Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/122

126 lence. I had enough remaining, however, to hurl him to the ground and clutch him by the throat. I had nearly strangled him when the noise of his fall and the few piercing shrieks he was able to utter before I stifled his voice, brought the Superior and several of the Brotherhood to my room, and he was rescued from my grasp. I was myself almost exhausted, and panting for breath.

"Just Heaven!" I cried, with sobs of agony, "how can I live another moment after hearing of infamy like this?"

I strove to throw myself once more upon the barbarian who had dealt me this cruel blow, but they held me fast. My despair, my groans, my tears, transcended all conception. I raved so wildly that all present, ignorant as they were of the cause, looked at one another with as much alarm as surprise. Monsieur de G M was meanwhile rearranging his peruke and cravat; and, in his indignation at having been subjected to such maltreatment, he ordered the Superior to see that I was more closely confined than ever, and to punish me by the infliction of all the pains and penalties which are well known to be resorted to at St. Lazare.

"No, sir," said the Superior. "We do not treat persons of the Chevalier's rank in that manner. He is, besides, so gentle and courteous that I find it difficult to believe that he could so completely have lost control of himself without strong provocation."

This reply incensed M. de G M to the last degree. He took his departure, vowing that the Superior and I, and every one else who dared to oppose him, should yet learn that he was not to be thwarted. Ordering his priests to conduct M. de G M to the door, the Superior remained alone with me, and begged me to tell him at once what had caused this disturbance.