Act II. The apartment of _Des Grieux_ and _Manon_, Rue Vivienne,

Paris. _Des Grieux_ is writing at his desk. Discovering _Manon_ looking over his shoulder, he reads her what he has written--a letter to his father extolling her charms and asking permission to marry her.

The scene is interrupted by knocking and voices without. The maid servant announces that two guardsmen demand admission. She whispers to _Manon_, "One of them loves you--the nobleman, who lives near here." The pair are _Lescaut_ and _De Brétigny_, the latter masquerading as a soldier in _Lescaut's_ regiment. _Lescaut_ scents more profit for himself and for his cousin _Manon_ in a liaison between her and the wealthy nobleman than in her relations with _Des Grieux_. Purposely he is gruff and demands "yes" or "no" to his question as to whether or not _Des Grieux_ intends to marry the girl. _Des Grieux_ shows the letter he is about to despatch to his father. Apparently everything is satisfactory. But _De Brétigny_ manages to convey to _Manon_ the information that the _Chevalier's_ father is incensed at his son's mode of life, and has arranged to have him carried off that night. If she will keep quiet about it, he (_De Brétigny_) will provide for her handsomely and surround her with the wealth and luxury she craves. She protests that she loves _Des Grieux_--but is careful not to warn him of the impending abduction.

_Lescaut_ and the nobleman depart, after _Lescaut_, sly fellow, has blessed his "children," as he calls _Manon_ and _Des Grieux_. Shortly afterwards the latter goes out to despatch the letter to his father. _Manon_, approaching the table, which is laid for supper, sings the charming air, "Adieu, nôtre petite table" (Farewell, dear little table). This is followed by the exquisite air with harp accompaniment, "Le Rève de Manon" (A vision of Manon), which is sung by _Des Grieux_, who has re-entered and describes her as he saw her in a dream.

There is a disturbance outside. _Manon_ knows that the men who will bear away her lover have arrived. She loves _Des Grieux_, but luxury means more to her than love. An effort is made by her to dissuade the _Chevalier_ from going outside to see who is there--but it is a half-hearted attempt. He goes. The noise of a struggle is heard. _Manon_, "overcome with grief," exclaims, "He has gone."