ieve how
much my nature is altered; those tears which you have so frequently
seen me shed since quitting the French shore, have not been caused by
my own misfortunes. Since you began to share them with me, I have been
a stranger to selfishness: I only wept from tenderness and compassion
for you. I am inconsolable at the thought of having given you one
instant's pain during my past life. I never cease upbraiding myself
with my former inconstancy, and wondering at the sacrifices which love
has induced you to make for a miserable and unworthy wretch, who could
not, with the last drop of her blood, compensate for half the torments
she has caused you.'

"Her grief, the language, and the tone in which she expressed herself,
made such an impression, that I felt my heart ready to break in me.
'Take care,' said I to her, 'take care, dear Manon; I have not strength
to endure such exciting marks of your affection; I am little accustomed
to the rapturous sensations which you now kindle in my heart. Oh
Heaven!' cried I, 'I have now nothing further to ask of you. I am sure
of Manon's love. That has been alone wanting to complete my happiness;
I can now never cease to be happy: my felicity is well secured.'

"'It is indeed,' she replied, 'if it depends upon me, and I well know
where I can be ever certain of finding my own happiness centred.'

"With these ideas, capable of turning my hut into a palace worthy of
earth's proudest monarch, I lay down to rest. America appeared to my
view the true land of milk and honey, the abode of contentment and
delight. 'People should come to New Orleans,' I often said to Manon,
'who wish to enjoy the real rapture of love! It is here that love is
divested of all selfishness, all jealousy, all inconstancy. Our
countrymen come here in search of gold; they little think that we have
discovered treasures of inestimably greater value.'

"We carefully cultivated the governor's friendship. He bestowed upon
me, a few weeks after our arrival, a small appointment which became
vacant in the fort. Although not one of any distinction, I gratefully
accepted it as a gift of Providence, as it enabled me to live
independently of others' aid. I took a servant for myself, and a woman
for Manon. Our little establishment became settled: nothing could
surpass the regularity of my conduct, or that of Manon; we lost no
opportunity of serving or doing an act of kindness to our neighbours.
This friendly dispositi