:-:- ACT I :-:-

The Parlour of the Seminary of Saint Sulpice.

:-:- ACT II :-:-

A Furnished Apartment in the Rue Vivienne.

(A Month Later.)

:-:- ACT III :-:-

A Boudoir in the Hôtel de Valcour.

(The Next Morning.)

:-:- ACT IV :-:-

An Inn on the Road between Paris and Le Havre.

(The Following Day.)

:-:- ACT V :-:-

SCENE I:-:- Cabin of des Grieux and Manon in the Penal
Settlement of New Orleans.

(A Year Later)

SCENE II :-:- The wilderness.

(The Same Night)

2

One of the Ladies.
What a triumph for religion!

Another Lady
The Abbe des Grieux seems marked by heaven to be a great
preacher.

Madame de la Rive
(Youngish, sentimental)
What warmth! What tenderness! What unction!

Marquise
And when one thinks that he has never before spoken in public!
In ten years he will be in the pulpit of Notre Dame.

First Lady
Marquise, we shall live to see him our Bishop.

Madame de la Rive
(Sighing)
I would rather see him my director.

Second Lady
(With enthusiasm)
Oh, heavens, what a director!
(Shaking her head)

But — one would have to tell him everything.

Marquise
(Smiling)
No, child, one wouldn't; he'd know it without being told.

Second Lady
Worse and worse! No — no, a good director should have the same
qualities as a good husband.

Marquise
(Amused)
And what are they, my dear?

Second Lady only what to see only
A natural tendency to believe what he is told and unerring
aucteness in showing what is pointed out to him!

First Lady
(To Tiberge)
You have always believed in his vocation, have you not, Abbé?

3

Tiberge

Always, madam! And I count it among my greatest joys that
my anticipations have been so speedily fulfilled.

First Lady

And yet I'm told he has been — well, just a little wild?
An unhappy entanglement?

Tiberge

The effervescence of youth —

Second Lady

Some woman got hold of him, I suppose?
(Tiberge is silent)

Marquise

(Who has been listening)

Des Grieux owes you a great deal, my dear Abbe. We know under
what difficult circumstances your friendship has sustained and
guided him.

Tiberge

Believe me, he owes his escape from those difficulties entirely

to his own high principles and noble instincts. My friendship

may have sustained him, but he needed no guide but his own heart.

Marquise

And when is he received into the Church?

Tiberge

Tomorrow, I hope, if all goes well.

One of the Ladies

Is it true, Abbe, that your young friend abhors our sex?

Tiberge

An ecclesiastic, madam, abhors nothing but sin —

Marquise

And even that, sometimes, only in the abstract!
(Enter the COMTESSE de RIMBAULT, a pretty sentimental young
woman in a large hat and "robe à falbalas.")

Comtesse

Ah, ladies, I thought I should find you here.

4

(To Tiberge)

My dear Abbe, what a triumph!

(Sinks into a chair)

I am exhausted by my emotions — and the crowd.

Madame de la Rive

Yes; the crowd was frightful; and so very mixed.

First Lady

One can never be sure whom one may meet nowadays, even at the Sorbonne.

Marquise

Well, after all, my child, there is no place where one meets such promiscuous company as in church.

Second Lady

Except in heaven!

Madame de la Rive

Oh, in church we're all sinners, so it doesn't matter; but at the Sorbonne I do object to being seated next to Mademoiselle Manon Lescaut — whatever may happen to me in heaven!

Tiberge

(Aside, with a start)

Manon Lescaut!

First Lady

(Outraged)

Was that shameless baggage there?

Madame de la Rive

In a new pelisse lined with sable, and her very petticoats trimmed with old point!

Second Lady

(To Madame de la Rive)

Hush! Look at the Marquise. She knows about her husband.

(They glance at the Marquise, who, at the mention of Manon Lescaut's name, has turned pale and is listening in silence)

First Lady

Her husband today, her son tomorrow! Those creatures spread like the plague.

5

Tiberge

(Aside)

Manon Lescaut.

Comtesse

I had to wait at the door while Mademoiselle Lescaut got into her chair before me —

(To Madame de la Rive)

and you're quite right about the lace on her petticoats! —
I say there should be a law to protect us from such creatures!

Marquise

(Dryly)

Ah, my dear, if there were a law to protect our property from them, I for one should be satisfied!

Comtesse

(To the ladies nearest her)

They say the hussy has gone through two thirds of old Ivry's money already.

Second Lady

And I'm told she has her eye on his nephew, young Valcour.

First Lady

The poor Marquise!

She loves him like a son.

Madame de la Rive

What hypocrites the creatures are! During the Abbé's discourse I saw her weeping like a child.

First Lady

(Exalted)

Perhaps des Grieux'd eloquence has touched her heart!

Comtesse

It must, if the wretch is still capable of feeling.

First Lady

What a magnificent conversion! Perhaps she means to enter a convent!

Marquise

Yes — to steal the plate.

(To Tiberge, who has stood apart, constrained and anxious, during the last few moments)

But where is our young orator? I must be off to vespers.

6

Tiberge

(Anxious, absent-minded, glancing out through the glass door that gives on the cloisters)

He must have been summoned to the Superior's room on his return; but he is sure to be here in a moment.

Marquise

(Looking through the glass door)

Ah, here he comes!

(DES GRIEUX is seen crossing the cloister. He enters by the glass door. A tall, handsome youth of about twenty-one, with a charming, irresolute face, in the dress of a seminarist of Saint Sulpice. His eyes are bright, his cheeks flushed with excitement, and he still carries in his hand the manuscript of his discourse)

Des Grieux

(Eagerly)

Tiberge.

(He hurries toward Tiberge with outstretched hands, and then, perceiving the ladies, who are grouped together at the other end of the parlor, draws back with a perceptible gesture of annoyance and makes a low bow)

Ladies.

One of the Ladies

(To another)

I told you he hated us, my dear!

Marquise

My dear young friend!

(He kisses her hand respectfully)

Your words have swept through our hearts like a purifying rain.

Second Lady

I feel so bare, with all my little sins washed away!

Des Grieux

(Smiling)

Hasten, madam, to fill their place with great virtues.

Madame de la Rive

He has the voice of a director.

First Lady

And the hand of a Bishop!

7

Comtesse

(Approaching Des Grieux)

Abbe, your words have roused in me feelings that I thought
the world had stifled forever.

Dex Grieux

Comtesse, we sometimes accuse the world of crimes that should
be charged to our own conscience.

Comtesse

But if the world has killed our conscience?

Dex Grieux

(Pointing to the crucifix)

It is never too late for Heaven to raise it up!

Comtesse

(Perceptibly chilled)

Ah, —

(Turning away, to the second lady)

Your little Abbé is a disappointment.

Second Lady

Indeed?

Comtesse

I thought him a man of the world.

Second Lady

And he's only a man of the next world?

(Laughing)

That is rather long to wait, isn't it?

(The Comtesse turns away with a shrug)

Marquise

(Coming forward with Des Grieux)

My child, after the emotions of today, you need time for rest
and meditation.

(Takes his hand earnestly)

Good bye. God bless you. Persevere as you have begun.

Des Grieux

(Kissing her hand)

Madam —

(The Marquise goes out)

8

Madame de la Rive

(Coming forward)

thoughts

We leave you to your meditations — on condition that we have a part in them!

Des Grieux

(Bowing)

In my prayers, madam — always.

Comtesse

(Aside tartly to second lady)

He's wonderfully careful not to enhour age us!

Second Lady

Well — some of us need so little encouragement!

Comtesse

(Sarcastic)

charm.

He needn't be afraid of me. He has no personal magnetism.

Second Lady

(Thoughtfully)

That is probably his chief safeguard.

(They all go out)

Des Grieux

(As the door closes)

Tiberge — at last — at last!

(Throws himself in his friend's arms)

Tiberge

Smiling

(Smiling, admonitory)

Gently, gently, Louis. You showed your feelings almost too plainly. just now.

Des Grieux

They tried my patience too severely! On this day of all others!

When I wanted to be alone with you, to be set upon by a band of cackling women!

Tiberge

Take care, Abbe! They are all souls to be saved — and it may

be your vocation to save them!

Des Grieux

(Contemptuous)

Souls to be saved?

Those pretty love-birds?

9

(With a derisive gesture)

You might as well tell me I have a mission to the dressmaker's
mannikins, and a call to convert the barbers' blocks! My mission — if I have any — is to human beings who can feel and struggle and suffer!

Tiberge

And are women not human beings?

Des Grieux

Not such women! Fine ladies who choose their directors with an eye to their talent for verse-making, pretty penitents bent on an ančous intrigue with heaven, lovely sinners who court the thunders of the Church to galvanize their jaded passions! Bah— don't let's talk of them on such a day.

(Catching Tiberge's hands, with boyish impulsiveness)

Well, master, were you satisfied with me? Did I reach your heart? did I preach well?

Tiberge

Not mine only, dear friend. All the women about me were in tears.

Des Grieux

The women — always the women! Were there no men in the Sorbonne?

Tiberge

Yes — but women are the preacher's barometer.

Des Grieux

(Impatient)

Then I give up being a preacher. If I have any talent — any eloquence — I want to use it to influence men,

(With feeling)

as you, dear friend, have influenced me! To rescue them as you have rescued me!

Tiberge

(Pressing his hand)

Thank you, Louis.

(A pause)

But why this violent anomosity against women?

(Tentatively)

Do you still hate the whole sex?

10

Des Grieux

(Smiling)

hatred

Hate them? No; reassure yourself. Hatred has given way to
indifference —

(Emphatically)

— complete indifference.

(Smiling)

Are you satisfied?

Tiberge

(Slowly)

Are you?

Des Grieux

With my indifference?

I hug it, I exult in it!

Tiberge

I mean with your vocation.

You have no doubts — no regrets?

Des Grieux

Regrets?

Do souls in heaven pine for purgatory?

Tiberge

It depends on whom they leave there — perhaps.

Des Grieux

Heretic!

(Laughing)

This is worse than Jansenism.

(Growing grave)

Tiberge, I know what you mean. This is the decisive day of my life — the day on which, if ever, my vocation must declare itself. Well, it has declared itself. Never have I felt such hatred if sin, such hunger for holiness. I count the moments till the Church receives me — from this day forth I feel myself a priest!

