ge is a feeble
argument against force. I hit upon a mode, however, of avoiding this
danger, which was to get him by contrivance to some public place, and
there announce myself to him under an assumed name: I immediately
resolved on this method. M. de T---- went to G---- M----'s, and I to
the Luxembourg, whence I sent my father word, that a gentleman waited
there to speak with him. I hardly thought he would come, as the night
was advancing. He, however, soon made his appearance, followed by a
servant: I begged of him to choose a walk where we could be alone. We
walked at least a hundred paces without speaking. He doubtless
imagined that so much precaution could not be taken without some
important object. He waited for my opening speech, and I was
meditating how to commence it.

"At length I began.

"'Sir,' said I, trembling, 'you are a good and affectionate parent; you
have loaded me with favours, and have forgiven me an infinite number of
faults; I also, in my turn, call Heaven to witness the sincere, and
tender, and respectful sentiments I entertain towards you. But it does
seem to me, that your inexorable severity----'

"'Well, sir, my severity!' interrupted my father, who no doubt found my
hesitation little suited to his impatience.

"'Ah, sir,' I replied, 'it does seem to me that your severity is
excessive in the penalty you inflict upon the unfortunate Manon. You
have taken only M. G---- M----'s report of her. His hatred has made
him represent her to you in the most odious colours: you have formed a
frightful idea of her. She is, on the contrary, the mildest and most
amiable of living creatures; would that Heaven had but inspired you at
any one moment with the desire of seeing her! I am convinced that you
would be not less sensible of her perfections than your unhappy son.
You would then have been her advocate; you would have abhorred the foul
artifices of G---- M----; you would have had pity on both her and me.
Alas! I am persuaded of it; your heart is not insensible; it must ere
now have melted with compassion.'

"He interrupted me again, perceiving that I spoke with a warmth which
would not allow me to finish very briefly. He begged to know with what
request I intended to wind up so fervent an harangue.

"'To ask my life at your hands,' said I, 'which I never can retain if
Manon once embark for America.'

"'No! no!' replied he, in the severest tone; 'I would rather see you
lifeless, than in