“I thereupon pictured to myself in anticipation a course of life peaceful and retired.  I fancied a retreat embosomed in a wood, with a limpid stream of running water bounding my garden; a library, comprising the most select works; a limited circle of friends, virtuous and intellectual; a table neatly served, but frugal and temperate.  To all these agremens I added a literary correspondence with a friend whose residence should be in Paris, who should give me occasional information upon public affairs, less for the gratification of my curiosity, than to afford a kind of relaxation by hearing of and lamenting the busy follies of men. `Shall not I be happy?’ added I; `will not my utmost wishes be thus gratified?’ This project flattered my inclinations extremely.  But after all the details of this most admirable and prudent plan, I felt that my heart still yearned for something; and that in order to leave nothing to desire in this most enchanting retirement, one ought to be able to share it with Manon.

“However, Tiberge continuing to pay me frequent visits in order to strengthen me in the purpose with which he had inspired me, I took an opportunity of opening the subject to my father.  He declared that his intention ever was to leave his children free to choose a profession, and that in whatever manner I should dispose of myself, all he wished to reserve was the right of aiding me with his counsel.  On this occasion he gave me some of the wisest, which tended less to divert me from my project, than to convince me of my good father’s sound judgment and discretion.

“The recommencement of the scholastic year being at hand, Tiberge and I agreed to enter ourselves together at St. Sulpice, he to pursue his theological studies, and I to begin mine.  His merits, which were not unknown to the bishop of the diocese, procured him the promise of a living from that prelate before our departure.

“My father, thinking me quite cured of my passion, made no objection to my taking final leave.  We arrived at Paris.  The Cross of Malta gave place to the ecclesiastical habit, and the designation of the Abbe de Grieux was substituted for that of chevalier.  I applied so diligently to study, that in a few months I had made extraordinary progress.  I never lost a moment of the day, and employed even part of the night.  I soon acquired such a reputation, that I was already congratulated upon the honours which I was sure of obtaining; and, without solicitation on my part, my name was inscribed on the list for a vacant benefice.  Piety was by no means neglected, and I entered with ardent devotion into all the exercises of religion.  Tiberge was proud of what he considered the work of his own hands, and many a time have I seen him shed tears of delight in noticing what he styled my perfect conversion.