Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/256

260 contrary to his express orders, and had firmly resolved, since learning the sad fate that was in store for Manon, that nothing should induce me to return to them.

I had every reason to apprehend that he would keep me there, whether I would or no, and take me back into the country with as little regard for my own wishes. My elder brother had adopted that method with me on a previous occasion. I had grown older since then, it is true; but age is a sorry argument against force. I hit upon a plan, however, by which I could avoid any such risk. This was to send to my father, under an assumed name, asking him to meet me in some public place. I immediately decided to adopt this course. M. de T went to see G M, and I repaired to the Luxembourg, whence I despatched a messenger to my father to tell him that a gentleman of his acquaintance was awaiting the honor of an interview with him.

I was afraid that he might find it inconvenient to come, as it was growing late in the evening; but he made his appearance before long, followed by his servant. I requested him to turn into a secluded path, in order that we might be alone together; and we walked on for fully a hundred yards without speaking a word. He was doubtless thinking that all this precaution betokened some matter