“I could not longer endure this spectacle. `Ah!  Manon,’ said I to her in the mildest tone, `faithless and perjured Manon!  How am I to complain of your conduct?  I see you pale and trembling, and I am still so much alive to your slightest sufferings, that I am unwilling to add to them by my reproaches.  But, Manon, I tell you that my heart is pierced with sorrow at your treatment of me—­treatment that is seldom inflicted but with the purpose of destroying one’s life.  This is the third time, Manon; I have kept a correct account; it is impossible to forget that.  It is now for you to consider what course you will adopt; for my afflicted heart is no longer capable of sustaining such shocks.  I know and feel that it must give way, and it is at this moment ready to burst with grief.  I can say no more,’ added I, throwing myself into a chair; `I have hardly strength to speak, or to support myself.’

“She made me no reply; but when I was seated, she sank down upon her knees, and rested her head upon my lap, covering her face with her hands.  I perceived in a moment that she was shedding floods of tears.  Heavens! with what conflicting sensations was I at that instant agitated! `Ah!  Manon, Manon,’ said I, sighing, `it is too late to give me tears after the death-blow you have inflicted.  You affect a sorrow which you cannot feel.  The greatest of your misfortunes is no doubt my presence, which has been always an obstacle to your happiness.  Open your eyes; look up and see who it is that is here; you will not throw away tears of tenderness upon an unhappy wretch whom you have betrayed and abandoned.’

“She kissed my hands without changing her position. `Inconstant Manon,’ said I again, `ungrateful and faithless girl, where now are all your promises and your vows?  Capricious and cruel that you are! what has now become of the love that you protested for me this very day?  Just Heavens,’ added I, `is it thus you permit a traitor to mock you, after having called you so solemnly to witness her vows!  Recompense and reward then are for the perjured!  Despair and neglect are the lot of fidelity and truth!’

“These words conveyed even to my own mind a sentiment so bitterly severe, that, in spite of myself, some tears escaped from me.  Manon perceived this by the change in my voice.  She at length spoke. `I must have indeed done something most culpable,’ said she, sobbing with grief, `to have excited and annoyed you to this degree; but, I call Heaven to attest my utter unconsciousness of crime, and my innocence of all criminal intention!’

“This speech struck me as so devoid of reason and of truth, that I could not restrain a lively feeling of anger. `Horrible hypocrisy!’ cried I; `I see more plainly than ever that you are dishonest and treacherous.  Now at length I learn your wretched disposition.  Adieu, base creature,’ said I, rising from my seat; `I would prefer death a thousand times rather than continue to hold the slightest communication with you.  May Heaven punish me, if I ever again waste upon you the smallest regard!  Live on with your new lover—­renounce all feelings of honour—­detest me—­your love is now a matter to me of utter insignificance!’