(He lifts his hand to the crucifix with a gesture of self-dedication)

Tiberge

Weigh your words, Louis. A priest must not only hate sin — he must pity it.

(A pause)

We hate what we are afraid of. Are you far enough from your old sin not to be afraid of it?

11

Des Grieux

Afraid of it? — Tiberge, I am so far from it — so secure
from it, influence — that if it reappeared to me today —

Tiberge

(Almost warningly)

Louis!

Des Grieux

(Triumphant, exalted)

— reappeared to me, as sin appeared to Saint Anthony — in
the form of a beautiful woman — the only real woman in a
world of shadows —

Tiberge

Louis — Take care — take care!

Des Grieux

(Almost defiantly)

— in the form of the only lips I ever kissed, the only eyes I
ever worshipped — in the form of Manon Lescaut, who enslaved
me, enchanted me and deceived me — I should fall down on my
knees before her and bless her for what she has done!

Tiberge

(Aside)

God forbid you should have the opportunity!

(Aloud)

Well, Louis — heaven knows the measure of our strength
better than we do; don't go out of your way to choose your own
temptations.

Des Grieux

(Sadly)

You don't believe in me, then?

Tiberge

I answer for today — only Heaven can answer for tomorrow!

(He presses des Grieux's hand)

And now I must go to the Superior.

(He goes out)

Dex Grieux

(After standing a moment lost in contemplation of the cru-
cifix, he breaks out, stretching his arms toward it)

I answer for tomorrow!

(The PORTER enters)

12

The Porter

A lady to see you, sir.

Des Grieux

(Starting back and beginning to gather up his papers,
which lie scattered on the desk)

A lady? I can't see her.

Porter

She's waited all this time in my lodge, sir.

Des Grieux

All this time?

(make a gesture of refusal.)

Porter

To see you alone. She wouldn't come in while the other ladies
were here.

Des Grieux

(Irritated, uncertain)

What name does she give?

What does she want with me?

Porter

She calls herself a penitent.

She comes to ask your prayers.

Des Grieux

My prayers?

What does she know of me?

Porter

She heard your wonderful discourse at the Sorbonne.

Des Grieux

(Impatient)

Another!

Tell her I can't see her.

(Hesitating)

What would Tiberge say?

(A pause)

What if she really needs help? — One woman more or less —

what do I care? — Christ turned no one away.

(To the Porter)

Bid her come.

Show her in.

(The porter goes out and Des Grieux stands absently glancing over the Mss. of his discourse, reading a word aloud here and there, and smiling over some of the passages)

14

Manon
And Do priests tell sinners to go?

Des Grieux
You are not a sinner — you are Sin—
(A pause)
You're my Sin.

Manon
(Softly, with a kind of tender unreproachfulness)
And you were mine.

Des Grieux
Be silent! I forbid you to speak!

Manon
(Slowly rising from her knees)
How pale you are! You used to have such red cheeks — Do they give you enough to eat here?

Des Grieux
(Still looking away from her)
Go, or I shall summon the Superior.

Manon
(Moving slowly to the door)

Do you remember our first supper, the evening we arrived at Saint Denis? We sat out in the garden, under the grape-arbour and the inn-keeper's wife brought us a fresh trout and a crost cheese on a vine-leaf. Do you remember?

Des Grieux
(Muttering below his breath)
Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy!

Manon
We were going up to Paris to be married the next morning — do you remember? We were so vexed because the landlady took us for brother and sister — we looked mere children, I suppose! How she laughed when you told her I was your wife — do you remember?

(Des Grieux is silent)

You told me you knew an old priest in Paris who would marry us... the next day... We sat late that evening in the garden. There was a new moon, and a nightingale sang. It was dark in the arbour, and you kissed me ... the next day we didn't go to Paris... do you remember?

15

Des Grieux

Manon — Manon — in God's name!

Manon

(Springing forward, with a passionate gesture of self-
accusal)

Ah, no, ah, no, I lied — it was I who kissed you first!

(She falls at his feet)

Des Grieux

(Turning suddenly seizes her in his arms and covers her
face with kisses)

Manon — Manon — Manon!

How could you leave me?

Manon

(Exultant, returning his kisses)

What does it matter, my heart, now that I've found you again?

Des Grieux

(Starting back and loosening her arms from his neck)

Found me? Madwoman!

The des Grieux you deserted is dead.

You lost a lover — you have found a priest.

Manon

You're not ordained yet!

Des Grieux

I shall be — tomorrow!

Manon

What do I care for tomorrow?

Do you remember the first pre-

sent you ever gave me?

It was a little pot of pink daisies

that you bought at the market.

I kept it in the window sill

and watered it every morning.

Des Grieux

(With sudden scorn)

Was it then that the Marquis d'Ivry first saw you?

While you

were tending the flowers I had brought you?

Manon

What does that matter?

Des Grieux

Is he your lover still?

17

Des Grieux

Hypocrite!

(A pause. Slowly, reluctantly)

It was the money — you can't resist money?

Manon

(With her head bent)

I was young and ignorant — I thought —

Des Grieux

(Harshly)

You thought —

Tell?

Manon

— that I should get rich — and that then you'd come back —
and marry me —

Des Grieux

Marry you?

Come back and marry you?

That old libertine? Bah! Have you no decency? Have you
no sense of shame?

And live on the money you'd stolen from

Have you no decency?

Manon

I was a child when you found me. After that I had but one
thought — to love you and to make you happy. We were poor —
my relations had cast me off — what could I do, where could I
go, when your family forced me to give you up?

Des Grieux

(Starting to his feet)

My family — my family forced you?

What are you saying? What

is this mean?

Manon

(Uncontrollably)

I had promised not to tell — and I've kept my promise till now.
They asked me not to make the sacrifice harder for you, and so I
let you think that it was I — I who —

(Breaking out)

But since you speak to me so cruelly, since you taunt me with
having abandoned you, it is time you should know the truth!

Yes; I left you for Ivry; but it was your family who came between
us, it was your family who thrust me into his arms. They told
me I was ruining your life — that if I remained with you your
father's doors would be closed against you and your mother would
die of grief. I believed them; I loved you too much to do you

18

harm; and so I left you — and you were saved.

(A pause)

I suppose when a mother has saved her son she has no time to
wonder what becomes of the girl.

Des Grieux

(Overcome)

Manon — Manon — oh, God! This is terrible!

Manon

(Carelessly)

What does it matter now, dear?

Des Grieux

(Following his own thoughts)

Alas, on what ruins righteousness is built!

Manon

Louis, why dwell on these things? Don't you see that I have
forgiven you? Why do you look at me so coldly? This dreadful
place seems to have turned you to stone. Come away — come
out with me into the sunlight! We have lingered too long
already. Come, dear, or we shall be surprised!

Des Grieux

(Coming to his senses)

Come — where?

Manon

(Entreatingly)

Anywhere, if we're together!

Des Grieux

Together — you and I together?

Manon

(Clinging to him)

You're not going to send me away from you now?

(She draws him down on the bench by her side)

Think what you're sending me to!

Des Grieux

(With a great effort at calmness)

My child, my choice is made. If you were wronged by me or
mine the only atonement I can make is to give my life to heaven,

19

Manon

(Sadly)

Do you think that will atone to me? Alas, I am too far away
from heaven.

Des Grieux

My prayers shall draw you thither, hearer.

Manon

(Tenderly)

Ah, no, I want to keep you here on earth with me!

Des Grieux

It is too late. I have renounced the world.

Manon

We won't live in the world. We'll live in a little attic.
I'll cook and wash for you!

Des Grieux

(In spite of himself)

With those hands!

(He takes her hand and looks at it)

Manon

Your hair has the same wave in it —

(She touches the hair on his temples)

Who ties your queue for you now?

(Leans close to him)

Come with me, come with me, or I shall die.

Des Grieux

Manon — go, I implore you. You see what I suffer.

(Looks at her hand again and sees the bracelet on her wrist)

You're covered with his jewels!

(Springs up in sudden anger)

Manon

(Following him)

Bah! These? What do I care for them?

(She tears off her necklace and bracelets) (Then, involuntarily)

I have plenty more at home.

21

Des Grieux
Ah, go — for God's sake go!

Manon
(Still lingering)
You won't even say that you forgive me?
(The PORTER enters)

Porter
(To Des Grieux)
The Superior summons you immediately.
(He goes out)

Des Grieux
The Superior! Thank God!
(He breaks away from Manon)

Manon
(Following him and clinging to his arm)
Louis — Louis —

Des Grieux
(Desperately)
Let me go, I say!
(He pushes her aside)

Manon
(Shrinking back)
Ah — you hurt me!

Des Grieux
(In agony)
Manon!
(Tiberge's voice is heard outside in the cloister, calling out "Where is the Abbé Des Grieux?")

Des Grieux
Tiberge! I am saved!

Manon
(From the threshold)
Louis — Louis —

Des Grieux
(Stands a moment irresolute, then, as Tiberge's voice is again heard, springs suddenly to Manon's side and catches her hand)
Come, then! There is still time!

3

mBaptiste

(Le bouche en coeur)

Haven't we?

Annette

(Contemptuous)

You? Bahl!

Baptiste

(Unperturbed, pointing to the letter and speaking in an
important whisper)

This is for the lady's own hand.

Annette

Oh, of course; don't you suppose I have any education?

Baptiste

And this if for your hand.

(Slips a gold piece in her hand)

And the gentleman's waiting for an answer.

Annette

The gentleman? Himself?

Baptiste

If you could see his agitation you wouldn't think he was any-
body else.

Annette

(Glancing out of the window)

Where is he? At the door?

Baptiste

At the corner of the street -- in a hackney coach with the
shades down.

(Puts his finger on his lips)

Annette

Why, impatience!

He must be very old!

Baptiste

(Grinning)

Well, he isn't -- immature.

5

rouge in one hand. She comes in yawning, walking
with trailing steps in her gold-embroidered mules,
and looks at herself in the glass above the mantel-
piece)

Manon

(Yawning)

Oh, I'm so sleepy — The clock has stopped — What time is it?

Annette

Nearly noon, Madam.

Manon

What a tiresome hour! I hate the morning!

(Voices are heard in the inner room)

Are they still at it?

Annette

One would say they'd just begun!

Manon

(Throwing herself in an armchair near the fire)

Pick up that fan —

(Annette obeys)

Have you seen your master?

