“We arrived at Lescaut’s house.  As it was late, M. de T——­ left us on the way, promising to visit us the next morning.  The servant alone remained.

“I held Manon in such close embrace in my arms, that we occupied but one place in the coach.  She cried for joy, and I could feel her tears trickling down my cheeks.

“When we were about getting out at Lescaut’s, I had a new difficulty with the coachman, which was attended with the most unfortunate results.  I repented of having promised the fellow a louis d’or, not only because it was extravagant folly, but for another stronger reason, that it was at the moment out of my power to pay him.  I called for Lescaut, and he came down to the door.  I whispered to him the cause of my present embarrassment.  Being naturally rough, and not at all in the habit of treating hackney-coachmen with respect, he answered that I could not be serious. `A louis!’ said he; `twenty blows of a cane would be the right payment for that rascal!’ I entreated him not to destroy us; when he snatched my cane from my hand, and was about to lay it on the coachman.  The fellow had probably before experienced the weight of a guardsman’s arm, and instantly drove off, crying out, that I had cheated him, and should hear of him again.  I in vain endeavoured to stop him.

“His flight caused me, of course, the greatest alarm.  I had no doubt that he would immediately give information to the police. `You have ruined me,’ said I to Lescaut; `I shall be no longer safe at your house; we must go hence at once.’  I gave Manon my arm, and as quickly as possible got out of the dangerous neighbourhood.  Lescaut accompanied us.”

The Chevalier des Grieux having occupied more than an hour with his story, I begged him to give himself a little rest, and meanwhile to share our supper.  He saw, by the attention we paid him, that we were amused, and promised that we should hear something of perhaps greater interest in the sequel.  When we had finished supper, he continued in the following words.

VII

. . .  How chances mock, And changes fill the cup of alteration With divers liquors.

Shakespeare.

“How inscrutably does Providence connect events!  We had hardly proceeded for five minutes on our way, when a man, whose face I could not see, recognised Lescaut.  He had no doubt been watching for him near his home, with the horrible intention which he now unhappily executed. `It is Lescaut!’ said he, snapping a pistol at his head; `he shall sup tonight with the angels!’ He then instantly disappeared.  Lescaut fell, without the least sign of life.  I pressed Manon to fly, for we could be of no use to a dead man, and I feared being arrested by the police, who would certainly be soon upon the spot.  I turned down the first narrow street with her and the servant:  she was so overpowered by the scene she had just witnessed, that I could