Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/105

Rh me taller and somewhat older than he probably expected. We could hit upon no better plan than for me to assume the manner of a countrified simpleton in his presence, while we led him to believe that I intended entering the Church, and was preparing myself for that career by daily attendance at college.

We decided, also, that I should dress myself very shabbily on the first occasion that I was allowed the honor of paying my respects to him. He returned to town some three or four days after this; and himself installed Manon in the house which his steward had punctually prepared for her reception. She at once let Lescaut know of her return; and when he had brought me word of it, we went together to the house to see her. Her old gallant had already left her.

Despite the resignation with which I had submitted to Manon's wishes, I could not altogether repress the rebellious dissatisfaction in my heart on seeing her again. My manner towards her was sad and dejected. The joy of having her once more at my side did not entirely counterbalance my grief at her infidelity. Her delight at being with me again seemed, on the contrary, to be without alloy. Upon her reproaching me for my coldness toward her, the words "Faithless and inconstant girl!" burst in-