Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/207

Rh from going back to those who had sent her, I made a note of her address, leading her to expect a visit from me later in the evening. Then, getting into the coach again, I drove as fast as the horses could carry me to M. de T's house. I was fortunate enough to find him at home; having been in an agony of apprehension all the way lest he might be out when I arrived. In a few words I acquainted him with my troubles, and with the service I had come to ask at his hands.

M. de T was so amazed to learn that G M had succeeded in seducing Manon, that, not being aware of how far I had been instrumental in bringing this misfortune upon myself, he generously offered to gather all his friends together and rescue my mistress by force of arms. I pointed out to him that the scandal which would inevitably be created by such an affray might be fraught with dangerous results for Manon and myself.

"We will have no bloodshed," said I, "until we are driven to the last extremity. The plan I have in view is less violent, but, I expect, will prove quite as successful."

He pledged himself unconditionally to do anything I might require of him; and when I repeated that all that was needed was for him to send word to G M that he wished to speak to him, and to keep him out of the way for an hour or two, he at once set out with me to do as I desired.

We cast about for some plausible pretext that he could use for detaining G M so long. I advised that he should first write a short note, dated at some tavern, asking him to come there at once on an affair of such importance that it would not brook delay.

"I will be on the watch," I added, "to see him leave the house. I can then easily effect an entrance, as I am known to no one in it, except Manon and Marcel, my own