Dangerous liaisons - Choderlos de Laclos.pdf

Table

of Contents

From

the Pages

Title

Liaisons

Dangereuses

Page

Copyright Pierre The

of Les

Page

Choderlos World

de Laclos

of Pierre

Choderlos

de Laclos

and Les

Liaisons

Dangereuses

Introduction Epigraph Publisher’s

Note

Editor’s

PART

Preface

I

—1—

-

CÉCILE

URSULINES —2—

-

—4—

THE

MARQUISE AT

- CÉCILE -

SOPHIE

MERTEUIL

CHÂTEAU

VICOMTE AT

-

THE

DE

DE

VOLANGES

THE

MERTEUIL, —5—

TO

CARNAY,

AT

THE

OF ...

VALMONT, —3—

VOLANGES

TO DE

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

MADAME

DE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

...

SOPHIE

CARNAY

VALMONT

TO

THE

PARIS

THE

MARQUISE

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VALMONT —6—

-

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —7—

- CÉCILE

—8—

-

VOLANGES

THE

TO

PRÉSIDENTE

SOPHIE DE

CARNAY

TOURVEL

TO

VOLANGES —9—

-

MADAME

DE

VOLANGES

TO

THE

TOURVEL —10—

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —11—

-

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

VOLANGES —12—

- CÉCILE

—13—

- THE

—14—

- CECILE

—15—

- THE

VOLANGES

MARQUISE

TO DE

VOLANGES VICOMTE

DE

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

TO

CARNAY

SOPHIE

VALMONT

TO

CECILE

THE

MERTEUIL VOLANGES

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL —16—

- CECILE

VOLANGES

TO

—17—

- THE

—18—

- CECILE

VOLANGES

TO

SOPHIE

—19—

- CÉCILE

VOLANGES

TO

THE

—20—

- THE

MARQUISE

- THE

VICOMTE

CHEVALIER

SOPHIE

DANCENY

DE

CARNAY

TO

CECILE

VOLANGES

CARNAY

CHEVALIER

MERTEUIL

DANCENY

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

MADAME

DE

MARQUISE

DE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —21—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —22—

-

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

VOLANGES —23—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —24—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

TOURVEL —25—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

- THE

PRESIDENTE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —26—

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

TO

THE

VALMONT —27—

- CECILE

—28—

- THE

—29—

- CÉCILE

VOLANGES

TO

SOPHIE

—30—

- CECILE

VOLANGES

TO

THE

—31—

- THE

—32—

-

VOLANGES

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

CHEVALIER

MADAME

DE

TO

VOLANGES

CECILE

TO

VOLANGES

MERTEUIL

CARNAY

CHEVALIER

DANCENY DE

MARQUISE

DANCENY

CÉCILE

TO

VOLANGES

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL —33—

- THE

MARQUISE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

VALMONT —34—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —35—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

MADAME

DE

TOURVEL —36— TOURVEL

(BEARING

—37—

-

THE

THE

...

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

VOLANGES —38—

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

VALMONT —39—

- CÉCILE

VOLANGES

TO

SOPHIE

CARNAY

THE

VICOMTE

DE

—40—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

- THE

PRÉSIDENTE

- THE

VICOMTE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

MERTEUIL —41—

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VALMONT —42—

DE

VALMONT

TO

VICOMTE

DE

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL —40—

-

Continuation

MARQUISE —43—

DE

THE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL

- THE

PRÉSIDENTE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

MADAME

DE

VALMONT —44—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —45—

-

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

VOLANGES —46—

- THE

—47—

CHEVALIER

- THE

DANCENY

VICOMTE

DE

TO

VALMONT

CÉCILE TO

VOLANGES

THE

MARQUISE

DE

PRESIDENTE

DE

MERTEUIL —48—

- THE

TOURVEL

VICOMTE

(BEARING

DE THE

—49—

- CECILE

—50—

- THE

PRESIDENTE

- THE

MARQUISE

VALMONT

TO

THE

...

VOLANGES

TO

THE

CHEVALIER

DE

TOURVEL

DANCENY

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

PRESIDENTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

THE

VICOMTE

DE

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

PRESIDENTE

DE

VALMONT

PART

II

—51—

DE

MERTEUIL

VALMONT —52—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

TOURVEL —53—

- THE

VICOMTE

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —54—

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

VALMONT —55—

- CÉCILE

VOLANGES

—56—

- THE

PRESIDENTE

- THE

VICOMTE

TO

SOPHIE

DE

TOURVEL

CARNAY TO

VALMONT —57—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —58—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

TOURVEL —59—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

DANCENY

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

MERTEUIL —60—

-

THE

VALMONT

CHEVALIER

(ENCLOSED

—61—

- CÉCILE

—62—

- MADAME

—63—

IN

THE

VOLANGES

- THE

DE

...

TO

SOPHIE

VOLANGES

MARQUISE

THE

TO

DE

CARNAY THE

CHEVALIER

MERTEUIL

TO

DANCENY

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —64— (A

- THE

DRAFT

—65—

ENCLOSED -

(SENT

CHEVALIER

THE

OPEN

—66—

DANCENY IN

LETTER

CHEVALIER

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DANCENY

- THE

PRÉSIDENTE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

MADAME

DE

VOLANGES

...

MARQUISE

- THE

TO

DE

TO

CECILE

TO

THE

VOLANGES

...

VALMONT

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

MERTEUIL —67—

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VALMONT —68—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL —69—

- CECILE

VOLANGES IN

TO

PENCIL,

THE

AND

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

(A

NOTE

WRITTEN

...

—70—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL —71— MERTEUIL —72—

- THE

DELIVERED —73—

-

UNTIL THE

(DELIVERED —74—

CHEVALIER THE

VICOMTE WITH

- THE

THE

DANCENY

TO

CÉCILE

VOLANGES

(NOT

14TH) DE

VALMONT

TO

CÉCILE

VOLANGES

PRECEDING)

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

VALMONT —75—

- CECILE

—76—

- THE

VOLANGES VICOMTE

TO DE

SOPHIE

VALMONT

CARNAY TO

THE

MERTEUIL —77—

- THE

VICOMTE

- THE

PRÉSIDENTE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

TOURVEL —78—

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

VALMONT —79—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —80—

- THE

—81—

CHEVALIER

- THE

DANCENY

MARQUISE

DE

TO

CECILE

MERTEUIL

VOLANGES

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —82—

- CÉCILE

—83—

- THE

VOLANGES VICOMTE

TO DE

THE

CHEVALIER

VALMONT

TO

DANCENY

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL —84—

- THE

—85—

VICOMTE

- THE

DE

VALMONT

MARQUISE

DE

TO

CÉCILE

MERTEUIL

TO

VOLANGES

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —86—

-

MERTEUIL

THE (A

—87—

-

MARÉCHALE

NOTE

DE—TO

ENCLOSED

THE

MARQUISE

- CÉCILE

VOLANGES

IN DE

THE

THE

MARQUISE

DE

...

MERTEUIL

TO

MADAME

DE

VALMONT

DE

VOLANGES

PART

III

—88— —89—

-

THE

TO

VICOMTE

DE

THE

VICOMTE

VALMONT

TO

THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY —90—

- THE

PRESIDENTE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —91—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

TOURVEL —92—

-

THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

TO

-

THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

TO

THE

VALMONT —93—

(ENCLOSED

IN

THE

CECILE

VOLANGES

PRECEDING)

—94—

- CECILE

VOLANGES

TO

THE

CHEVALIER

—95—

- CECILE

VOLANGES

TO

THE

VICOMTE

—96—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

DANCENY DE

TO

THE

VALMONT MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL —97—

- CECILE

—98—

-

VOLANGES

MADAME

DE

TO

MADAME

VOLANGES

DE TO

MERTEUIL

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL —99—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL —100— MERTEUIL

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

—101—

-

THE

CHASSEUR —102—

VICOMTE

(ENCLOSED -

THE

DE

IN

THE

VALMONT

TO

AZOLAN,

HIS

PRECEDING)

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

PRESIDENTE

DE

ROSEMONDE —103—

- MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

TOURVEL —104—

-

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

MADAME

DE

VOLANGES —105—

- THE

—106—

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

MARQUISE

MERTEUIL

DE

TO

MERTEUIL

CÉCILE TO

VOLANGES

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —107— —108—

- AZOLAN -

TO

THE

THE

VICOMTE

PRESIDENTE

DE

DE

VALMONT

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE —109—

- CÉCILE

—101—

- THE

VOLANGES

TO

VICOMTE

DE

THE

MARQUISE

VALMONT

TO

DE

MERTEUIL

THE

MARQUISE

DE

TO

MADAME

DE

MERTEUIL —111—

-

THE

COMTE

DE

GERCOURT

VOLANGES —112—

- MADAME

TOURVEL —113—

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

(DICTATED) - THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —114—

-

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

MARQUISE

DE

ROSEMONDE —115—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —116— —117—

- THE -

CÉCILE

(DICTATED —118—

BY -

CHEVALIER

THE

DANCENY

VOLANGES

TO

TO

CÉCILE

THE

VOLANGES

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

VALMONT) CHEVALIER

DANCENY

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

MERTEUIL —119—

- MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

TOURVEL —120— (A

- THE

CISTERCIAN

—121—

-

THE

VICOMTE OF THE MARQUISE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PERE

ANSELME

... DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY —121—

- MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL —123—

- THE

—124—

-

PÈRE

THE

ANSELME

TO

PRESIDENTE

THE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

VALMONT MADAME

DE

MARQUISE

DE

PRESIDENTE

DE

ROSEMONDE

PART

IV

—125—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —126—

- MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

TOURVEL —127—

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —128—

-

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

MARQUISE

DE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

ROSEMONDE —129—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —130—

- MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

TOURVEL —131—

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —132—

-

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

ROSEMONDE —131—

- THE

VICOMTE

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —134—

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VALMONT —135—

-

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE —136—

- THE

PRÉSIDENTE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —137—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

MADAME

DE

MARQUISE

DE

TOURVEL —138—

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —139—

-

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

ROSEMONDE —140— MERTEUIL

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

—141—

- THE

MARQUISE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

MADAME

DE

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —142—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —143—

-

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

ROSEMONDE —144—

- THE

VICOMTE

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —145—

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VALMONT —146—

-

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY —147—

- MADAME

—148—

-

THE

DE

VOLANGES

CHEVALIER

TO

MADAME

DANCENY

TO

DE THE

ROSEMONDE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL —149—

- MADAME

—150—

-

THE

DE

VOLANGES

CHEVALIER

TO

MADAME

DANCENY

TO

DE THE

ROSEMONDE

MARQUISE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL —151—

- THE

VICOMTE

- THE

MARQUISE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —152—

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VALMONT —153—

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MERTEUIL —154—

- MADAME

—155—

-

THE

-

CÉCILE

DE

VOLANGES

VICOMTE

DE

TO

MADAME

VALMONT

DE

TO

THE

ROSEMONDE CHEVALIER

DANCENY —156— (ENCLOSED —157—

IN -

VOLANGES

THE

THE

TO

THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

PRECEDING)

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

TO

VALMONT

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

MARQUISE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —158—

- THE

MERTEUIL —159—

VICOMTE

(UPON - THE

DE

THE

AWAKING)

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VALMONT —160—

- MADAME

—161—

- THE

HER

AND

—162—

THE

VOLANGES

PRÉSIDENTE

WRITTEN -

DE

BY

HER

CHEVALIER

DE

TO

MADAME

TOURVEL

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO——(DICTATED

BY

... DANCENY

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT —163—

- M.

—164—

- MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

—165—

- MADAME

DE

VOLANGES

—166—

- M.

—167—

- ANONYMOUS

—168—

- MADAME

—169—

-

BERTRAND

BERTRAND

THE

TO

TO TO

DE

MADAME

DE TO TO

MADAME M.

LE

VOLANGES

CHEVALIER

ROSEMONDE M.

BERTRAND

MADAME DE

ROSEMONDE

ROSEMONDE

CHEVALIER TO

DE

DANCENY

MADAME

DANCENY

DE TO

ROSEMONDE MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE —170—

- MADAME

—171—

-

DE

MADAME

VOLANGES DE

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

ROSEMONDE CHEVALIER

DANCENY —172—

- MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

—173—

- MADAME

DE

VOLANGES

—174—

-

THE

CHEVALIER

TO TO

MADAME

MADAME

DANCENY

DE DE

TO

VOLANGES

ROSEMONDE MADAME

ROSEMONDE —175—

- MADAME

DE

VOLANGES

Appendix Endnotes Inspired

by Les

Comments For

Further

Liaisons

& Questions Reading

Dangereuses

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

DE

From

the

Les

Liaisons

Come you off

Pages

Dangereuses

back,

my

be doing at once;

to confide (page

dear

Vicomte,

with

an old

aunt,

I have

need

of you.

its execution

come

back;

whose

whole

I have

what

are you

property

doing,

is settled

an excellent

idea,

and

what

can

on you?

Set

I should

like

to you.

15)

I shall her:

possess I will

delight, from my

of

this

woman;

I shall

even

dare

ravish

to be in

turns

the

me to destroy happiness

and

me;

let the idea

she,

shaken

her

object

triumph.

of falling

the husband

from

the

whom

the

which Let

terrify

by a thousand

her from

and

the prejudices my

steal

victor

of

sway

her

her believe

her,

terrors,

God

forget

she

remorse!

mind!

They

preventing

them,

vanquish

profanes

adores.

her

in virtue,

without

who

What

Far will

be

it

add

to to

and

sacrifice

it

her

fall;

may

them

and

only

in

my

arms. (pages

I

am

24-25)

astonished

should

be tempted

much

merit

(page

52)

The

moment

that

your

desirous (page

The

that

the

pleasure

to believe lead

you

is to

to conquer

one

that

we call

in

doing

virtuous

good;

people

and

have

not

I so

us to suppose.

are afraid furnish

than

what

experiences

of success,

arms

to fight,

against I have

my

dear

yourself

no more

Vicomte, and

the

that

you

moment are

less

to say to you.

73)

fantasy

point

susceptible (page

as they

plan

of which the

at

122)

seized

she was ...

In

me to find capable; short,

to a surprise

and you

out

how

much

I, a mere may

believe

of the senses.

one might

woman,

bit

me,

no

rely

on the

by bit, one

excited

was

ever

defense her

to

more

Will

you,

(page

never

grow

weary

of being

unjust?

169)

Those alone

then,

bonds can

reciprocally

tighten

wantonness,

or

given break

preferring

humiliating

and

at

your

mystery

desertion,

without

received, will:

to

to

we

noise,

making

the

talk

love’s

are

even

you

are

idol

of

jargon,

lucky

if,

in

satisfied

yesterday

the

you your

with

a

victim

of

tomorrow. (page

183)

I was

not

greater (page

fifteen

part

years

of our

old,

I possessed

politicians

owe

their

already

the

talents

to

which

the

reputation.

185)

I have

always

woman,

one

thought may

that,

when

be at one’s

one

has

ease about

naught

her,

and

but

occupy

praise oneself

to

give

with

a

other

matters. (pages

226-227)

Prudence,

it

disposing

seems

to

of another’s

it by an indissoluble (page

me,

is

fate;

the

and,

and sacred

quality

above bond,

to

all, such

be

preferred,

when

where

it is a question

as that

of marriage.

one of

is

fixing

253)

I know

not

why,

but

it is only

bizarre

things

which

give

me

any

longer

pleasure. (page

276)

Behold could

her

vanquished

resist

me!

yesterday,

there

(page

)

311

Yes,

is nothing

then,

this

my

friend,

she

for

her to grant

left

proud

woman is

mine, me.

who

dared

mine

to

think

entirely;

she since

The

veil

is

rent,

Madame,

upon

which

was

painted

the

illusion

of

my

happiness. (page

355)

I do not in my

like

manner

people, with

yourself not

and quite escaped

(page

to my

quiz

you be the

alone, you

it. Adieu. 386)

to follow

nor

I do not

would

upon

people

taste.

them; may

first

When

conduct

with

sorry

jests;

I have

ground

of

complaint

I do better,

I avenge

be

at

the

present

time

if

you

were

in applauding

at the

up sorry

very

yourself

moment

when

myself.

moment, to find

that

in the hope you

were

do you

it is neither against

However not

satisfied

forget

were

of a triumph congratulating

that

it

premature, which

had

yourself

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Published Notes,

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2005

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first

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Introduction,

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Biography,

Chronology,

Inspired

By,

Comments

&

Questions,

Further

Reading.

Introduction, Copyright

Note

on

Notes, © 2005

Pierre

and For

Further

by Alfred

Choderlos

Mac

Reading Adam.

de Laclos,

The

World

of

Pierre

Choderlos

Laclos

and Les Liaisons

and Comments

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Dangereuses,

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Classics

Pierre

Choderlos

de Laclos

Pierre-Ambroise-François

Choderlos

1741,

France.

Little

is known

lesser

nobility

and

in Amiens,

father

was

Laclos At

of

was

eighteen

the time,

military

with

held

Shortly

he

(1763)

was

graduated,

its

of relative

he

rose

quickly

at

began

poems

were

writing

during

published

in the

years

he began

work

later ever

write.

innovative time,

it

Laclos’s

tale

brought

his

been

novel

as

was

own

swift,

in

the

of

England,

Over

the

next

French

army,

posts

in

Toul,

deceit,

for

under

but

the novel’s

and

storm

military

Laclos

was

was

in

assigned

dismal

to Philippe

II,

cousin.

In

1789

Duc

under

against

the

shortly

before

returned

the Jacobin

the French

a key

ambitious

of the

of Terror,

Jacobins. a time

and guillotined.

in 1790.

revolutionary Duc

Laclos when

was

thousands,

still many

he

authors work in

French

year

posts

suspicion

by 1782,

readers

thought

he

quieted

and might

when

he took and

broke

1788,

a military

leave

Louis

XVI’s in

planned

riots

trip

to

out. firmly

previous

however,

including

In

involvement

and became

arrested

he published

Recriminations

King

a hastily

His

Laclos’s

as punishment.

for

on

group.

d’Orléans,

relatively

have

d’Orléans

He joined

few

but

de Vauban.

Revolution

A novel

publication

may that

him

1777

the only

fictional

even

in France,

Duc

accompanied

to Paris

Club,

politically

Laclos

increased

in

his

Valmont.

1786

Maréchal

secretary

king.

some

tactician

came

its scorched

unleashed

to become

the

Upon

of

opera.

Like

to his

arch-seducer,

Duperré

another

century.

scrutiny;

and

as a comic

popular

and betrayal

Many

des Muses,

credibility

memoir.

tensions

of treason

Fère.

Treaty

to

the

Dangereuses,

eighteenth

as pre-revolutionary

Reign

the

in the military.

Ernestine

to give

reputation

of famed

suspicion

When

in La

Canada

of

his

employment.

provincial

an increasingly

a nonfictional

of seduction,

life,

a critique

the

quiet

L’ Almanach

in the late

to Marie-Soulange

Laclos

with

ranks

years

novel

attempted

the model

Marriage

England

ended; and

that

a career

on France.

the

on Les Liaisons

genre

Laclos

presenting

were

The

literary

personal

War, steady

India

18,

office.

and

descended

early

journal

Riccoboni’s

have

in

of

except

School

Years

war

through

these

Madame

his

the

a succession

he adapted

of

Artillery

excitement

peace

family,

October

a governmental

Royal

territories

on

and Grenoble.

Laclos

would

both

born

his

in the Seven

however,

ceded

stationed

Strasbourg,

of

was

about

held

at the

engaged

promise

period

though

Laclos

Europe

France

a lengthy

decade,

he enrolled

the

after

Paris and

the

de Laclos

brought

twice

during

the Duc,

aligned

connections him

with with

under

the

Robespierre’s were

convicted

In

1799

Napoleon

France. army

Laclos,

malaria.

who

as a brigadier

Napoléon’s island

staged

military

off

Taranto,

He died

had

a coup supported

general.

He

campaigns Italy,

d’état

where

on September

the spent

in Paris coup, the

in Italy. he

was

5, 1803.

was

next

In 1803 struck

to become

first

reinstated several he was down

consul

in the

of

French

years

involved

in

sent

to fortify

an

by

dysentery

and

The

World

of Pierre

de Laclos

Choderlos

and Les Liaisons

Dangereuses 1741 Pierre-Ambroise-François 18 in Amiens,

France.

lesser

(ennobled

nobility

1756 The

Seven

England

the Royal

War

1761 Laclos

the New

structure

novel

Candide

a career

Eloise

major

European

Austria,

military,

in the Royal

epistolary

Dangereuses

format

will

Du

Social

Social

) is published.

