Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/164

168 entirely to my success in obtaining the assistance I was about to solicit. Driving to the Luxembourg, I sent word to Tiberge that I was awaiting him there. My impatience was gratified by the promptness with which he made his appearance. Without any waste of words, I told him of the extremity I was in. He asked me whether the hundred pistoles which I had repaid him would be sufficient to meet my wants, and then, without opposing a single word of objection, he hastened away to get them for me, with that ungrudging manner and that evident pleasure in making a gift which are known only to love and to true friendship.

Although I had not entertained the slightest doubt of his complying with my request, I was surprised at obtaining what I asked so cheaply—that is to say, without being upbraided for my continued impenitence. But I was mistaken in supposing that I was to escape his reproaches altogether, for, when he had finished counting out the money to me, and I was about to leave him, he asked me to walk once or twice up and down the path with him. I had not mentioned Manon, and he was not aware that she was at liberty, so that his sermon had for its text only my rash flight from St. Lazare, and his own misgivings lest I should fail to profit by the virtuous