Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/57

Rh I thereupon sketched, in anticipation, a plan of peaceful and solitary life. In my fancy I saw a secluded cottage nestling among surrounding trees; a brook of gently flowing water, murmuring as it ran by the end of my garden; a library of chosen volumes; a small circle of virtuous and intelligent friends; and a daintily served table, over which temperance and frugality should reign. To all this I added a correspondence with some friend residing in Paris, who should keep me informed in the news of the day—less to gratify my curiosity than to supply me with a source of diversion in the contemplation of the senseless turmoil of mankind. "Will not this be true happiness?" I exclaimed, "and shall I not find in such a life the fulfilment of all my best dreams?"

The project undeniably presented many attractions to a disposition like mine. But, when my virtuous scheme was all complete, I felt that there was still something more that my heart demanded; and that for the most inviting of retreats to leave nothing to be desired, it must be shared with Manon.

However, as Tiberge continued to visit me frequently in furtherance of the purpose with which he had inspired me, I took occasion to broach the subject to my father.