Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/181

Rh moment after moment went by, that the avowal would come from her own lips; and I revelled by anticipation in the exquisite sense of triumph that would then be mine.

We went back to her dressing-room, where she was putting the finishing touches to my hair, and I was good-humoredly yielding to her every whim, when the servant came to announce that the Prince of desired to see her. The mention of that name threw me into a violent rage.

"What does this mean?" I cried, thrusting her from me. "Who and what is this Prince?"

She made no response to my questions, but said coolly to the valet: "Show him upstairs." Then she turned to me and added in a bewitching tone, "My own dear love, bear with me for one moment, I beg of you—for just one single moment! Do but consent and I will love you a thousandfold more than ever. Grant me this favor, and you shall have my lifelong gratitude!"

I was speechless with surprise and indignation. She renewed her entreaties, and I was casting about for fitting words of scorn with which to reject them, when, hearing the door of the outer room thrown open, she seized my hair—which was hanging loosely over my shoulders—in one hand, took her looking-glass in the other, and, exerting her whole strength in the effort, dragged me, just as