“The remainder of an interview which had been so long and so ardently desired by me, was of course as tender as the commencement.  Poor Manon related all her adventures, and I told her mine:  we bitterly wept over each other’s story.  M. de T——­ consoled us by his renewed promises to exert himself in our service.  He advised us not to make this, our first interview, of too long duration, that he might have the less difficulty in procuring us the same enjoyment again.  He at length induced us to follow his advice.  Manon especially could not reconcile herself to the separation:  she made me a hundred times resume my seat.  At one time she held me by my hands, at another by my coat. `Alas!’ she said, `in what an abode do you leave me!  Who will answer for my ever seeing you again?’ M. de T——­ promised her that he would often come and see her with me. `As to the abode,’ he said, ’it must no longer be called the Magdalen; it is Versailles! now that it contains a person who deserves the empire of all hearts.’

“I made the man who attended a present as I went out, in order to quicken his zeal and attentions.  This fellow had a mind less rough and vulgar than the generality of his class.  He had witnessed our interview, and was affected by it.  The interest he felt was doubtless increased by the louis d’or I gave him.  He took me aside as we went down into the courtyard. `Sir,’ said he, `if you will only take me into your service, or indemnify me in any way for the loss of the situation which I fill here, I think I should not have much difficulty in liberating the beauteous Manon.’

“I caught readily at the suggestion, and, although at the moment I was almost in a state of destitution, I gave him promises far beyond his desires.  I considered that it would be at all times easy to recompense a man of his description. `Be assured, my friend,’ said I to him, `that there is nothing I will not be ready to do for you, and that your fortune is just as certain as my own.’  I enquired what means he intended to employ. `None other,’ said he, `than merely to open the door of her cell for her at night, and to conduct her to the street door, where you, of course, will be to receive her.’  I asked whether there was no danger of her being recognised as she traversed the long galleries and the courts.  He admitted that there was danger, but that nothing could be done without some slight risk.

“Although I was delighted to find him so determined, I called M. de T——­, and informed him of the project, and of the only difficulty in the way.  He thought it not so easy of execution.  He allowed the possibility of escaping thus:  `But if she be recognised,’ continued he, `if she be stopped in the attempt, all hope will be over with her, perhaps for ever.  Besides, you would be obliged to quit Paris instantly, for you could never evade the search that would be made for you:  they would redouble their efforts as much on your own account as hers.  A single man may easily escape detection, but in company with a handsome woman, it would be utterly impossible to remain undiscovered.’