，insomedegree，thesereproaches，yetheappearedtometocarrythembeyondallreason。IthoughtImightbepermittedtoexplainmyfeelings。
\"`Iassureyou，sir，’saidItohim，`thatthemodestywhichyouridiculeisbynomeansaffected；itisthenaturalfeelingofasonwhoentertainssincererespectforhisfather，andaboveall，afatherirritatedasyoujustlyarebyhisfaults。NeitherhaveI，sir，theslightestwishtopassforthemostrespectablememberofmyfamily。IknowthatIhavemeritedyourreproaches，butIconjureyoutotemperthemwithmercy，andnottolookuponmeasthemostinfamousofmankind。Idonotdeservesuchharshnames。Itislove，youknowit，thathascausedallmyerrors。
Fatalpassion！Haveyouyourselfneverfeltitsforce？Isitpossiblethatyou，withthesamebloodinyourveinsthatflowsinmine，shouldhavepassedthroughlifeunscathedbythesameexcitements？Lovehasrenderedmeperhapsfoolishlytender——tooeasilyexcited——tooimpassioned——toofaithful，andprobablytooindulgenttothedesiresandcaprices，or，ifyouwill，thefaultsofanadoredmistress。Thesearemycrimes；aretheysuchastoreflectdishonouruponyou？Come，mydearfather，’saidI
tenderly，`showsomepityforason，whohasneverceasedtofeelrespectandaffectionforyou——whohasnotrenounced，asyousay，allfeelingsofhonourandofduty，andwhoishimselfathousandtimesmoreanobjectofpitythanyouimagine。’IcouldnothelpsheddingatearasIconcludedthisappeal。
\"Afather’sheartisachef-d’oeuvreofcreation。Therenaturerulesinundisturbeddominion，andregulatesatwillitsmostsecretsprings。Hewasamanofhighfeelingandgoodtaste，andwassosensiblyaffectedbytheturnIhadgiventomydefence，thathecouldnolongerhidefrommethechangeIhadwrought。
\"`Cometome，mypoorchevalier，’saidhe；`comeandembraceme。Idopityyou！’
\"Iembracedhim：hepressedmetohiminsuchamanner，thatI
guessedwhatwaspassinginhisheart。
\"`Buthowarewe，’saidhe，`toextricateyoufromthisplace？
Explaintometherealsituationofyouraffairs。’
\"Astherereallywasnotanythinginmyconductsogrosslyimproperastoreflectdishonouruponme；atleast，incomparisonwiththeconductofotheryoungmenofacertainstationintheworld；andasamistressisnotconsideredadisgrace，anymorethanalittledexterityindrawingsomeadvantagefromplay，I
gavemyfatheracandiddetailofthelifeIhadbeenleading。
AsIrecountedeachtransgression，Itookcaretocitesomeillustriousexampleinmyjustification，inordertopalliatemyownfaults。
\"`Ilived，’saidI，`withamistresswithoutthesolemnityofmarriage。TheDukeof————keepstwobeforetheeyesofallParis。M————D————hashadonenowfortenyears，andlovesherwithafidelitywhichhehasnevershowntohiswife。Two-thirdsofthemenoffashioninPariskeepmistresses。
\"`Icertainlyhaveononeortwooccasionscheatedatplay。
Well，theMarquisof————andtheCount————havenoothersourceofrevenue。ThePrinceof————andtheDukeof————areattheheadofagangofthesameindustriousorder。’AsforthedesignsIhaduponthepocketsofthetwoG————M————s，ImightjustaseasilyhaveprovedthatIhadabundantmodelsforthatalso；butIhadtoomuchpridetopleadguiltytothischarge，andrestonthejustificationofexample；sothatIbeggedofmyfathertoascribemyweaknessonthisoccasiontotheviolenceofthetwopassionswhichagitatedme——RevengeandLove。
\"HeaskedmewhetherIcouldsuggestanymeansofobtainingmyliberty，andinsuchawayastoavoidpublicityasmuchaspossible。Itoldhimofthekindfeelingswhichthelieutenant-
generalofpolicehadexpressedtowardsme。`Ifyouencounteranyobstacles，’saidI，`theywillbeofferedonlybythetwoG————M————s；sothatIthinkitwouldbeadvisabletocalluponthem。’
Hepromisedtodoso。
\"IdidnotdareaskhimtosolicitManon’sliberation；thiswasnotfromwantofcourage，butfromtheapprehensionofexasperatinghimbysuchaproposition，andperhapsdrivinghimtoformsomedesignfataltothefuturehappinessofusboth。Itremainstothishouraproblemwhetherthisfearonmypartwasnottheimmediatecauseofallmymostterriblemisfortunes，bypreventingmefromascertainingmyfather’sdisposition，andendeavouringtoinspirehimwithfavourablefeelingstowardsmypoormistress：Imighthaveperhapsoncemoresucceededinexcitinghiscommiseration；ImighthaveputhimonhisguardagainsttheimpressionwhichhewassureofreceivingfromavisittooldG————M————。ButhowcanItellwhattheconsequenceswouldhavebeen！Myunhappyfatewouldhavemostprobablycounteractedallmyefforts；butitwouldhavebeenaconsolationtohavehadnothingelsebutthat，andthecrueltyofmyenemies，toblameformyafflictions。
