It is a public holiday on the Cours-la-Reine promenade. Des Grieux senses her torment but it is toolate: he is dragged away despite Manon’s protestations.ĪCT III – FIRST SCENE: THE COURS-LA-REINE Despite the sincerity of her love, Manon agrees and resigns herself to changing her life. In exchange for her silence, he promises to make her the queen of Paris society. A game of deception begins: Lescaut pretends to have reconciled with Des Grieux, while Brétigny informs Manon that her lover will be taken to his father by force that same evening. As he does, they are interrupted by the arrival of Lescaut and Brétigny whom Manon immediately recognises despite his disguise. Des Grieux reads Manon the letter he has written to his father informing the latter of his intention to marry her. The young couple are now living in a makeshift apartment. The arrival of the Chevalier Des Grieux pulls her out of her melancholy: for the young pair it is love at first sight and they decide to run away to Paris.

Left alone once more, Manon dreams of the life that has been denied her. Lescaut sends him on his away and urges Manon to be prudent while he goes to visit the louche little cabaret next door. The beautiful young girl does not go unnoticed and Guillot attempts to woo her by flaunting his wealth. She is greeted by her cousin Lescaut who has been given the task of escorting her to the convent. The elderly Guillot de Morfontaine and his mistresses Poussette, Javotte and Rosette are enjoying a raucous dinner in the company of Brétigny.

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