Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/208

212 valet. In the meanwhile, you, who will be with G M, can tell him that the important matter concerning which you are are anxious to speak to him is your pressing need of some money, as you have just lost all your own at play, and have staked your honor for a great deal more with the same unfortunate result. It will take some time for him to go to his banker's with you; and this will give me all I need for the execution of my design."

M. de T followed out this arrangement in every detail. I left him in a tavern, where he lost no time in writing his letter; while I went and posted myself at a few paces' distance from Manon's house. I saw the bearer of the message arrive, and G M leave the house a few moments afterwards, and walk away, followed by a lackey. After giving him time to get well out of the street, I went up to my faithless mistress's door, and, in spite of all my indignation, knocked at it as reverentially as though it had been the portal of a temple.

Fortunately for me it was Marcel who answered the summons. I made him a sign to be silent, although, indeed, I had nothing to fear from the other servants. I asked him in an undertone whether he could take me to the room Manon was in without my being observed. He