\"Onquittingme，myfatherwenttopayavisittoM。G————
M————。Hefoundhimwithhisson，whomtheguardsmanhadsafelyrestoredtoliberty。Ineverlearnedtheparticularsoftheirconversation；butIcouldeasilyinferthemfromthedisastrousresults。Theywenttogether（thetwooldgentlemen）tothelieutenant-generalofpolice，fromwhomtheyrequestedonefavoureach：thefirstwastohavemeatonceliberatedfromLeChatelet；thesecondtocondemnManontoperpetualimprisonment，ortotransportherforlifetoAmerica。Theyhappened，atthatveryperiod，tobesendingoutanumberofconvictstotheMississippi。Thelieutenant-generalpromisedtohaveherembarkedonboardthefirstvesselthatsailed。
\"M。G————M————andmyfathercametogethertobringmethenewsofmyliberation。M。G————M————saidsomethingcivilwithreferencetowhathadpassed；andhavingcongratulatedmeuponmyhappinessinhavingsuchafather，heexhortedmetoprofithenceforwardbyhisinstructionandexample。MyfatherdesiredmetoexpressmysorrowfortheinjusticeIhadevencontemplatedagainsthisfamily，andmygratitudeforhishavingassistedinprocuringmyliberation。
\"Wealllefttheprisontogether，withoutthementionofManon’sname。Idarednotintheirpresencespeakofhertotheturnkeys。Alas！allmyentreatiesinherfavourwouldhavebeenuseless。ThecruelsentenceuponManonhadarrivedatthesametimeasthewarrantformydischarge。TheunfortunategirlwasconductedinanhouraftertotheHospital，tobethereclassedwithsomeotherwretchedwomen，whohadbeencondemnedtothesamepunishment。
\"Myfatherhavingforcedmetoaccompanyhimtothehousewherehewasresiding，itwasnearsixo’clockbeforeIhadanopportunityofescapinghisvigilance。InreturningtoLeChatelet，myonlywishwastoconveysomerefreshmentstoManon，andtorecommendhertotheattentionoftheporter；forIhadnohopeofbeingpermittedtoseeher；norhadI，asyet，hadtimetoreflectonthebestmeansofrescuingher。
\"Iaskedfortheporter。Ihadwonhisheart，asmuchbymyliberalitytohim，asbythemildnessofmymanner；sothat，havingadispositiontoserveme，hespokeofManon’ssentenceasacalamitywhichhesincerelyregretted，sinceitwascalculatedtomortifyme。Iwasatfirstunabletocomprehendhismeaning。
Weconversedforsomeminuteswithoutmyunderstandinghim。Atlengthperceivingthatanexplanationwasnecessary，hegavemesuchaone，asonaformeroccasionIwantedcouragetorelatetoyou，andwhich，evennow，makesmybloodcurdleinmyveinstoremember。
XI
Alack！itisnotwhenwesleepsoftandwakemerrilythatwethinkonotherpeople’ssufferings；butwhenthehouroftroublecomes，saidJeanieDeans。——WALTERSCOTT。
\"NeverdidapoplexyproduceonmortalamoresuddenorterrificeffectthandidtheannouncementofManon’ssentenceuponme。I
fellprostrate，withsointenseapalpitationoftheheart，thatasIswoonedIthoughtthatdeathitselfwascomeuponme。ThisideacontinuedevenafterIhadbeenrestoredtomysenses。I
gazedaroundmeuponeverypartoftheroom，thenuponmyownparalysedlimbs，doubting，inmydelirium，whetherIstillboreaboutmetheattributesofalivingman。Itisquitecertainthat，inobediencetothedesireIfeltofterminatingmysufferings，evenbymyownhand，nothingcouldhavebeentomemorewelcomethandeathatthatmomentofanguishanddespair。
ReligionitselfcoulddepictnothingmoreinsupportableafterdeaththantherackingagonywithwhichIwasthenconvulsed。
Yet，byamiracle，onlywithinthepowerofomnipotentlove，I
soonregainedstrengthenoughtoexpressmygratitudetoHeavenforrestoringmetosenseandreason。Mydeathcouldhaveonlybeenareliefandblessingtomyself；whereasManonhadoccasionformyprolongedexistence，inordertodeliverher——tosuccourher——toavengeherwrongs：Isworetodevotethatexistenceunremittinglytotheseobjects。
