Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/203

Rh could only sit and weep, save that every now and again there broke from my lips a heavy sigh, or a groan of anguish.

"Come, child, come nearer," I said at last, turning to the young girl; "come to me, since you have been sent to console me. Tell me if you know of any consolation to offer a heart that is tortured with rage and despair; tell me how to still this imperious longing to kill two false wretches who are unworthy to draw breath, and, that done, to put an end to my own life. Yes, come to me," I continued, as I saw her take one or two timid and faltering steps towards me, "come, and wipe away my tears; come, and restore peace to my heart; come, and tell me that you love me, so that I may grow accustomed to being loved by another, now that my faithless one has deserted me. You are beautiful: perchance I may yet be able to love you in return."

The poor child, who was not more than sixteen or seventeen years of age, and who seemed to be possessed of more modesty than is common among her class, was utterly bewildered by this unwonted scene. She approached me, however, and would have caressed me, but I thrust her quickly away, and exclaimed, as I held her from me at arm's length:

"Stop! Do not touch me! Pah! Are you not a woman, one of a sex which I abhor, the very sight of which is more than I can bear? The sweetness of your face is in itself a menace of some new treachery. Go! and leave me here alone!"

She ventured no reply, but made me a bow, and turned to leave the room. I called out to her to stay.

"Tell me at least, before you go," I resumed, "why, how, and with what object you were sent here. How did you learn my name, and where to find me?"