Grieux offers to take her to Paris Manon gladly consents, thankful to
escape the convent. Remembering Guillot's offer she proposes to make
use of the farmer's carriage, and they drive gaily off, just before
Lescaut returns to look for his cousin. When this worthy soldier hears
that the fugitives have gone off in Guillot's carriage, he abuses the
farmer with great fury and swears, that {451} he will not rest, until
he shall have found his little cousin.

The second act takes place in a poorly furnished apartment in Paris.

De Grieux is about to write to his father, whom he hopes to reconcile
to his purpose of marrying Manon, by telling him of the girl's beauty,
of her youth and innocence. They are interrupted by the entrance of
Lescaut, who, accompanied by de Bretigny, another victim of Manon's
charms, comes to avenge the honour of the family. While Grieux takes
Lescaut aside and pacifies him by showing him the letter he has just
written, de Bretigny tells Manon, that her lover will be kidnapped this
very evening by his father's orders. Manon protests warmly against
this act of tyranny, but de Bretigny warns her that her interference
would only bring greater harm to both of them, while riches, honours
and liberty will be hers, if she lets things take their course.

Manon who on the one hand sincerely loves de Grieux while on the other
hand she has a longing for all the good things of this world, is very
unhappy but allows herself to be tempted. When de Grieux leaves her to
post his letter she takes a most tender farewell of the little table at
which they have so often sat, of the one glass from which they both
drank, and of all the objects around. De Grieux finding her in tears,
tries to console her by picturing the future of his dreams, a little
cottage in the wood, where they are to {452} live for ever happy and
contented. A loud knock interrupts them, Manon, knowing what will
happen tries to detain him, but he tears himself from her and opening
the door is at once seized and carried off.

The third act opens on the promenade Cour-la-Reine in Paris, a scene of
merry making where all the buying, selling and amusements of a great
fair are going on.

The pretty ladies of the first act, Yavotte, Poussette and Rosette are
being entertained by new lovers, while rich old Guillot looks in vain
for a sweetheart.

Manon, who appears on de Bretigny's arm, is the queen of the festival.
She has stifled the pangs of c