Annette

Just for a moment, He called to me to shut the doors when
I came in.

Manon

(Twisting her chair round so that she faces a small
table holding a gold-framed mirror, in which she examines
herself while she is speaking)

How does he seem this morning?

Annette

Nervous.

Manon

Eh?

(She looks at herself again and puts on a little rouge)

What a fright I look! — And Monsieur de Valcour?

8

Annette
(Disappointed)

No answer?

Manon
(Hesitating)

Not at present...

Annette
I'll go down and tell the messenger ... And will you give
me the money for your box at the theatre?

Manon
The money? I -- er -- look in my room --

Annette
Oh, I looked there before you were awake.

Manon
(Stamping her foot)

We shall have to sit at home another evening! I might as
well have married the village doctor!

Annette
There's no answer, then?

Manon
Where is the gentleman?

Annette
At the corner, in a hackney-coach with the shades down.

Manon
(Not displeased)

What imprudence!

(Hesitating) seems so rude of you

It isn't decent not to thank him for the pearls. If only
Louis were less excitable!

(To Annette)

(Indicating the inner room)

Did they show any signs of breaking up?

9

## Annette

Oh, none whatever!

## Manon

(Musing)

had more tact

If Louis were more adaptable I should invite the Marquis to go to the theatre with us to-night—and then he'd pay for the box.

($ighs)

It's a pity Louis had so little tact!

Tell (Suddenly, to Annette)

wish to

say to the gentleman that I wish to thank him for recovering my necklace—but that I can only see him for a moment.

## Annette

(To herself, as she goes to the door)

A moment—for those pearls!

She is stingy!

(Left alone, Manon lovingly fingers the pearls, slips them on her neck and smiles at herself in the mirror.)

## Manon

They are beauties!

(Shakes her head) wear them?

But I mustn't keep them on. Louis likes me to be dignified—and I'm not sure it would be dignified...

(Reluctantly)

No— I'd better take them off.

(Removes the pearls and lays them on the table)

It's a dreadful bore to have to be dignified before your hair's dressed! It's so much easier in powder and a hoop.

(The door opens and the MARQUIS D'IVRY enters. He is a short red thick-necked man of over sixty, with a sensual mouth and small shrewd eyes. He is quietly dressed in black, with very fine lace at his throat and wrists)

## Ivry

(Advancing with a low bow)

Madam ——

10

Manon

(Impulsively)

Oh, Marquis, this is kind of you! You don't know how I've
missed my pearls!

Ivry

(Bowing again, with playful irony)

Thanks for the compliment. And now --

(With a sudden change to curt sternness of manner)

---where's my nephew?

Manon

(Taken aback - faltering)

Your nephew?

Ivry

De Valcour. I want him back.

(Pointing to the pearls)

You can see he's dear to me, by the price I've paid for him.

(A pause)

Where is he?

Manon

(Summoning her audacity)

but still in an uncertain key)

I don't know.

Ivry

Nonsense. He's here --

(Glancing from one door to the other)

Losing his money to your lover -- or to you!

Manon

Sir!

Ivry

Oh, come -- no attitudes, please. I have a <u>lettre de cachet</u>
in my pocket.

Manon

(The danger restoring her self-possession)

A lettre de cachet? Indeed? And for whom?

13

Ivry

(Carried away)

Manon, do you mean it?

Manon

Mean it?

(despairing gesture.)

Ivry

(Catching her hands)

Will you come with me --- now?

Manon

(with a reckless laugh.)

Now? Why not?

(Snatches up her scarf and throws it over her shoulders)

Ivry

My angel!

Manon

(moves toward the door, with his arm about her; then back pauses suddenly)

Ah, no; go --- go!

Ivry

(Infatuated)

Without you?

Manon

My maid-servant let you in. She knows your name. She saw
me reading your letter. Des Grieux would know where I've
gone and my life wouldn't be worth a farthing!

(With a shudder)

He always goes armed.

Ivry

What?

The assassin

I'll have him arrested this instant.

Manon

You can't ---

(Whispering)

He's in there with a dozen of his boon companions. Do you

14

suppose they'd stick at murder?

(Ivry involuntarily sidles toward the door)

Go --- go; leave me to my fate!

Ivry

How can I, darling? No man could give you up twice!

Manon

Wait --- wait --- there may be a way ---

(The ensuing dialogue must be spoken very rapidly)

Ivry

A way?

Manon

Yes. Listen. Send me a box to-night for the Italians ---

Ivry

Yes; for the Italians?

Manon

Des Grieux will take me there. Don't come yourself, but
wait outside in a carriage.

Ivry

(Disappointed)

Outside?

Manon

(Impatient)

Yes; at the corner of the rue de

Ivry

Which corner?

Manon

The corner opposite the hotel de

Ivry

Well?

Manon

Let your man watch for me at the door. When I give the
signal let des Grieux be arrested, and I'll escape through

16

Manon
(Springing up and running to him gaily)

Louis! Louis! I have a box for the Italians!

(She bubbles over with amusement)

Des Grieux
(His face softens as he sees her. He takes her
hands and kisses them)

You baby! How bright your eyes are!

Manon
(With tender reproachfulness)

Yours are not. Are you still playing?

Des Grieux
The last round. I must go to my room for some money.

Manon
You're losing?

Des Grieux
(Cynically, with a shrug)

One has to --- now and then --- for appearances.

Manon
(Re-assured)

Oh ---

(Cajoling) to the play

You'll take me to-night, won't you?

Des Grieux
Where?

Manon
To the Italians, of course.

Des Grieux
You frivolous child!

Manon
(Delighted)

And we'll ask de Pierremont --- and de la Rive ---

(Counting on her fingers)

17

Des Grieux

Why can't you leave *dela* Rive alone?
so much in love with him.

His little wife is

Manon

(Vindictively)

And it was his little wife who, the day I went to hear you
at the Sorbonne --

(Des Grieux turns away impatiently)

--insisted on being given another seat because, forsooth,
she was too good to sit next to Mademoiselle Manon Lescaut!
So there --

(Continuing to count on her fingers)

De la Rive--- de Valcour --

(Stops suddenly)

Des Grieux

Let me go, dear. I must get the money.

(Goes out to the left)

Manon

(Left alone)

De Valcour! Well, why not? His uncle won't be any the
wiser. He'll be waiting in the carriage outside!

(She laughs aloud at the idea)

(The folding-doors open again and DE VALCOUR enters.
He is a young man of about des Grieux's age, brilliantly
handsome, with a persuasive smile and an insolent eye)

Manon

(As he comes in)

Is the game over?

De Valcour

For me.

(Taking her hand)

I heard your voice.

(Kisses her hand)

19

Manon

(Drawing her hand away, and rising impatiently—)

If you thought anything of the kind, you would be a conceited idiot and I should hate you.

De Valcour

(Reproachfully)

Manon!

Manon

Hush —— here's des Grieux.

(DES GRIEUX enters from the left)

Des Grieux

(Laughingly to De Valcour)

What! Not going already?

De Valcour

What a man you are for keeping it up!

(Points to the window)

Unfortunately the sun doesn't stand still for you.

Manon

(Pointing to the mantelpiece)

The clock does.

De Valcour

Yes; that's true hospitality. But you oughtn't to have opened those curtains.

(To Des Grieux)

I dine with my uncle Ivry at two.

Des Grieux

(His expression changing at mention of the name)

Ah —— Well, good-bye.

(They shake hands and Des Grieux re-enters the inner room)

20

Manon

(As the door closes)

Your uncle Ivry was here just now.

De Valcour

(Amused)

Here? The old reprobate! — What did he offer you?

Manon

(With dignity)

Monsieur de Valcour!

(Laughing)

He came for you — not for me!

De Valcour

A capital pretext! And what did he offer you for me?

Manon

My pearl necklace.

De Valcour

Your pearl necklace?

Manon

The one he gave me — before —

(Demurely)

—before I ran away with Louis.

De Valcour

What dazzling munificence! But how did it come into his possession?

(Sceptical)

You didn't return it to him?

Manon

(Unguardedly)

Of course not! — I lost it the day I carried Louis off
from Saint Sulpice.

(She laughs at the recollection)

Ah, I have it! It must have been found by that scowling

Abbé Tiberge. The traitor! Won't I pay him back?

He knew perfectly well the pearls were mine.

De Valcour

And what else did my uncle offer you?

21

Manon

(Demurely)

A home.

De Valcour

Did you accept?

Manon

(Outraged)

What do you take me for?

De Valcour

(Coolly)

The most adorable woman in the world.

(Taking her hand and speaking with sudden directness)

Manon! Listen. I am as rich as my uncle; at his death
I shall be twice as rich. With the life he leads I shan't
have long to wait. He has a jealous wife; I have none.
He offers you the little pavilion at his back gate; I offer
you the hotel de Valcour. For the rest ---

(Drawing himself up with a smile)

Choose between us.

Manon

(Laughing)

And pray why should I choose either?

De Valcour

To escape from the odious life you are leading --- from these
squalid surroundings of hired lodgings to the elegance and
luxury of your own house; from precarious dependence on the
fortunes of a card-sharper ---

Manon

Sir!

De Valcour

(Unperturbed)

---a card-sharper; to the undivided devotion of a man whose
fortune, whose standing, whose influence, would raise you
to the position you deserve to occupy.

23

Manon

(Curtly)

The Chevalier is not here.

(The inner doors open and DES GRIEUX enters, followed by DE PIERREMONT, DE LA RIVE and three or four cheva-liers d'industrie. They are talking and laughing as they come in)

Des Grieux

(With a cry, rushing forward to his friend)

Tibergé!

Tibergé

(In an undertone)

Louis --- send these men away.

Des Grieux

(Turning to the others)

De Pierremont --- de la Rive --- you'll excuse me? An old friend who comes to me ---

Tibergé

On business.

De Pierremont

My dear fellow, we've stayed an unconscionable time.

(Bowing to Manon)

Madam ---

De la Rive

(To Manon)

It is we who owe you our excuses.

(Bows)

Manon

(Calling after him)

Monsieur de la Rive!

De la Rive

Madam?

24

Manon

Is Madame de la Rive attending the lectures at the Sorbonne this winter? If she is, I shall be glad to keep a seat for her!

Tiberge

(To Des Grieux)

Send her away too.

Des Grieux

Manon -- reconduct these gentlemen.