France

England.

of Paris,

1765 Laclos

is sent

1767 Laclos’s Saint-S.,"

with

to first

Bonaparte

1771 Continuing

his rapid

10, ends

Héloïse inspire

( Julie; the

political

the Seven

in Canada

to Toul,

a poem

work

Years

and India

to

France.

entitled

L’Almanach

in Grenoble, is born rise

Corps.

France.

work,

in the journal

Napoléon

in

lieutenant.

in Strasbourg,

is stationed

enrolls

Rousseau’s

of its territories

his regiment

published

appears

1769 Laclos 1775.

first

on February

control

is promoted

1766 He is stationed

Contract

signed

relinquishes

Laclos

Laclos

. France.

War;

pits

Artillery

Julie ; ou, la Nouvelle

in La Rochelle,

Treaty

conflict

and Russia.

is stationed

1763 The

official.

is published.

lieutenant

); the novel’s

( The

is of the

and a government

1762 Laclos Contrat

on October

Choderlos,

in the French

publishes

of Les Liaisons

is born

in la Fère.

a second

Rousseau

a titile) this

France,

becomes

Jean-Jacques

without begins;

School

de Laclos

Jean-Ambroise

against

to pursue

Artillery

father, but

Years

satiric

1760 Deciding

or,

His

and Prussia

1759 Voltaire’s

Choderlos

"À

Mademoiselle

de

des Muses .

France,

where

he remains

until

in Corsica.

through

the army

ranks,

Laclos

becomes

a

captain. 1773 Two à Eglé"

more ("Episte

1774 Louis 1775 Laclos

XVI

of his poems, to Eglé"), becomes

is stationed

"Les

Souvenirs"

are published king

("Memories")

in L’Almanach

and "Épître des Muses .

of France.

in Besançon,

France.

The

American

Revolution

begins. 1776 Toward of the Free 1777 Laclos artillery

the end of the year, and Accepted is sent

school.

Masons,

to Valence,

"Épître

Laclos

a secret

France,

à la mort"

becomes fraternal

to direct

("Epistle

a Freemason

(a member

order).

the founding

to Death")

of an

and "Sur

Cette

Question

..."

("On

Riccoboni’s Paris

near

Ernestine

the year’s

end.

a return

year,

"Le

Laclos

in the Bay

bon

, which

1780 Laclos

is again

under

portrays

moral

character.

1783 Back Duperré.

Madame

is staged

"A

Choice"),

Une

in

Dame."

Laclos

promoted,

becoming

after,

to finish

Laclos

he commences

( On the Education

de

on Les Liaisons

officer

4,000

is much

of Women

released

in France.

Because

speculation

his future work

of gunners.

copies

a sensation

there

meets

an island

his novel.

with

causes

aas factual,

to Aix,

commanding

in Paris

matter

work

During

provocative.

is published,

subject

the book

and then

begins

to be highly

leave

is published.

of the Marquis

he intends

in La Rochelle,

des Femmes

a production

to Rochefort

time

Dangereuses

Shortly

He adapts

publishes

Good

the command

this

Its explicit

Laclos

opera;

Laclos

("The first

a six-month

1782 Les Liaisons by April.

Choix"

Around

1781 He takes

as a comic

is assigned

Dangereuses

are published.

die.

of Biscay

Montalembert.

...")

to Besançon,

and Rousseau

1779 A poem, this

Question

novel

1778 Following Voltaire

That

about

wife,

Marie-Soulange

on the tract

De l’Education

), which

his

be published

posthumously. 1784 A son,

Étienne-Fargeau,

1786 Laclos

and Marie-Soulange

critical

of the esteemed

military

officials

is punished

with

1787 A new

edition

includes

Philippe King

Louis

French

1789 Laclos involved

political

is tense,

Fraternité

the Duc the king,

duc in this

increase

on a hurried

(Freedom,

and

Equality,

he

which

Madame

Riccoboni.

secretary

d’Orléans period

to

and cousin just

among

also

before

of

the

Laclos’s

is born.

d’Orléans,

On August of Man

with

Égalité),

and intrigues

begins.

of the Rights

is published,

a top-level

atmosphere

and

its publication,

becomes

Catherine-Soulange,

against

Revolution

Laclos

highly

of Metz.

Dangereuses

as Philippe

accompanies

in riots

Declaration Egalité,

known

A daughter,

town

a paper

de Vauban,

following

and his correspondence

of duty,

The

publishes

Maréchal

In the months

in the desolate

poetry

XVI.

Laclos

tactician

of Les Liaisons

Revolution

associates.

French

a post

a leave

II (later

marry.

military

are furious.

Laclos’s

1788 Taking

is born.

who

is suspected

trip

to England.

26 the revolutionaries Citizen

, which

Fraternity)

of being The issue

demands for

the

Liberté,

all citizens

of

France. 1790 Laclos

returns

to paris.

He joins

the revolutionary

Jacobin

Club

and

becomes

editor

of its publication.

( Journal

of the Friends

as secretary

to Philippe

increasingly

suspect

1792 Laclos

helps

which

is halted

of the Constitution Egalité,

among

1793 Louis

XVI

in which

Laclos

is arrested

the solid

cannonball.

des Arts

(later

from

1795 At

home

1796 French Fataliste

arrests

calendar),

Napoléon

Directory

(the

consul

crucial

army.

archaeological

1800 Now

a brigadier

campaigns

in Italy.

dens

Ses Rapports

Considered 1802 French

author

Laclos

of Taranto, dies,

avec

Italy.

d’état,

Laclos

on September

Central

ends.

Laclos

is

of his son Charles. novel

Jacques

le

Hugo

Revolutionary he overthrows

the Revolution). Laclos

reinstated

the Rosetta

ancient

Egyptian

part

in Napoléon’s

De La Littérature Sociales

the

He becomes is again

discover

takes

to Social

Stone,

to a

hieroglyphs. military

Considérée

( On Literature

Institutions

) is published.

is born.

to direct

Shortly

in

to replace

Muséum

of Terror

in which

soldiers

de Staël’s

Laclos

shell

of the French

les Institutions

Victor

artillery

Diderot’s

to deciphering

Madame

and again

The

of

are guillotined.

in April

the birth

the Revolution.

general,

sends

for

Denis

French

clue

the Reign

) is published.

in its Relationship

1803 Napoléon coast

is present

set up during

In Egypt,

Maximilien

1.

a coup

ending

and

to the public.

abd the Reign

Brumaire

government

of France,

the French

is executed.

the Fatalist

stages

of treason

Égalité

opens

treason

in Paris.

establish

a hollow

Museum)

9 (18

Safety

he designs

Laclos

is tried

army,

of a repulic.

convicted

and philosopher

( Jacques

for

execution

on December

1799 On November

first

of Public

is overthrown,

writer

XVI

with

Philippe

in Paris,

are becoming

Prussian

are guillotined

and threatened

prison

his position

the invading

in favor

of people

the Louvre

1794 Robespierre

from

ambitions

Louis

is abolished

thousands

Between

released

against

of Valmy.

and his Committee

November.

political

and Marie-Antoinette

Terror,

de la Constitution

). He resigns

whose

a defense

at the battle

the monarchy

des Amis

the revolutionaries.

organise

convicted;

Robespierre

Le Journal

after

5, after

the fortification his arrival,

contracting

Pierre dysentery

of an island Choderlos

off de

and malaria.

the

Introduction Read

or experienced

how

the world

Pentheus, them

can

are hideously

annihilation

of

of these

society

which

we

means, torturing

tooth

any

an if

pride,

human,

might

looms

which

not

deludes

them

into

because

the

the novel

obliterating its

world

shape

(1764-1823), studies

wrote

of tragedy

just

experienced,

characters’ window

destinies onto

these

it some caused

them

truths The

by their 1780s

Liaisons

essay

the utter matter

the

be.

a door

in 1784.

that notions

child

time, more

we than

had

Ann

the

an

their

mitigates

to our

relief—with

readers—get

we are unaware and

of,

Burney (1782)

a world we have

happy

tragedy

a

especially a social

rank

in

they

that

the

opens

within

or was

wrong

the

Radcliffe

lives

characters,

what

from

the finality

or

dramatic

high

take

Heiress

novel

judgment

to

(Fanny)

of

of

thus

psychological

heartrending,

end

end,

begun

England

to

inserts

all-important,

without

in

these

and

is

Frances

The

takes

of the fascinating

to moral

of right

are

and

a novel’s

despite

they

form

Memoirs

grotesque,

to us, their

flaw

to violate

or,

of

same

genres

castles,

and

the

the

as a world

haunted

destruction

opens

similar moral

of

(1717-1797)

Where

in

available

a cruel

condition

it moved

destruction

how

Even

existence,

(1741-1803)

The

lifetime;

(1775-1817)

characters—who,

other

Laclos

society

Cecilia;

the

misery.

overtones.

and

with

every

like

At

we still

the redemption

by

thinking

its characters—much

may

chaos,

psychologically

The

Walpole

whose

no

the case of Laclos, Did

Austen

go on despite

into

de

of human

ghosts

by surrounding

will

thoughts.

but

human

us

change

an enthusiastic

that

our

with

novel.

Horace

about

toys

with

of tragedy

inhabit.

or for

extend

the

their

Jane

(1752-1840), Laclos

of

with

of

fate

to deal

divine,

that

of the human

Laclos’s

or they

the ironies

during

romances

human

to

had

crimes,

the future

seek

of all our

apocalyptic

fate

wonder Oedipus,

and Phaedras

and

conceives

tragedy’s

modern

gothic

of

of

possibility

Choderlos

of tragedy

for

humans

be the source

Pierre-Ambroise-François ramifications

that in

destruction

of the society

and

large

We

why

justice,

ironic

nail

us shaken.

of monstrous

hope

The

and

of

much

any

The

the Macbeths

idea

significance,

insect,

wonder

Juliet,

grief.

guilty

and

shattered.

defend

lacks

figures

and

seems

that

the

leaves

us wonder

individuals

to balance

the case of Romeo

makes

understand

imperfect

tragedy

so much

or Faustus We

it difficult

theater,

go on after

Hamlet,

so brutally.

find

in the

were

context:

society,

deserved

it pride taken

in

are ? Was

again

that

as

basic

society? teem

Dangereuses

with

meditations in 1782;

on

Jacques-Louis

morality. David

Laclos

publishes

(1748-1825)

paints

Les his

Oath

of the Horatii

patriotism”

, called

(Honour,

1784;

German

Groundwork

philosopher

Amadeus subtitle

long

rectitude, order

of the

on

the

to establish

The

real

literary,

for

philosophic,

morality

sources

own:

Mozart

on divine in

an

grace

to

for

Roman

to the

his

epigraph

and

I have

individual

published

(p.

391)

hint

about

one

because the

eighteenth

derives

to from

nature

of

of

(we

but

an

while

his

religion

believe

inequality individual’s

one

(p.

something

corruption

in

experience

these of

the

different

of

David

look

kinds to the

age

past

for

their

speculations

his example

of nationalism

of

the or

any

other

claims—if

manners his

his

Enlightenment, code

we

of

take

my

times,

intentions—that

time.

In

religion

this

sense,

it

a role

in

moral

receives

villain,

his

the

116)—possibly

last

is

rites

Marquise

because

de

it

is

a

nature.

of

appears

Jean-Jacques during

It is not

Julie;

thing

moral

theological

to

female

thought

to

and

de Valmont,

but else).

the

Rousseau’s

in

of

it.

For

practice At

the

half

that

Laclos

inherited

social

innate

abilities)

and

and

time, rank

miserable

of the

quotes

live

breeds to be

in a

inherited illusion:

in the

morality

society

we

the

deformed

we appear

nor

of

(1761)

concept

another;

(neither

Héloïse

society

virtue

(1712-1778),

second

Rousseau,

same

lacked,

Rousseau

by chance

artificiality

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33,

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in

the

de Merteuil

officer

(p.

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and

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left

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shifts;

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Laclos

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than

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erotic

in

an enemy

The

many

in the battle

France

the Comte

wife

who

are impeccable,

had

Laclos

their

strategy

forward

lover,

in

their

is revenge:

to be married

recruits

Laclos

in 1800.

Laclos’s

engage

in

Merteuil

girl

Égalité

Brumaire

with

they

of the Vicomte

is,

marshal,

to suffer

attacking

war

lover

sixteen-year-old

because

move

by a former

quartermaster

have

consistent

glorious,

this

a former

triumphed

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and Merteuil

abandoned steals

less

for

and

scheming

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18

a generalship

as an artillery of

then

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Égalité

apparently

radical

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with

Philippe

Philippe

by

on

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nobles

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moment.

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slippery

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given

army),

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remarkably

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Club,

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Merteuil

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named

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on

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1789,

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time

officers

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man,

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delivered

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readily

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speak,

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to intoxicate,

love.

knows my

and

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nothing, hands,

whom

others

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curiosity

can succeed

would a

will

and

first

perhaps

these

as well

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Gercourt, sexual

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out

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with

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no

falls

in

love

commanded

by

on

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single

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you

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face,

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successes;

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destructive

him—leads essays Speaking teacher

wit,

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in

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analysis

wealth

... What the

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does

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de

to

Laclos

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wrote and

as

Juan:

your

which

habit

its

place

ease

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at your

(p. 182).

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shares

verse

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the

means

in

difficulties

supply

advantages—she she

what

graces,

solely

novelist,

Valmont,

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as a Don

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merit

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immortality.

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statement,

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path

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to her autobiographical

for

will

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crowning

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of love”).

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handsome

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really

and

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comic

Merteuil,

does

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de

life.

as

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enabled

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each

her

interests—the

woman,

punished

she

with

of

jealousy

a girl’s

her.

What

is Laclos’s

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be

amorous

by

another

seducing

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de Merteuil

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pressing Présidente

destroying

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after

Dangereuses:

points

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means

(1821-1867)

creation

wrote

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for

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of Merteuil.

is governed

her

he

boasting;

love

Marquise

that

her

make

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l’amour

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left

more

faithful

even

ally.

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and

Merteuil

Tourvel,

of

Charles

of

even

to abandon

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is that

even

her hesitant

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Juan,

soldier

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unconsciously

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mention

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parallel

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in 1783. the

readings

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her

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and

social

a

position,

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body,

foods

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notes:

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are too

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448;

novels

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has

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into

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lessons

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men

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point

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constitutions,

profitable”

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ancients,

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traditional

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morality

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any

in her path

her

facial

dominates

absolutely:

to which

185).

With

puberty

great

I concluded

that from

instinct

fan

folly,

sensible

that

was”

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philosophers, train

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read

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from

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without

reading.

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down

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a

offense

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was

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with

part

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my

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ill

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confidence

in his eyes,

her as

Marriage

self-discipline:

impassive

herself

already

warnings

from

is

reputation”

(p. 186).

to be farther

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represented

to be extreme”

of

of a teacher

I possessed owe

father

care

by teaching

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body

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She begins

turning fif

the

on

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depravity.

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more

(p. 186).

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herself and

that

face

give

into

moralists.

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runs

his

and independence

She

her of

perhaps

is an autodidact,

no one

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I really

hypocrisy.

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in

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writing....

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guided

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the

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confessor

pick

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women

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morality,

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commit

454-455;

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none

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(pp.

to find

esteeming

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seducer

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young

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to

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translation).

philosophy

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of morality

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my

contemporary

that

matters

ingested

p.

important

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actress:

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her

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self

education,

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to perfect

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do

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her

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Mac

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century,

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doubt

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he

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sin

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destroys

to Holland,

in

own

destruction.

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above

eighteenth

is capable

total

by to

salvation

Valmont.

of

punishes

to

(p. 191).

his

subterfuges.

a lawsuit,

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women,

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Valmont

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College-Columbia literature.

He

University, is a translator

of

Latin

American

2002,

Mac

Arts, and

fiction

Adam

a publication Notes

for

Time

Machine

Jane

Austen’s

the and

was

and

writes

the editor

extensively

of Review:

on Latin

art.

Between

American

1984

Literature

of the Americas

Society.

He has written

an

Barnes

Classics

editions

G. Wells’s

The

Northanger

&

Noble

Invisible Abbey.

Man

and

The

War

of H. of the

and and

Introduction

Worlds

The and

of

LES

LIAISONS

DANGEREUSES

1

OR LETTERS

COLLECTED

SOCIETY

AND

INSTRUCTION

J‘ai

vu les moeurs

- J. J. Rousseau,

IN

A PRIVATE

PUBLISHED

OF

FOR

THE

OTHERS

de mon

Préface

temps,

et j’ai

de La Nouvelle

publié

Héloïse

ces Lettres.

2

Publisher’s

Note 3

WE

THINK

this

work

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the

not

not

which

choice

which

of

of an

had

I would

the

of curiosity

of the errors

these

compilation

expressed

inclines

success:

modesty

success,

weakens

an interest

which

on

to

contradictions.

d but

letters

therein

their

or of its charm,

treated.

which

satisfied.

will

observations,

these

letters.

judging

That

is

them

even

contested,

yet

favor.

of

the

seems

to me

render

a service are bad

of

as I admit,

for

public,

objects

are the

of interest

but

them:

the

have

own

they

apparent

more

they

announces,

the

in

of

sum

which

a perception

keen

I fear,

work

itself;

to

to know

to read

if this

of its utility

one would

all,

me that

like

the feigned

the

these

depends

the

in

sentiment,

new

a book,

hoping

for

to

which

either

influence

has been,

from

that,

offered

it is susceptible

title

e they

in

for

can continue

the

be taken

frankness

being

merit,

all

permits

implied

can

advice

far

are composed

by a diversity

more

to

it is not

begin

I say,

if my

part

equal

us try

manner as

of

nor

they

straight

nevertheless

of

execution,

almost

that

with

it. Let

dissimulated, to

before

is that,

on my

worthy

these,

its

perhaps

to

persons,

pass

I am

of a work

containing,

more,

better

sincerity

me

dominated

those

have,

ought

who,

to expect,

I declare

deserts

always

persons

letters,

with

both

neither

say at the outset

these

let not

may

it already.

I must

publish

opinion

had

about

What

of

what

the work

work,

easier

which,

to establish.

to morals,

in corrupting

letters

will

effectually

proof

and

example

of

two

seems

to unveil those

these

It

to me,

the methods

whose

attain

will

this

important

conduct end. verities

more

at any

rate,

employed is good;

There

will

which

that

it is

by those

whose

and

I believe

also

be found

one

might

to

that the

believe

unknown, who

for

that

they

to

admit

consents

becoming who

his victim;

allows

daughter. that

any

other

the friendship

which

is

what

never

is

good,

to deter

be perilous sex,

by

and

a good

deem,”

she

book

I shall if,

think

and,

The

for

made

On

the

simple

that

readers, labor,

has

austere,

feared

they

will

virtue

faulty

style

with

but

and

far

from

to

me

most

good

the

sense:

“I

her

should

manuscript daughter

of

if

this

I gave

of families

to

her

think

thus,

it. on one

few.

Men

perhaps

side,

and

I continue

women

calculated

they

will

be alarmed

be interested regard

at the

to

who

to injure

have

are them;

sufficient picture

to

of

in a God-fearing

as a ninny;

defeated

and

of

delicate

taste

of

many

the idea

that

of an author

feared; seems

to

bad

will

while

complain

woman

pious that

people

religion

is

powerful.

persons

think

a neighbor

to exhibit.

very

more

wit

a work

will

their

for

supposition

h who

to

defined,

published

skill,

fatal

so

been

mothers

in

them

to have

If all

in decrying

pages

cease

read

very

to grant

her

it may

to my

please

of

when

a service

not

away

only

imprudent

these

as

by

time

doing

lacking

reason

The

having

can

ends

so near

it

after

favorable

not

be

youth,

to me

not

will

too

will

seems

to

of

from

snare,

greatly

woman

confidence

appear

always

reading.

freethinkers

hand,

led

such

an interest

the

character

perusal

every

society

learn

dangerous

too

her

the

also

however,

on having

this

at seeing

other

a

to

that

is, to say the least,

might

of her marriage.”

not

to seem

and

method

I was

we have

be angry

not

me,

put

side

which

whom

all

myself

are

would-be

will

to

have

to their

morals

the

collection

will

as they

bring

for

who

we

this

depraved

here

“that

again, that

me

mother,

congratulate

but

one,

possess

of evil

to

useful

on the day

sex

Abuse,

become

correspondence,

to

else

it from

said

herself either

the

morals

a mother

persons

work

loose

that

virtue.

seems this

important

of

aught g

as to their

commending

of

than

practiced:

of

the other,

people

happiness

But

a man

Young

readily

this

are so rarely

they

that

of

these

himself

be disgusted letters;

everything

are beholding

concealing

will

they

while

the

see in print

in certain

behind

by

others

the person

the mass

is the

the

whom

too of fruit

elaborate he causes

to speak. Lastly,

it will

own

place;

authors the sent

perhaps and

detracts

present

that, from

ones

be pretty

generally

said

although,

as a rule,

the charm

of the letters

becomes

a real

fault

and

that

the

everything

too

polished

of society,

is good style

in its of

the

the carelessness

of

makes

them

insufferable

may

be well

founded:

when

to the printer’s.

