Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/296

300 to become of us? For me there is nothing left but flight. You, if you will, can remain at New Orleans. Yes, it is better so! Remain here, where happiness may yet await you; while I go far away from you to court death amid savage tribes or in the jaws of some ferocious beast!"

Weak as she was, Manon rose and, taking me by the hand, led me to the door.

"Let us flee together!" said she: "We have not a moment to lose! If Synnelet's body should chance to be found, there would not be time for us to make good our escape."

"But, dearest Manon," I asked in dismay, "where can we go? Do you know of any place of refuge? Would it not be better, after all, for you to try to live on here without me, and for me to give myself up to the Governor of my own accord?"

This proposal only increased her eagerness to be gone. There was nothing for it but to comply. I had presence of mind enough to take with me, before leaving, some cordials which I happened to have in my room, and as many provisions as my pockets would hold. We told our servants, who were in the adjoining room, that we were going out for our evening walk, as was our invariable habit; and we then hastened away from the town at a