Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and of the Chevalier des Grieux.pdf/92

96 profit of the Prince of R, who then resided at Clagny, and the majority of whose officers were members of our Society.

To my shame be it said, I made rapid progress under the lessons of my instructor. I acquired special facility in making a false cut and in veering a card; while, aided by a pair of long ruffles, I shuffled and palmed with an adroitness that deceived even the watchful eyes of adepts, and enabled me to fleece many an unsuspecting player at my pleasure. My remarkable dexterity so hastened the progress of my fortunes that within a few weeks I found myself in possession of a considerable sum, even apart from the gains which I felt myself bound in honor to share with my confederates.

I no longer feared, under these circumstances, to inform Manon of our loss at Chaillot; but, in order to console her on breaking this unpleasant news to her, I hired a furnished house, in which we took up our abode with every appearance of affluence and security.

During all this time Tiberge had not failed to pay me frequent visits. He was never done with his moralizing. Untiringly did he point out to me the wrong I was doing my conscience, my honor, and my fortunes. I received his