Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/109

Rh Lescaut and I were to take our leave upon his going up-stairs to the room in which he expected to pass the night, and Manon, instead of accompanying him, promised to slip out of the house and spend it with me. Lescaut undertook to have a coach at the door at the right moment.

Supper-time drew near, and M. de G M was not long in making his appearance. Lescaut remained in the parlor with his sister. The old man's first proceeding was to present his inamorata with a necklace, bracelets, and ear-rings of pearls, worth at the very least a thousand crowns. He next counted out to her in bright louis d'or the sum of two thousand four hundred livres, which constituted one half of the promised annual allowance. He accompanied his presents with a number of courtly compliments in the old-school style of gallantry.

Manon could not refuse him a few kisses; they were the only title she acquired to the money he gave her. I was listening at the door and waiting for Lescaut to give me the signal to enter the room. He came and took me by the hand as soon as Manon had secured the money and the jewels, and leading me up to M. de G M, he bade me make him a bow. I made two or three, bowing almost to the ground each time.