\"TheportergavemeeveryassistancethatIcouldhaveexpectedatthehandsofmyoldestfriend：Iacceptedhisserviceswiththeliveliestgratitude。`Alas！’saidItohim，`youthenareaffectedbymysufferings！Thewholeworldabandonsme；myownfatherprovesoneoftheverycruellestofmypersecutors；nopersonfeelspityforme！Youalone，inthisabodeofsufferingandshame——youaloneexhibitcompassionforthemostwretchedofmankind！’HeadvisedmenottoappearinthestreetuntilIhadrecoveredalittlefrommyaffliction。`Donotstopme，’saidI，asIwentout；`weshallmeetagainsoonerthanyouimagine：getreadyyourdarkestdungeon，forIshallshortlybecomeitstenant。’
\"Infact，myfirstideawasnothinglessthantomakeawaywiththetwoG————M————s，andthelieutenant-generalofpolice；andthentoattacktheHospital，swordinhand，assistedbyallwhomIcouldenlistinmycause。Evenmyfather’slifewashardlyrespected，sojustappearedmyfeelingsofvengeance；fortheporterhadinformedmethatheandG————M————werejointlytheauthorsofmyruin。
\"ButwhenIhadadvancedsomepacesintothestreet，andthefreshairhadcooledmyexcitement，Igraduallyviewedmattersinamorerationalmood。ThedeathofourenemiescouldbeoflittleusetoManon；andtheobviouseffectofsuchviolencewouldbetodeprivemeofallotherchanceofservingher。
Besides，couldIeverbringmyselftobeacowardlyassassin？BywhatothermeanscouldIaccomplishmyrevenge？IsetallmyingenuityandallmyeffortsatworktoprocurethedeliveranceofManon，leavingeverythingelsetobeconsideredhereafterwhenIhadsucceededinthisfirstandparamountobject。
\"Ihadverylittlemoneyleft；money，however，wasanindispensablebasisforallmyoperations。IonlyknewthreepersonsfromwhomIhadanyrighttoaskpecuniaryassistance——M。
deT————，Tiberge，andmyfather。Thereappearedlittlechanceofobtaininganyfromthetwolatter，andIwasreallyashamedagaintoimportuneM。deT————。Butitisnotindesperateemergenciesthatonestandsuponpointsofceremony。IwentfirsttotheseminaryofSt。Sulpice，withoutconsideringwhetherIshouldberecognised。IaskedforTiberge。Hisfirstwordsshowedmethatheknewnothingofmylatestadventure：thismademechangethedesignIhadoriginallyformedofappealingatoncetohiscompassion。Ispokegenerallyofthepleasureithadgivenmetoseemyfatheragain；andIthenbeggedofhimtolendmesomemoney，underthepretextofbeinganxiousbeforeIleftParistopayafewlittledebts，whichIwishedtokeepsecret。
Hehandedmehispurse，withoutasingleremark。Itooktwentyortwenty-fivepounds，whichitcontained。Iofferedhimmynoteofhand，buthewastoogeneroustoacceptit。
\"IthenwenttoM。deT————：Ihadnoreservewithhim。I
plainlytoldhimmymisfortunesanddistress：healreadykneweverything，andhadinformedhimselfevenofthemosttriflingcircumstance，onaccountoftheinteresthenaturallytookinyoungG————M————’sadventure。He，however，listenedtome，andseemedsincerelytolamentwhathadoccurred。WhenIconsultedhimastothebestmeansofrescuingManon，heansweredthathesawsuchlittlegroundforhope，that，withoutsomeextraordinaryinterpositionofProvidence，itwouldbefollytoexpectrelief；
thathehadpaidavisitexpresslytotheHospitalsinceManonhadbeentransferredfromtheChatelet，butthathecouldnotevenobtainpermissiontoseeher，asthelieutenant-generalofpolicehadgiventhestrictestorderstothecontrary；andthat，tocompletethecatastrophe，theunfortunatetrainofconvicts，inwhichshewastobeincluded，wastotakeitsdeparturefromParisthedaybutoneafter。
\"Iwassoconfoundedbywhathesaid，thatifhehadgoneonspeakingforanotherhour，Ishouldnothaveinterruptedhim。Hecontinuedtotellme，thatthereasonofhisnotcallingtoseemeattheChateletwas，thathehopedtobeofmoreusebyappearingtobeunknowntome；thatforthelastfewhours，sinceIhadbeensetatliberty，hehadinvainlookedforme，inordertosuggesttheonlyplanthroughwhichhecouldseeahopeofavertingManon’sfate。Hetoldmeitwasdangerouscounseltogive，andimploredmenevertomentiontheparthetookinit；itwastofindsomeenterprisingfellowsgallantenoughtoattackManon’sguardongettingoutsidethebarriere。Nordidhewaitformetourgeapleaofpoverty。`Hereisfiftypounds，’hesaid，presentingmehispurse；`itmaybeofusetoyou；youcanrepaymewhenyouareinbettercircumstances。’Headded，thatifthefearoflosinghischaracterdidnotpreventhimfromembarkinginsuchanenterprise，hewouldhavewillinglyputhisswordandhislifeatmyservice。
