to question Manon's servants, who were in the custody of
the guard. From those who had been expressly hired for her service by
his son, he could learn nothing; but when he found that Marcel had been
previously our servant, he determined to extract some information from
him, by means of intimidation, threats, or bribes.

"This lad was faithful, but weak and unsophisticated. The remembrance
of what he had done at the penitentiary for Manon's release, joined to
the terror with which G---- M---- now inspired him, so subdued his
mind, that he thought they were about leading him to the gallows, or
the rack. He promised that, if they would spare his life, he would
disclose everything he knew. This speech made G---- M---- imagine that
there was something more serious in the affair than he had before
supposed; he not only gave Marcel a promise of his life, but a handsome
reward in hand for his intended confession.

"The booby then told him the leading features of our plot, of which we
had made no secret before him, as he was himself to have borne a part
in it. True, he knew nothing of the alterations we had made at Paris
in our original design; but he had been informed, before quitting
Chaillot, of our projected adventure, and of the part he was to
perform. He therefore told him that the object was to make a dupe of
his son; and that Manon was to receive, if she had not already
received, ten thousand francs, which, according to our project, would
be effectually lost to G---- M----, his heirs and assigns for ever.

"Having acquired this information, the old gentleman hastened back in a
rage to the apartment. Without uttering a word, he passed into the
boudoir, where he easily put his hand upon the money and the jewels.
He then accosted us, bursting with rage; and holding up what he was
pleased to call our plunder, he loaded us with the most indignant
reproaches. He placed close to Manon's eye the pearl necklace and
bracelets. 'Do you recognise them?' said he, in a tone of mockery; 'it
is not, perhaps, the first time you may have seen them. The identical
pearls, by my faith! They were selected by your own exquisite taste!
The poor innocents!' added he; 'they really are most amiable creatures,
both one and the other; but they are perhaps a little too much inclined
to roguery.'

"I could hardly contain my indignation at this speech. I would have
given for one moment's liberty--Heavens! what would I not have given?
A