I sincerely

admit

that

all

these

reproaches

I

think

also

that

I should

be able

permissible

to a preface.

reply

to all,

the book

been

of this

opinion,

book.

itself

to reply But

it must

should

I would

to them

have

be plain

be unable suppressed

without that, to reply

exceeding to make to any;

at once

the

the

length

it necessary and that, preface

and

to had I the

PART

I

—1— CÉCILE OF

VOLANGES

TO

CARNAY,

AT

THE

URSULINES

... i

You

SEE,

MY

and

frills

do

you.

DEAR not

However,

I have

the four

will

have

her,

than

and

see us in fiocchi.

me

much

own;

years

that rises,

always her

then

The

rest

in the afternoon.

Perpétue

here

choose laugh

and

It is not

I would

yet

five

the good lady

should

me out,

carriage

as soon

her

at once.

If

trembles

and

who

with

was

it were heart

waiting.

For

disgraceful! Mamma,

a moment,

But I saw

laugh you

treats of

my

this

to

you

when

all she

we

shall

I am to

see

I have

my

is no

but

up

when

and

there

Sophie

join

you!

for

Mother

myself,

if

to chat

and

here

Mamma

But

until

as yet

they

the preparations

come

and

for

that

has told

I

me,

that

have

I should

was

that,

seven:

I see

not being

believe

the nonsense

me so often

she marries

at the

door,

and

to be the

Gentleman!

is beating.

I asked

There

she

since

that

of

a young

she has

taken

right.

’ tis he!

passes.

will

until

I believe

what

you

Mamma

was

and

all

me,

“Certainly,”

to you

How

l who

mother.

Oh,

it not

of marrying

stopped

she laughed.

to go to tell

were

convent

not

come

maid

day

disposal,

see

to

because

day

only

j

myself.

anything

and

Josephine

my

not

of milliners

in the

my

me every

convent,

occupy

I have

if I had

has just

dinner,

is at my

as at the

m However,

I suppose

tell

Tanville

I can lock

every

my

no thought

stay

to see her before

of the time

where

as I have

o’clock;

Joséphine.

and

in

ask to

I write

But

the number had

and

for

than

she used

at all.

to me of anything,

they

she will

certainly

a waiting

disposition;

dressed

day

the superb

us, when

I have

I am

single

to anybody

spoken

that

one

it is nothing

time

and

left

and

there’s

made,

be some

me,

just

enough,

always

I shall

the key,

that

hair

books

to scold

to do nothing with,

me

that

drawing,

at my

bonnets

me in everything;

old.

I have

has told

and

of

and that

that

when

has consulted

a closet

my

I think

she afforded

than

have

will

to you,

in this

and visit,

that

not

word

adornments

first

of which

Mamma

my there

together;

fancied

desk,

I need

my

more

at my

and

I keep time;

k Mamma

a room

be alone,

harp,

all

as a schoolgirl

pretty

that

my

vexation

less

I wish.

up seen

she has ever

at a very

that

we passed

more

I have

friend,

take

all

A

SOPHIE

is his

Mamma I am my

name,

“it’s

be sure at any

not

waiting

she said, I will

tells

me

to come

dressed, maid

if

Monsieur

to come

rate.

I must

Oh,

I

back not

to

my

hand

she

knew

C---.”

And

and

relate

keep

him

adieu.... at would

a gentleman

your have in

poor been black

Cécile! caught

just

standing

by

have

as I. When her.

I bowed

really I went

been in

to him

to as

well

as I could,

and

can imagine

how

“Madame,”

he said

young

I feel

lady!

definite

hardly

poor I

jumped

up,

dear

ashamed when

waiting

P.S.

the

I was;

for maid

as well

Joséphine PARIS,

down,

tells

know

and

give

AUGUST,

You

said, just

your

a shoemaker. was

Adieu.

dress.

did

at my

that

I can’t but

I

and Your

terrified. when

what

is

it the

Indeed,

my

describe

to you

how

Mamma.

I think

that,

shoemaker.

It is nearly

Adieu,

red

feet.

day

“Well!

very

so that

very

to Monsieur.”

that

this

absolutely

to me,

no one there

charming

At

in it,

man

I

foot

a

so much

I was

as

“what

my

dear

six

o’clock,

Sophie,

and

my

I love

you,

wait

until

at the convent.

whom

comes. 3RD

an inch.

kindness.”

the

saying

give

it!

I must

still

cry,

to me,

sat down

I saw

up employing

wisdom—admit

by

when

laughing,

there

me that

to budge

trembling,

and

as Mamma

was

I shall

as if I were

I don’t

I there,

out

mercifully

able

of your of

an armchair

gentleman

our

a fit

a piercing

burst Sit

the value

with

her head;

uttering

I am married,

So much

just

lost

you?

friend,

seized

was

being

as he bowed

ever

I found

Mamma

with

mother,

than

I was

quite

thundered. matter

more

Hardly

Cecile

without him.

to my

stand:

disconcerted.

still

I scrutinized

remark,

could

stood

17 -- .

to

send

my

letter,

so that

I shall

—2— THE

MARQUISE

VALMONT, COME can

AT

BACK,

you

you?

be

Set

should

off

and

since

alternatives

happiness inform you

demands you

will

of

one

for

of

I wish

eternal my

more

it to me

son-in-law? ever

yesterday.

The

Oh,

dull

but

love

abuse

be brought

your

Memoirs:

and

I will

charge

and

your then

cavalier

n

it will

that It

be,

yes,

in

myself

come

to

to an end.

and vengeance;

that,

my

between

I am willing

in

leave

with

indulgence,

a faithful

one

come,

you

I

should

of it, and

day.

like

this

both

that my

you

in

your

with

back

to

the

what

is

been

Gercourt

presumption,

bored sets

I will

think

Who

cousin?

I not

you still

more

and

but

she

chosen

for

thought

Well!

him

cause

myself,

has

have

furious....

forgiven

a secret,

she

would

I was

calm

his

more

ridiculous

would

wager,

a fool:

which

I am

ridiculous

that

not

is but

leads

that

do you

then

I not

the adventure

to complain

the hope

of

of

for

all

bred

no doubt afraid;

début s as one!

How

boasting,

him

in

he would been

the

like

myself,

by

the

who

shall

be his,

and

by

wife

to believe

favor

that

of

the

never

he will convent

the

discretion

little

have

’twould

be made

escape

for

him,

vengeance

made

this

Let

of has

so one of these

be pleasant

indeed

his

fatuous

and

blondes.

if

fate. r

his In

an income

marriage

us prove

importance

the inevitable

education

Volanges

at the convent.

he will

but

times,

preferences

prejudice

livres,

or had

a hundred upon

which

know

him

do you

de Gercourt.

I, have

it is still

soul.

have

thousand

daughter:

whom

Have

are? q But

heard

to me

to

on

and

words

ought

excessive

till

brains!

monster

dark

few

and

her

Gercourt’s

p And

You

us

And

Comte

become

me now?

which

knees:

include

is marrying

of the Intendante!

You

your

to be printed, let

idea,

These

the

what

an excellent

you

wins

doing, is settled

advantage

swear

to

DE

property

choice,

hatred

serve

are you

to take

adventure

But

you.

on

indulgence

will

1

me.

imparted

soothes

my

what

I have

to

ceased

but

them

them.

de Volanges

divine

an

o the

Madame

should

have

on no other

writing

occupying

her

you

VICOMTE

whole

you.

orders

projects,

rouerie

Memoirs, task

my

of a hero: 2 you

of

at

back;

whose

execution

honored

that

my

embark

is worthy short,

of

aunt,

THE

.. .

come

need

its

receive

even

old

I have

too

DE

Vicomte,

an

confide

to

kindness,

with

only

TO

CHÂTEAU

at once; to

MERTEUIL

DEAR

doing

enthusiasm,

the

THE

MY

like

suffice;

DE

even fact,

of

sixty

she had

to him days;

if he were

that

he

it isn’t

that

of

to make

amuse

ourselves

on the day

after,

when

for

boast;

and

if you

form

this

then,

once

been

then

we should he will

I

his we little

girl,

it would

man, For

be a rare

the joke

the heroine

is really

pretty;

so,

quite

moreover, things. You

a Add

will

seven

without

o’clock

such

a mighty

o’clock with

the fair

past

noon:

PARIS,

fifteen,

did

that this

I exhort letter

even

the

not

become,

glance,

morning. may

reigning

like

another

your

object;

for

mother have

liberty,

put

17 -- .

and you

and

you

daughter out

are

not

he has

not

shall will

of my

not come

sup with

thoughts.

that; great

me and obey.

that

I shall

does

of

promises

thank

she

incredibly

afraid

really

me.

love

attentions:

t in truth,

I request

be with

see that

your

can only

Chevalier:

You

you

men which

tomorrow you

all

gauche

you

to it: you

grant

I shall

a rosebud, But

u

merits

you

of work.

AUGUST,

romance

’tis

languishing

piece

soon

4TH

new

in the evening, not

I will

Gercourt

affectation.

certain

receive

eight,

of this

it is only

to this

until

if

of all Paris.

the rest,

and

mishap

tomorrow,

receive head

blind back me.

at

nobody

enough me.

At

for eight

at ten to sup Adieu,

it

is

—3— CÉCILE

VOLANGES

I KNOW

NOTHING

of

people

them,

TO AS

to supper

the men

looked

and

they

I saw

prevent

myself.

women

were

employ

yet,

In

looked

far

which

for

the

not

I noticed

seeing

be very

me

or perhaps the

difficult

red

not

women,

to one

another,

I could

when

’tis

the

that

is

to blush

regarding

and

blush;

that,

number

in

Men

whisper

made

blush:

a great

I took

diverted.

would

for

had

interest

being

That

have,

did

Mamma

then

me.

one

it must

from

of

I could

prevents

of

and

speaking

at, they

friend.

spite

at me mightily, were

CARNAY

dear

I was

I wish

embarrassment;

my

yesterday.

especially,

everybody

SOPHIE

when

not

the

other

rouge

they

caused

by

a man

stares

at you. What my

made regard.

pretty be

me most I believe,

; but

true,

uneasy

I heard

for

the

however, very

woman even

the only

person

spoke

heard,

who

I should Here

after

said

is, perhaps,

supper,

two

word

gauche;

it

is

to me a little

or

what

they

thought

three

times

the

word

I think

that

must

and

a kinswoman

suddenly

he who

of my

supper know

like

awakened at me,

started it

taken

during

and

friend

in

of

my

a liking

to me.

She

was

the evening.

We

are to

sup

I believe

pleased.

Sophie;

always

amusing

as we imagined. 4TH

Imagine, love

AUGUST,

but

then

your

I

fell

of laughter.

was

Cécile.

17--.

this

winter

it will

not

she is in a hurry.

but

it

was

speaking

of

we shall

be for

four

me,

see.”

It

months!

it stands.

I am afraid

so. Mamma

certain,

let it ripen;

me

. Oh,

I am

to play. v I placed

burst

greatly

PARIS,

how

happened,

by a great

but

me,

she tells

gaucheries

who,

must

to know

and

they how

“We

is to marry

is Joséphine,

After

a man

to another,

so much

one more

not

to have

know

I heard

the said

not

her tomorrow.

I also and

I did

that

who

she seemed who

that

distinctly

mother;

with

was

gave past

that myself asleep

I do not me

you

was

I must

almost know

that

at

if they

once.

world

I I

were

Adieu, the

you

side;

to retire,

o’clock.

tell

right!

at Mamma’s

permission

eleven

I assure

lady

Yet

do was

laughing

and

I

my is

was dear

not

so

—4— THE

VICOMTE

MERTEUIL, YOUR

DE

AT

gracious

the

time,

first

slave:

and

pleasure

ARE still;

monster

to merit

constancy destiny,

we

the

must

follow

it;

I say

follow

it at least

as fast

good

of the world,

we

to me that, I. I know

us by

our

while

your

works,

astounds

you

confide

is it you

nothing,

hands,

whom

curiosity succeed

and

engrosses

it not?

But

my

or rather friend,

he will will

“Behold You

know

austere

after

there though

Yet

mine

One

may

the goal

quote

entice is not

own

fail than

betwixt my

and

de

Tourvel,

her

piety,

to aim:

I dare

the prize

judged

great

city,

language no

other,

you.

ever

of my

heart,

formed.

has

seen

What nothing,

defenseless

into

others

Twenty

as pleasure.

will

and

can which

Love,

who

the laurel;

yourself,

say with

my

whom

in the adventure

You

it

my

4 fair

enthusiasm,

her there

conjugal is the foe

love, meet

her for

I be denied,

glory—that verses

proselytes

of ours

the

heart!”

at which

bad

more

speak

the myrtle

I am attacking;

this

sides,

love.

triumph.

veneration

you

and

glory

our meet

to intoxicate,

the case

me as much

to honor

a holy

not

is

different

and

who

of

for

This

delivered

She it is whom

to grasp

at least

girl,

often

separating

saint.

I have

I

Marquise?

god

to disobey

without

shall

of some

I hear

project

would

we

of all the secrets

a young

himself,

them

my

week

Depositary

readily

if that

your

conquer

made

patroness

be, so to speak,

ensures

with

and

not

an example

to

on our

have

I am forced

important

you,

fairest

a village

the last

as I. That

Présidente

principles.

for

you

but

Indeed,

when,

3 the faith

be the

seduce

more

unite

the

most

hesitates,

be seized

a man

at

compliment

its success crown,

day

titles.

of the course

day

fervor;

one

To

as well

the

of love,

recall

us;

my

It is

I never

with call

them

I am no longer

sweeter

you,

since

be vexed.

would

perhaps these

vexing

in it that

to me?

to you,

interests

ardent

the most

a first

me;

prepares

And

your

be

who

will

DE

despotism.

that

at the end

mission

with

by setting,

to preach

would

to you

knows

me;

began

myself

suggest

perhaps

as I: and

to me and do not

I will

of conveying

regretted

to end greater

would

does

and it is to perfect Listen

fashion

me with

without

zeal,

friend

you,

it

in this

your

and But

for,

than

your

according

honored

again,

again;

seems

MARQUISE

us in love

I have

I be,

you

world.

make

that

though when

may

would

know,

them

to

THE

CHARMING;

you

as you

the time

desire

TO

PARIS

COMMANDS

is more

VALMONT

when

I tried. a good

w poet

has written

them.

You

must

know

then

lawsuit:

that

the President

I hope

better

half

Mass

every

evening

to make

has to pass day;

sometimes

some

has brought regretted

for

four

cure y of few

days

how

she

to her.

regularity am

You

know

I then how

keen

you

one

idea;

I think

that

I should in

feeling

pleasure!

I prostrate

long

epistle.

Adieu, THE

my

this

for

lucky

it

be to them for

fairest

CHÂTEAU

DE

adds

if I would

save

whither

may

thee

for

us that no more

not

my

than

women

night. myself

happiness, defend

timid which

your

aside

slaves. brings

pardon,

and bear

me no malice.

... ,5TH

AUGUST,

17--.

respect

for to

here

and

Paris! the

to sacrifice cannot she

to desire.

is at

my

I adore. passion. to

them:

I have

It is very from

a

imagine

obstacles

but

necessary

the ridicule

desire

lead

above

themselves At

I the

but

divinity

and

am

I was,

of a doughty

thwarted

women

that

edified

ardor

of it all

to implore

friend,

solitude

guardian

to return

what

I brush

dream

yielding

myself

how

angel

You

throes

and

My

greatly

how

aunt, I

is no one

agreed.

in the

old

and

distractions.

to my

me

all

morning

Madman

made

pressed

above

days,

and

is for

own.

She has no suspicion

is how day

sole

as there

I have

desires,

woman,

her:

has

then,

four

I implore

of gratitude

feet.

AT

with

should

know

of it all

have

How

last

are my

do not

love

delicious

the

and

that

since

and mass.

for

what

we

me

guess

my

widowhood.

my

efficacious.

if I were

whist; aunt

with

great

disconsolate

district;

sacrificing

be punished

eternal

the

be her

and

I was

His

distressing

interviews

be more

which

can

cajoled

but

Else

You

at prayers

Here

repose.

my

of

x must

of some

import!

of this

poor

her happiness

to play

greater

term

pious

whist,

in consequence

of

the

shall

I should

place,

has

of

for

are needed

the

to

walks,

hours

How

one

whole

visits

her which

twenty-four

Luckily,

lose the

game

me here,

conventions.

being

here

solitary

a dismal

preparing

him

some

prayers,

is in Burgundy,

present

of

one?

all

for

so

0 my

badly!

I have

me naturally

to

so conclude

this

a

your too

—5— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT Do

YOU

KNOW,

and

that

I have

clearly

to me

from

my in

that

to

be, I give

You,

to have

there

your

what

it

froward

if you

like,

you

thanked

I

her

still,

stumbling

that

too,

and be yourself

but

husband;

and

two. 6 Here of

worthy

will

of

the

heart

Reserved

in the

has in

the

women that

it: victorious Devil; palpitate,

and

the

for of

your

prude

condemns

obstacle;

but

be from

do

your fear

and

that

good

flatter

from

have blush

not

What

I say

a

more; I

mean

joy,

of love your

she

you

of

treats

are

not

Présidente you

you

yourself

will

have

delirium

infancy.

not

would

you

tête-à-têtes

mistress

over

give

things

if

you

always

they

to eternal

of God,

hair,

word?

of pleasure,

ac with

not

think

long

prudes?

is a dévote,

them

the love holding

your

supposition,

conjugal

I

rival

succeed!

with

you,

a

and

Vicomte,

What

if you

those

happiest

Who

at the very

midst

as

secret.

self-abandonment,

tender

worse;

when,

it will

in

bag

ab

you!

any

very

everything

most

over

ever

of

you

the

Come,

your

even

clusters

consideration

with

of collecting

await

grace;

a spectacle.

gawk

woman?

glory

utter

you:

which

little

such

humiliated

by its excess,

done

it is even

overcome

destroy

Is there

I warn

she

not

it.

That

you

to keep

Regular

I warn

your

but

aa at Saint-Roch,

reverenced

which

you

all

aught

her

chin!

and

great

this

I promise

her

I recognize

lacking

with

collected

yards

desire

from

is purified

to them. think

four

how

enjoyment.

laughing,

she

a time.

then?

but

my

though

to desire

made,

women,

tiresome

woman

you

I forget

caprice!

how

the

into

that

and

faith.

pleasure

known will

fail!

is

at every

Are

not

procured to

her

ever

again!

pleasure

in good

where

hand

blushing

would

ridiculous

proved

has saved

of it, at such

passably

when

having

with

A husband!

if you

a half

day

her

The

has

friend, and

have

insolence,

it

alone

peril;

knows

such

But

that

you

running

at the disagreeables

to encounter?

your

to set you

two

the

step,

you

look

no

to have

and

What

body

you?

sympathetic

with

which

her

with

and

no expression;

and

is of an amazing

head,

the need

a fashion

and

then

angry

unattainable.

giving

letter

de Tourvel!

me so for

said

those

be

in

head,

then,

before

but

at every

somebody’s

expect

myself

Remember

you

disgrace

concern

but

when

And

a generous

bosom

need

be lost.

see

Like

dressed

hchus z on her

be your

imagination, to

your

to lost

the Présidente

always

friend,

have

way

believes

features,

that

excuse

you

order

argument

will

every

indignation.

wrongs

and

VICOMTE,

as

are

that

her

always devotion

Perhaps that

you

you will

be so over

the

fear

in your

arms,

feel

her

love.

Perhaps,

if you

had

you

known

this

woman

of

but

it is two-and-twenty,

her;

Believe

me,

Vicomte,

best

to abandon

Yet

it

is

yourself

fatality am

this

in

believe

of

and

withal

one

that

withdraw

my

don’t

to the lover

I must

let

one

you

head.

Young

she sings

many

duets,

The

be much bad

better

and

I

little

less

amusing

humor

and

that

that

the

she

you

certainly

to be gentle;

me

to break

with

him.

a lover’s has

despair.

always

woman’s about

ear, this

and

rupture.