\"Thisunlooked-forgenerosityaffectedmetotears。Iexpressedmygratitudewithasmuchwarmthasmydepressedspiritsleftatmycommand。Iaskedhimiftherewerenothingtobeexpectedfromintercedingwiththelieutenant-generalofpolice：hesaidthathehadconsideredthatpoint；butthathelookeduponitasahopelessattempt，becauseafavourofthatnaturewasneveraccordedwithoutsomestrongmotive，andhedidnotseewhatinducementcouldbeheldoutforengagingtheintercessionofanypersonofpoweronherbehalf；thatifanyhopecouldpossiblybeentertaineduponthepoint，itmustbebyworkingachangeinthefeelingsofoldG————M————andmyfather，andbyprevailingonthemtosolicitfromthelieutenant-generalofpolicetherevocationofManon’ssentence。HeofferedtodoeverythinginhispowertogainovertheyoungerG————M————，althoughhefanciedacoldnessinthatgentleman’smannertowardshim，probablyfromsomesuspicionshemightentertainofhisbeingconcernedinthelateaffair；andheentreatedmetolosenoopportunityofeffectingthedesiredchangeinmyfather’smind。
\"Thiswasnoeasyundertakingforme；notonlyonaccountofthedifficultyIshouldnaturallymeetinovercominghisopinion，butforanotherreasonwhichmademefeareventoapproachhim；Ihadquittedhislodgingscontrarytohisexpressorders，andwasresolved，sinceIhadlearnedthesadfateofmypoorManon，neveragaintoreturnthither。Iwasnotwithoutapprehensionsindeedofhisnowretainingmeagainstmywill，andperhapstakingmeatoncebackwithhimintothecountry。Myelderbrotherhadformerlyhadrecoursetothisviolentmeasure。True，Iwasnowsomewhatolder；butageisafeebleargumentagainstforce。Ihituponamode，however，ofavoidingthisdanger，whichwastogethimbycontrivancetosomepublicplace，andthereannouncemyselftohimunderanassumedname：Iimmediatelyresolvedonthismethod。M。deT————wenttoG————M————’s，andItotheLuxembourg，whenceIsentmyfatherword，thatagentlemanwaitedtheretospeakwithhim。Ihardlythoughthewouldcome，asthenightwasadvancing。He，however，soonmadehisappearance，followedbyaservant：Ibeggedofhimtochooseawalkwherewecouldbealone。Wewalkedatleastahundredpaceswithoutspeaking。Hedoubtlessimaginedthatsomuchprecautioncouldnotbetakenwithoutsomeimportantobject。Hewaitedformyopeningspeech，andIwasmeditatinghowtocommenceit。
AtlengthIbegan。
\"`Sir，’saidI，trembling，`youareagoodandaffectionateparent；youhaveloadedmewithfavours，andhaveforgivenmeaninfinitenumberoffaults；Ialso，inmyturn，callHeaventowitnessthesincere，andtender，andrespectfulsentimentsI
entertaintowardsyou。Butitdoesseemtome，thatyourinexorableseverity————’
\"`Well，sir，myseverity！’interruptedmyfather，whonodoubtfoundmyhesitationlittlesuitedtohisimpatience。
\"`Ah，sir，’Ireplied，`itdoesseemtomethatyourseverityisexcessiveinthepenaltyyouinflictupontheunfortunateManon。YouhavetakenonlyM。G————M————’sreportofher。Hishatredhasmadehimrepresenthertoyouinthemostodiouscolours：youhaveformedafrightfulideaofher。Sheis，onthecontrary，themildestandmostamiableoflivingcreatures；wouldthatHeavenhadbutinspiredyouatanyonemomentwiththedesireofseeingher！Iamconvincedthatyouwouldbenotlesssensibleofherperfectionsthanyourunhappyson。Youwouldthenhavebeenheradvocate；youwouldhaveabhorredthefoulartificesofG————M————；youwouldhavehadpityonbothherandme。Alas！Iampersuadedofit；yourheartisnotinsensible；itmusterenowhavemeltedwithcompassion。’
\"Heinterruptedmeagain，perceivingthatIspokewithawarmthwhichwouldnotallowmetofinishverybriefly。HebeggedtoknowwithwhatrequestIintendedtowindupsoferventanharangue。
\"`Toaskmylifeatyourhands，’saidI，`whichInevercanretainifManononceembarkforAmerica。’
\"`No！no！’repliedhe，intheseveresttone；`Iwouldratherseeyoulifeless，thaninfamousanddepraved。’
\"`Wehavegonefarenough，then，’saidI，catchingholdofhisarm；`takefromme，incommonmercy，mylife！wearyandodiousandinsupportableasithenceforwardmustbe；forinthestateofdespairintowhichyounowplungeme，deathwouldbethegreatestfavouryoucouldbestow——afavourworthyofafather’shand。’
\"`Ishouldonlygiveyouwhatyoudeserve，’repliedhe；`IknowfatherswhowouldnothaveshownasmuchpatienceasIhave，butwouldthemselveshaveexecutedspeedyjustice；butitismyfoolishandexcessiveforbearancethathasbeenyourruin。’
