“She then told me all that had occurred to her after joining G——­ M——­, whom she found punctually awaiting her arrival.  He had in fact received her in the most princely style.  He showed her through all the apartments, which were fitted up in the neatest and most correct taste.  He had counted out to her in her boudoir ten thousand francs, as well as a quantity of jewels, amongst which were the identical pearl necklace and bracelets which she had once before received as a present from his father.  He then led her into a splendid room, which she had not before seen, and in which an exquisite collation was served; she was waited upon by the new servants, whom he had hired purposely for her, and whom he now desired to consider themselves as exclusively her attendants; the carriage and the horses were afterwards paraded, and he then proposed a game of cards, until supper should be announced.

“`I acknowledge,’ continued Manon, `that I was dazzled by all this magnificence.  It struck me that it would be madness to sacrifice at once so many good things for the mere sake of carrying off the money and the jewels already in my possession; that it was a certain fortune made for both you and me, and that we might pass the remainder of our lives most agreeably and comfortably at the expense of G——­ M——.

“`Instead of proposing the theatre, I thought it more prudent to sound his feelings with regard to you, in order to ascertain what facilities we should have for meeting in future, on the supposition that I could carry my project into effect.  I found him of a most tractable disposition.  He asked me how I felt towards you, and if I had not experienced some compunction at quitting you.  I told him that you were so truly amiable, and had ever treated me with such undeviating kindness, that it was impossible I could hate you.  He admitted that you were a man of merit, and expressed an ardent desire to gain your friendship.

“`He was anxious to know how I thought you would take my elopement, particularly when you should learn that I was in his hands.  I answered, that our love was of such long standing as to have had time to moderate a little; that, besides, you were not in very easy circumstances, and would probably not consider my departure as any severe misfortune, inasmuch as it would relieve you from a burden of no very insignificant nature.  I added that, being perfectly convinced you would take the whole matter rationally, I had not hesitated to tell you that I had some business in Paris; but you had at once consented, and that having accompanied me yourself, you did not seem very uneasy when we separated.

“`If I thought,’ said he to me, ’that he could bring himself to live on good terms with me, I should be too happy to make him a tender of my services and attentions.’  I assured him that, from what I knew of your disposition, I had no doubt you would acknowledge his kindness in a congenial spirit:  especially, I added, if he could assist you in your affairs, which had become embarrassed since your disagreement with your family.  He interrupted me by declaring, that he would gladly render you any service in his power, and that if you were disposed to form a new attachment, he would introduce you to an extremely pretty woman, whom he had just given up for me.