CHAPTER VII
. . . How chances mock,
And changes fill the cup of alteration
With divers liquors.
SHAKESPEARE.
“How inscrutably does Providence connect events! We had hardly proceeded for five minutes on our way, when a man, whose face I could not see, recognised Lescaut. He had no doubt been watching for him near his home, with the horrible intention which he now unhappily executed. ‘It IS Lescaut!’ said he, snapping a pistol at his head; ‘he shall sup tonight with the angels!’ He then instantly disappeared. Lescaut fell, without the least sign of life. I pressed Manon to fly, for we could be of no use to a dead man, and I feared being arrested by the police, who would certainly be soon upon the spot. I turned down the first narrow street with her and the servant: she was so overpowere