\"Ithrewmyselfathisfeet：`Ah！’exclaimedI，`ifyouhavestillanyremainsofmercy，donothardenyourheartagainstmydistressandsorrow。RememberthatIamyourchild！Alas！thinkofmypoormother！youlovedhertenderly！wouldyouhavesufferedhertobetornfromyourarms？Youwouldhavedefendedhertothedeath！Maynotthesamefeelingthenbepardonedinothers？Canpersonsbecomebarbarousandcruel，afterhavingthemselvesexperiencedthesofteninginfluenceoftendernessandgrief？’
\"`Breathenotagainthesacrednameofyourmother，’heexclaimed，inavoiceofthunder；`theveryallusiontohermemoryrousesmyindignation。Hadshelivedtowitnesstheunredeemedprofligacyofyourlife，itwouldhavebroughtherinpainandsorrowtohergrave。——Letusputanendtothisdiscussion’headded；`itdistressesme，andmakesnottheslightestchangeinmydetermination：Iamgoingbacktomylodgings，andIdesireyoutofollowme。’
\"Thecoolandresolutetoneinwhichheutteredthiscommand，convincedmethathewasinexorable。Isteppedsomepacesaside，forfearheshouldthinkfittolayhandsuponme。
\"`Donotincreasemymiseryanddespair，’saidItohim，`byforcingmetodisobeyyou。Itisimpossibleformetofollowyou；andequallysothatIshouldcontinuetolive，aftertheunkindtreatmentIhaveexperiencedfromyou。I，therefore，bidyouaneternaladieu。WhenyouknowthatIamdead，asIshallsoonbe，thepaternalaffectionwhichyouonceentertainedformemaybeperhapsrevived。’
\"AsIwasabouttoturnawayfromhim：`Yourefusethentofollowme，’criedhe，inatoneofexcessiveanger。`Go！goontoyourruin。Adieu！ungratefulanddisobedientboy。’
\"`Adieu！’exclaimedItohim，inaburstofgrief，`adieu，cruelandunnaturalfather！’
\"IlefttheLuxembourg，andrushedlikeamadmanthroughthestreetstoM。deT————’shouse。IraisedmyhandsandeyesasI
wentalong，invokingtheAlmightyPowers：`OHeaven，’criedI，`willyounotprovemoremercifulthanman！Theonlyhopethatremainstomeisfromabove！’
\"M。deT————hadnotyetreturnedhome；buthearrivedbeforemanyminuteshadelapsed。Hisnegotiationhadbeenasunsuccessfulasmyown。Hetoldmesowiththemostsorrowfulcountenance。YoungG————M————，althoughlessirritatedthanhisfatheragainstManonandme，wouldnotundertaketopetitioninourfavour。Hewas，ingreatmeasure，deterredbythefearwhichhehimselfhadofthevindictiveoldlecher，whohadalreadyventedhisangeragainsthimforhisdesignofformingaconnectionwithManon。
\"Thereonlyremainedtome，therefore，theviolentmeasureswhichM。T————hadsuggested。Inowconfinedallmyhopestothem。Theywerequestionlessmostuncertain；buttheyheldouttome，atleast，asubstantialconsolation，inthecertaintyofmeetingdeathintheattempt，ifunsuccessful。Ilefthim，beggingthathewouldofferuphisbestwishesformytriumph；
andIthoughtonlyoffindingsomecompanions，towhomImightcommunicateaportionofmyowncourageanddetermination。
\"ThefirstthatoccurredtomewasthesameguardsmanwhomIhademployedtoarrestG————M————。Ihadintendedindeedtopassthenightathisrooms，nothavinghadamomentofleisureduringtheafternoontoprocuremyselfalodging。Ifoundhimalone。
HewasgladtoseemeoutoftheChatelet。Hemademeanofferofhisservices。Iexplainedtohiminwhatwayhemightnowdomethegreatestkindness。Hehadgoodsenseenoughtoperceiveallthedifficulties；buthewasalsogenerousenoughtoundertaketosurmountthem。
\"Wespentpartofthenightinconsideringhowtheplotwastobeexecuted。Hespokeofthethreesoldierswhomhehadmadeuseofonthelastoccasion，asmenwhosecouragehadbeenproved。
M。deT————hadtoldmetheexactnumberofarchersthatwouldescortManon；theywerebutsix。Fivestronganddeterminedmencouldnotfailtostriketerrorintothesefellows，whowouldneverthinkofdefendingthemselvesbravely，whentheyweretobeallowedthealternativeofavoidingdangerbysurrendering；andofthattheywouldnodoubtavailthemselves。AsIwasnotwithoutmoney，theguardsmanadvisedmetosparenopainsorexpensetoensuresuccess。`Wemustbemounted，’hesaid，`andeachmanmusthavehiscarbineandpistols；Iwilltakecaretoprepareeverythingrequisitebytomorrow。Weshallalsowantthreenewsuitsofregimentalsforthesoldiers，whodarenotappearinanaffrayofthiskindintheuniformoftheirregiment。IhandedhimthehundredpistoleswhichIhadgotfromM。deT————；itwasallexpendedthenextmorning，totheverylastsou。Iinspectedthethreesoldiers；Ianimatedthemwiththemostliberalpromises；andtoconfirmtheirconfidenceinme，Ibeganbymakingeachmanapresentoftenpistoles。
