ent of me--treatment that is seldom
inflicted but with the purpose of destroying one's life. This is the
third time, Manon; I have kept a correct account; it is impossible to
forget that. It is now for you to consider what course you will adopt;
for my afflicted heart is no longer capable of sustaining such shocks.
I know and feel that it must give way, and it is at this moment ready
to burst with grief. I can say no more,' added I, throwing myself into
a chair; 'I have hardly strength to speak, or to support myself.'

"She made me no reply; but when I was seated, she sank down upon her
knees, and rested her head upon my lap, covering her face with her
hands. I perceived in a moment that she was shedding floods of tears.
Heavens! with what conflicting sensations was I at that instant
agitated! 'Ah! Manon, Manon,' said I, sighing, 'it is too late to give
me tears after the death-blow you have inflicted. You affect a sorrow
which you cannot feel. The greatest of your misfortunes is no doubt my
presence, which has been always an obstacle to your happiness. Open
your eyes; look up and see who it is that is here; you will not throw
away tears of tenderness upon an unhappy wretch whom you have betrayed
and abandoned.'

"She kissed my hands without changing her position. 'Inconstant
Manon,' said I again, 'ungrateful and faithless girl, where now are all
your promises and your vows? Capricious and cruel that you are! what
has now become of the love that you protested for me this very day?
Just Heavens,' added I, 'is it thus you permit a traitor to mock you,
after having called you so solemnly to witness her vows! Recompense
and reward then are for the perjured! Despair and neglect are the lot
of fidelity and truth!'

"These words conveyed even to my own mind a sentiment so bitterly
severe, that, in spite of myself, some tears escaped from me. Manon
perceived this by the change in my voice. She at length spoke. 'I
must have indeed done something most culpable,' said she, sobbing with
grief, 'to have excited and annoyed you to this degree; but, I call
Heaven to attest my utter unconsciousness of crime, and my innocence of
all criminal intention!'

"This speech struck me as so devoid of reason and of truth, that I
could not restrain a lively feeling of anger. 'Horrible hypocrisy!'
cried I; 'I see more plainly than ever that you are dishonest and
treacherous. Now at length I learn your wretched disposition. Ad