Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/191

Rh sufficient strength of mind to reject them. I confided my thoughts to M. de T, who expressed his opinion that it would be an extremely delicate matter to manage successfully.

"I do not deny that it will be," said I; "but no man could have more reasons for being sure of his mistress than I have for relying on the affection of mine. If she could be tempted at all, it would be because she was dazzled by the splendor of the offers made to her; and, as I have already told you, she is not of a mercenary nature. She loves her comfort; but she loves me too; and while my affairs are in as prosperous a condition as they are at present, I cannot believe that she would choose the son of a man who had her immured in the Hôpital, in preference to myself."

In short, I adhered to my original purpose, and, drawing Manon aside, frankly told her all that I had just learned.

She thanked me for my good opinion of her, and promised me that she would receive G M's proposals in a fashion that would leave him no desire to renew them in the future.

"No," said I, 'it will not do to anger him by an affront. It lies in his power to injure us. But, you sweet rogue," I added, with a laugh, "you know well enough