Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/115

Rh dismay was increased when, on our entrance, the guards again searched my pockets, to satisfy themselves that no arms or other means of defence had been left about me.

The Superior made his appearance before many minutes had elapsed, having been notified of my arrival. He greeted me very kindly.

"Father," I said to him, "spare me any indignities. Rather than submit to a single one, I would die a hundred deaths."

"Be under no apprehension, sir," he replied. "You have only to conduct yourself well, and we shall neither of us have any occasion to find fault with the other."

He requested me to follow him to an upper room, and I acquiesced without any attempt at resistance. The officers of police accompanied us as far as the door, where the Superior gave them the signal to withdraw and then entered with me.

"I am your prisoner, it seems," said I. "Well, good Father, what do you intend to do with me?"

He told me that he was very glad to hear me adopt a reasonable tone; and went on to say that his duty would be to endeavor to inspire me with a taste for virtue and religion, and mine to profit by his exhortations and advice; and that if I would but respond—however little—to his