Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/295

Rh was standing. I envied Synnelet his fate; for a speedy death seemed the only refuge I could hope to find from my woes. This very thought, however, recalled me sharply to myself, and rendered me once more capable of forming a worthy resolution.

"What!" I exclaimed, "am I weak enough to wish to die in order to escape from my troubles? That would be to lose my love forever, and what do I dread more than losing her? Nay! let me endure the worst that is to come, in the defence of my mistress, and think of dying only when I have endured that worst in vain!"

I made my way back to the town. On reaching home I found Manon half dead with terror and anxiety. My presence reassured her; but it was impossible for me to conceal from her the terrible incident which had just occurred. She fainted in my arms on hearing of Synnelet's death and of the wound I had received. It was more than a quarter of an hour before I succeeded in restoring her to consciousness.

I was well-nigh at death's door myself. Look where I would, I saw no hope of safety for either of us.

"Manon, what is to be done?" I asked her, as soon as her strength had somewhat revived. "Alas! what is