(Manon laughingly accompanies the men to the inner room)

De Valcour

(Holding the door open for her)

I told you not to be too sure.

(They all go out together)

Tiberge

(Looking after them, catches a glimpse of the card table, the scattered cards, and dripping candles)

A gambling-hell!

Des Grieux

(Turning pale and controlling himself with difficulty)

Was it for this you came?

Tiberge

(Sternly)

No. --- Louis, listen to me. Where do you keep your -- your earnings?

(With a contemptuous emphasis on the last word)

Des Grieux

My --- earnings?

Tiberge

(Impatiently)

Your money -- securities?

(His contempt breaking out again as he glances about the room)

For you're rich, I suppose --- Are they here?

25

Des Grieux
(Bewildered)

No ---

Tiberge

In the bank, then?---

Des Grieux

No ---

(Still bewildered, but with a growing apprehension)

Tiberge

At Chaillot, then? In your strong-box?

Des Grieux

(Seizing his arm)

Tiberge! For God's sake ---

Tiberge

Listen? Yesterday I received a letter from your father, entreating me to make one last effort to find you, and rescue you from --- this.

(Des Grieux makes a movement)

Your mother is an old woman -- her health is breaking ---

Des Grieux

(Harshly - to hide his emotion)

Well?

Tiberge

It was a request I couldn't refuse. After many fruitless enquiries among --- among your present associates --- I learned from one of them that you had a villa at Chaillot. I drove there early this morning ---

Des Grieux

(Breathless)

Well --- ?

Tiberge

The people in charge were in a state of distraction. The house had been on fire in the night, and in the confusion your strong box had been broken open ---

26

Des Grieux

(drops into a chair)

Oh, my God!

Tiberge

It contained -- ?

Des Grieux

Everything!

(He leans his arms on the table and hides his face in
them)

Manon -- Manon --

Tiberge

(Touching him on the shoulder)

Come, Des Grieux, be a man!

Des Grieux

(With an uncontrollable outburst)

A man? - I shall lose her forever!

Tiberge

And you're not ashamed to let me see you weeping for a woman
who is sure to desert you as soon as she knows you're ruined?

Des Grieux

(Starting up)

never

Silence! She must not know!

Tiberge

never

Not know?

How can you prevent it?

Des Grieux

We must go at once to the police -- the robbers may be traced -

I have friends who have influence --

(Hesitating)

-de Valcour, who was here just now --

Tiberge

The young man who was here when I came in?

Who is this de
Valcour?

27

Des Grieux

The nephew of the Marquis d'Ivry ---

(He averts his eyes)

Tiberge

Ivry's nephew?

Des Grieux, have you fallen as low as that?

Des Grieux

Is this the time you choose to reproach me?

Tiberge

No --- but to save you if I can!

Des Grieux

(Mistaking him and seizing his hand—)

To save me?

Tiberge, can you think of a way?

Tiberge

Yes --- come with me and let the money go.

(A movement of impatience on Des Grieux's part)

Let it go, I say, --- with the faithless woman for whose
sake you stole it, with the dupes on whose passion for her
you traded, and the blackguards with whom you shared your
gains! --- Don't you see that the thief who broke into your
strong-box was opening a door for your escape?

(Manon's voice is heard in the card-room, the doors of
which have remained ajar. "Put the lights out --
clear away those glasses—")

Des Grieux

(Convulsively, seizing Tiberge's arm)

Don't tell her!

Don't tell her!

Not yet --- for God's sake,

not yet!

Tiberge

(Discouraged)

Come, rouse yourself, then; we must go to the police!

Des Grieux

Yes - yes - to the police.

(Looking vaguely about him)

My hat ---

29

Annette

(Cautiously, putting her head in)

The hair-dresser, madam.

(Seeing that Manon is alone she advances, drawing
a slip of paper from her pocket)

The box at the Italians.

Manon

(With childish glee, forgetting her anxiety)

Ah, good!

(She takes the paper)

Annette

(Drawing another object from her pocket)

The key of the hotel de Valcour.

Manon

(Starting)

The --- what?

Annette

(Innocently)

(She points to a slip of paper twisted round the key)

With anote.

Manon

You may go.

(Annette lingers )

(Sharply)

You may go.

(Annette goes out sulkily)

(Left alone, Manon lays the box-ticket and the key
side by side on the table)

So --- there's my choice.

(She detaches the slip of paper from the key and
reads)

"Fearing trouble for you, I place in your hands the key to
happiness and freedom." --- Trouble? Yes --- there is trouble...
I feel it ... all about me.

(She glances about her nervously)

What is it, I wonder?

30

(The door to the right opens and TIBERGE enters)

Manon

(Starting)

Ah!

(She collects herself and faces him haughtily)

You, sir?

Alone?

Where is the chevalier des Grieux?

Tiberge

(With cold scorn)

Safe from you, I hope, Madam.

Manon

(Terrified)

Safe --- ?

Tiberge

Yes --- when I tell you he is penniless.

Manon

(Bewildered)

Penniless?

What do you mean?

Tiberge

He kept all his money and securities at Chaillot, I understand

Manon

(Breathless)

Yes --- yes ---

Tiberge

Your villa was on fire last night and the strong-box was broken open and emptied.

Manon

(Staggering back)

Ah --- the thieves! the traitors! the assassins!

(Turning furiously on Tiberge)

I don't believe you !

I don't believe you!

Tiberge

(Coldly)

Oh, yes, you do, madam.

31

Manon

(Supporting herself against the table and speaking
in short panting phrases)

And des Grieux? Where is he? Why have you come back
without him?

Tiberge

He has gone to the police to send out an alarm for the robbers.

Manon

Ah, the assassins! They shall hang, every one of them!
(Suddenly)

Unless this is some plot of yours ---

Tiberge

Of mine?

Manon

Yes --- to get him away from me! --- There is some
mystery here. Why did he leave without a word? Why did
you come back without him?

Tiberge

To tell you this --- since I feared his courage might
fail him.

Manon

It's false! He won't come back to me!

Tiberge

Never fear, Madam; he will come back; but he won't find you
here ---

Manon

(Beside herself)

Ah, liar --- liar!

(With a last futile effort at reprisals)

Were the robbers in your pay?

2

### De Valcour

What an outrage that a woman like you should have a single
wish ungratified!

### Manon

Well, I've always tried not to complain -- (sighing) but
it was dull, sometimes, sitting at home alone with des
Grieux evening after evening. I have a very cheerful
disposition, you know -- I like to see people enjoying
themselves. And des Grieux is so moody! at times!

### De Valcour

play

It's almost a pity you didn't go to the Italians and let
my uncle's men arrest him. He deserves a year in prison for
every dull evening he has made you spend!

### Manon

Ah, don't speak of that! He's punished enough now! And
when he found I'd broken my promise to him last night what
must he have thought of me!

### De Valcour

To what
Your promise?

### Manon

last night

To join him at the Italians after supping with you. That
was the understanding, you know.

our agreement

### De Valcour

But if you'd joined him at the Italians, and he'd been seen
with you, my uncle's men would have arrested him.

### Manon

Of course! But he doesn't know that. He doesn't realize
that -- that my real reason for not returning to him last
night was to save him from arrest --

### De Valcour

(With suppressed amusement)

As your real reason in coming to sup with me was to induce
me to use my influence to recover his stolen property.

for

5

Baptiste

No one, sir, and so I took it. The Marquis's orders were
that the letter should be put into your own hands.

(He looks curiously at Manon)

De Valcour

(With a movement of impatience)

Ah --- well.

(Takes the letter)

Manon

And have you no letter for me, Baptiste?

Baptiste

No, Madame; but I was to ask if you had any message for my
master.

Manon

(Daily)

Yes! Tell the Marquis that the Chevalier des Grieux and
his friends send him their thanks and compliments for a
very agreeable evening in the Marquis's box at the Italians.

De Valcour

(Approaching her, in a low tone)

Manon! take care. Remember the lettre de cachet.

Manon

(Carelessly)

tell

Oh, since you assure me that des Grieux is safe with his
family!

De Valcour

(Jealously)

Des Grieux --- always des Grieux,

(He glances again over the Marquis' letter and then turns
to Baptiste)

Tell my uncle that I will follow you at once.

Manon

Follow him? Where?

De Valcour

My uncle has sent for me. He wishes to see me at once on
important business.

6

Manon

Business?

(Suspiciously)

It is some trap?

De Valcour

(In a low tone)

Business connected with my future property.

(Hands her the letter)

See for yourself.

Manon

(Reading)

"The sale of my property at Clagny --- which goes to you at
my death -- your presence indispensable---" H'm --- Is it
a very valuable property?

De Valcour

Immensely so at this moment -- since Madame de Pompadour
wishes to buy it.

Manon

Madame de Pompadour?

Oh, then I suppose you must go.

(Sighing)

It's a duty you owe your sovereign.

De Valcour

(Smiling)

I thought you'd see it in the proper light. What a practi-
cal little woman you are!

Manon

I am a loyal subject, I trust.

Does the King buy it for her?

De Valcour

No, dear -- his subjects do.

Manon

Well - make them pay for it, then! --- Ah, --- think of hav-
ing the Treasury in your pocket!

(She taps the reticule attached to her belt)

10

Manon

Des Grieux would have found something out of season for me -
he was always so thoughtful about little things.

(Starting)

Why do I say *was* -- as if he were dead? Ah, if that Tiborge
has taken him from me -- ah, if they've separated us again --

(SERVANT re-enters)

Come between

Servant

There's a dress-maker's girl below, Miss.

Manon

(Eagerly)

Ah, show her up -- show her up!

(ANNETTE enters, disguised as a dress-maker)

(The servant remains to set the table)

Manon

At last -- at last --

(Pauses suddenly, recognizing Annette, who makes her
a rapid sign. With an immediate change of tone)

But why did Madame Volant send you, child? I wrote her to
come herself.

Annette

She begs you to excuse her, Madame.

She has the toothache.

Manon

The impudence of those tradespeople! As if they had any

business to be ill, except on holidays! And what does a child
like you know about dresses?

Annette

(Curtsying)

It's only necessary to look at you, Madame, to feel oneself
inspired.

Manon

Dear me!

Where did you learn such a pretty speech?

11

Annette

I overheard a gentleman say it of you only yesterday, Madame.

Manon

Ah, Indeed; what sort of a gentleman, pray?