7TH

Adieu.

be in despair;

He would

pleased

conscience! PARIS,

he would

me; less

call it

is,

difficult

There’s

what

Recommend

AUGUST,

you?

what

Well,

I

tempted

to

to

all,

to

telling

my

17 -- .

for,

it:

the

that,

if

word

are the

love

amuses that

Seriously, cause

me to the prayers

of;

event

it will

I am

in

a

his

next

it would

cost

sense

to

leave

me so much

the

as

“perfidious” sweetest

I shall so I put

of your

this never

at

word

“cruel,”

a good

will

wherefore

the

and

but

and

moment,

and

her;

unison;

I had

turned

rehearse

Chevalier

at this

to deserve.... you

the

with

and in any

and nothing

the

must

to

made

me perfidious, after

duets

They

with

sure

has already

sings

enough;

have

quarrel

him

at present,

of

By

above

used

in making

is shy

could

I am

He

nicely

his time

I advise

him

her.

takes

appearance. nothing

honor.

tempted, get

bury

enticing

ae I am

Volanges

should.

on her side,

shall

never

is ad

me,

most

over

nonce,

it

a puppet.

obey

to do you

I am

little

about

waste

than

prejudice,

to

the

years.

de Tourvel.

will

person,

refuse

the

I shall

a schoolgirl

think who

for

two

but

advantage

reputation;

is wild

than

with

renounce

something

nearly

be anything

some

but,

you.

however,

Danceny

is a child,

finish.

from

to make

married

suited

hold

your

of Madame

know,

really,

Danceny

merit

able

you

and

temper:

confidence

secrets

never

so admirably

without

been

that

aunt,

always

been

is so encrusted

she will

your

Gercourt

you

has

creature

tomb

to you

have

a woman

delightful

must

would and

when

the

then

writing

you

her to her fate;

for

adventures,

earlier,

lady

have

to to

it on President.

a set

your

—6— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL THERE how

IS NEVER to

seize! friend,

you

me

object

of

Madame such

escaped

without

Do

any

herself.

adornment

permits covers

know

reproach

its enchanting it express,

in not,

of a phrase

should

always

world,

she will

present

succor,

what

should

see,

heavenly is not

above

have,

a person

that

who been

I directed

her she

with

smile,

is a prude

poor

it can reach

even

her husband,

in such

is very

agile,

What

stronger

the

Madame

de

quite

need

all

It is in

the

to

a piece

of

has

already

And

the stuff

muslin

ag

seized

what

should

No,

doubtless,

which

is

sometimes

to

and whom

gloss

over

the

But

innocent

you gaiety

she is eager

her gaze praise

denotes!

or

You her

of a modesty

that

amazing

judge

her

to

sensibility

you

be she

she can always

would

to

flattery,

so you

and that proof

to

agree:

af of simple

embarrassment and

revile

she has the loveliest

kindness

devout,

the

to

she is amused.

of

In

heart?

a frank

word

me

Thanks

how

wretch

differently.

walk

to her

put

remove

adorns.

gaze

when

very

to procure

Has

her

not

wish to

I

for have

them.

she has only

and although

least

and

What

saying?

Only

of what

some

the

the

life

In mercy,

to sustain

glance,

except

his would

right

knows

the touching

absent!

yourself

a déshabillé

I think

is always able

She

game,

at

than

ravishing.

false

compassionate

... She

inanimate?

that

laughs,

how,

with

badly;

speaks

joy all,

paid

has no expression.

Near

and

have

figure.

image!

feigned!

must

although

a pure

depict

penetrating

nothing

by a studied

is tinged

and

I have

the

to

has

really

say you,

frolicsome

venture

conceals

is

but

deceives.

face

cold

face,

she never

see, in some

that

my

you

if you

dressing

dubbed

attack

retort?

I

known

to

to be adorable,

supple

furtive

coquettes,

emptiness

in the

and

like

and

for

not

woman,

am

are experiencing,

when

seductive

what

she

moments our

this

often

are

power

alone

nothing

round my

my

had

with

that

we

Her

for

No; her

negligé

form.

other

so

she has

afraid

an ungracious

But

to her,

and

would

pleasure

You

breast;

but

that

of illusion?

to see her

traits

I have

eyes?

which

what

answer

empire

have

With

until

need

heat

her

has

wait

her

me

not

I

and

woman

at least

the

title

man

What

abuses

the

affections!

Love’s

of

distressing

discarded

... What

is hurtful

freedom

teeth

have

I will

not

from

Tourvel

she

whom

receiving

tests;

you

bandage

be

you

my

of friendship,

her.

yourself,

boldness?

to such

name

but

de Tourvel!

insolent

not

then

And

indulgent in the

A woman

desire?

love Yet

another. a manner she

is even

that

a ditch

more

timid.

had

to be crossed;

You

can

well

and, believe

how

much

herself the

a prude

to me.

passage

I held of

laughter;

but

our

were

arms

short

interval,

face;

and

had

throbbed

the

my

possess will

this

even

destroy

...”

That

alone

has

succeeded

shaken

hope

I shall

ravish

her from

object

and

prejudices

and my

of falling

I agree,

is worthy

victor sway

Let

forget

these

words.

They

preventing vanquish

adore

who

Far

thee”;

I shall

her heart was

but

she

the

answered

that

moment I

profanes What

shall her:

I

delight,

be it from will

to

me

my

and sacrifice

it to

me;

her fall;

may

she,

she,

add

to

to

them

be truly

this

her

uncertainty.

in virtue,

them,

“I

and

she adores.

mind!

without

say to me,

to pronounce

her

in

however,

From

remorse!

her believe

her,

terrors,

let her

of her

that

frightened,”

the husband

with

suffused

was

cruel

whom

and

aunt,

my

and

peal

own;

enough

to lie,

trust

awkwardness

My

her

to

to

flush

an illumination.

her from

which

terrify

was

my

amiable

to

preparations

dévote

me well

permit

obliged

by a happy

child

the God

the

triumph.

by a thousand

Then,

steal

not

Our

fear.

“The

no, but

the

let the idea

said, did

dare

happiness

with

child

of

the

love

and

arms.

against

An

taught

not

was

playful

breast

embarrassment and

She

of her,

faster.

the

woman;

be in turns

her

of

sweetness

the

hold

beat

ah

in my

caused

taken

heart

are,

candor

ditch!

woman

I pressed

her

you

the

had

once

interlaced.

with

“Oh

aunt

I had

I felt

cross

modest

old

when

as

charming

to

this

her modest

deceived,

naively,

fears

and

only

alone

in my

among

the God

arms.

women,

whom

she

has

what

we

preferred. Let

us be candid:

call

happiness

heart

was

old

illusions

of

thing

take;

for

truly

I dare

sure

word

“love”;

To deceive

self-accusation, see the candor

from

her

that

no need

me is the time to chance.

her to give

herself;

admire

my already

come

which

to her of my

she lectures as yet

in pleading,

of

them

I have

my

the

I recall

not

here.

yet

traits.

it will

cost

pronounced

words,

for

the effect

of

as though

would

to try. the

the

and interest.

she says, her

become

affair.

her,

You

to

fortunate

To

all to counteract told

The

is going

of confidence

myself

charming

my

is no slight

She wishes,

to use her own

I lamented

to be happy.

in practice

notorious

of what

my

adventure

in vain

to those

I thought

to me

this

I have

me.

senses,

pleasure

and that

and above

most

you?

restored

’Tis

come

ears,

my

which

prudence.

as possible,

of some with

I have

are facile,

I tell

but

has

to put

we have

might

de Tourvel

as they

Shall left

myself

has no suspicion

thinking,

nothing

bring

her as little

which

She

you

but

finding

nothing

I require that

a pleasure.

frightens leave

as cold

even

Madame With

I cannot

I am

me.

age.

which

happy,

stories

and

youth.

audacities;

arrangements,

is hardly

withered;

premature

only

in our

in

laugh

to

to convert She

is

unfortunates

far

I have

ruined

me yesterday the

pleasure

Adieu,

my

, she speaks

in anticipation

in the midst

of one of her dissertations,

of

interrupting

fairest

her

of friends.

You

to tell

in her own

her

see that

that

she

I am not

cause.

This

idea

struck

not

resist

and I could spoke lost

like

beyond

a all

prophet. hope

of

return. P.S.

By

Truly,

the way, you

humiliate AT

THE

that

poor

are a hundredfold me,

if I had any

CHATEAU

DE

Chevalier—has naughtier

he killed person

than

vanity. ... , 9TH

AUGUST,

17--.

himself myself,

from and

you

despair? would

—7— CÉCILE

VOLANGES

TO

IF I HAVE

TOLD

you

more

about

it than

I did

more

of it, and I am quite

my

singing

no

longer

and

to sing

with

angel,

and

a great

composes

very

that

his

wife

He

has

the

says

flatters

about and

you.

something interest,

that

looks

at you,

to all

that,

great

concert;

pleased bore

two

would PARIS,

but

for

up

constantly,

to spend

for,

when

when

I find

amiable.

today

a little

AUGUST,

word.

he is here,

But

He and adieu,

with

a very

I am going

17--.

le

whom

I

and

every

does

something

yesterday

if he

here, we

nobody sing

dearest difficult

and

my

were

he

music,

now

so much them.

gaiety

If

he

gracious.

only Added

invited

at Mamma’s. talks

to me,

talk

together. are the

I have

accompaniment, it until

It is

everything

de Merteuil friend;

an

gentleness.

he was

evening

and

like

the words.

yet

for

day,

He sings

with

to practice

with

here

and

Madame

my

M.

criticisms

whole

he is not

me.

air

the

one.

about

instance,

at

a better

now

saying

much

I have

has a charming

to be grateful

he were For

to tell

my

not

as though

much;

his

no

to me that,

a compliment,

he mingles

he preferred

break

7TH

me

He

to think

I study

amiable.

8 It seems

no

since

you,

he also

I know

better

to come

to which

you

obliging.

I told

happy....

it is impossible

has something

not

paying

aj whereas,

persons

to learn

else;

he is very

myself:

always

takes

them

I have

enough

of Malta!

be very

He

it seems

me very

airs,

myself of life.

I like

He is extremely

he is a Knight

of

it is because

manner

whom

is kind

pretty

air

my

is because of

hours.

would

marriage,

to me that it

ai

I am accustoming

with

gentleman

whole

to marry, never

perhaps

me for

pity

satisfied

de Merteuil’s,

my

day.

it seems

the

CARNAY

about

the first

or

Danceny,

at Madame

nothing

harp;

a master,

Chevalier sang

my

SOPHIE

he comes.

to

a

That and

I He

only

promised and

I

—8— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

NO

ONE,

show

MADAME,

in

me,

by

confine

adds

your

own,

which

I am of

procured

grieved

soon

I beg while

I expect

nor

ak that

she is worthy,

and

which

your

de Gercourt;

but

being

a favorable

this

opinion

marriage and

of your and

may

offer

you

by

which

daughter the

of

a success

for

best

I

of

heart

me;

should

I have

a right

Madame,

I wait

until

age

wish.

Her

each

wish

him.

as

I

assured

fresh

day

be the reward

of

of friends

all

of

alone

of mouth

from

be

also

this

to enjoy

your

from

profit

lady

she

is eighty-four

by

old;

in

my

absence.

the

I

society

of

charming;

her

her

memory

and

her

mind

all

years

of

it.

is always

retains

truly

her

de Tourvel’s

and

de

friendship

of deserving of M.

homage

Mademoiselle known

as to ask

This

the

her the tender

the time

nothing;

of

having

the opportunity

leisure

her

body

After

to hope

de Rosemonde.

deprived

sprightliness.

this

word

acquaintance

to be so good

I have

of

Madame

has

the

in the country

advantage

venerable

make

I

you,

to remain

taken

great

establishment

le Comte

the happiness for

the

you

whole

form

for

I to the confidence

my

handiwork,

I cannot

as

kindness,

behalf,

the

that

wish,

so

a sister.

your

you

sincere

maternal

but

VOLANGES

of mothers!

Volanges

have

is equally

from

M.

to wishing

May

really

this

know

I cannot

Madame,

in

no doubt

DE

than

interest

I make

gratitude.

the happiest

sensible

keener

I do not

have

MADAME

It is, indeed,

choice,

which

to my

that

secure.

myself,

as my

a

of which

will

honored

take

TO

be more

de Volanges.

a happiness

prudence

TOURVEL

CAN

nor

Mademoiselle her

DE

is

only

twenty. Our

seclusion

has cared which

is enlivened

to devote

gave

the world, for

would

with

to him be a fine

that

a week

will

be at least

think, all.

from

goodness

you

that

You,

to make: make

him

so much

saved

from

that with

He speaks

will

his fashion

of life,

that

I am engaged

his respectful

I know

in you;

but forget his what

in writ homage.

and

him

never

only

he is not

to me with

I suspect, my

excuses

him,

course

he can best

of

himself

confidence, will

admit

and that

to you

and

Pray

accept

my sincere

it

of his promises, His

sojourn

here

of conduct;

and

do is to do nothing

ing

the

he seems

by the hubbub

and

sermons.

who

reputation, but

in spite

ordinary

doubt

his

much

know

all

by

spoilt

ease,

who

de Valmont,

acquaintance;

extraordinary

severity.

conversion

in Paris

He knows

present

great

Vicomte

his further

where

with

candor.

the

to us. I knew

Here,

rationally

with

nephew,

to make

that.

rare

her

days

desire

than

he talks

his errors

I preach

a few

me small

to me to be better

by

has charged own

also,

at

me with

sentiments

I

to the

with

which AT

I have

THE

the honor

CHÂTEAU

to be, etc. DE

..., 9TH

AUGUST,

17--.

—9— MADAME

DE

VOLANGES

I HAVE

NEVER

kindness

which

in

all

that

between

having

a talk

I did

not

Indeed,

you

have

us, with

this

I reply

where

libertine?

al You

speak

Valmont

must

and seductive,

uttered

a

word

the

virtues

the

most.

passions;

if,

like

age:

while

wait

in silence

the

esteem

of

atrocities

a man

himself;

and,

selected

women

In the quiet reach

your

your

eyes,

ears.

such

arms

you

is that

without

success,

him.

The

she

alone

that

this

has

episode also

of her widowhood.

when

how

He

as

you

to

which

your

who

not

is that

justify

which

one

only

which

does

her

fully,

in

had

to reproach

cherish of

his

of

his and

restore

him

am

is

how

the

many

impunity, all

he

those

has

whom

you

shudder;

but

you

have

no need

which

I may

paid

attention,

cause

to

to this

villainy.

her

most

honor

eyes

of

her

not

by

his

the

do

defiled

thing

had

stories

be

exception

disarm

I

compromising

make

would

he has

and

of all

conduct

scandalous

to whom

is the single

either

utterly?

Valmont,

has

his

to count

would

The

or

personally,

should

with

these

from

a step

errors

without

stop

of is

was

the

a

he

whether,

him

that:

of

than

vehemence by

not

soul

which

to a nicety

soul,

yourself.

one

the

pity

ruined

some as

by

seduced

not

lead,

to withstand life

one

commit,

you

in no danger

is not

the

mischievous

I will

women

be not

calculate

do

the candor

which

reformation

has he not

pure

the

to

an

can

and

which

know

like

letters.

has he taken

you

is not

himself

many

tell

in her

with

a happy

is

from

You

of the

me;

I should

Valmont

de Merteuil

sufficed

inconsistencies

conduct,

to defend

Marquise knew

his

life

there

him?

view

away

refrain

in your

in

he were

victims.

how

led

take

I hope

dangerous

youth

know

charity

to be cruel

all

and

and

end

you

others,

But

of being

of

name

you

false

some

were

allow

are

that

his extreme

dear,

principles.

wherewith out

since

time

I could

which

more

to acquire,

and retired

secure

Even

the

de Valmont.

indeed,

folk.

but

of the Vicomte

yes,

to be his

he has seduced:

I cannot

candor:

My

in order

but

of you

which

to me of his rare

having

may

point,

idea

blame

his

which

any

rare.

the

that

between

either

obtained

a thousand

for

friend, interest

across

TOURVEL

have

Valmont

of honest

consequence

it

if

DE

youthful

reply;

to come

you

never

I should

pictures:

should

I try

that,

your

be in common

or criminal.

So

and

to elucidate to

ever

without

which

fair

on the subject

most

amiable

PRÉSIDENTE

or of the sincere

that

there

be

me,

It is not

man;

dishonorable

for

I confess,

can

THE

my

me.

you

expect, what

know

DOUBTED,

concerns

settled

TO

at the

or

complain general

in my for

of tell

with

I must

all,

such

of rule;

confess eyes: certain

commencement

However

this

friendship,

may

be, my

empower

to be noticed,

he

some

for

reputation

will

woman.

and,

leave

him of

you

would

shelter as

be in his you

then upon

is

If

discover

that

some

black

impossible

avoiding

you

deed to

my

lovely

friend;

little

delayed.

The

Comte

day,

tells

me

that

his

operations

are

still

afoot,

before

winter.

the

the pleasure

to have

taken

compliment, P.S.

Recall

always PARIS,

his

aunt

I think

to spy

upon

to

the

evil,

can

that your

befall

him

not

there

is he doing

to

in your

I am

a more

sure

convenient

in the neighborhood.

let

us

be

content

a

hesitate

proceedings, have

Valmont

you,

keep

should

all,

known

and

to

What

his

there

of

which

not

you

he stay?

came

aunt

misfortune

he is contemplating

remedy

his

should

he only

the absence

above

if it becomes

to

greatest

and

by

But, ourselves

it.

Farewell,

have

were

is that

party

persuade

why

experience,

and that,

remaining,

But

country?

the

to

age,

to you

a third

hands:

if he insists

the

for

it

made

in possession.

part

what

in the world;

time

I advise

longer;

friend,

me to represent

is beginning has

fair

love 11TH

This

entirely me

de

to

Gercourt,

regiment

is

it will vexes

of seeing

place

at present

without

marriage

whom

ordered

we to

be impossible

me;

you

the

but

it causes

at the wedding;

you.

Adieu;

I am,

of

my

expected

Corsica; for me

daughter

him

from

and

is day

to

as

military

to absent

himself

to hope

and I was

that

sorry

unreservedly

we that

and

a

shall it

was

without

yours. the

as dearly AUGUST,

recollection as she deserves. 17--.

of

Madame

de

Rosemonde,

whom

I

—10— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT VICOMTE,

ARE

what

would

not

This

woman,

you

also

you

might

Behold

conducting

your

beating

own

a man

doubt,

she must;

it will

be with

But

if the

end

her.

This

I say

love;

for

cheat

you,

lover,

the

them?

Why,

eager

one

it

I will

you

and

lively

whom

us than one

to

never repair

which

we grant,

of resistance

seduced

me,

me to yield.

ap on that: you

.

love,

to like

I

beat

it is indeed

tell

with

slave;

all

see that

me.

this

Ah,

no

difference,

think, and

that

had,

did

you

you

may

be

needs

a

pretext;

gives which

us into

the

from to

then,

languid

think

you

had

violated

in

maintain

the

air

of defeat.

our

me

solely tourneys,

is a

although

that

recompense,

beauty

gave

having

we

should even

in

passions,

this

even

with

of

violence

favorite

I grant

For

well-timed

contrary, of

more

to force?

most

two

pleasure,

for

any

embarrassment the

the pleasure

however

there

order,

on

given

oneself, is

me the

which,

adroitly

to

me

and

painful

be

Tell

giving

succeeds

by

madness!

would

us the air of yielding flatter

everything

always

of

is to begin

otherwise

ill.

one

things

ancient

of love’s

your

sometimes,

So, in our

sign

you

and to flatter

has

a true

from

is cunning

and

way

to

a gaucherie

things

may

You

true

speak

which

throws

which

one

that

where

profited;

than

that

the

To

have

still

of the

have

glory

hide you

herself,

is indeed

love.

one

assault,

ourselves

a

trusting

remember

others,

restore

audacities

and

herself,

the

and

fortunate

myself

give

like

give

desirous

be,

which

in

be to

however

I confess,

herself

distinction

are

would

for

She must

she should

absurd

may

plume

soon

timid

nature?

