I had nothing more to do than to procure the linen and clothes for
Manon, I told him that we might start almost immediately, if he would
be so good as to wait for me a moment while I went into one or two
shops. I know not whether he suspected that I made this proposition
with the view of calling his generosity into play, or whether it was by
the mere impulse of a kind heart; but, having consented to start
immediately, he took me to a shopkeeper, who had lately furnished his
house. He there made me select several articles of a much higher price
than I had proposed to myself; and when I was about paying the bill, he
desired the man not to take a sou from me. This he did so gracefully,
that I felt no shame in accepting his present. We then took the road
to Chaillot together, where I arrived much more easy in mind than when
I had left it that morning.

"My return and the polite attentions of M. de T---- dispelled all
Manon's melancholy. 'Let us forget our past annoyances, my dear soul,'
said I to her, 'and endeavour to live a still happier life than before.
After all, there are worse masters than love: fate cannot subject us to
as much sorrow as love enables us to taste of happiness.' Our supper
was a true scene of joy.

"In possession of Manon and of twelve hundred and fifty francs, I was
prouder and more contented than the richest voluptuary of Paris with
untold treasures. Wealth should be measured by the means it affords us
of satisfying our desires. There did not remain to me at this moment a
single wish unaccomplished. Even the future gave me little concern. I
felt a hope, amounting almost to certainty, that my father would allow
me the means of living respectably in Paris, because I had become
entitled, on entering upon my twentieth year, to a share of my mother's
fortune. I did not conceal from Manon what was the extent of my
present wealth; but I added, that it might suffice to support us until
our fortune was bettered, either by the inheritance I have just alluded
to, or by the resources of the hazard-table."

VIII

This Passion hath its floods in the very times of weakness, which are
great prosperity, and great adversity; both which times kindle Love,
and make it more fervent.--BACON.

"For several weeks I thus continued to think only of enjoying the full
luxury of my situation; and being restrained, by a sense of honour, as
well as a lurking apprehension of the police, from renewing my int