ushed like a madman through the streets to
M. de T----'s house. I raised my hands and eyes as I went along,
invoking the Almighty Powers: 'O Heaven,' cried I, 'will you not prove
more merciful than man! The only hope that remains to me is from
above!'

"M. de T---- had not yet returned home; but he arrived before many
minutes had elapsed. His negotiation had been as unsuccessful as my
own. He told me so with the most sorrowful countenance. Young G----
M----, although less irritated than his father against Manon and me,
would not undertake to petition in our favour. He was, in great
measure, deterred by the fear which he himself had of the vindictive
old lecher, who had already vented his anger against him for his design
of forming a connection with Manon.

"There only remained to me, therefore, the violent measures which M.
T---- had suggested. I now confined all my hopes to them. They were
questionless most uncertain; but they held out to me, at least, a
substantial consolation, in the certainty of meeting death in the
attempt, if unsuccessful. I left him, begging that he would offer up
his best wishes for my triumph; and I thought only of finding some
companions, to whom I might communicate a portion of my own courage and
determination.

"The first that occurred to me was the same guardsman whom I had
employed to arrest G---- M----. I had intended indeed to pass the
night at his rooms, not having had a moment of leisure during the
afternoon to procure myself a lodging. I found him alone. He was glad
to see me out of the Chatelet. He made me an offer of his services. I
explained to him in what way he might now do me the greatest kindness.
He had good sense enough to perceive all the difficulties; but he was
also generous enough to undertake to surmount them.

"We spent part of the night in considering how the plot was to be
executed. He spoke of the three soldiers whom he had made use of on
the last occasion, as men whose courage had been proved. M. de T----
had told me the exact number of archers that would escort Manon; they
were but six. Five strong and determined men could not fail to strike
terror into these fellows, who would never think of defending
themselves bravely, when they were to be allowed the alternative of
avoiding danger by surrendering; and of that they would no doubt avail
themselves. As I was not without money, the guardsman advised me to
spare no pains or expense to ensure su