\"Themomentousdayhavingarrived，IsentoneofthematanearlyhourtotheHospital，toascertaintheexacttimewhenthepoliceweretostartwiththeirprisoners。AlthoughImerelytookthisprecautionfrommyexcessiveanxiety，itturnedouttohavebeenaprudentstep。Ihadformedmyplansuponfalseinformation，whichIhadreceivedastotheirdestination；andbelievingthatitwasatRochellethisunhappygroupwastoembark，allmytroublewouldhavebeenthrownawayinwaitingforthemontheOrleansroad。However，Ilearned，bythesoldier’sreport，thattheywouldgoouttowardsRouen，andthatitwasfromHavre-de-GracetheyweretosailforAmerica。
\"WeatoncewenttothegateofSt。Honore，takingcaretogobydifferentstreets。Weassembledattheendofthefaubourg。Ourhorseswerefresh。Inalittletimeweobservedbeforeusthesixarchersandthetwowretchedcaravans，whichyousawatPassytwoyearsago。Thesightalonealmostdeprivedmeofmystrengthandsenses。`Ohfate！’saidItomyself，`cruelfate！grantmenoweitherdeathorvictory。’
\"Wehastilyconsultedastothemodeofmakingtheattack。Thecavalcadewasonlyfourhundredpacesinadvance，andwemightinterceptthembycuttingacrossasmallfield，roundwhichthehighroadled。Theguardsmanwasforthiscourse，inordertofallsuddenlyuponthemwhileunprepared。Iapprovedoftheplan，andwasthefirsttospurmyhorseforward——butfateonceagainrelentlesslyblastedallmyhopes。
\"Theescort，seeingfivehorsemenridingtowardsthem，inferredthatitwasforthepurposeofattackingthem。Theyputthemselvesinapositionofdefence，preparingtheirbayonetsandgunswithanairofresolution。
\"Thisdemonstration，whichintheguardsmanandmyselfonlyinspiredfreshcourage，hadaverydifferenteffectuponourthreecowardlycompanions。Theystoppedsimultaneously，andhavingmutteredtoeachothersomewordswhichIcouldnothear，theyturnedtheirhorses’heads，threwthebridlesontheirnecks，andgallopedbacktowardsParis。
\"`Goodheavens！’saidtheguardsman，whoappearedasmuchannoyedasIwasbythisinfamousdesertion，`whatistobedone？
wearebuttwonow。’
\"FromrageandconsternationIhadlostallpowerofspeech。I
doubtedwhethermyfirstrevengeshouldnotbeinpursuingthecowardswhohadabandonedme。Isawthemflying，andlookedintheotherdirectionattheescort：ifithadbeenpossibletodividemyself，Ishouldatoncehavefallenuponboththeseobjectsofmyfury；Ishouldhavedestroyedallatthesamemoment。
\"Theguardsman，whosawmyirresolutionbymywanderinggaze，beggedofmetohearhisadvice。`Beingbuttwo，’hesaid，`itwouldbemadnesstoattacksixmenaswellarmedasourselves，andwhoseemdeterminedtoreceiveusfirmly。LetusreturntoParis，andendeavourtosucceedbetterinthechoiceofourcomrades。Thepolicecannotmakeveryrapidprogresswithtwoheavyvans；wemayovertakethemtomorrowwithoutdifficulty。’
\"Ireflectedamomentonthissuggestion；butseeingnothingaroundmebutdespair，Itookafinalandindeeddesperateresolution：thiswastothankmycompanionforhisservices，and，farfromattackingthepolice，togoupwithsubmissionandimplorethemtoreceivemeamongthem，thatImightaccompanyManontoHavre-de-Grace，andafterwards，ifpossible，crosstheAtlanticwithher。`Thewholeworldiseitherpersecutingorbetrayingme，’saidItotheguardsman；`Ihavenolongerthepowerofinterestinganyoneinmyfavour；Iexpectnothingmoreeitherfromfortuneorthefriendshipofman；mymiseryisatitsheight；itonlyremainsformetosubmit，sothatIclosemyeyeshenceforwardagainsteverygleamofhope。MayHeaven，’I
continued，`rewardyouforyourgenerosity！Adieu！Ishallgoandaidmywretcheddestinyinfillingupthefullmeasureofmyruin！’He，invain，endeavouredtopersuademetoreturnwithhimtoParis。Ientreatedhimtoleavemeatonce，lestthepoliceshouldstillsuspectusofanintentiontoattackthem。
XII
Thepausesandintermissionsofpainbecomepositivepleasures；
andhavethusapowerofsheddingasatisfactionovertheintervalsofease，whichfewenjoymentsexceed。——PALEY。