Or,

Presidente?

will

principles,

of assisting

he is down. give

your

dead?

your

are already

no longer

not

for

of youth,

without you

indeed,

a bad grace.

women

me,

rapidity;

but

is that

taking

convenient

arms,

she will

that

Do

you

you,

only

renounce

yourself

art

are

the illusions

You

the

Or

living

Here

but

when

you

you

to caprice.

is nothing

me?

are

be amorous.

ao or rather

with

that,

prejudices.

as well then

with

has restored

its ridiculous

medicine, you

ANGRY

be unlike

who

you

hazard,

YOU

talent,

when

rarer

it has

aq it has

the prize

the

not

induced

of valor

and

skill. But

you,

success. friend, drop

who Ah!

when this

are since one

subject,

me of the pleasure

no

longer

when

you,

do you

wishes

to arrive,

which

is all

of seeing

are

travel

post-horses

At

as if

by short

the more you.

behaving

stages and

distasteful

least

write

you and

were

crossroads?

the highway! to me in that

to me more

afraid

often

But it

of My

let

us

deprives than

you

do,

and

more

keep

than

of

their

your

answer,

and

aware

that

dead;

or

how

you my

if

to

are

lover

he is!

feel

happiness attachment

him.

very

same

day

a rupture,

how

The

announced

him,

or caprice:

he never

temper. door

He would

asked

be

open

me whither

shall

not

have

to

him!

your

by

would

infallibly

have

ensued

my

on

that

profound, causes

From

that

from

having

with

a somewhat

but know

to

produce

At

use

evening.”

it.

to acquaint

my

my

effects:

I was

only

“I

air;

in

my

with

faithful

household;

great hand

my

left

the

I have

alone

my

at last

it

my he I

himself, a

he scene

the

projected

with

no

other

show.

so tender

I

and

so

to

resist.

of preventing

him

a second

out

with

“Where

is so difficult

a means

reason

out:

he would

at once

on business

time.

on business,”

said

I,

which

concerns

you;

at home;

return,

and

shall

of speech;

but

sup

I continued;

I did

“leave

me,

you not

permit

until

this

away.

perhaps

maison,

him,

they

when

a word, to

countenance

am going

power

haste,”

upon

promote

going

for

led

vanquished

even

I shall

him,

eyes

sorrow,

“I

and went

petite

Victoire. and

me.

he recovered am

my

in finding

“nay,

to compensate him

busy

further.

have

admitted,

I was

against

me

He kissed

Immediately,

called

this

have

like

gentler

would

time

Luckily

real

him

He insisted:

he said

a

it

received

I was

him.

acidly.

perfect

when

Was

the

not

knows

the

occupied,

that

had

he

to

him

for

well

in despair.

longer

Chevalier,

going

I told

that

poor

I was

mightily

not

he is

me

before

I cast

face

that

no

gives

me,

to see what

yourself

a grievance

question

all.”

him

you

moment,

do not

than

charming

which,

Like

oath,

you

You

I do

me

with

which

Are

I nevertheless

answer;

by his silence,

upon

discovered

this

dead.

how

to

a reply.

Seriously, by

to tell

regularly

yourself,

love!

him

I answered

petrified

intention,

I was

hours

company,”

Astonished

now

ridiculous

be

This

reel.

to you

I refused

as though

for

of putting

two

stood

rupture.

it is

this

to get

joy.

loved

to me so fine.

going;

of

head

Yet

everybody.

I was

that

send

reassure

excess

being

who

concerned. But

I wrote

means

to pass

by

Chevalier

least

my

from

seemed

hoped

occupied

trouble

is he made

which

the

know

people

the

friend?

makes

I made

about

you

never

if

be for

derives

happy

who

in the

excellently

upon

those

me

born

It

he

for

asking

it would

intensely!

been

like

but

is your

how

which

are

no longer

he were,

tender

how

by

have

Do

all the world?

friends,

letter

progress.

you

you

sick

last

your

neglected

negligence,

after

finish

of

since

and have

propos

enquire

informed

a fortnight

adventure, A

me

to compensate

ar of which headache; with

my

myself,

he had I am gone

Trusty,

while

I

decide

no suspicion. to bed, she

for

I all

disguises

herself

as a lackey,

hackney

coach

Arrived one

to

in this

you

when

you

After

these

read

to divine

my

my

denies time

rule.

nine he

know,

whom

was

mind,

and

All a hot

time

to recover,

prepared.

We

romantic is by

house.

pass into

in my

for

He

he must

sees,

at

in sentiment,

first,

which

I threw

my

arms

the after

hand:

he

cafés.” does

not

of course

it

his carriage

the

At

more

last,

to

wood;

heat

his

laid;

and

To give

him

I take

him

then

covers

and

he arrives,

enchantment.

was

My

At

the

for

dismiss

two

assume. zeal.

of

I La

handwriting,

know,

in the little

of

first.

whom

all

a veritable

Tales

the

front

lackey not

details,

in Victoire’s

in

helped

a while

the boudoir,

therein

undesirable.

in him

yet

Présidente,

accustomed

not

he does

no means

out

his

but

that

This

I would

incident

promenade

produced

the

half

him

a

way!

and

other

two

ill:

a little

that

with and

Boulevard,

there

your

which

with

written

the

at least,

we stroll

to

pensively,

and

herself

I am

me,

sees

on

and informs

head

and amazement

again

from

our

be seen

of it for

tones

door

that

on

calls

of déshabillés.

nothing

Héloïse

different

it and

himself,

this

love

back

a note

he believes,

her.

of

him

next

it.

a letter

at my

us

gallant

a pattern

to wear

the

punctually,

comes

you

She

behold

it lets

busies

at

informs

opens

betakes

Victoire,

follow

He

the most

Victoire

arrives

him

o’clock,

Thither

Sopha,

and

he hands

prudent

“At

I promise

maid.

and

invention:

to rehearse

him,

garden,

I chose

while

Chevalier

of a waiting

my

her worthy

Le

9 in order

of

own

as all.

of

costume

of love,

preliminaries,

Meantime,

same

gate

rendered

a chapter

porter

the

it is my

have

Fontaine,

the

temple

is delicious;

allows

I don

then

a

richly

adorned.

There,

round

him,

fell

and

bed half

on

my

knees. “O

my

friend,”

for

you,

said

I reproach

humor;

with

Pardon

me my

You

where rupture.

As

had

time

equally

amiable at

so

myself. even

wrongs:

lifted

eternal we

been

judge

Chevalier

great After libertine

able,

up,

and

and

I once

to pass for

to replace

supper, at times,

turns

it was

nor

that

my

shall

was

and

pleasure

and

on

and

his

transports, think ever

to your

been

upon

ill

gaze.

them.” The

that

I have

all

brought ever

pleased

sensible him

same

fashion,

and

so

happy

very

to make

that

reasonable, to look

of

in like

resolved

I have

a pretence heart

I had

I do not

moment

oration.

sealed

so gallantly,

of this

expiate

sentimental

childish my

with

to veil

I moderated

tenderness.

you

love

pardon

together,

please, by

this

sealed

him,

grieved

of my

of my

the surprise

an instant,

the strength

me

to

to reserve

having for

effect

delicious

pains

with

the

hours

coquetry

desire

of

you

six

my

myself

having

may

ottoman

I, “in

and

as a sultan

our

this an been with gay, in

the

heart

of his

In fact,

seraglio,

his repeated were

ever

Finally,

at the approach say,

and

for

it into

his

be its

master.

hands:

temple.”

By

reflections always that

he will

for

One

not

volume, confident

that with

PARIS,

for

12TH

of

adroitness,

the

but,

I have him

oneself

too

not

know

when

abode

we

of bliss,

disposition

anticipated to

him,

him

you

well

the

giving should of

him by

need

left

and

the

key.

the

from

the

the

possession,

enough

to be

sure

and if the whim

seized

me

He

would

to care except

that

he had as much

to have

me;

well,

excesses,

He does

same

whatever

that

I

for

and

is right

I know

a second

still

by the

I; “it

suggested

use of it except

at all

to exhaust

with

himself;

him

persons but

costs

fix

a

so

soon.

whom

one

happily

for

him,

I

two.

it is three

friendship:

the best;

piece

I love

to leave.

knowledge

I perceive

sacrifices

maison.

favorites.

received

the moment

said

who

him,

permit

you,”

been

different

to separate;

of this

him

make

but

obliged

the key

for

have

the

always

of it. At

I took

of a petite

without

soon

have

love

a

turn

to me the contrary,

desire

it but

might

never

must

wishes

had

such

return;

little

by

mistress.

we were

do, to prove

is for

suspicious,

by a different

adieu,

“I

which

to go there day

a last

It

although

of day,

as he had

house,

of homage,

received

or even

of separation

I was

acts

woman,

he might

10 of which

o‘clock

intention ’tis in truth,

AUGUST,

but

in the morning, to

on account

write

17--.

a word.

of that,

the Chevalier

and

that

pleases

you

that

Such

I have is

the

are always

me more.

written charm he whom

a of I

—11— THE

PRESIDENTE

YOUR

SEVERE

I had

not

afraid.

This

château.

Far

any

here

from

frank

love,

not

that

like

reserve

itself

there,

of

an

disappears

give

if

be the terror

arms

before

being

of every

coming

not

even

man,

happily

me for

must

he has

here,

VOLANGES

Madame,

you

amiable

to this

advanced

which

even

to be superseded

he

has

phrases

him,

what

is required

every

the

to praise. de Valmont

more

marked

from

how

fall

all

men

who

by

his

that

delicacy,

of

a brother, here.

him;

to judge

me

so well

how

that

I

of

to be

a

such

would

owe

not

modesty

him

women

to

maintain

somewhat

desire

as not

to

accustom

many

admit

one

He knows

he would

take

without

compels

perhaps

I should

I

to

resembles

is forced her.

is

Perhaps,

and

which

He never

encircle

What

themselves,

herself

that

miracle.

seeming

word

permit

He

this

even

one

them.

inspires.

himself

gallantry

knowing

he

if I had

reveals

let

me,

respects

the men

so much

In short,

as M.

who

about

with

to justify

woman

which

it is with

not

which

to repress

gaiety

has brought

constantly

those

in order

for

being

of

but

thanks

than

who

projects

air which

company,

which

nowadays,

flatterer;

almost

is that,

my

one

abuse

security

me,

his murderous

quality

the country you

in

having,

alarmed

de Valmont,

any

DE

nature.

assure

pleasure

for

down

the

him,

It is apparently I can

laid

and

accord

good

au M.

MADAME

have

causes

forming

pretensions:

enemies

more

to have

TO

WOULD

redoubtable

seems

TOURVEL

LETTER

found

woman,

to

DE

him

ask a infinite

to confound

me

with

them. Doubtless, in spite He

this

portrait

differs

of that,

neither

need

confesses

will

have

virtuous teach

me that

always

that

fathered with at least

de Merteuil with

I believed, between

until

wherein

at the pains sincerity

on

him.

respect,

in this

matter

praise,

your

more

is capable

of so persistent

a libertine

beyond

her.

part.

salvation.

I might

almost

He talks

few

that I

say

I do not

what

know,

a friendship

for for

the

I took

but

rest,

spoke

for

for

cunning

toward and it is that

friendship this has

hasty often

what

was

to me a man

who

so estimable

ignorant

of You

conduct

he himself

it seems

a woman

who

others

an attachment,

myself

in that

some

the

and

the dates.

to us of her,

he called

reproach

that

me;

enthusiasm.

His

much

wrong,

send

and

men

the air of so true

I confess

I am,

faults;

met

letter,

all

to justify on his

with

love.

the

many

he is no deceiver.

actually

I was

you

if one compares

I have

of this.

and

which

the other,

But

greater

was

that

he has committed

I received

two

from

contradict

is a proof

so much

the

judgment,

honest

been women

Madame

been

himself

mightily

cannot

as to whether

be we

owe

the

quiet

cherishes

manner

of

in the vicinity,

women

near

us, but

he tells

us that

life

as you

he rarely

he assures

us that

may

do without

causes

only

be in order

he

assume.

goes

it is to shoot.

but

which

There

abroad,

It is true

he is not

leads

that

projects

certain

brings

sportsman.

opinion

and

back

then

any

game;

what

to know,

or to bring

he

amiable

Moreover,

and if I desired

of your

any

in the morning,

he rarely

anxiety;

to be convinced

to

are, indeed,

except

a skillful

me little

here

it

you

he

would back

to

M.

de

mine. As to your

suggestion

Valmont

proposes

his

not

aunt

very

fond any

him.

not

for

her

or to himself.

at my

here

stood

your

great

the

pleasure

sacrifice

more

a mother

those

two

receive

the honor

THE

you

with

happy,

so deserving

assurance

on

only

de Valmont’s

..., 13TH

to ask

that

of

this

request,

she

deference

is and

either

to

of my

project

of

and

rightly

so,

I

am

that

the

occasion

for

them

me

also of

most

she could

to

you,

AUGUST,

I am

it

to me

he

desire

as but

those

of

indebted

delay

sincerely:

to my

I owed

sensible

the

in passing

indeed,

it seems

nonetheless

To

will

I thought

favor;

to

for your

however

moments

to know

the

with

Mile.

de

ever

be more

so

and respect.

I share

with

her

kindly

to

and

of them.

DE

so in

out

but

to be, etc.

CHÂTEAU

to dare

be astonished,

explanations:

a good

attach

difficult

is aware

of all her affection

which

which

mind.

myself

if,

the stay

more

of making

counsels.

me

the

but

he would

you.

I promise

them

speedily

sentiments

my

with

I thank which

house,

de Tourvel

lengthy

your to

my

in M.

it

dictated remarks

I would

very

of

M. and

testimony

marriage.

Volanges

AT

I to change

which

daughter’s

I have

were

need

obliging

with

his return,

my

her

however,

myself,

short

to me very

opportunity

until

great

friendship

for

are my

to bear in

you,

As

in

you,

any

to cut

it seems

nephew

to seize

Madame,

to truth

her

here,

I promise

need,

frivolity,

These,

to make

to have

of

remaining

to me to endeavor

17--.

I pray

you

than

—12— CÉCILE

VOLANGES

MAMMA must

IS INDISPOSED, keep

her

accompanying

nearly

convinced Chevalier

If

this.

Danceny

that he

of

because

Mamma

I

love

he cannot

PARIS,

the honor 13TH

you

I have

not

will

be

not,

much!

you

receive

17—.

you.

Would

anybody.

we

I do I pray you

of which

it will are

I hope

the house,

have

that

selection

that

leave

therefore,

to be with

the

told

MERTEUIL

she cannot

I assure

so

DE

it to me tomorrow,

to be, etc.

AUGUST,

shall

as not

tomorrow. I have

MARQUISE

Opera.

so much

bring

today,

I

the

that

if he can

comes

to

THE

MADAME;

company: you

performance

and

TO

give not

the not

of

regret

av

the

you

will

be

that kindly

tell

he spoke

at home; she

I

honor

me great

that

and

will

M. to

le me,

pleasure? but be

this

is

better

—13— THE

MARQUISE

I AM

DE

MOST

pleasure

of

GRIEVED, seeing

opportunity

will

recur.

Danceny,

Mamma’s

sickness.

company.

piquet,

ax

pleasure

of

suggest for dear

it.

myself

If

and my

Madame

PARIS,

this

13TH

TO

pretty

at the

I will

cause

acquit

will

and

I will

we you

his

sing

with

cavaliers.

de Volanges. AUGUST,

I kiss 17--.

at being

deprived

of

the

this

privation.

I hope

that

the

myself

of be

your

commission

distressed

me tomorrow,

assault

win

VOLANGES

both of

certainly

is convenient two

CECILE

one,

If she can receive

while

hearing

and

who

She

and

my

you,

Chevalier

her

MERTEUIL

the

money, your

to your Adieu, you

come

Chevalier

de

Belleroche

we

have

shall

Mamma

most

hear

I will

amiable

my

to

with

master, and

pretty tenderly.

the to

to you,

one;

my

the

of

your

and

keep aw

at

additional

whom I can

I

will

answer

compliments

to

—14— CECILE

VOLANGES

I DID

NOT

pleasure and heart

WRITE

which

I did

leave

anything

the day

was

Mamma

with

Madame

there.

You

know

When

the

able

hour

to stop

me.

I am

but

he will

very

her

all

have

that In

I passed

that

not

sure

are

it was.

the

I should

care

very

for

anything,

It is not

I do not

love

to have

gone

was

there,

my

Chevalier

Danceny

will

have

by

spectacle,

and

by

the

to bed,

I like

best.

was

sore

without

and

the been

heart

cried,

to

to have

whom

that

amused

no

that

Mamma

been

ill,

that

Happily the

was

sure

persons

and I cried,

not

I had

to make

Danceny

gone

was

Mamma

quickly,

been

had

it

I retired,

I was

two

have

but

you.

when

the Chevalier

they

when

assure

a longer.

what

de Merteuil;

Sophie,

evening,

to bed

know

dear

I can

the

I went

I do not

myself.

have

day.

never

I did

quite

of

my

being

could been

not

see

sorry

too,

everybody;

that’s

different.

Luckily,

Mamma

somebody

else

is better

de Merteuil;

tiresome.

It is not

and then nicely

my

look

and

Madame

de

prettier

than

then,

me:

she

than

she.

It is very at it. Well,

so much!

that

only

him

always,

and

to look if

happens

to me,

hurt

but

me;

Adieu,

my

me

nice

I did it puts

oneself,

I must

play

I want

right

and

I have

never

who

I can

see

that

me much,

because

that

the

Chevalier

Danceny

... Oh,

I can’t

that

is enough

not

fear

me

out

to of

gives

me that!

me

his

had

all

eyes:

it is

very

on my

harp;

to be

done

one

becomes

a

such

a desire

to

as much one

the

so as

loses

men

thinks She even It’s

so much one

late,

think

prettier. for

countenance,

ay and

seems

to make

toilette.

I love

to be

she I think

I should

every

me;

prettier

seemed

pleasure!

her

of

I am

because

time

I

much.

she is so fond

understand!

to make meet

that

use rouge,

very

hair

I am not

vex

told

my

with

look that

likes too at that

as though

no matter!

dear

14TH

for

comes

by

not

friend:

I am going

as ever. PARIS,

is

that

of women

a thing

at him

time,

all

and I find

of her to have

that’s he!

is so long It is true

is coming

she always

days,

instance;

does

assures

few

de Merteuil

but

the world.

side

for

that

then

enters

the

one

Perpétue

the last

Merteuil,

Danceny;

me some

Mother

by

Madame

o’clock.

take

as one

and

pleased

will

as during

thought;

and

when

yet eleven

I think

as soon

pretty

and

toilette

today.

coquette

today,

and the Chevalier

Madame

me

cause;

well

CARNAY

yesterday,

the

arrived

of me.

you

and

but

Opera

SOPHIE

at all,

done;

dearly;

in spite

to

was

not

for

TO

AUGUST,

17--.

my

you

as dearly

it

—15— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

to my

sad

fate.

repose

and

DE

MERTEUIL IT

IS VERY

lead

here

a score

of

you

not

talk

am

it. Ah,

Oh,

yourself,

vexation

What

in his.

my

lovely

not

11

I reigned

them!

That

suffer

it; do not

hope

else;

of friendship enough,

see, I lend

myself

love. all food

to tell for

heart,

should

...

You

of

reflection,

take

all,

have

made

that

jealous

uttered it,

in your

Chevalier

that

in

had

we

arms,

for

has

caused

this

man,

without

but

quite

stupidly

a felicity

you

vow,

myself,

that

me

to make

to which

I shall

the trouble

while

as you

I

cannot

trouble

to deceive

chains!

it.

You

him,

and

It is, indeed,

watch

that

over

his

should

should

exist

that

I shall

suffer

to live

you

pleasures.

that

one’s

advanced

many,

I

the successors

all

that

yourself

it. Either

of

empire

entirely

over

to one

of

as myself!

I will

not

me back,

or, at

least,

take

by an exclusive

I should and

have

confess

caprice,

the inviolate

pleasures, that. but

as to which

errors.

one’s

life, not

an incident

I know

not

of love.

In fact,

the object

I should

for

to complain

my

possessing

for

matter,

only

them

give

among

sworn.

without

time,

lovers

as fortunate

betray,

ideas,

yourself

among

you

we have

divide

in your

man

and

after

he is in your

preserving

But

of in this

who,

trouble,

me

was

Chevalier,

worthy

find

I

and

I abjure

least

day, feet,

think

Promise

I see then

to your

no more you

the

insipid

to your

of your

I

I

to fly

avenge

when

life

its

charming

you

been

The

do?

no doubt,

to it one’s

I am

that

himself

and do not

is to be unable

sacrifice

know

one day

so long

which

It is quite

love

your

have

believe

jealousy;

alone.

business,

rupture?

not

its

of your

to

tranquilly,

friend:

another

someone

bond

sleeps

incapable

which

take

You

of

the happiness

it!

his slave

the least

Alexander,

you

humiliated?

you.

He

would

Do

confess,

of his

not

than

more

Listen, have

I

trouble

are you

are

favor,

which

giving

I will

he is happier

excess

some

I might

me

the details

my

should

that

the instinct

attain.

who

we

without

following

and

to invent in

indignant,

reasoning,

the

to me of an eternal

of frenzy:

to keep

I

letter

of times

the involuntary me!

your

to abandon

from

his happiness.

