. Curiosity tempted
us to see who it was that arrived at this hour. They told us it was
young G---- M----, the son of our most vindictive enemy, of that
debauched old sinner who had incarcerated me in St. Lazare, and Manon
in the Hospital. His name made the blood mount to my cheeks. 'It is
Providence that has led him here,' said I to M. de T----, that I may
punish him for the cowardly baseness of his father. He shall not
escape without our measuring swords at least.' M. de T----, who knew
him, and was even one of his most intimate friends, tried to moderate
my feelings of anger towards him. He assured me that he was a most
amiable young man, and so little capable of countenancing his father's
conduct, that I could not be many minutes in his society without
feeling esteem and affection for him. After saying many more things in
his praise, he begged my permission to invite him to come and sit in
our apartment, as well as to share the remainder of our supper. As to
the objection of Manon being exposed by this proceeding to any danger,
he pledged his honour and good faith, that when once the young man
became acquainted with us, we should find in him a most zealous
defender. After such an assurance, I could offer no further opposition.

"M. de T---- did not introduce him without delaying a few moments
outside, to let him know who we were. He certainly came in with an air
that prepossessed us in his favour: he shook hands with me; we sat
down; he admired Manon; he appeared pleased with me, and with
everything that belonged to us; and he ate with an appetite that did
abundant honour to our hospitality.

"When the table was cleared, our conversation became more serious. He
hung down his head while he spoke of his father's conduct towards us.
He made, on his own part, the most submissive excuses. 'I say the less
upon the subject,' said he, 'because I do not wish to recall a
circumstance that fills me with grief and shame.' If he were sincere
in the beginning, he became much more so in the end, for the
conversation had not lasted half an hour, when I perceived that Manon's
charms had made a visible impression upon him. His looks and his
manner became by degrees more tender. He, however, allowed no
expression to escape him; but, without even the aid of jealousy, I had
had experience enough in love affairs to discern what was passing.

"He remained with us till a late hour in the night, and before he took
his leave