CHAPTER XV.
"But beauty, like the fair Hesperian tree, Laden with blooming gold, had need the guard Of dragon watch with unenchanted eye To save her blossoms, or defend her fruit."-- MILTON.
The trial was nearer than either Manon or Victoire expected.

Manon had scarcely pronounced the last words when the ci-devant hairdresser burst into the room, accompanied by several of his political associates, who met to consult measures for the good of the nation.

Among these patriots was the Abbe Tracassier.
"Who is that pretty girl who is with you, Manon ?" whispered he; "a friend of yours, I hope ?" Victoire left the room immediately, but not before the profligate abbe had seen enough to make him wish to see more.

The next day he went to Madame Feuillot's under pretence of buying some embroidered handkerchiefs; he paid Victoire a profusion of extravagant compliments, which made no impression upon her innocent heart, and which appeared ridiculous to her plain good sense.

She did not know who he was, nor did Madame Feuillot; for though she had often heard of the abbe, yet she had never seen him.