\"Ridingtowardsthecortegeataslowpace，andwithasorrowfulcountenance，theguardscouldhardlyseeanythingveryterrificinmyapproach。Theyseemed，however，toexpectanattack。`Bepersuaded，gentlemen，’saidItothem，`thatIcomenottowagewar，butrathertoaskfavours。’Ithenbeggedofthemtocontinuetheirprogresswithoutanydistrust，andaswewentalongImademysolicitations。Theyconsultedtogethertoascertaininwhatwaytheyshouldentertainmyrequest。Thechiefofthemspokefortherest。Hesaidthattheorderstheyhadreceivedtowatchtheprisonersvigilantlywereofthestrictestkind；that，however，Iseemedsointerestingayoungman，thattheymightbeinducedtorelaxalittleintheirduty；
butthatImustknow，ofcourse，thatthiswouldcostmesomething。Ihadaboutsixteenpistolesleft，andcandidlytoldthemwhatmypursecontained。`Well，’saidthegendarme，`wewillactgenerously。Itshallonlycostyouacrownanhourforconversingwithanyofourgirlsthatyoumayprefer——thatistheordinarypriceinParis。’
\"IsaidnotawordofManon，becauseIdidnotwishtoletthemknowofmypassion。Theyatfirstsupposeditwasmerelyaboyishwhim，thatmademethinkofamusingmyselfwiththesecreaturesbutwhentheydiscoveredthatIwasinlove，theyincreasedtheirdemandsinsuchaway，thatmypursewascompletelyemptyonleavingMantes，wherewehadsleptthenightbeforeourarrivalatPassy。
\"ShallIdescribetoyoumyheart-rendinginterviewswithManonduringthisjourney，andwhatmysensationswerewhenIobtainedfromtheguardspermissiontoapproachhercaravan？Oh！languagenevercanadequatelyexpressthesentimentsoftheheart；butpicturetoyourselfmypoormistress，withachainroundherwaist，seateduponahandfulofstraw，herheadrestinglanguidlyagainstthepanelofthecarriage，herfacepaleandbathedwithtears，whichforcedapassagebetweenhereyelids，althoughshekeptthemcontinuallyclosed。Shehadnoteventhecuriositytoopenhereyesonhearingthebustleoftheguardswhentheyexpectedourattack。Herclothesweresoiled，andindisorder；
herdelicatehandsexposedtotheroughair；infine，herwholeangelicform，thatface，lovelyenoughtocarrybacktheworldtoidolatry，presentedaspectacleofdistressandanguishutterlyindescribable。
\"IspentsomemomentsgazingatherasIrodealongsidethecarriage。Ihadsolostmyself-possession，thatIwasseveraltimesonthepointoffallingfrommyhorse。Mysighsandfrequentexclamationsatlengthattractedherattention。Shelookedatandrecognisedme，andIremarkedthatonthefirstimpulse，sheunconsciouslytriedtoleapfromthecarriagetowardsme，butbeingcheckedbyherchain，shefellintoherformerattitude。
\"Ibeggedoftheguardstostoponemomentforthesakeofmercy；theyconsentedforthesakeofavarice。Idismountedtogoandsitnearher。Shewassolanguidandfeeble，thatshewasforsometimewithoutthepowerofspeech，andcouldnotraiseherhands：Ibathedthemwithmytears；andbeingmyselfunabletoutteraword，weformedtogetherasdeplorableapictureofdistressascouldwellbeseen。Whenatlengthwewereabletospeak，ourconversationwasnotlesssorrowful。Manonsaidlittle：shameandgriefappearedtohavealteredthecharacterofhervoice；itstonewasfeebleandtremulous。
\"Shethankedmefornothavingforgottenher，andforthecomfortIgaveherinallowinghertoseemeoncemore，andshethenbademealongandlastfarewell。ButwhenIassuredherthatnopoweronearthcouldeverseparatemefromher，andthatIwasresolvedtofollowhertotheextremityoftheworld——towatchoverher——toguardher——toloveher——andinseparablytounitemywretcheddestinywithhers，thepoorgirlgavewaytosuchfeelingsoftendernessandgrief，thatIalmostdreadeddangertoherlifefromtheviolenceofheremotion：theagitationofherwholesoulseemedintenselyconcentratedinhereyes；shefixedthemsteadfastlyuponme。Shemorethanonceopenedherlipswithoutthepowerofgivingutterancetoherthoughts。Icould，however，catchsomeexpressionsthatdroppedfromher，ofadmirationandwonderatmyexcessivelove——ofdoubtthatshecouldhavebeenfortunateenoughtoinspiremewithapassionsoperfect——ofearnestentreatythatIwouldabandonmyintentionoffollowingher，andseekelsewherealotmoreworthyofme，andwhich，shesaid，Icouldneverhopetofindwithher。
\"InspiteofthecruellestinflictionsofFate，Iderivedcomfortfromherlooks，andfromtheconvictionthatInowpossessedherundividedaffection。Ihadintruthlostallthatothermenvalue；butIwasthemasterofManon’sheart，theonlypossessionthatIprized。WhetherinEuropeorinAmerica，ofwhatmomenttomewastheplaceofmyabode，providedImightlivehappyinthesocietyofmymistress？Isnottheuniversetheresidenceoftwofondandfaithfullovers？Doesnoteachfindintheother，father，mother，friends，relations，riches，felicity？
