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150 often destroys. He told me that he counted my visit among the fortunate events of his life—that he should regard my friendship as one of his most valued acquisitions, and would strive to merit it by his zeal in my service. He did not promise to restore Manon to me, as he could boast, he said, of only slight and uncertain influence; but he offered to procure me the pleasure of seeing her, and to do all in his power to bring her once more to my arms.

I was better pleased with this uncertainty on his part as to the extent of his influence than I should have been with a positive assurance that he would secure the fulfilment of all my wishes. I discerned, in the very modesty of his promises, an indication of sincerity which delighted me. In a word, I allowed myself to hope for everything from his good offices on my behalf. His undertaking to obtain me an opportunity of seeing Manon would alone have made me his willing slave. I expressed these sentiments to him as best I could, and, in doing so, gave him every reason to believe that my character was not unworthy of his esteem. We embraced one another affectionately, and became fast friends, out of pure warmth of heart, and that natural inclination which prompts one man of ardent and generous temperament to attach himself to another of similar disposition.