Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/238

242 in different wards. Had I not been prepared for this, it would have been a cruel blow; as it was, I found it hard to bear. I commended Manon to the good offices of the warder, giving him to understand at the same time that I was a person of some consideration, and promising him a liberal reward if he treated her kindly. Before I was parted from my beloved mistress, I clasped her fondly in my arms and besought her not to give way to despair, and to have no fears as long as I remained alive to protect her. There was a little money in my purse. I gave her part of it, and out of what was left paid the warder a month's full board in advance, for her and myself.

My money had a very good effect. I was put into a comfortably furnished room, and assured that a similar one had been given to Manon. Left to myself, I at once began to consider how I could most speedily regain my liberty. One thing was clear; there was nothing absolutely criminal in all I had done. Even supposing that it were proved, on Marcel's evidence, that it was our intention to commit a theft, I was well enough versed in the law to be aware that no penalty attaches to the mere contemplation of an offence. I decided to write to my father without delay, and beg him to come to Paris in person. As I have already said, I felt much less shame at being