Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/293

Rh him too much my friend to desire my death, to which I would far rather submit than to the loss of my mistress.

I took my leave under the sad conviction that I had nothing to hope for from this stubborn old man, who would have risked his soul a hundred times over to please his nephew. However, I persevered in my intention of acting with self-restraint to the end; resolved in my heart that, should they carry their injustice to the worst extreme, I would make America the theatre of one of the most horrible and bloody scenes that had ever yet been enacted in the name of love.

I was walking homeward, and pondering over this design as I went along, when fate, as if eager to precipitate my ruin, brought me face to face with Synnelet. He read in my eyes some of the thoughts which were burning in my brain. As I have said, he was no poltroon; and advancing towards me, he asked:

"You are seeking me, are you not? I am aware that my intentions are offensive to you, and have foreseen clearly enough for some time past that I should have to measure swords with you, sooner or later. Come! Let us decide whether fortune is to favor you or me!"