(She glances apprehensively at the servant, who is still in the background)

Annette

heart

One who said he only waited a sign from you to lay his homage at your feet.

Manon

(Forgetting herself)

He said that?

(Annette makes a warning sigh)

H'm --

(Smiling)

I know a good many gentlemen who would answer to your description, child ----

Annette

you not try

I'm sure of that, Madame. But will it please you to try on the flowered sacque that Madame Volant has sent you?

Manon

Where is it?

Annette

I left it below, Madame, with the boy who carries my boxes.

Manon

Ah -- very well --

(To the servant)

Bid the boy come up.

(Servant goes out)

Annette!

(Seizes her hands)

How did you get here, child?

Annette

(breatheless)

My good friend, Baptiste, arranged it, Madame.

13

## Annette

(Shaking her head)
No message?

## Manon

What? No message? No letter? Then de Valcour was right —
he's gone, he's left me, and I shall never see him again!

(In tears)

Ah, cruel, cruel — he deserts me while I — I am thinking only
of his happiness...

(Sobbing)

## Annette

(Quickly)

Hush! They're coming. For Heaven's sake Control yourself!
I mistrust that gaping footman.

(She opens the door)

Here, boy, this way. What a time you take, to be sure!

(DES GRIEUX enters disguised as an apprentice and carrying a dress-maker's box. Annette hurriedly closes the door behind him and places herself against it. Des Grieux sets the box down and stands motionless, staring at Manon)

## Manon

(Rushing toward him)

Louis — Louis!

## Des Grieux

(Turning to Annette and speaking in a cold, constrained
vocabulary)

Leave us, please. And see that that fellow doesn't come in.

(She withdraws with another warning sign to Manon)

## Manon

Louis!

My darling!

What folly!

What imprudence!

## Des Grieux

(Intensely quiet)

Don't be alarmed, you are in no danger. Your lover at this
moment is lying bound and gagged in a garret of the Faubourg.

Two good friends of mine have him in charge — he'll give us
no trouble for the present; and I engage to bring him back to

15

Des Grieux

Ah, be silent! Don't you see the abyss that divides us?
But you don't see, of course -- you can't see! That's
what keeps you so fresh and young and lovely...

(With a wild laugh)

The gates of Hell shall not prevail against you!

Manon

Louis - what are you saying?

Are you mad?

Des Grieux

I am mad, yes, quite mad. And the feet of the young men
are waiting below to - Ah, no, that's not it ... Strange how
that other language comes back to me ... Heaven forgive me for
using it here!

(Puts his hand to his forehead)

But where am I? Ah, I remember. I am in the private apart-
ments of the Vicomte de Valcour's mistress.

(A pause)

Why don't you ring his people and order his people to fling me into the street?

Manon

(Approaching him and speaking very gently)

Louis - listen. You know why I am here ---

Des Grieux

(Laughing)

Ah! Ah! Yes - I know why you are here.

(He looks about him)

I congratulate you. This is much better than the rue Vi-
vienne - a much fitter setting for such charms.

Manon

Oh, this is terrible, - terrible! I can't bear to have you
look at me like that, to have you speak to me so strangely.
Strike me, curse me, accuse me of any dreadful thing -- but
don't stand so far away from me, Louis!

Des Grieux

Ah, how well you know your power. But I am turned to
stone. You may come as close to me as you please - I
shan't feel your touch.

19

Manon

(Reproachfully)

Louis!

Ivry

I regret to intrude upon an entertainment at which I was
evidently not expected, but the interruption will be but a
momentary one, and you and this gentleman will shortly be
able to continue your conversation-in slightly different
surroundings.

(To the officer)

Lieutenant, I demand the arrest of this man and his accom-
plice. Here is my authority.

(Hands lettres-de-cachet to the officer)

Lieutenant

(To Des Grieux)

Chevalier des Grieux, in his Majesty's name I arrest you.

Des Grieux

With what offense am I charged?

Lieutenant

With causing this gentleman's nephew, the Vicomte de Valcour,
to be seized, bound, and forcibly conveyed by your accomplices
to some unknown place of concealment.

Manon

(With irrepressible exultation)

Unknown!

(Aloud)

It's false! This gentleman had no hand in the matter. I
swear it!

Des Grieux

(Approaching her)

Manon --

Manon

(To Ivry)

It was I who had your nephew waylaid.

20

Ivry

(Contemptuously)

You held the candle, no doubt, but, he was seen in the hands
of this fellow's ruffians.

mans

Manon

It's false, I say! It's false! Des Grieux knew nothing
of it, about it!

Ivry

How comes he here, then?

Manon

Because it was in order to see him that I had your nephew
removed. I wish Monsieur de Valcour no harm; and I swear
to you no harm shall come to him, but he thought to treat
me as his prisoner, and I am giving him a taste of his own
methods. Treatment.

Ivry

Enough of this. Lieutenant, proceed with your business.

Lieutenant

Manon Lescaut, I arrest you in his Majesty's name.

Des Grieux

(Springing forward)

Gentlemen, I swear you have been deceived. This lady has
accused herself to protect me. It was I who abducted the
Vicomte de Valcour.

Ivry

Very pretty, upon my word, very pretty. But there are plen-
ty of other charges on which to arrest the lady.

Des Grieux

What are they, sir?

Ivry

Blackmail, robbery, conspiracy and open misconduct. The lady
may take her choice of these charges or a dozen others.

23

Des Grieux

(In a low voice, stepping close to Manon-)

I forbid you to ask for my release.

Ivry

(To Des Grieux)

I forbid you to speak to this lady.

Lieutenant

(Tapping des Grieux on the shoulder)

Fall back, please.

Manon

Marquis, for heaven's sake listen to me.

Is your carriage

at the door?

Ivry

What then?

Manon

Send these men away - all of them! Pledge them to silence, hush up the scandal, release des Grieux, and I will accompany you to the place where your nephew is concealed---

Ivry

(Hesitating, half tempted)

And then --- ?

Manon

(Drooping, blushing, breathing the words in his ear)

And then - where you please --

Ivry

(Beside himself)

Enchantress!

(Takes her hand)

If one could only believe you ---

Des Grieux

(Breaking away from the Guard and springing forward

with drawn sword)

## ACT IV

### SCENE 1:

A room in a posting-inn at Passy,
on the road to Hâvre. At the back
of the stage an open archway, showing
a courtyard in which a covered van
is standing. On the right, half a
dozen archers seated at a table play-
ing cards and drinking. MERE LEGAY
is clearing away platters of food from
another table, left. Outside the
archway, peeping in, several Village
Girls and Women.

Marie
(Peeping over Julie's shoulder)

Can you see them?

No. Can you?

Julie

Lucette
(Pushing them aside)

Oh, the poor creatures!

Where are they gone to, I wonder?

One of the Archers
Here we are, my pretty dears. Don't be shy; step in and
take a look at us.

Lucette
Fie, you brutes! A pretty business you're engaged on. Do
you think a decent girl would look at you?

Another Archer
(Swaggering)

Why, it's an accident that's happened to some of us before now.

Lucette
Ay, an accident you may well call it, my master!

2

Marie

(Coming forward)

But where are the poor things, Mere Legay?

Hostess

(Irritably)

Not where you can gape at them, I promise you. Do you think I'll have the whole village swarming into my courtyard like flies after carrion? Off with you, and show on you. I wonder your mothers should let you be abroad at such a time!

Older Woman

Speak for yourself, Mere Legay! It's not always easy to keep the girls at home.

One of the Archers

Not with a company of archers in town —

Lucette

Oh, you — you —!

(To one of the other girls)

I wish we might have a peep at the poor things, though. I hear they look so drearily thin and pale. Sophie saw them, you know...

Julie

Sophie has had such luck ever since she burnt that candle to St. Anthony of Padua. She saw the headsman when he came to draw and quarter the Protestant heretic last Assumption.

Another Older Woman

(To the hostess)

For my part, I believe in showing my girls what comes of keeping bad company. Look at that van out there.

(Pointing to the covered van in the courtyard)

Look at it well, I say! How would you like to be in it, on your way to a dreadful country full of bears and lions and naked bloody savages? That's where ribbons and fairings lead to, and neglecting confession, and philandering in the orchard after dark. It's the road to destruction, I say!

Marie

(Thoughtfully)

Yes — or the road to Versailles.

Lucette

(Entreatingly)

Tell me, Mere Legay, is it true the poor things are chained

3

together?

Hostess

(Mere Legay turns away with a shrug)

Archer

Come in, come in, you dear little innocents, and we'll tell
you all about it!

Hostess

(Furious)

Gentlemen, if you encourage this hubbub I shall have to com-
plain to your captain. It's bad enough for a respectable
landlady to have a crew of loose women in her house, but when
it comes to making a joke of it with the whole parish, why, I
say my inn will be dishonored and all the gentry will go to
the Royal Signet across the way — and me that have always
had the nobility and the clergy under my roof, and two Vicars
General and a King's mistress that have lain in my best bed,
and my religious duties never once neglected, only to have this
disgrace come to me in my old age! It's a cruel shame,
gentlemen, that's what it is!

(Bursts into tears)

Archer

There, there, mother, cheer up — here's some of the nobility
riding into the court now — but not on a religious errand, I'll
be bound.

(De VALCOUR rides into the courtyard with a handful of
armed followers. The hostess catches sight of him,
rushes forward and drives the girls and women away from
the entrance)

Hostess

Be off with you, you gossiping wenches. You're no better
than what you come to gape at. This way, sir, this way, if you
please. Will your excellency please to be seated?

(Wipes the dust from a chair)

In half a minute the private parlour will be at your excellency's
disposal. A glass of wine for your excellency?

De Valcour

(Glancing about him)

H'm — yes — wine.

Hostess

(Obsequiously)

In less than a moment, your excellency.

4

(She glances nervously at the archers and then whispers to de Valcour)

If your excellency will make allowance for the soldiery? Their captain is gone on business to the mayor, but as soon as he returns we shall be rid of them.

Come back

De Valcour

(Aloud)
I am always glad to be in the company of his Majesty's soldiers. What errand are you on, my brave fellows?

Hostess
Oh, sir, they —

De Valcour me
The wine, my good woman; and bring enough for these gentlemen —

Hostess
(Hurrying away)
Yes, your excellency —
(Goes out)

De Valcour
(Approaching the archers)

What business are you on, my friends?

