Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/78

82 is, to reap the fruit of their labors by living at the expense of those whom they teach. Thus, from whatever point of view one looks at it, the folly of the rich and great forms an excellent source of revenue for humbler folk."

These reflections served to restore me to some degree of cheerfulness and composure. My first resolution was to go and consult M. Lescaut, Manon's brother. He knew Paris thoroughly; and only too many opportunities had been afforded me of observing that it was neither from his own property nor from the King's pay that he drew the main part of his income. I had barely twenty pistoles left—that amount having luckily been in my pocket. I showed him my purse, and told him of my misfortune and my fears, and then asked him whether, in his opinion, there remained any other alternative for me to choose than to die of starvation, or blow out my brains in despair.

He replied that suicide was the refuge of fools; while, as for starvation, many an able man found himself reduced to it simply because he refused to make proper use of his talents. It lay with me to ascertain what I was capable of doing, but he assured me of his readiness to aid and advise me in whatever I might attempt.