\"Ifanythingcausedmeuneasiness，itwasthefearofseeingManonexposedtowant。Ifanciedmyselfalreadywithherinabarbarouscountry，inhabitedbysavages。`Iamquitecertain，’
saidI，`therewillbenonetheremorecruelthanG————M————andmyfather。Theywill，atleast，allowustoliveinpeace。Iftheaccountswereadofsavagesbetrue，theyobeythelawsofnature：theyneitherknowthemeanrapacityofavarice，northefalseandfantasticnotionsofdignity，whichhaveraisedmeupanenemyinmyownfather。Theywillnotharassandpersecutetwolovers，whentheyseeusadopttheirownsimplehabits。’I
wasthereforeateaseuponthatpoint。
\"Butmyromanticideaswerenotformedwithaproperviewtotheordinarywantsoflife。Ihadtoooftenfoundthattherewerenecessarieswhichcouldnotbedispensedwith，particularlybyayounganddelicatewoman，accustomedtocomfortandabundance。I
wasindespairathavingsofruitlesslyemptiedmypurse，andthelittlemoneythatnowremainedwasaboutbeingforcedfrommebytherascallyimpositionofthegendarmes。IimaginedthataverytriflingsumwouldsufficeforoursupportforsometimeinAmerica，wheremoneywasscarce，andmightalsoenablemetoformsomeundertakingthereforourpermanentestablishment。
\"ThisideamademeresolveonwritingtoTiberge，whomIhadeverfoundreadytoholdoutthegeneroushandoffriendship。I
wrotefromthefirsttownwepassedthrough。IonlyalludedtothedestituteconditioninwhichIforesawthatIshouldfindmyselfonarrivingatHavre-de-Grace，towhichplaceI
acknowledgedthatIwasaccompanyingManon。Iaskedhimforonlyfiftypistoles。`Youcanremitittome，’saidItohim，`throughthehandsofthepostmaster。YoumustperceivethatitisthelasttimeIcanbypossibilitytrespassonyourfriendlykindness；andmypoorunhappymistressbeingabouttobeexiledfromhercountryforever，Icannotletherdepartwithoutsupplyingherwithsomefewcomforts，tosoftenthesufferingsofherlot，aswellastoassuagemyownsorrows。’
\"Thegendarmesbecamesorapaciouswhentheysawtheviolenceofmypassion，continuallyincreasingtheirdemandsfortheslightestfavours，thattheysoonleftmepenniless。Lovedidnotpermitmetoputanyboundstomyliberality。AtManon’ssideIwasnotmasterofmyself；anditwasnolongerbythehourthattimewasmeasured；ratherbythedurationofwholedays。Atlength，myfundsbeingcompletelyexhausted，Ifoundmyselfexposedtothebrutalcapriceofthesesixwretcheswhotreatedmewithintolerablerudeness——youyourselfwitnesseditatPassy。
Mymeetingwithyouwasamomentaryrelaxationaccordedmebyfate。Yourcompassionatthesightofmysufferingswasmyonlyrecommendationtoyourgenerousnature。Theassistancewhichyousoliberallyextended，enabledmetoreachHavre，andtheguardskepttheirpromisemorefaithfullythanIhadventuredtohope。
\"WearrivedatHavre。Iwenttothepost-office：Tibergehadnotyethadtimetoanswermyletter。IascertainedtheearliestdayImightreckonuponhisanswer：itcouldnotpossiblyarrivefortwodayslonger；andbyanextraordinaryfatality，ourvesselwastosailontheverymorningofthedaywhenthelettermightbeexpected。Icannotgiveyouanideaofmydespair。`Alas！’
criedI，`evenamongsttheunfortunate，Iamtobeeverthemostwretched！’
\"Manonreplied：`Alas！doesalifesothoroughlymiserabledeservethecarewebestowonours？LetusdieatHavre，dearestchevalier！Letdeathatonceputanendtoourafflictions！
Shallwepersevere，andgotodragonthishopelessexistenceinanunknownland，whereweshall，nodoubt，havetoencounterthemosthorriblepains，sinceithasbeentheirobjecttopunishmebyexile？Letusdie，’sherepeated，`ordoatleastinmercyridmeoflife，andthenyoucanseekanotherlotinthearmsofsomehappierlover。’
\"`No，no，Manon，’saidI；`itisbuttooenviablealot，inmyestimation，tobeallowedtoshareyourmisfortunes。’
\"Herobservationsmademetremble。Isawthatshewasoverpoweredbyherafflictions。Itriedtoassumeamoretranquilair，inordertodissipatesuchmelancholythoughtsofdeathanddespair。
Iresolvedtoadoptthesamecourseinfuture；andIlearnedbytheresults，thatnothingismorecalculatedtoinspireawomanwithcouragethanthedemonstrationofintrepidityinthemansheloves。