Archer
Oh, sir, nothing very stirring. We're taking a dozen wenches from Paris to Havre, to be shipped to the Penal Settlement of New Orleans.

De Valcour (indifferently)
Ah — indeed? Is that all?
(The HOSTESS reappears with the wine and he signs to her to fill the archers' glasses)

Hostess More Legay
(Whispering to de Valcour)

They're a little the worse already, your excellency.

De Valcour (good-humoured)
(Signing to her to pour the wine)
Well, well — no harm in that.

(Drinking)
To his Majesty's health, Gentlemen, to his majesty's health!

5

Archers

(Standing up a little unsteadily)

To his Majesty's health.

And to yours, my ~~gallant~~ fellows. De Valcour

Archers
To your excellency's!

(They drink again)

De Valcour
(To hostess)

And now get me an omelet and send out some wine to my men.

goes
(doing out)
Yes, your excellency. Hostess More legay

De Valcour
(Signing to the archer who has talked to him previously)
And so you call this a dull job you're on?

(Draws the archer gradually toward the left side of the stage, while the others go on playing and drinking)

Archer
Well, sir, there's no fighting about it.

De Valcour
(Aside, glancing out at his own followers in the courtyard)
H'm — I'm not so sure of that.

(With a smile, to the archer)
But isn't there any plunder, eh?

(Grinning)

Well, sir, there might be, sure enough — some of the girls are likely enough looking, with respect to you — but, you see, sir, they're all chained together.

De Valcour
The deuce they are! All of them?

Archer
All, but one, that is, and she was so weak and exhausted the captain released her just now that she might lie down for a rest before we start out again; but she's more stuck up than

6

a saint on a steeple,— no getting anywhere near her, I can tell
you, sir.

(Grinning)

Even the Captain got the cold shoulder, he did. Oh, she's
one that must have gone with the highest.

De Valcour

Is she, indeed?

And so you know her name?

Archer

The captain calls her Manon, sir — at least he began with
Manon, and ended with Madam, — but the one was no more use
than the other. And what's more, if he'd called her Duchess,
sir, it's my belief she wouldn't have looked at him.

De Valcour

H'm —.

And she's within there, you say?

Archer

Yes, sir. The folks stared so when we got here that this very
girl we're speaking of asked the captain to let her and her
companions withdraw into another room. She seemed very sorry
for the other girls, sir, though it's easy to see they're not
of her condition. She wiped the dust from their faces and
bathed their heads with some sweet-smelling stuff she had
in a little gold bottle. And when the folks began to crowd
about the door, and stare and make jokes, like, why, sir,
she turned on the captain and told him it was a shame to expose
the poor women to such treatment, and asked him to let them
withdraw to his private parlour. You should have heard her
tone, sir. I knew at once he'd knock her down or consent.

De Valcour

H'm. And has any gentleman come riding this way since you
arrived here? Come?

Archer

(Scratching his head)

Any gentleman, sir? Why, no, I've seen none but your excel-
lency.

De Valcour

And no one has been here asking for the girl you speak of?

Archer

No, your excellency, I can answer for that, for I haven't budged
out of this room.

from

7

De Valcour
well
Very good — And now, my good fellow, I want a word with her.

Archer

A word with her, sir?

De Valcour you up here?
You have the key in your pocket, haven't you?

Archer

(Confused)

Why, if I had, sir, it would be no use. The captain's orders are strict: no one is to have a word with the prisoners. But he'll be here in a moment, and no doubt when he sees your excellency —

De Valcour

No; it must be at once before he comes.

(He slips money into the archer's hand)

There's more to follow if you give us five minutes in private.

Archer

Don't tempt me, your excellency. It's as much as my place is worth, and I never was one to hold out long against a gold piece.

De Valcour

Here's another, then — but be quick And keep your friends over there at their cups.

Archer

(Turns away groaning to unlock the door)

Oh, Lord, what a job this is! As if there weren't enough pretty girls in France without making me risk my neck on such an erand. But it's always the same way with the gentry — it's the locked door that takes 'em!

(Goes out)

De Valcour

(Approaching the archers and refilling their glasses)

Shame on you, my men. I haven't heard a toast called these three minutes.

One of the Archers

(Unsteadily)

Here's to our speedy meeting with a gentleman as empty-headed

8

as your excellency!

Another Archer

(Furious)

Empty-headed, you drunken lout! Open-handed, you mean. He
means open-handed, sir. He's one that never could keep
afloat long in good liquor.

First Archer

Empty-handed, you ass, you! Did I say empty-handed — now
did I?

(Appealing to the others, Archer returns from inner room
with MANON. She is pale, miserable, in tattered dress,
her wrists in chains, a bundle in her hand. De Valcour,
at the other end of the room, wrapped in his travelling-
cloak, has his back turned and is talking to the soldiers
as she enters)

Manon

(Springing forward and dropping her bundle)

Louis — Louis!

De Valcour

(Turning toward her)

Louis — always Louis?

Manon

(Drawing back coldly)

You?

De Valcour

Ah, Manon — Manon — Manon! Is this your welcome?

Manon

Why are you here? To gloat over my punishment? It matters
nothing to me, since des Grieux is free.

De Valcour

(Carelessly — affecting surprise)

Ah — des Grieux is free, is he?

Manon

His friends rescued him yesterday on the way to prison.

(Tauntingly)

Have a care when you meet him!

9

De Valcour

(Controlling himself)

him

Do you think I followed you here to talk of des Grieux?

Manon

Why did you follow me?

---

poor

De Valcour

Manon, can you ask? With these chains on your wrists can you ask? You have deceived me, betrayed me, made a mock of me with your lower — and I am here, on my knees before you, ready to forgive everything, to forget everything rather than see those cruel chains on your little wrists.

(Falls on his knees before her, kissing her wrists)

Manon

(Moved in spite of herself)

De Valcour!

De Valcour

Ah, your heart speaks at last! — But some, there's not an instant to spare. Look at those fellows wonder — I've put a ton of good wine in them, but their captain may be upon us in a moment. My own men are waiting outside, with two of my uncle's best馬horses —

back

best

Manon

(Laughing in spite of herself)

Ivry's horses!

(With a change of tone)

No — no — I can't leave those poor creatures.

(Pointing toward the inner room)

If you knew what they've suffered, Is there no way of res-
cuing us all?

De Valcour

Manon! Are you mad? It's as much as your life is worth if you linger here another instant. Come, come, I entreat you! Those fellows there have their eye on us already, but my men can deal with them if we get away before their officers return.

Manon, I implore you!

delay

Come back.

Manon

still turned
toward the inner room

them

No, no — it would be too cruel. We must save the others too!

(DES GRIEUX dashes into the courtyard. He is booted and covered with dust)

12

Manon

(With a cry)

Ah!

De Valcour

— the Chevalier des Grieux, card-sharper, house-breaker and assassin, arrested yesterday in the private apartments of the Hôtel de Valcour —

Des Grieux

Fight me first and insult me afterwards!

De Valcour

(Ignoring him)

Happily I have about me a <u>lettre de cachet</u> made out in his name.

(Handing it to the Captain)

It occurred to me as I left Paris that he might make his escape in this direction.

Manon

Traitor!

Captain

(Glancing over the lettre de cachet)

This letter seems in order.

(Puts it in his pocket)

Your sword, Monsieur des Grieux.

Des Grieux

(Placing himself against the wall, his sword in his hand, with Manon still clinging to him)

Not while I can defend myself.

Captain

(Calling to the archers, who are standing about in half drunken bewilderment)

Here, men! What ails you? Disarm the fellow!

(To de Valcour)

I shall have to carry the prisoner to Havre, for I am under orders not to detach any of my escort till the women are off my hands.

De Valcour

You may carry him to the world's end, so you rid me of his pregnancy.

13

Manon

(Throwing herself at the Captain's feet)

Oh, sir, spare him, spare him!

Captain

(Angrily)

What are you doing here? Who let you out?

(Glancing at the Archers)

Lock this woman up at once with the other prisoners.

De Valcour

(Stepping forward)

One moment, please. You may have guessed that yonder scoundrel's purpose in coming here was to effect this lady's rescue. The attempt was no less than his duty, for if she is here the fault is his. Indeed, her arrest was made under a misapprehension.

Des Grieux

Ah — thank God!

De Valcour

The lady, in fact, is Madame Manon Lescaut, who has lately done me the honour of living under my roof at the Hotel de Valcour. It was there the fellow forced himself into her presence yesterday, and my uncle Ivry, coming upon them unexpectedly, and taking Madame Lescaut for this ruffian's accomplice, imprudently delivered a letter for her arrest.

(In a lower tone, stepping close to the Captain)

I may assure you of his gratitude — as well as mine — if you make good this unhappy error and commit her to my charge. Indeed it was to come to her aid that I followed you here.

Captain

(Disturbed and annoyed)

Why, this is a very awkward piece of business. I hardly know how to act under the circumstances. what to do.

(Points to the clock)

In five minutes at the latest we must set out for Havre — this matter has detained us already, and I dare not delay the ship.

De Valcour

The more reason for acting promptly. Come, Ribaumont, you know my influence with my uncle. I can answer for it he will remember this favour.

(In a low voice)

14

If you would like to exchange into any other regiment, now —

Captain

(Excessively dignified)

If I can do you a service it is sufficient. But it's devilish
awkward, I repeat. I admit your right to arrest the man, but
hardly to release the lady.

De Valcour

Then can't you let the lady escape?

Captain

(Struck)

H'm. Something of the sort might be possible. From your
account there appears to have been a miscarriage of justice
— and if you will assume the responsibility before my superiors
(Signs to Manon to approach him and rapidly removes her
chains)

Kindly hide your hands under your apron — so; and while my
men are putting the other prisoners in the van you may be able
to make your escape.

(To the Archers)

Put the horses to and bring out the prisoners.

Des Grieux

(Who has breahlessly watched this scene)

Thank God!

Captain

(To des Grieux)

And I shall have to ask you, sir, to put on these handkuffs.

Manon

What! He is not to go free too?

De Valcour

(In a low, authoritative voice)

Manon, this is no time for discussion. If Ribaumont changes
his mind I shall be powerless. For heaven's sake come!

Manon

But des Grieux —

15

## De Valcour

The moment has come to choose between us, and this time I stand
for liberty as well as love.