Why

a moment meant

not

an infidelity,

merit

of him?

you

fatiguing,

Reading

tempted

does

of

is really

monotony.

beg

NICE

if to be

in

desire,

to

really

in

of one’s I am

even which

yet

whether

intrigue,

and

very

have

You

anything

gives

me

I must

at much

hope

or

fear. You

know

comedy:

my

12 you

chasseur, can

az

imagine

a treasure that

his

of

instructions

bade

him

a real to fall

valet in

of love

with

the waiting

fortunate

than

Madame my

I:

without

then

most

the

avenging

are

being

observed.

turning

suspected

have my

Farewell,

my

lovely

THE

of

this

them

had

attention,

succeeded. one

drunk. He

has

of her people

me in my What

just

is

pretension?

dares

do

things

which

we

ourselves.

I

swear

...

!

before

I

no

ruse,

advantage. object; and

I

let

us

Hitherto, needs

take

must

leave

of

But occupy these I

you

DE

..., 15TH

AUGUST,

as

as far

yet

feminine

that

himself

expeditions,

woman’s

more

discovered

to

17 -- .

them ponder

as

should think

excursions

give

to

Thus

ourselves

friend.

CHÂTEAU

knave

to inform

morning

is this

The

all

it to our

all

AT

to follow

for

the household

already

permit

myself of

make

even

to

deserves

STILL

has

modest

venture

and

has charged

and

he could

methods

he

de Tourvel

behavior,

hardly

maid,

of over

which

one. upon

This it.

—16— CECILE

VOLANGES

AH,

MY

SOPHIE,

but

I must

talk

I am

i have

since

Mamma’s, him

to you:

was

thinking

was

that

I

related

with

him

so; but

I can

ordinarily.

to sing

with

me as usual;

When

we

case;

and

when

I was

want

to

returning

certainly,

had

letter, all

simply

he asks

can

often

that

there;

late;

get his

I had

then could

not

but

with

Since else.

it again

assuredly,

should

not,

and

be sad

again.

All

the

advise

me to do?

But

yet

awake

(it

read.

still

I carried

I did

wrong

if

am

He,

and

if you

my

that

then

eyes,

a

knew

delight

it

it

so

I saw

early),

a letter

I

shut

him

get to sleep

it to bed

to kiss

even

I repeated

not

its

I found

and

quite

not

room

Ah,

my

I did

in

yes.

strings

in bed,

as I shut

was

ease.

the

off,

I was

just

to my

my

evening

him

so much

when

it

even

harp that

I told

I feel

and,

sad,

kindness

I did

him.

straight

I had

my

from

times

As soon

up

I

that

the

again

retired

it four

him;

but

till

I went

with like

to cherish

inspiration, a man

directly our

neighbor

tell

not

there

to do

heart!

is question

as much

am

letter.

me,

to and

that,

but

I

him!

anything then

I know

that

What

wrong.

if not

will

do

you

We us

is not

more

to

indeed

forbid

That

I

he

desire

I should

they

of a man!

as a woman,

much

a great

of me.

and

also

I am sure

I. I have

is so fond

like

a kind

for

than

I

reply,

unfortunate

who

I should

to this

if I do not

no more

de Merteuil,

happy,

to reply

it is very

can

very

not

me to; and,

same, you

I

I ought

he asks

recommended

Is not

that

his letter,

at my

friend,

of it to Madame

either.

it was

but

at me it gripped

at all;

In

about

he was

having

to play

harp.

at

myself.

for,

its

that

as I was

embarrassed;

follow

and

to sleep. all

dear

always

I read

it as if ... Perhaps

to console

my

read

it by heart;

read

get

no more

yesterday

anything

passed

so sad—oh,

to shut

I had

I

...

begin.

he answered

he looked

me

to

to anybody;

why,

from

earnestly

when

no seal, I have

him

of

so

to

him Finally,

begged

me

of him

he went

suspicion

which said

you:

Danceny

where

he has grown

that

singing,

I went

as soon

check

time

In effect,

my

like

every

no

present,

speak

not

to me,

no thought

and

I kissed

prevent

me himself

and,

letter

did

know

I have

I asked

This

key

I knew

he told

quite

At

desk.

then

and when

begged

folded,

of nothing

up in my

Since

to tell

Chevalier

ba

to speak

it was.

gone,

of me!

think

want

not

perhaps,

I! This

evening

I did

finished

he

had

sweet

see that

his motive.

maid

the

not,

I do not

de Merteuil,

I had

but

write:

well

the

alone.

play:

waiting

had

than

Madame

me pain;

than

I ought

hardly

constantly.

sadder

heart.

of news!

you

and

I could

CARNAY

it is stronger

to

of him it gave

not

a heap

it is because

sad!—that

SOPHIE

to someone;

so perturbed

Ever

TO

are to just

so? For,

after

all,

has not

well

as one’s

sister?

were

to do

something

would

no longer

sooner

see him

Because

one

will

tell

answer

him

as one’s

mother,

husband

is still

something

extra.

was

and

then,

I only

with.

a little,

so

that

friend;

tell

what then, he

Oh,

I shall

not

this

do

perhaps

of me!

I am

And

right,

besides,

de Merteuil

If

not

opinion

yesterday,

to see Madame

myself

as well

a good

sad;

all.

father

which

have

sure

reproach

The

he wrote

her

one’s

evening, she

perhaps, need

not

to

she be

so

me

Oh,

PARIS,

my 19TH

dear

AUGUST,

me,

17 -- .

all the same,

what

you

would enough.

I shall

nothing that

I am

trouble! Farewell,

I

be

the courage,

have

tell

sad!

time

today:

I shall

if I

himself

that,

have

if I have

will

as

Nevertheless,

than

write

me,

brother

Danceny

rather

and,

tells

M.

always

obliged

one’s

think.

I in

I to may

great

—17— THE

CHEVALIER

BEFORE

DANCENY

SUCCUMBING,

say,

the necessity

me.

I feel

that,

am

to do,

I about

have my

I to tell silence

I but

have to

doubtless as your

own.

which

charming

face,

touching

candor

precious? unhappy;

but

you

ask me its cause:

before my

Be

a word it,

arbiter

or wretched.

as I have

to hear lead my You

employed

that of

my

from

you,

soul,

it is

graces,

your

and

refuse

to accept

you,

has fled

surprised

word

destiny.

can

hands

may

far

away

at my

be my still from

sadness; it affected

handiwork!

also

Through

so

I should

to see that

be your

that

already

if you

for

is

pure

to appreciate

qualities

thought

at it

one

will

dearer

offense

guilty,

are

one

even

being

But

even

felicity

In what

me;

begun,

by

imploring

dare

more,

I will

I will

me to think

respect can

is equal make

to bring

that

to my

use,

this

you

fill you

But,

the I am

can I commit

cup

of

to

be

an interest

to

letter

18TH

AUGUST,

were

your pray

indulgence.

you

offended,

to reply and

my

I have to me. heart

begged

A

refusal

is a

witness

love. send

into

as it is secure. PARIS,

my

remember

the

to

and

take

as my

repose

you

I have

and

me

you,

Yet

you

how

has offered. seen

conduct

importance? end

would

I have

what

enchanting

without awaits

heart

sometimes,

then

happy

I shall you

but

but

which

my

And

should

value

of

handiwork?

Emanating

your

need

What

my

known

inestimable

I have

hear

to me.

if it is ardent

to have

is insecure.

pronounce

misery.

of such

P.S.

speak

you

eternally

that

happiness

why

to

I

be useless

your

birth?

talents,

fate

that

you

And

or, shall you

sentiments,

embarrassment,

given

a doubt:

tranquil.

and

Ah,

it would

to you;

adds

is the

me,

you.

my

have

seductive

which

that

happy,

them,

it be a crime

It is the first

be, not

my

my

the pleasure,

by imploring

to declare

already?

to be offered

without

and

homage.

you

TO

to show

eyes,

you

your

No,

save

my

told

Shall

VOLANGES

I commence

to justify

all,

that

not

worthy

enough

wish

after

you,

a sentiment

to you,

to be bold

did

CECILE

MADEMOISELLE,

of writing

indulgence;

TO

17 -- .

a reply, your

hands;

of

the

same

it seems

method

to me as

which convenient

I

—18— CECILE

VOLANGES

WHAT,

SOPHIE!

I had

already

TO

YOU

enough

SOPHIE

BLAME

I ought

not

you

do not

know

that,

were

you

in my

place,

rule,

one

ought

not

to reply;

that

I did

not

ever

found

And

still

almost

always

is not

that

He

dared

not

there.

I quite

that

back,

it was

made

me

bringing

even

was

first

with

me

if

we

that

he was

not

I could

have

wished

an air

which

anything,

and

not

was

afraid as soon

him

to take

away

begged

at the same Mamma

wanted impossible

to

look for

time; and

my

the

to

Madame

de

my

I had

never

I was

something

is

to him. just

It

in

the

the

yes.

I was

It on

these

two

overwhelmed. I was

I doing.

no

excuse—I

had

I chose

that

not

sing

Luckily,

wheels,

there

I stopped,

afraid

lest

to

purposely

I could

be noticed.

much

ill.

himself,

a voice.

very

not

excused

had

carriage

did

He

had

sure

came

him

said

I

so

afterward,

what

I, who

quite

beat he

thought

quite

sing.

that later

He—he

and

knowing to

heart

I

was

find

When

a second. have

that

Mamma

My

harp,

would

I was

he

and should

back.

who

away

It

A moment

... He only

going and

for

come.

him!

he should

answer

my

that

well,

harp.

me

because

harp.

would

without

not

not

spoken

to wear.

for

tune

accent

for

lady

turn

to

one

to

he came

again

has

so confused

when

me

do

that

as I heard

but

at him me

were

know;

and

anyone

did

leaves

me,

face

at him

harp

that

a visit,

yesterday

I know

I was

Mademoiselle!” an

that

she

to

what

to bring

began

my

that

think

I have

be grieved,

a look

feeling

I did

but

speak

looked

“Ah,

on

of

unaided!

her

as usual.

as I could

such

chords

asked

saying

While

it

letter

not

sure

to be pitied!

know

him

He

he said,

besides,

as a general

evening,

that

her;

not

not

I only

unhappy.

I do

all

him,

just

he would

such

my

you

to see. I am

Assuredly,

yesterday

seen

could

as much

is,

; and

here

see from

decision

against

like

worse.

me.

it is through

I have

I did

he had

very

the

Mamma

leave

but

but

struck

came

was

act like

I am greatly

that

I should

it to me,

words;

sing.

if

are not

to do!

it. Clearly,

confidence

you

seeing

me:

He

I am about

are increasing

thing

my

yesterday

to him.

it

at me,

here

expected

me

on

Oh,

what

case.

grudge

at him.

written

quick,

look

came

look

he asked

any

for

great

can

the

take

that

moment.

Imagine!

not

her

I have

embarrassing

my

against

with

you

but

counted

conspires

are:

would

and

to

you with

things

to either:

I

here

speak

you

obliged

whom

Everything

how

in quite

be

and

You

exactly

herself

Merteuil,

had

to answer.

want

to

me in advance

anxiety,

say,

CARNAY

had one

on

arrived

instant. my

own.

were I met A

talking his

moment

eyes, later,

together, and

I

it

was

I saw

the

tears

rise,

and

he was

an instant

I could

went

and

out,

sad,

I implore

any

harm

strings felt

more

visits

wrote

and

harp,

where

she went

I wanted

to have

oh, how

pleased

he was!

himself

in

a position

his

such

which

moment:

he

but

withdrew

my

dear

anything be

in

he will

as long

think my

my

heart

have PARIS,

that

to be observed. I too

should

of paper:

been,

and

went

away.

not

you

I. I put

my

returned

For

weep.

“Do

Surely,

than

cannot

so see

in

to the

I

be

paper

beat:

promised. 20TH

but,

the

salon.

my

comes

friend. the

more

than

which

I

in front not

I cannot then

save

me

is that

I do

not

that

it is not

you

17 -- .

can

of

my

it will

it.

know and him

I am wrong,

writing

to him

conceive.

I must

took

my for

a

However,

I

writing

going

to

give

a question

what

somebody

fault; give

not

But

placed

from

If it were

do

is to

moment

I am

he does. not

abstain

return,

only

me.

I

fetch

he

he

was

myself.

and

that

it

to reproach

it

think

and

it gave

than

me,

...

gone,

on his

of me,

see,

more

to go and

But,

which

certainly

from

him

a way!

see that

when

Adieu. AUGUST,

harp

such

more

If you

nearer

begged

could

promise;

especially

feel

my

she had

as she was

nothing.

the pleasure

must

I suffer

surely

in

for

you

and

Mamma

you

embarrasses

dear

again,

Luckily,

As soon

he suspected

I should

as it only

so. The

...

given

writing,

letter:

but

that

tell

wrong,

What

Adieu,

not

a reply.”

afterward.

harp

nothing

for

the lady

that

friend,

pain;

unhappy?

that

had

As he set down

not

I have

more

my

squeezed

I could

since

any

there

I felt

stronger

shortly

expression

it; so I have

now,

doing

in;

you

letter

until

away

from

him

his

long

it. I saw

to him,

it was

in order

on a scrap

to give

then

to me very

that

And

myself

in pencil,

I promise

that,

to pay;

hand,

hold

away

calm.

It seemed

said

at once

of my

to turn

no longer

you;

in

obliged

of

harm from

how

to

then

I am

can being

write

my

certain

pleasure. tell

comes,

me; the

but

I do

more

do it, however,

not does

since

I

—19— CÉCILE YOU that

VOLANGES WERE

I went

SO

SAD

so far

nonetheless

I do not

friendship

I feel

me a great

deal

bad

opinion

you

every

yourself. and

seeing

you.

better write

than

which

assurance

that

You that

I hope

I hope,

you

were:

see, Monsieur, I may

always

CÉCILE

the honor

VOLANGES. 20TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

all,

grieve not if

that,

you

have

will

that

done

would away

I speak

to you

I hope

you

and

than

do me

friendship;

sincerely.

have

not

that

not

ask

I

might

have cause

form

I can

a

give except

in your that

I

much

to anyone

the pleasure

but

will

will

a favor

me.

how

that

anything.

sorry,

wrote

nobody

yourself

very

so

as I

prove

as much

all

you

must

tell

you

me

however,

blamed,

it takes

your

made

which

that

me more

you

that

this:

and

know that

above

keep

to be,

you

do

be certainly

I would glad

to

word,

also

would

be very

and

to the letter

not

my

that

to me again.

I have

PARIS,

of me,

sad than

I ought

I should

of pain.

I should

be less

again.

because

to reply

Now

DANCENY

Monsieur,

to break

you.

to you

to you,

that

wish

for

CHEVALIER

yesterday,

today

promised,

written

THE

as to promise

feel

me to write

TO

turn,

I feel

in

I ask nothing

I beg of you

do

not

—20— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT AH,

WRETCH,

you!

Come,

must

even

I do not would

SO YOU I pardon

forgive think

not

amusing

however,

and

had

been

there,

but

I have

my

I refuse vanity

not

for

forever; me,

I should

the

that

and

once

and

if

of

have

with

I—unworthy

I—were

again,

to

To avoid

these

dangers,

here

As soon

as you

have

had

lovely

bigot,

as soon

proof,

come

the

that,

in

affairs

of

to me

importance,

arrangement,

on one

consolation,

and

that

success

will

have

added

then,

come

as soon

Come triumph;

like

feet

brilliant

the

what

those

a prude

can

say

whether

I price bd

faithful

in spite

of the slight

moment, child:

it is a real

most

fashionable

ravishing knows

the timidity

dear

passion.

of his age,

may

I

see

already

it yet. and

little

loves

He

himself,

dares

not

her

heart

over

you

to

is

no

there

it

good

making

that

him

I

happy,

have,

I am bewitched become

developing,

Danceny

tell

that

find

she will

although

as yet

know

she casts

he would

girl.

I be deceived, her

to

you.

I think

Volanges

your ladies’

It is for

you

by

your

at their

veil

a

infidelity.

curious

person.

will

hand,

to an

to lay

what

this

gauge bc of

I am

myself

cause

severe,

the little

women.

about

less

Unless

She

amuse

this

were

you

By of being

other

the

me

ignorant

admitted.

me

Vicomte,

be

instead

I forewarn

virtue,

can furnish

cannot

bring

her

with

conditions:

a means

from

but

and

annoyance

spectacle. nothing

any

my

you

itself

and

bring

forget

the

came

say

you

are

Seriously,

discarded high;

you

on

who

a moment,

too

rival:

of ours, victory.

Chevalier

a dangerous

and

such

myself

morals

better:

I do not

to make

a recompense

me

me;

where

as you

proofs

by being

their

after

to my

my

likes

led

not

are my

But

written

become

knights

of

then,

yours.

as possible,

having

Till

remain

if

I shall

piquancy

write

after

I am

only

notion

fruits

language,

However,

part,

valiant

her

abatement.

and

have

knows

disgust

the scandal!

with

one

it,

If you

to do so. I should

consider

your

find

over

severity.

at the game, you

not

he

or to

it by myself.

might

I

as I do;

mightily

over

I am right

that

Présidente.

contract,

laughed

bb of

nonsense

by your

our

to laugh

to enslave

a mock

indulgence

merriment

wounded

be the woman

Présidente;

as much

and

of

are kept

and am armed

I postpone,

make

a heap

you

I

this

I shall

such

I had

whither

that

renewal

idea.

reflection,

but

me

show

mad

vexed

I know

with

one stops. your

really

had time

would

your

fear

in which

to approve

in

for

write

the virtue

man

was

me,

you

Chevalier

be the

anything

that

you:

you

my

flatter

with

greatly her too

at

this

by

this

one and

of our it

is

a

ardor;

but

she

in love,

has

still

it.

The

much

about

two

of

mighty saw

them

are

desire

to confide

her

really

assisting like

to

clearly; little

Corsica

and

innocent of

I am

often

this

here

make

the

man,

of him

blush

PARIS,

for

20TH

secret

to me.

and

course

will

give

he

dare

sleep

me

the

time,

be the

comfort,

I do not

know

what

and

success

night,

Bethink

you taken

AUGUST,

that, you.

17--.

avenged?

if you

insolent

do not

have

I should

not

As to

use

instead sense

me,

more the

that

I

he is to stay

a woman

not

to you:

by

him.

to make

Believe

I

somewhat

woman,

while

I would

and

since

a

service

it is a service

a notion

informed

been

a great

me

has

particularly,

to hear

pupil;

must

in

to

my

a fully

especially ago,

her

I refuse

I have

what

done

her

yet

good

having

him

days

spoken

is resolved;

October.

one

she is a child,

has

leaves

little

A few

that

to make

effect,

has not

forget

He

of

The

have

Danceny

tempted

In

should

I do not

my

moment,

progress.

her

month

we

that

Vicomte;

me.

Gercourt.

schoolgirl.

at this

Adieu,

render

that

complain

will

him

until

adoring

myself.

with

fain

time,

but

compromise

one,

in

oppressed,

her a little:

but

would

united

if the

of

of

in that

of

his

security

who

has

to

child

were

God’s

sake,

say to her.

but

do,

this

for

woman,

the others

—21— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

taken

a step

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL AT

LAST,

step,

MY

and

know

one

that

lost.

I

which,

at

has

been

You

will

that

poor

commission the

that

of

the

was

not

might declared must the

which

eyes,

hot; tire

which

careful diatribe

did

not

My

upon

movements.

ran

had

me

I was

obstinate the

events,

let

and

on

the

chasseur

of

having

than

may sport

celestial that

of

informed,

a certain

all

cloud

brow.

dialogue,

a woman’s

her

see

quite I

resisted

a

for

was little

humor

which

a moment

hinder

curiosity;

evening,

kill

good.

might

to

should

me

I feared

her delicacy

me the same

this

of ill

at

going

I

I even

I

vanquish

ill;

for

I

remorse to

let

face

Here

It was

reasons

and

a little

myself

well

wished, bad

the

age or

desire.

me

morning,

strength

during

these

he gave

whose

myself

she

and

and

strength

the my

believe,

that

reassured

and

This

in the morning.

she felt

making

to take

revoked,

game

me some

I assured

was

I and

succor.

the

taxes.

