Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and the Chevalier Des Grieux.djvu/56

Rh were not yet effaced. My own feelings were clear to me. much shame and anguish ; but, though I suffered a thousand deaths, I should still be unable to forget you, ungi*ateful Manon ! *' My father was surprised to see me continue thus deeply affected. He knew that I cherished principles of honor, and, being certain that Manon's treachery must have made me despise her, he arrived at the conclusion that my constancy was due less to my passion for her in particular than to a genei'al fondness for women. He became so w^edded to this view that, consulting only his tender affec- tion for me, he came one day and broached it to me. " Chevalier," he said to me, ** it has hitherto been my m- tention that you should wear the Cross of the Order of Malta, but I see that your inclinations do not lie in that direction. You have a taste foi* pretty- w^omen. Well, I am willing to find you a wife to your liking. Tell me frankly your ideas on the subject." I answered him that all women were alike to me now, and that after the blow that had so lately fallen on me, I regarded them all with equal detestation.
 * ' I may die," I said : ** I ought to die, in truth, after so
 * I will find you one," replied my father, with a smile,