(At this moment the inner door is opened and the archers
lead out eleven women, chained together, haggard, miserably
dressed and each carrying a bundle like Manon's. The
courtyard has meanwhile filled up with the girls and women
who crowded it at the beginning of the act)

## Julie

Oh, the poor, poor creatures! There they are!

## Lucette

They frighten me. I never mean to walk out late again.

## Archer

(To the women)

Now, then, get along with you, my girls. The van's ready.
March!

## Another Archer

(Taking des Grieux by the shoulder)

Into the van with you too, my master. What are you hanging
back for? Ain't youa ladies' man?

## Captain

(Approaching Manon and speaking in a low impatient tone)

Madam, if you wish to make your escape you haven't a moment to
lose.

## Des Grieux

(Turning towards Manon as he is dragged toward the van, he looks at her without speaking)

## Manon

(Springing toward him)

Ah, Louis — Louis!

## De Valcour

(Furious, seizing her by the wrist)

Come, Manon! This is madness! Are you ready, to start?

## Manon

(Close to des Grieux) and speaking loud enough for all to
hear)

Yes, I am ready, to start.

(She stops and picks up her bundle)

Come, Louis —

-:- ACT V:-:-

## SCENE I :-

The Penal Settlement of New Orleans.
Interior of a log cabin with rough
unplastered walls. A table, a wooden
bench, a spinning wheel and a rude
wooden chest. Flowers on the window-
sill. At the back of the stage a
doorway, through which is seen a gar-
den planted with palms, bananas and
maize, and enclosed in a high stockade.

## DIRECTORS' NOTE:

DES GRIEUX is seated near the table
on the left. Near him stands a young
man in convict's dress.

### Des Grieux

If you give me your word that you mean to stick to the girl and
begin a new life with her I will lay your request before the
governor.

### Young Man

(Eagerly)

Oh, then it's granted, sir, for we all know that whatever you
ask his excellency accords.

### Des Grieux

You credit me with far more power than I possess. But the
governor has the welfare of the colony at heart, and knowing my
earnest wish to help you all to a happier and more hopeful way
of living, he is sometimes pleased to use me as his assistant.

### Young Man

Well, sir, there's more than one of us owes it to you that he
can see blue sky overhead again.

### Des Grieux

Well — well — I hope you may be one of them. But remember

2

that in giving this poor girl your name, you pledge yourself
to give her much besides — fidelity, protection, and what is
even more than these —

*Manon*

*Love*

Young Man

What is that, sir?

Des Grieux

Forgetfulness of the past; without which there can be no peace
for either of you. Now go, my friend, and I'll do what I can
*for you*.

Young Man

Thank you again, sir. And you may be sure that if I get
Lisette, sir, she and I will never forget what you and your
lady have done for us.

(Goes out. A moment later MANON enters. She wears a
short striped cotton skirt, a dark stuff bodice, a white
kerchief folded over her shoulders and a close-fitting
white cap, and carries a basket on her arm. She looks
pale and tired and sinks down on the bench near the door,
breathing rather quickly and putting her hand to her side)

Des Grieux

(Starting up and hastening to her)

What is it, Manon?

Manon

Nothing — only that old catch in my breath. I walked a
little too fast, I suppose...

Des Grieux

How tired you look!

Where have you been?

Manon

Not far; only to that poor girl who is dying. She likes to
have me sit with her.

Des Grieux

But you were there all the morning. And it's a hot walk back
at this hour.

(Seats himself beside her)

Manon

No matter.

I shall be quite well in a moment.

(She puts her hand in his)

3

What a
hand!
How thin you've grown!

Des Grieux
This place is killing you.

Manon

(Smiling)

It is bringing me to life again! Was I ever really alive
before? Ah, Louis, how happy we are!

Des Grieux
You have no regrets, then?

Manon

(Gently)

Have you?

Des Grieux

(Looking about)

Who would have thought we should find happiness here?

Manon

And we've helped others to find it, too, haven't we? Ah,
That's the best of happiness — it won't let you rest till
you've shared it. I wish you'd heard that poor girl just now —
no bad words, no curses, no more restlessness. She lies
there so peacefully. Oh, Louis, it seems impossible that any-
one on earth should be happier for having known me!

Des Grieux

She's not the only one, dear. Lisette's lover has just been
here. He wants to make her his wife, and he said they'd never
forget what you had done for both of them.

Manon

I'm glad he wants to marry her. Lisette is a good girl.
You think the Governor will consent?

Des Grieux

Has he ever refused me anything?

Manon

He has been very kind to his. It is dreadful to think what
this place would be if a bad man governed it.

Des Grieux

Why think of such things?

(He rises)

I am going to the Governor now about Lisette's marriage.

4

(A pause)

Manon — there is another request I should like to make at the same time.

Manon

What is it?

Des Grieux

You know that with most of these poor people we pass for man and wife. I have never deceived them, thinking that whatever influence we had over them might be impaired if they knew —

Manon

(Bitterly)

What I have been!

Des Grieux

Hush, my child. We have both sinned, but love and suffering have effaced the sins of each in the other's heart. And now that we say we have found rest and happiness together, why should we not consecrate the love that makes this hell a place of blessing to us?

Manon

(Rising, with a look of joy and wonder)

Louis — I have never dared to think —

Des Grieux

I shall not feel safe till you are my wife, dear. The Governor is our friend, I know; but we must never forget that we are dependent on his pleasure and that it lies in his power to separate us at any moment. If he chose to marry you to some one else —

Manon

(Laying her hand on his lips)

Louis, don't breathe it! If you knew how that fear has haunted me.

Des Grieux

There is nothing to fear. The Governor is a just man and we have no better friend. Do we not owe him our present happiness? If he had not taken pity on us I should have been sent back to prison in France, instead of being allowed to remain here with you.

5

Manon

I know — I know —

Des Grieux

But we can't tell what changes time may bring, and I shall not
be satisfied till you are my wife.

Manon

(Humbly)

I should never have asked it; but oh, Louis, if you knew how
I've prayed for this!

Des Grieux

My poor girl — my poor Manon.

(Takes her in his arms)

If I could see you look a little less pale! Ah, the hardships
here are too great for you!

(He takes up his hat)

And now I must be gone. You'll rest quietly while I am away?
No spinning, mind. You've worked too much lately.

Manon

(Smiling)

I'll sit quite still and picture the look on your face when you
come back.

Des Grieux

You won't have long to wait.

(Goes out)

Manon

(Looking wistfully at the spinning wheel)

I wish I could have finished my set of sheets before our wed-
ding. A bride should at least provide the house with linen.

(She sits down beside the wheel, and turning it slowly
begins to sing)

Spin, spin, O wheel of life,
A nest for love to lie in —

Two sheets spread for the bridal bed,
And a single shroud to die in. —

(She pushes the wheel aside with a sigh)

No; he's right. I must rest. I'm very very tired.

(She goes and sits in the doorway)

But what does it matter when I'm so happy? The air grows
cooler... I feel the evening breeze — the breeze from France!

Ah, to how many poor souls it carries an incurable longing!

But to me it seems to come from a strange country —

(Looks about her with a smile)

for my France is here.

6

(Starting up suddenly)

Who's that running this way, I wonder? I hope my poor girl
is no worse.

(NANINE enters hurriedly, her face flushed with excitement;
a pretty girl, with innocent-looking eyes. She wears a
dress like Manon's, but less neat and fresh)

Manon

Nanine! How you've been running! No bad news, I hope?

Nanine

Oh, no, but something so strange, so wonderful! A ship from
France — just think of it!

Manon

(Smiling)

A ship from France? Is that so wonderful?

(Sadly)

I hope it brings no more poor souls to join us?

Nanine

Oh, no, I think not; but it brings — oh, guess, Manon, guess
what it brings!

Manon

How can I guess, child?

Nanine

(Clasping her hands)

A young gentleman, a nobleman, they say, who comes to marry one
of us. Yes, I had it from the governor's own servants —
he comes to marry a girl here in the colony — a girl he carried
off and deserted — and now he's repented, his heart has softened,
and he has the King's leave to marry her and take her back
to France. Oh, it can't be, can it? It's too wonderful,
it's too beautiful! Oh, Manon, Manon, tell me you think it's
true!

(She falls on her knees and hides her face in Manon's lap)

Manon

(Bending over her)

Why, Nanine — why, my poor girl —

Nanine

(Looking up)

Oh, you see what I mean? You see, don't you? The other

8

Poor child — poor child.

(She sits down again in the doorway)

I hope the breeze from France has brought her what she longs for — but, alas, there is but one des Grieux, I fear.

(Looking out into the garden)

How late it grows! He should be here by this time.

Perhaps he has waited to see the ship come in.

(Listens)

Ah, I hear a man's step — it comes this way.

(Rising)

But Not his —

(DE VALCOUR enters hurriedly)

De Valcour

Manon!

Manon

(Starting back with a cry of apprehension)

Ah! —

(She leans against the wall, pressing her hand to her heart)

The ship from France!

De Valcour

(Approaching her, and speaking in a tone of tenderness, almost of deference)

Manon! Thank heaven I am not too late. But how pale you are — how thin — how you must have suffered!

(Trying to take her hand)

Didn't you know that sooner or later I should surely come?

Manon

How dare you — how dare you?

(She shrinks away from him)

De Valcour

Alas, poor child, you think I come to taunt you, to gloat over your misery, to reproach you for deserting me. You little know the news I bring. — Manon, look up! Let me see a little light in your eyes. Your palour frightens me, Manon, the past is forgotten. There is nothing but forgiveness in my heart. I come because I can't live without you; and I carry the King's permission to take you back to France as my wife!

Manon

(Sinking down on the bench)

I — your wife?

9

De Valcour

How white you are! Did I break the news too suddenly?

(Kneels beside her)

Forgive me — it was the joy of seeing you. Ah, you don't know what you've been to me. I thought it was your youth and beauty, that I loved, but it's more than that — it's you. Since our parting at Havre you've haunted me day and night. Wherever I went I saw those chains on your wrists — those cruel chains on your poor little wrists —

(He tries to kiss her wrists)

Manon

(Controlling herself with an effort)

Monsieur de Valcour, you are right... I am not well...

(Breathing with an effort)

I am easily agitated... but if what you say is true I — I thank you...

De Valcour

You shall soon know it's true, my poor darling.

