set at liberty, he had in
vain looked for me, in order to suggest the only plan through which he
could see a hope of averting Manon's fate. He told me it was dangerous
counsel to give, and implored me never to mention the part he took in
it; it was to find some enterprising fellows gallant enough to attack
Manon's guard on getting outside the barriere. Nor did he wait for me
to urge a plea of poverty. 'Here is fifty pounds,' he said, presenting
me his purse; 'it may be of use to you; you can repay me when you are
in better circumstances.' He added, that if the fear of losing his
character did not prevent him from embarking in such an enterprise, he
would have willingly put his sword and his life at my service.

"This unlooked-for generosity affected me to tears. I expressed my
gratitude with as much warmth as my depressed spirits left at my
command. I asked him if there were nothing to be expected from
interceding with the lieutenant-general of police: he said that he had
considered that point; but that he looked upon it as a hopeless
attempt, because a favour of that nature was never accorded without
some strong motive, and he did not see what inducement could be held
out for engaging the intercession of any person of power on her behalf;
that if any hope could possibly be entertained upon the point, it must
be by working a change in the feelings of old G---- M---- and my
father, and by prevailing on them to solicit from the
lieutenant-general of police the revocation of Manon's sentence. He
offered to do everything in his power to gain over the younger G----
M----, although he fancied a coldness in that gentleman's manner
towards him, probably from some suspicions he might entertain of his
being concerned in the late affair; and he entreated me to lose no
opportunity of effecting the desired change in my father's mind.

"This was no easy undertaking for me; not only on account of the
difficulty I should naturally meet in overcoming his opinion, but for
another reason which made me fear even to approach him; I had quitted
his lodgings contrary to his express orders, and was resolved, since I
had learned the sad fate of my poor Manon, never again to return
thither. I was not without apprehensions indeed of his now retaining
me against my will, and perhaps taking me at once back with him into
the country. My elder brother had formerly had recourse to this
violent measure. True, I was now somewhat older; but a