I

to oppose

of

in

household

after

not

of finding

afternoon,

when

Well,

edification;

need

today,

doubtless

better me

in

their

this

purpose;

as you

been

pay

and,

risk

perhaps,

the task

was

not

enough

to no

to public

Yesterday

and,

the

my

turn with

among

all the evening,

calculate

deceived.

let

perhaps,

set

of going

at least

sportsmen

during

her orders

is,

anticipate

to seize

could

given;

to surrender,

that

most

let us not

who

Présidente;

she desired

against

obscured,

great

in, that

but

should

suspicious;

myself

that not

that

going

who

had

I

spoke,

sufficiently

were

to my

she had

and

a reply

to fulfill.

intention

she

excessively

nothing,

I was

obtained

confidant

or woman

my

justice

her curiosity, be

they

action

at supper

orders

my

family

my

render

the fear

the

neighborhood

no girl

render

a really

has at least

although

was

means

difficult

that

was

a watch

I charged

a whole

there

goal,

and

flattering:

scandalous

in

information

goods

love;

I have

that

I did.

wretch

dispelled

forward:

back.

this

is what

me to my

and

my

the most

remember

resolved this

declared

and

taken

road,

maintained,

farther

I have

if it has not

last

equivocal

us begin

friend,

I am on the right

have

silence least

LOVELY

and

and I went

me. so

I

was

satisfied

to bed. At

daybreak

perceived walked other me,

I rose the

across pleasure

and

who,

spy

and who

was

country on not

the

started

to

to

the

road

daring

off.

follow village

than

to quit

Barely

fifty

me.

I started

whither

to give the road,

yards

a run often

after

I wished to the had

from

the the

château, game,

to

make,

rogue

who

to cover,

at full

I and

with

no

followed speed,

a three

times

greater

excessively

hot

insolence down

to

steal

was

I was

However,

I reach

somebody;

the

yielding

action,

round

me from

from

the

you

eyes

another advanced

family,

with

image

moistened

by

astonished

at the

merit

to

pay

these

brought began

hasty

tears,

poor ten

louis

again,

but

with

me,

and

I gave

were

not

pathetic

in the midst

purpose

was

château.

On

genius. one

day

advance, without I forgot

the true

This

unlike you

effect;

will

remark

fulfilled: further

consideration,

woman

is, doubtless,

be my I shall having to tell

titles have

with

her;

the

right

any

cause

you

that,

this

be

echoed poured his

really

hideous

spectacle,

when

by the hands,

us all

fall

at

the

delicious

emotion.

good;

they these.

and

have

may

not

I found

had

given

am

so

be much

it just me.

I

to had

acknowledgments

degree:

but

I

I should

be,

The

same

eyes

necessity

a simple

had

expression

of

gifts. benedictions

of this

in the scene spy

was

from

worth

to dispose

to turn

After

children

people

was

having,

to reproach

lack

were

all

them

was

of the denouement.

bf

in all,

family,

this and

crowd.

My

regained

the

myself

on my

inventive

the pains

I take;

they

in some of her,

I

also

I congratulated

and

for

my

to the

myself

well

livres,

weakness:

that

faithful

I disengaged

and,

my

them

of a drama, the

me;

by the

which

of the loquacious

the hero

question

to

rendered

in doing

at superfluous

him.

embellished

“Let

he

surrounded

but

the rest

that

I was

However pleasure

sufficient

of gratitude

this

sit

instant

virtuous

the

and astonishment

all,

call

to

which,

I

despair.

and

to them,

confess

for

gratitude

Above

we

tears

and two

experiences

forward;

their

been

an involuntary

one

the

saved

called

watching

said

people

the great,

by no means

and

I will

what

produced

However,

was

a woman

us to suppose.

they

had

had

I remembered

family,

and at the same

pleasure

lead

I

steps

I felt

that

the

a

of benedictions

What

before,

led

knees.

and

believe

as they

who

at my

of

despair!

of God”;

prostrate

tempted

of

and

was

and

him

fifty-six

a crowd

scene!

head

a moment

younger,

to me

of this

aged

marks

peasant,

of the

given

collector

to straw

I

at him,

reflection

nobly

He

me,

gun

I step

the

what

from

him, this

I pay

to be left

witnesses

which,

savage

projects;

I have

imagine

the

for

him,

a tree.

my

have

I see a commotion;

were

of

to fire

would

compassion,

of

paces

luckily

to my

related.

cannot

the

face,

the

are

persons

simple

patriarchal

of curiosity:

generous

five

shot,

of exercising

foot

twenty

a moment

small

the village;

dint

at the

not

for

necessary

facts

to my

of which

feet

contained

By

I sat down

tempted

and even

mine.

a bush,

as to the dangers

useful

than

and

behind

it only

lesson

by

myself,

as well!

although

distance

sort,

as it were,

according

to my

will

paid

in

fantasy,

myself.

everything

to profit,

I asked

these

good

people

to pray

prayers

have

me that

supper

waited our

friend. AT

THE

not

to end

next.” You

for

the success been

already

is ready, it after

I am

sorry,

steal

from

CHÂTEAU

of my

and rising for

in part it would from

the

DE

..., 20TH

You

hearkened be too

table.

sequel

me a moment

projects.

“To

is the

to....

late

see whether

But

they

to dispatch

be continued,” finest

of the pleasure AUGUST,

shall

17 -- .

part.

come

this

of seeing

to

letter,

therefore,

Adieu,

their

my her.

tell if “in

lovely

I

—22— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

YOU

WILL,

DOUBTLESS,

de Valmont

which

seems

him

to me.

M. have

represented

anybody,

so grievous

the qualities

entitled what

I base my

This

morning

believe you

to

curiosity

pay

action;

and

of

money.

him, by

If

that

a search

of

most

began attaching

by

the

a laudable to tears.

by

unfavorably

love

give

of

possess

you

a

well

reason

seems

justice;

all

so

you

de Valmont

to

me

and this

is on

to

excusing so little

of

said be

going

source

more,

taxes,

the

this

action, bi

and

the

of being

when

of

this

be

he

sought might

a passing

feeling

of

deliberate

project

of

it was

the

or

the

mere

recital

a sense

of

it

had

the

enhanced

is

which that

mentioned,

it

of it was

design,

of justice,

never

admitted

the merit

among

who

chance

had

virtuous

had

it

he

a

described,

benevolent;

from

gift

talking they

were

hastened

this

Valmont,

merely

which

to

of the village

action,

to it, that

added

de

Valmont,

only

peasants,

M.

still

de

goods

not

whom

too

reprehensible

M.

a witness

it was

and

my

of—whose

even

not

but

generous

that

to us that

their

of

for

happened

a servant,

souls:

add

importance

to be

men

of the inhabitants

noble

to

since

that

the chance

came

us,

was

it was

to

luckily

all

village

that

as the idea

one

above

but

that

lead

with

to pay

addition

for

himself,

the

opportunity:

and

just

related

servant

to

the

I will him

in

might

entertained

this

people,

in

which

one of my

be so,

it was

I spoke

you

of having

and

He

My

mine

doing

when

him,

unable

as to any

help.

myself

it is from

had

suggested

me

in

which

should

I must

excursions

unjust,

poor

compassion,

moved

who

say this

of a trait

under

to think

in the vicinity,

for

to me

with

of

nonetheless

almost

those

were

these

be in

virtue

of

and

of

yesterday

fairest

M.

I accuse

they

information

good;

judgment.

family

is believed

need

harsh

an unfortunate

and

who

to hear

Moreover, you,

being

he related

themselves

VOLANGES

those

in people

lovable!

I might

DE

to have

to oblige

satisfied.

sum

and

virtue

was

debt

considerable

vices

on his part,

bh

because

the

only

one

from

fortunate

sold

It is so painful

it only

which

direction,

being

to all

bg Luckily

saved

found

contrast

in great

favor,

project

same

having

Madame,

well

MADAME

opinion.

precipitation.

the

but

this

an idea

we are thus in

for

in some

much

pleased,

too

he made

of one;

BE

were

your

to hope

TO

to make

that,

reconsidering

TOURVEL

to find

necessary

to be indulgent for

DE

he air

of

by

his

modesty. After

that,

irreclaimable what

is left

tell

me,

my

libertine? for

honest

esteemed If

he can

folk?

What!

friend,

if

M.

be no more are the

de

than

wicked

Valmont that

and

to share

is indeed yet with

behave the

an so, good

the sacred

joy

of charity?

receive

from

Divine

Providence,

blessings

the hands

upon

Would of a villain

and

could

a reprobate?

have

lasted,

does

good

can be the enemy

instance

which

pleases

opinion,

I have

of M.

these believe, AT

THE

on

they

to hear

pure

to hold

forever;

and M.

a virtuous

which

I prefer

of

one

for

Him

of virtue.

that

side,

it

more

me to you

and

for

life.

I

are

render lips

more

to

thanks

bestow

to their

as

they

think

that

he

who

only

one

is perhaps

I remain serve

should

long

de Valmont

may

family

errors,

I cannot

acquaintances.

it renders

Rosemonde

worthy

and

de Valmont.

good

endure

that

of

justify

precious

this

opinion

him

in

to me the

your tender

to be, etc. de

this

it please

danger

unites

the honor Madame

If,

other,

which

ourselves that

the

me.

on the

friendship

P.S.

of

not

permit

succor

No!

may

more

do

God

people

the

all he has left CHÂTEAU

and

unfortunate

We

shall

pleasure for DE

family,

take of

going

him

seeing

this

and with

their

to unite

us. We benefactor

us to do. ... , 20TH

AUGUST,

moment

17 -- .

our shall

to

see

tardy at least

again:

that

for

aid

to

give is,

I

—23— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I LEFT

OFF

I had

only

room,

where

place

his

my

venerable

which

what

she praises

therefore

to the

without

hope,

which

had

already

become

finished

Rosemonde pretty

having

her

dinner,

had

so piously

this

second

fair

this

my

adventure,

I

thought

was

gaze;

her

voice, of

her

I felt

in my

arms,

well

her

had

Madame

de

that

turn.

so far

from

and,

trembling

the

the

in her

to maintain

had

its

She

she appears

to everybody

not

by

at once

soon

sufficient

was

gesture,

soul.

she was

desirable

her

said

you.”

she

which,

embraced

I saw

may

observing,

being

and

You

decided

from

frame,

with

I

herself

the more

a

it, she loves?

nephew,”

she had scarcely

have

woman,

emotion

let me embrace

but

too

a

a

have

all,

the

“I

can

animated

above

the

stop

time

in her

“Come,

woman,

insisted

succored;

herself.

to me.

She

appearance

hand

more

as I was

in

the

de Rosemonde

but

and

few

pensive

seeking

day

replies.

to see the them.

and praise.

on the moment

Présidente,

of

on going

I accompanied

of gratitude

Madame scant

love and,

prevent

But

ladies

hurries

episode

All

betrayed

to fly;

would

of

of

prevented

her

her work.

scene

Occupied

of

and

this

One

a saint.

when:

to her

the

recollection,

head.

by

keep

of her historian.

knowing

seat

interrupting

my

who

the

caressing,

longer

a sermon:

but

of

an account

of

related

modesty:

without

lively;

not

tapestry.

continuing

my

her

to resist,

to return

After

the

could

resembled

to the intelligence

whom,

of

fear

and suddenly

with

“come

I observe

resuming

she;

alteration,

the strength

hastened

indeed

promises

she wished

more

without

and

could

my

almost

;

speaking

preacher

and

acquired

more

to me,

However,

my

the

perceptible

hardly

from

all

customary,

took

no

honor

bj

and

lady

have

panegyric

I went

drawing

the curé

inquisitive

I made

her

while

dear,

the man

let

making

The

play

to the

given

said

did

were

I repaired

tapestry,

aunt.

tale.

had already

recital

to recite,”

an exactitude

when

whose

old

my

the servant

the had

pastor,

conceive

that

ere

at her

to my than

to divine

I resume

toilette,

working

sweeter

she

of news

a hurried

gazette

Indeed,

which

to the château:

was

the

Glances

mission.

piece

beauty

me soon

secret

return

to make

reading

frame.

enabled

my

time

was

the

AT

had was We

the

My return

than

is

means

the

only

must

I one

have

you

the

impelled

wont,

profiting

said by

maintained to speak,

bored

her;

that

tedium

On

I of

the

never the

the and

whom

by a delicious

to the château.

her

of

produced,

I spare heart,

for

unfortunates

effect same

obtained was

a

my

way, word. which

silence. from intention,

us

and

it succeeded.

apartment

and

Thus, left

on stepping

my

fair

one

room—a

sweet

I had not

to be at the pains

I wished.

The

skill

of my one

on me,

“how

do not

how

Though

my

fair “that

you

how

these

by

gaze

rest

my

with

shall

I

compassionate

feet, draw

bounty,

pitied

me.

their

Oh,

but

secret

only

but of

hope.

candor, bl Do

will

it is on your

to deem

you

whom

I was

at her

feet,

and

disengaged

them

and,

folding

not

have

believe

that

I will

cast

suffer

anew;

myself

consoled

I adore!

hearken

to

adore.” “At

I

of

to

which when

to

I

reproach

I insult

you

I know;

but

my

immensity

of

my

down

there

my

shall

because

me,

this

weakness.

deception,

the

you

happiness

not

to me

that

my

I

nothing I

homage

be miserable,

prove

bosom

strength

I shall

think

I was

it my

of

me

to myself,” you

from

a pure

incapable

I shall

they

I shall

charms

least,

(You

her time.)

I made

the

motive!”

whom

give

by

praise

is not

escapes

you;

here

you

to please.

my

made

at

Where

not

too

to

I have,

which

of the divinity

I did

before

dissimulation.

and

a means

far

perhaps

its true

rescue.

agent

me,

example

the

up to you,

owe

as to your

to me:

attracted

“It

me.

Surrounded

way,

I touched.)

are

easygoing.

knew

cannot

the key

I have

truth

seek

you

find

for

I

divined

vices;

if you

“my

will

too

their

yet

eyes,

it. You far

I, “and

not

your

the action

the weak

criminal

in

eyes

but

said

have

to come

ignorant;

guilty

be dear

it is at your

the

as much

any

will

perhaps

be silent

the

a wit,

In the same

Ah,

I did

remain

ill?” censure,”

me

hoping

I added,

eyes

in doing

them.

near

I would

entertaining

sufferings

have

her sweet

she,

imitated

interrupted

virtues

to you

There

which

letting

ever

say it, but

always

before

love;

the channel

said

is unhappily

unfortunates

have

to your

myself

into

any

to refuse

in your

action,

that

should

have

you.

even,”

vowed

render

love.

than

clear

I have

all value

I must

moment

had

which

without

friend,

she would

very

lighted

me better

damage

to surpass

lose

since

(Here

bk in a dimly

her

served

or that

so

be able

character,

see a praiseworthy else,

timid

into

preacheress

life

praise

may

to imitate

on,

she passed

tête-à-tête,

the conversation

good,”

have

I should

of vanity

would

went

who

of virtue,

my

that

of no morality,

endeavored

see,

of doing

confidence

by persons

today

you,

in my

example

to lead

of the amiable

either

of it that

it a point

myself

emboldens

can one pass one’s

deserve,

conduct

which

is capable

imagine

worthy

fervor

and

the carriage,

own.

“When

“I

obscurity

from

pity

me,

woes. I

find

you

will

succor

me!” By

this

suddenly expression

time

of despair,

“Oh,

wretched

I pressed them me!”

her over

then

hands her

burst

in

mine;

but

she

eyes,

cried

with

an

Luckily

I

into

tears.

was

exalted

I bathed was

to such

them

so full

not

with

taken

this

means

charm

myself

that

What

is this

weakness

the

of a long

desires

Tourvel

of

to

consolation her

fight;

resist;

let

pain

that

I

without at her

to confess

this had

not

it,

having

strength

the

for

she

had

I

privilege

embellished

so little

was

of

defeat

of Ah,

of

by

the

I master

of

circumstances

of

chance

Madame

de

let her

surrender,

true

perhaps

by

but

of

insipid but

let

enough

to

and

be

weakness obscure

hunter

poacher

will

I should come

the

have

her

give

be now

to

the

the

seduced

victory,

it to the

your

triumph,

; if,

to conquer,

us leave

not

the

conqueror

sentiment

Yet

had

more

again,

own,

by a premature

fruit

more?

sublime?

gained

the

the

he has surprised;

followed

my

of a painful

defeat!Let

of mine

perceived

is the force

woman

leisure

her

the stag

project

one

necessary;

losing,

for

her hands

moment.

exposing

plucking,

had

relish

at a bound

Is not

of

most

and

avail

details of

was

yet

hot,

by that

I risked the

seizing

have

face,

of what

I thought

let her,

her

constrained kill

and

and,

I moreover

grew

to profit

battle

of having

first

head

projects,

youth,

the

her.

of ours?

own

not

charming

My

tempted

my

she would

that

tears.

wept;

precaution

of informing

of her

forgetting

I also

This

that

leisure

I was

that

tears.

grief

at my

potent

charms

my

of her

considering

if,

a degree

to

it a run. regretting

rescue

of

my

Madame

de

and left

the

prudence. We

heard

a noise.

Tourvel, room.

Someone

in alarm, I could

as I was before,

rose

not

of

whether

of terror,

I heard

let

her

this,

that

go.

quicken

her

her chamber,

the door

her;

the door

locked

was

have

been

to give

and

simple

idea

woman

on her

did

dare

she

her of

will

chance

and

the tears,

one

invoke

of the hardly

or for flung

careful

behind

potent

resistance.

extraneous

aid!

’Tis

paces,

sentiment rather

than

her.

I went

after

that

I had

resist

will

good

adorable What

God

In

vain,

love?

I who

would

the

this

praying.

to

soon

into,

I saw

fervently

enough

a few

to knock;

and

As

vague

herself

keyhole, and

gone

not

easy

servants.

some

she closed

of a too

with

Is there she

I had

I was

through

one

me,

of which

bathed

invoke?

henceforward,

the

only

steps,

room.

one of the candles,

her.

inside.

peeping

knees,

It was

recognized

entered, but

to the drawing

seized

I followed

she had

her

coming

precipitately,

but

assured

was

order

her

destiny. Thinking and given

I had

started out

Rosemonde headache

done

to write that

she

wished which

enough to you. was to

for

one

I hoped

day,

prevented

withdrew

to see her again

indisposed, go

I too

and

up

to

her;

her

from

but

seeing

had the

own

at supper;

gone cunning

anybody.

to my

to

bed.

but

she

Madame

invalid You

room,

may

alleged guess

had de a that

after

supper

the

Withdrawing and

to my

went

slept

to bed

badly,

epistle.

I

exhibited again,

as you

but

of this

her as to lack AT

THE

AT

FOUR

can

break,

time

CHÂTEAU O’CLOCK

and

a long

intention

of

than

I

ardor,

had

that

I

letter

not

less regret

too

had

to complain

delivering

see by the date

letter.

been

I rose

sufficiently

than

ill

headache.

of this

it to her

of this

my

this

severity,

morning.

and

reread

restrained,

humor.

It must

be

I my had

written

mood. and

I am going

woman

short,

I wrote

that

in a calmer

me sleep.

power

the

discovered

day

was

room,

with

less love

I see the bring

interval

over to think DE IN

I hope

the

to return me,

to my

I promise

much ... , 21ST THE

freshness

of you.

bed;

you

and,

never

Adieu,

AUGUST,

MORNING.

which

my 17 -- ,

accompanies whatever

may

to be so occupied lovely

friend!

it be

will the with

—24— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL AH, tell

MADAME,

DEIGN

me what

and

I am to hope

misfortune,

Why

did

to

image

know

you?

consolation

of

become

cruel

Ah,

the sweetest fear?

is

so,

who

yourself you;

you

him

be told

but

you

his

that

for

silence,

sentiment,

felicity;

I saw

your

did

charm

in

my

of

that

tears

to

happiness

I speak

to

you?

which

betrayed

my

I

at

the

had

untroubled

but

one

you

for

least

then

source

flow,

of

since

by

the

happiness

I heard

that

what

fatality

can

What

then

his

sufferings;

you

a word you

a cruel without

would hours

of

of

pleasure with

felt

repose

than his

would

pitiless.

it the

withdrawn

go

of

seeing

by

letting

and

night

be for

If to

anxiety

the same

have

calumniate

that

to

this

I

have

him

that

is

consolation

not

permitting

have

you

is even

would

game

which

which yours

he has no other

ill,

heart,

mine,

refused

By

terror?

your

is disturbed:

have

were

heart.

but

love;

which

played

twelve

nothing

not

have

my

reciprocation:

when

health;

within

inspire of

of

you

long

made

sight, not

of your

mean

echo

would

told

would

himself

not

you

from

pure

for

that

is the only

not

this

since

will

not is

unceasingly,

Why

deign

me!

misunderstood,

wretch

and

sufficed

words

it

torment.

you

love;

soul,

the extremes

to

adore

of my

between

Content

of the sentiments

Ah,

were

is a cruel

despair,

those

Cast

trouble

the imperious

wretched

Madame,

or fear.

the

to resist

grief, my

to calm

how

my

of your

has

pity

uncertainty

I not

thoughts

IN

him

inform

which

did

a century

of

pain. For

what

fear

to

cause, take

you

involuntary

not

of hope? me,

believe

that:

idea them

which

is

generous

me:

and

lend

corrected

you

to which

left

me!

aid.

