Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/305

Rh finement; and soon afterwards was put upon my trial. As Manon was still missing, I was accused of having murdered her in a fit of jealous rage. In my defence, I simply related the piteous facts, just as they had occurred. Synnelet, notwithstanding the paroxysm of grief into which my story threw him, was generous enough to intercede in my behalf, and succeeded in obtaining my pardon.

I was so enfeebled that they were obliged to carry me straight from the prison to my bed, to which I was confined for three months by a dangerous illness. My hatred of life did not diminish in intensity. I prayed incessantly for death, and for a long while persisted in refusing all remedies that were offered me. But the design of Heaven in punishing me with such severity had been that I should benefit in the end by the misfortunes which it had sent to chasten me. The light of divine grace illumined my heart, and led it back to sentiments more worthy of my birth and early training. Peace gradually revived in my soul, and this mental change was soon followed by my complete recovery. Submitting myself entirely to the dictates of honor and piety, I continued to fulfil the duties of my small post, while I awaited the coming of the vessels which