Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/80

84 once violated the laws of her sex, though in favor of a man for whom he had the warmest regard, he had become reconciled with her only in the hope of turning her misconduct to some account.

It became very evident to me that we had so far been his dupes. Deep as was my disgust at his words, however, the need in which I stood of his assistance forced me to reply, laughingly, that this proposal of his was a last resource which we must reserve for the direst extremity; and to beg him to suggest some other course. He advised that I should take advantage of my youth and of the pleasing presence which nature had bestowed upon me, to form an intrigue with some elderly lady of fortune and liberality.

I did not relish this project any better, involving, as it did, infidelity to Manon; and I suggested gaming as the easiest and most appropriate expedient for one in my situation. Gaming, he agreed, was certainly a resource; but it demanded some initiation into its secrets. To undertake to play, simply, with the ordinary chances of success, would be the surest method of completing my ruin; while to attempt, alone and unaided, to make use of those little devices which are employed by the skilful to correct the