Manon

One moment, please. Here.

You mistake me. I — I am very happy

(Breathing painfully)

I have no wish to go back to France.

De Valcour

(Starting up)

Do you know what you are saying? Do you understand that I am offering you your freedom and my name? No wish to go back to France? No wish to leave this hell for home and happiness?

Manon

(Looking about the cabin)

This is my home. My happiness is here.

De Valcour

My poor child, I see you don't believe me. How can I rouse you, how can I make you understand? I have come to this ac-cursed place to save you, and you stare at me as though you saw a ghost..

Manon

I do see a ghost — the ghost of the past I hate. I understand you, Monsieur de Valcour. But what you offer me I have already.

10

De Valcour

Already — freedom and honor?

Manon

Yes — for love is freedom and honour even here.

De Valcour

Love? Is that it? Always that man between us?
(With a laugh)

I thought I'd given you time enough to weary of him.

Manon

You've given me time enough to know him at last.

De Valcour

Well, he's had his turn and he seems to have made good use of
it.

(In a tone of menace)

I'm sorry his day is over; but a man who has travelled as
far as I have, on such a feeble errand as mine, is not easily
turned back, let me tell you.

Manon

Monsieur de Valcour, listen to me, I implore you —

De Valcour

I've listened to you before to my cost, Madam. The time
has come to act. I have the King's authority and I mean to
use it. You may scorn my devotion if you choose, but it shall
never be said that the wife of a de Valcour went portionless,
and if you refuse the gift of my love, I can promise you as good
a dowry of hate!

(He goes out)

Manon

(Alone, sinking down and hiding her face)

Louis, Louis — oh, I shall die if he doesn't come —

(She weeps)

(DES GRIEUX enters after a moment. He is pale and deeply
disturbed)

Des Grieux

Manon — why, what ails you? What has happened?

(He bends over her)

11

Manon

(Forcing a smile)

Nothing — nothing. I am not well today, and you were gone so long! But I'm not frightened now. What can hurt me when you are here?

(Clings to him)

Des Grieux

Hurt you — what should hurt you? How your heart beats — and your hands are like ice. Sit down, dear — lean your head against me — so.

(Aside)

How shall I ever tell her?

Manon

Ah, I feel better already.

(She looks up anxiously to des Grieux)

You bring good news, Louis? You saw the governor?

Des Grieux

We'll talk of that presently. Be quiet now — shut your eyes again.

Manon

(Starting up)

Ah, how pale you are; and you turn your head away! Something has happened — you've heard something.

Des Grieux

My poor Manon, don't be alarmed —

Manon

Oh, for pity's sake, speak. It can't be worse than what I fear!

Des Grieux

The governor refuses his consent to our marriage.

Manon

(With a cry)

Ah!

Des Grieux

Manon, don't lose courage. He was annoyed, preoccupied, but I know he wishes us well. I chose an unfortunate time to speak to him. A ship has just come from France with despatches—

12

Manon
(Shuddering)

Yes — a ship has just come from France.

Des Grieux
(Surprised)

You knew of it, then?

Manon
Yes — I knew of it.

Des Grieux
I fear she has brought bad news.

Manon
Yes. She has brought bad news.

Des Grieux
Manon, what do you mean? How strangely you speak! You are keeping something from me. Has anyone been here in my absence?

Manon
(Slowly)

Yes — someone has been here.

Des Grieux
Who?

Manon
(With a cry)

De Valcour —

Des Grieux
(Starting to his feet)

Ah, God — I understand.

(He hides his face in his hands. After a moment he breaks out suddenly)

But, by heaven, though we are prisoners we have our rights — we are entitled to our gaoler's protection. I'll return at once to the governor.

Manon
Too late — too late. We are lost.

13

Des Grieux

Lost? But even the Viscount de Valcour cannot carry away
one of his Majesty's prisoners unchallenged.

Manon

Not unless he has his Majesty's permission to make her his
wife —

Des Grieux

His wife —? de Valcour's wife — you? — Ah!

Manon

Oh, Louis, save me, save me!

Des Grieux

My poor child — my poor Manon!

(He draws her down beside him on the bench, and they sit
silent, holding each other. At length des Grieux draws
back a little and taking her hands says slowly)

He has the King's authority to take you back to France?

Manon

(Trembling)

I fear so — I think he spoke the truth.

Des Grieux

(Slowly)

And you refused?

Manon

(Wounded)

Louis!

Des Grieux

Where is he now?

Manon

I don't know. He left me with some dreadful threat that I was
too dazed to understand.

Des Grieux

He has gone to the Governor.

(With an intense effort at calmness, after another pause)

Manon, did you do well to refuse him?

Manon

Ah, Louis, how cruel you can be!

14

## Dea Grieux

Cruel? To you? My poor child, I think only of your happiness. You have proved your love for me by the sacrifice of your freedom — can I ever doubt you again? I accepted that sacrifice once — but when I see you so pale, so thin, so shattered after a year of this <u>awful</u> life, I tremble to think of the future.

## Manon

I fear no future that we share, I made my choice that day at Havre and my heart has not once looked back.

## Des Grieux

De Valcour offered you freedom then — now he offers you much more. Think, Manon — life, home, liberty and a noble name! Child, I have no right to keep you here.

## Manon

You have no right to cast me off! You should have done it long ago, before I learned to know you. I think I always loved you, Louis; but my love slept in my heart like a child in its cradle; it woke the day I saw you in chains for my sake. That was the day that gave me life and liberty — and where you are is home.

## Des Grieux

Manon!

## Manon

(Starting up)

But why do we linger here? You are right, We must go at once to the governor.

## Des Grieux

Alas, I see now that de Valcour has his ear. Besides, the governor himself is powerless if de Valcour carries a letter from the King.

## Manon

Oh, heaven — then what is left to us?

## Des Grieux

(Goes to the door and looks out into the twilight)

The wilderness — if you can face it with me.

15

Manon

(With a rapid assumption of her old gayety)

It won't be the first time we've run away together!

Des Grieux

Brave heart! The danger may be less than it seems. The savages are not always unfriendly to those who know their language, and through their aid we may gain the English colonies. If not, the Savannah has many a safe hiding place, and I cannot think the governor will press us too hardly. The worst danger is here — and every moment increases it.

Manon

Come, then! We have no treasures to carry away with us,
except our happiness — and that is safe here.

(Touching her heart)

Good bye, little room — good bye! And my dear spinning-wheel,
good bye. I wish I could have finished my spinning...

Well, when we come back, perhaps... Why, how dark it grows already!

Des Grieux

Where is your clock? We must be off before the moon rises.
You're sure you're strong enough to walk?

Manon

(Brightly)

Yes — with my hand in yours.

(They go out together)

## SCENE II :-

The wilderness. Night. A sandy waste with clumps of palmetto and live-oak behind which the moon is rising.

(DES GRIEUX enters from the left with MANON, whom he half carries)

Manon

(In a weak and exhausted voice)

How far have we gone, Louis?

16

Des Grieux

(With a wan cheerfulness)

At least two miles, I think.

Manon

Only two miles in all this time?

Can you

Des Grieux

Do you think you can struggle on a little farther?

Manon

(Hopefully)

If I could rest for five minutes, I'm sure I could walk for
hours.

Des Grieux

You shall rest, then.

This clump of bushes will hide us.

(He lowers her gently to the ground, rolling her cloak
and laying it under her head)

How you tremble! Are you cold?

Manon

No — not very.

But the moon frightens me.

It looks
like an enemy's face.

Des Grieux

It is, alas.

We must be off before it spies us.

Manon

(Starting)

Hark!

What was that?

Des Grieux

Only the wind in the Savannah.

Lean against me.

Why, your
face is wet!

Manon

(Hastily)

It's the dew — only the dew.

The dew is so heavy tonight.

Des Grieux

Yes.

(He pauses, with averted head)

You're shivering still.

You must be cold.

17

Manon

Saint

It's only the wind in my hair. Put your arm about me — so.
Now I'm quite warm again. How the leaves twinkle overhead!
It reminds me of that night in the arbour at Denis ... the
first time you ever kissed me. Do you remember, the flicker—
of the vine-leaves— How far we've travelled since then.....

Des Grieux

How far!

Manon

(In a drowsy voice)

I think I could sleep a little now... wake me presently...

I must take my sick girl some soup in the morning — don't let
me sleep too late....

Des Grieux

(Despairingly)

Manon!

(Her head sinks on his shoulder and for a while he watches
her in silence, lifting his head every now and then to
listen)

The moon gradually approaches their
hiding-place.)

Manon

(Starting up suddenly)

What was that? Is it time to wake?

Des Grieux

(in deadly fear.)

Yes; it is time to wake.

I hear a sound of horse-hoofs.

Quick, Manon! we must be gone!

(He springs up and tries to raise her)

Come, dear — just a little farther.

Manon

(Dazed)

A little farther?

Des Grieux

(Imploringly)

Just to the wood — don't you think you can get to the wood?

Manon

(Making an effort to sit up)

The wood? Where is the wood? Where are we? Why, how
dark it has grown! Let us stay here, Louis; the night it so
dark that no one will ever find us.

18

Des Grieux

(Frantically)

Manon, Manon, rouse yourself!

Look up, dear!

Look up, dear!

The moon is bright overhead.

Manon

(In a changed, terrified voice)

I am looking up but I can't see it.

(With a cry)

Louis — where are you, Louis?

about me!

(The hoof-beats come rapidly nearer)

Oh, this awful blackness all

Des Grieux

(Struggling for composure)

Let me carry you, dear.
But your arms about me.

(He draws her arms about his neck)

Don't you feel me close to you? There—

Manon

Ah — ah — now you're close to me.

Now I'm safe.

(Sinks back)

Oh, do let me sleep a little longer... I'm so tired. I'm so
dreadfully tired...

Des Grieux

(Despairingly)

Manon! Manon!

One more effort, darling! I tell you we

are in danger!

Manon

(Smiling dreamily)

Do you think I'm afraid with you here?

(Her head drops backward. As he bends above her in
terror, the GOVERNOR, DE VALCOUR and a handful of soldiers
enter on the left)

De Valcour

(Springing forward)

By heaven, we've run them down at last!

Des Grieux

(Lowers Manon to the ground, and then, raising himself on
his knees, turns with outstretched arms to the little
group of men, who have paused involuntarily)