What

me me,

judge:

Ah,

let

betray

that

Prove poor

to

abandon

your

reason me light

trust,

me

me since

that

have to the

justified

which

in you,

you

it

you

are

by

ever

frenzy

you

have

to complete

your

so helped

in

which

ravished work.

No,

one

granting

you mine;

of

I

trust

was

to

cannot

revolts

them

is the

an

seemed

heart

who

to

not

always

the effect

write

perfect;

yield

yourself

and my

reproaches;

I do

virtue,

reserve?

you

you

but by

was

without

my

severity? then,

of which

a fault

wretch

and

myself

believe

intolerable I done,

beauty

I withdraw me

have

avowal

be to imply

not

give

by

I yielded

one.

this

what

the innocent

Will

never!

I deserved

inspired

it would

as I? Do

have

my

of detecting

think

need

for

by respect,

permit

bare

me,

sentiment,

restrained and

tell

at the

I can,

but

pleasure me

your

in so

much

have after

plunged having

I would you

not

shall

speech, you.

teach you

pity

refuse

you

will

at least,

all

that

dreadful

me of your

in you;

but

succeed

it: by guiding

me,

assure

desire

never

save

above

me;

as I should

you;

me to moderate

will

Dispel

you

from

my

the dire

fear;

tell

indulgence.

I invoke

in subduing

that

conduct,

that

You

will

of which

love;

by dictating

misfortune

me

my

you

of

but my

displeasing

forgive

me,

never

have

as

I have

need:

will

that much you

it me?

Adieu, it hinders AT

deceive

THE

Madame;

be kind

not

of my

that

CHÂTEAU

DE

enough

to receive

the homage

respect. ... , 20TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

of my

sentiments;

—25— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL THIS

IS YESTERDAY’S

de Rosemonde, of

the

and,

pretended

worn;

BULLETIN.

I hope

under

who

had

turned

left

bed,

and

on

the

armchair.

She wished

the

to avoid

letter

thought

pulse,

had

the

vaunting

that

which

rounded

me

to

suspected meet

it:

alone.

not

I must

her eyes.

and

have

put

for

it to me

send

it

what

signal

contrary; not

you,

to

because revenged

feign it

was

her.

astonished

you.”

I

the

evening,

then

she says

that

she will

than

Madame baseness!

she

this to Ah,

of

she feels

My

with

nonsense, play

at

patience!

I

I refused

to her

she gave

out

that

me that

she was

the truest and

but

she did

not

apartment.

judge; I am

see sure

!

It

... But

adieu.

is

hard

I have

with of

the she

of

men

with not still

I

when

I must

myself

severity

my

letter,

the cleverest

weary

of

Monsieur,

this

woman.

this

I found

me

afterward,

friend,

at

waiting

bm

“Yes,

when

should

in meeting

another.

and

her

I

that,

to her

read

no love,

lovely

symptom.”

or shyness,

mine;

impelled

left

have

retiring

fresh

we

she answered,

was

of

hand,

her

to inform

to

and

over

aware

like

kindness

if I deceive

on a level all

ruses

then

her

I succeeded

awkwardness,

complain

keep

when

me to feel

and

no doubt

anxious

draft

me before!

to believe

pleases

mighty

when first

as to tell

she

beauty

her,

well

that

which

one;

aunt’s

hand,

I ran

I

to conceal

I took

to rise,

I was

the

when

or for

as the

to deceive

on such

was

again,

till

had

her

but

old

My

to punish

look;

Madame

to say

slightest

a somber

of the day

had

the

very

refused; my

no response,

as much

with

when

persuaded

me

wished

a mournful

she

a ruse

falsity

fear

and

if

somewhat

do no more

however,

her

as well

and

which

looked

enough

give

and

was

the one moment

of

it were

give

can

a walk,

which

eyes

medicine.

even

she

presence

necessary

the other,

made

that

the

of

discovered.

as she is, she has her little

to ask I was

said

side

It was

to

be severe,

at dinner,

in a sigh

it was

written

whether

does

she

the

of

with

into

it was

artless

be

is not

of conversing

Virtuous

a moment

I

later

take

while, creature

would

appeared

to

Madame

a moment

child.

forced

“There

Her

letter:

to

was

was

naughty

bed.

de Rosemonde

being

gaze

no opportunity

that,

fate,

her

her

my

dear

I visited

introduced

knowledge

of mine,

The

a moment

she would

for

of

as I withdrew,

She

point,

my

o’clock

I seized

invalid

falsehood

in one

that

her

Madame

mightily

arm.

say,

fever.

little

I pressed

and

have

her

in

decorously

The

vexation

still

to deliver

went

scandal.

double

feeling

away

eleven

I was

as I did.

to be near

she had a little

her

was

as badly

de Rosemonde it

her auspices,

invalid,

she slept

At

needs, despair, to much

be to

write.

By

happen

later

sheets, I say

the

way,

that

she would

and one must nothing

return

to you

me

the

expect

letter one

of

the

to attach

fair a value

THE

CHÂTEAU

to those

it

might

wretched

be in order. of the

little

Volanges;

we

will

day. AT

barbarian;

OF ... , 22ND

AUGUST,

17 -- .

talk

of her

at an

early

—26— THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT ASSUREDLY,

MONSIEUR,

from

me,

today

to have

too,

did

not

foolish

which

words,

you

you

WOULD

conduct

an explanation

the words

and

my

YOU

with

of

you.

have

yesterday

Yes,

are so careful

remarked

never

everything;

evening

I wept,

to quote I

received

any compel

I confess

to me did

must

it:

me

perhaps,

escape

then

letter

me;

tears

to

you

explain

everything. Accustomed

to

conversation enjoy

to

either

I know thrust

made

upon

me;

all

tears

and

the

which

the you

reason,

that

would

need

only

consequently

I deserve, I

The

me;

which

should

never

have

of treated

provoked

my

tears,

wretched.

have

been

if,

I could

far

have

been myself

as lightly and

as

may

This

instead

a fear,

seeing

and

not

receive.

threw

idea

to

I know

conduct

I was

me,

hear

your

motive;

offend

and

despise,

certainly

another

to

impressions

revolting

in conjunction

had must

to say

whom

so strong,

which

I venture

by a situation

with

utterance

a blush,

combat

even

causes

sentiments,

without

into

women

I think

think

sentiments

have

expression,

too

weak,

of

if

my

disapproving

feared

lest

I

should

them.

No,

Monsieur,

away

I have

from

having

you,

known

loving

follow

you.

of never

and

it

justice;

who

with

your

criminal

of your hear,

error:

you

I ought

dictate

to you

those

are the

follow

them;

and

was

Otherwise

your

you

to

read:

you

which will

made

know have

you well,

indeed

you

me;

me

me

to

better

to

respect

a

so and

were

to

do

outraging

Monsieur, to make

her

you a right

I ought

to write

do

me

out

not a

to

letter

guide

your

conduct,

silence

and

forgetfulness,

to give

rights

of

me.

you

no,

of

I am

done

would

to me which

Monsieur,

have

you

authorized

ask

it becomes

have

thought

proposals

in which

to find

while

yourself

and Very

not

that

leagues

misfortune

to approach

than

you,

do not

thought

you

better

would

had

speech!

counsels then

you

have

not

You

at the

I should

I believed

defending

a hundred

of the certainty

and forbid

error,

fly

a desert

perhaps

nothing

avowals.

not

you,

I would

in

in spite

friends,

asked

because

if I had, weep

even,

sole

already

would

which

go

loving

is my who

you

me.

fear;

of my

woman,

know

that

Perhaps

the counsels

virtuous

not

I would

you,

I believed,

not

to

inspired

the

these

say,

you

or

perhaps,

with

which

listen which

dissimulate

of what,

me

share

security

not

are:

I can

honorable

and embarrassment

confounded they

of

to

astonishment

only

which

a feeling

how

not

inspire

to

you, my

as it will

indulgence:

you it

to

to will

only

rest

with

you

to obtain

a request

to

a man

who

confidence perhaps than

to a man to hate

the

nephew

friendship all; I

of

to the

am

anxious,

from

me; my

again

you

their

coming

to see you,

silence from

which you.

beg

that

any

trace

I have

abused

I did

not

want

my

most

will

will

to;

not

want

to

make

to me I have

in this

it.

it

to

impose

letter return

of an incident

me this: which

have

I should never

DE

... , 21ST

AUGUST,

17 -- .

fear,

naught

else

voice

of

destroyed

it

sentiments

all,

that,

so far

me to refuse

as to this

to expect

to be, etc.

CHÂTEAU

force

to have

the

to demand

to me,

be sincerely

ever

subject,

and even written

of

to

the

your

above

address mark

me

have

that

and,

would

you

ought

force

You

on yourself,

which

no

opposed

you

to me;

the right

that

I

you.

to repair

you

not

to see in you

accused

them,

give

You

friend;

clear

no, I will

I will

security.

I wished

is an outrage

do not

But

me;

my

which

to share

similarly

remained

respected

respected

voice

day

it seems

the honor

THE

has

if you

I enclose you

who

avowal

one

gratitude....

not

Monsieur,

that

my

has

public

and I foresee,

offend

AT

you:

even

and

grieved

occurred.

I if

—27— CECILE

VOLANGES

LORD!

HOW

would

too,

my

dear

need

that

of you,

as anyone

prevented

in spite

Mamma That It was

found

I

I cannot

reading

it; not

stronger

than

answer

him,

him

once,

but,

in spite

and

longer

said

I am going

all

I did

not

him

partly

he is sad, to do,

and nor

I ought

to me;

that what

pains will

not

then?

life

not

when

I

tell

a

to

than

to tell

still:

and

he

him

that,

he said

that

only

not

to

again:

answer

so much

I am

to

written

to me

as I do not

in

that

I had resolved

me more

day

of pleasure

to write

happen,

you,

on that

not

deal

I have

and,

tears

for

that

at it: but

it; for

him

what

of me

but,

my

vexed

Oh,

But

you

was:

that

myself.

on writing

I assure

all

believe

I

crying,

my

it was

a great

I was

me

ago!

sorrow

to tell

matter,

you,

it

take

well

help

oh,

what

have

I told

not

was

he goes

what

at

and I quite

I could

that

to me:

I knew

that

to tell

so

to

know

become

days

I have

me

not

word.

have

four

saw

I do the

yes,

he is there,

you

a single

would

since

sooner

himself,

that

what

wrote

it. But you

yet

know

have

that

even

well

not

you

of that,

I see quite no

and

was

tell

written

it was

what

know

have

assure

me

yes,

I would

and I can even

asked

tell

Oh

it seems

when

it

to

friend?

grieved,

when

that

I have

and then,

especially

Yesterday,

especially

What

to be afraid;

and,

and

understood

are my

then,

not

see,

you

and

did

you

to speak!

you,

it;

Danceny

you

to

I could

Madame,

letter,

falsehood,

you

well

that

not

MERTEUIL

I am so very

speak

life,

le Chevalier his

should

day,

to try

at me.

noticed

I pass my

on that

M.

when

have

true

thoughts;

to

of myself.

would

is how

that

and,

than

is it not

looks

DE

how

to you

counsels!

my

I wished

me;

flowed

but

of your

as soon because

Madame!

I am going

guesses

was

are,

difficult;

friend!

MARQUISE

to write

everybody

blush

THE

YOU

to me

is very

very

much

it

GOOD

be easier

you,

TO

him, that

much

to

I be

pitied. Tell

me,

time

to time?

more

I beg

letter,

going

think

believe While

you

that I am

stay

know

as though

answer

will that you

you

his

think it,

we will

it be very

not

letter

be, like

Madame,

able

is no

harm

I promise me,

and that

permit

me

and

us a great

as well,

in

what

you

to

to ask

for

me,

I am very

any

if

this

his

last

sure

that

you

will

of pain.

a copy,

and

he asks. restrain

is no harm you

from

to me

in reading

deal

or rather

there

as

See,

done;

to him

to write

for,

to me.

have

to reply not

before:

happen

cause

wrong

to resolve

were

never

it will

see there

must

will

about

what

again,

quite it

as

I should

him

to send

would

he has been

to

I do not

if I do not

decide;

until

and

I cried

I am

Madame,

Only

himself,

continues,

you

you,

one

However, myself;

if but

there. more

question.

I

They

have

always

told

that?

What

makes

me

that

it is not

do not

see why

it is only that

wrong

Madame

ask

for

D---

angry

with

if she were

treats

me always

I believed,

when

but

at present

you

who

know, since all,

I hope

she took

you

have

the honor 23RD

only

will

me

no: with tell

This

me to write

on your

friendship.

my

Mamma

for

and she tells

convent,

that

that

I care

about

perhaps,

how

is a very to you,

long

I have

is so,

herself

she did

M.

it,

letter,

be She

me nothing

at all.

to marry

me;

you;

and,

that

speak

Danceny.

it stands;

profited

not

I assure

I

say

she would

it was

is

maintains

if that

I am sure

liking

why

it; or is it then

M --- , and

the

her know, me.

from

yet

but

Danceny loves;

heard

and

Mamma;

it is not

17 -- .

I have

Monsieur

from

to be, etc.

everybody

to suspect

allowed

AUGUST,

For

anyone;

le Chevalier

wrong;

does

to love

one to refrain

with

so very

M.

almost

ladies?

a child,

it seems

and I count

PARIS,

was

are so friendly

you

I have

like

that

in love

which

wrong

is that

and

young

was

it was

be the only

of it as a thing me,

that you

at all,

I should

wrong

me

if

but you

Madame;

but,

by it to tell

you

—28— THE

CHEVALIER

WHAT, can

DANCENY

MADEMOISELLE!

bend

you,

brought!

What

each

then

is this

even

leaves

cold

you

I cannot

nothing that! which

to

even

ingratitude,

if

not

discuss

it does

not

learn

how

from

myself

means;

there

repeating you

never

cease

most

tender

love;

I feel

made

for

you!

But

enough surest

it to me. I dare to

me

it!

and

will

will

heart

An

23RD

own

can

and

you

if

it

that not

you

do

refuse

him

so feeble,

this my

of

heart

wished

it,

indifference

dearly,

accept

day! be the

it will

a vow

to live

cruel

to

see

at least of

be your

take

the

were

only me

for well

it is at once

fashion

of

I

work!

alone

teaches

behalf:

of

price

you

silence

hide

that

try

today;

in my

the most

even

I

every

is

Ah,

; your

to you

it

every will

until

attempt

I lose

I would

and

I will

I you,

be; I do not

excuse.

and

fear

to

a plausible

sorrow

to

myself

I will

you

the happiness

nothing

will

most

me,

not

be a burden

is insensible.

eternal

not

is

it within task

believe

of it. However,

strength;

of seeing

delight

ah,

only

in seeking

have

myself impatience,

but

pity,

with

the hope friendship

friendship

heart. PARIS,

pain;

the

announcing

Mademoiselle.

flatter

complacence;

says

and

friendship

confine

my

busy

I recover

you

your

of all

habit

vow

us,

it does

suffers

the appearance

painful

cost

your

to regret

of your

with

that

what

Adieu,

not

will

with

between

of a fire

a sentiment

with

at least

need

heart;

this

proof

have

you

had

to my

yesterday:

which

how

the sweet

it, shall

my

that

I must

often

lose

shall

Never,

the having

and I am already

I should

love

a sentiment

which

it

confidence,

a word,

Nothing

which

subsists

friend

with

said

repay

it. I feel

one

to myself

to

you;

hope

sensible

with

for

himself

me!

the torments

your

you

the

agree

you

you

you

only

you

I shall

is

less often,

What!

ready

to conquer

ask

answer

the assurance!

be

interest

that

but

ungrateful,

with

you

What!

to content

it is to dread

it

I experience

pity?

be

to

which

inspiring

to reiterate

to

with

to render

from

does

VOLANGES

refuse

away

while

your

him

not

Mademoiselle,

enough

He

fear

STILL

friendship

far

induce

wish

would

dare

if,

CECILE

bears

tranquil,

him!

you

you

You

and

to help And

day

powerful

extinguish;

suffice

YOU

and

if it be not

even

TO

AUGUST,

17 -- .

and

of a reply: with love

love

pleasure, are

equally

would

have

even strangers

written

pity

with to

your

—29— CÉCILE

VOLANGES

I TOLD and

YOU,

I assure

SOPHIE,

you

that

advice,

which

myself.

The

proof

woman

who

surely

She

talked

she agreed

that

letters

all

say

nothing

how

I love

I am going

this

ought

not

Madame of

all

to write

faults,

anyhow,

which

would

her.

known has

Opera,

much

been Mamma Adieu,

which

than a

proof

asked box; all

than

me that to

my

sure

that

I

Heavens, very

he will

be!

He my

of my

love.

I think

it

was

and

he longed

I was

right,

can

for

that.

and that

no

longer

any

I

one

restrain

longer;

after

all,

pleasure. lend

me

to behave

for,

you

see,

she

likes of

she has neglected

books

myself

she tells me;

these

my

me

properly,

me

of

she

books,

which

all

has

only

because

education,

and

my

that

that

might

it to her!

that

of me than

all

of

teach

about

her

spoken

would

to Mamma

however,

Sophie,

Mamma

to

a woman my

bring

she has told the the

time,

who

mother!

without shall

quite

true

that

nothing

about about

I am going

it.

By

the

we

fear

We

more

me

me that

opera.

it was

say

has said my

she

say nothing

her,

she is a woman

myself

that

nothing

care

restrain

much

to

only

one

also

how

that

until

greater

now:

all

I have

me that

him

would

her.

tranquil.

pleased

dare,

give

I know

to say

more

talk

better

able

me

not

a

is scarcely

It is very

related

lucky

for

to

me to

her!

also

to

has told

and

I shall

in her

are

told

how

him

not

love,

I could

and it will

is

take

I did

feels

and

is

to

to make

I am

hitherto

she told

one

that

extraordinary,

me should

She

that

to suggest

Oh,

It is very

have

but

and

for

me to show

to

to be said.

me to tell

de Merteuil;

me

seem

he thinks,

thing;

better

recommended

Danceny,

wanted

that,

more

and who

explained

in order

at present,

is nothing

he always

thing,

Danceny,

your

everything

I had asks

write;

Danceny

de Merteuil,

She is so good!

to M.

so than

de Merteuil

spoke

we

to write

I am sure

it is the same

and

there

when

might followed

Chevalier

I confessed

she only

thus,

one

having

Madame

as I do. but

which

with

to the

is that

different;

in

greatly

did:

I should;

to confess

now

as you

cases

grief

right

de Merteuil!

to Madame

oneself:

vex

what

the same

told

myself

thinks

very

Thus,

and

were

of the Chevalier

more

friendship,

there

I was

at first

Madame

How

CARNAY

so much

knows,

those

respected.

much

that

but

be even

that

I reproach

it was

much

will

SOPHIE

has brought

to me

and

TO

shall of

speak I was the

day

after

tomorrow

be quite

being also

overheard: of

my

is

it

; but

not

the

there,

and

I like

that

marriage:

to be married way,

alone

to

for

we have

astonishing

she not that

it at all? to write

to the Chevalier

Danceny.

Oh!

I am

very

happy.

PARIS,

24TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

—30— CECILE AT

VOLANGES

LAST,

MONSIEUR

friendship,

of my

that

I have

and

I hope,

that

I have

not

since

a good

heart;

the

anything

that

was

if I could

very

have

that,

and

prevented

at present,

I would

myself: you

will

pleasure

of

would

it.

but

your

you

that

in the not

that

If

that

be sad no longer,

did

told

gave

been not

say

grieved

grieve I like

you

my

mistaken,

me to

do

of my

love,

much

pain.

me too

and that

of You

are

would

have

sadness

you have

world,

even

you

be unhappy.

indeed,

suppose

nothing

to assure

we shall

both

be

happy.

I trust

to have

come

early;

home,

the

it will

and

engaged

as you

of that:

now as you

you

may

you

can,

to feel

I am very I will

that

that

ask if I may

Adieu,

so, the better PARIS,

letter

Monsieur.

24TH

for

you

you

ask before

went

know

I love

I am

only

this

evening,

as I could you

to

to it very you, happy

wish.

stay:

yesterday.

early.

when

I am

you

come,

will

you,

will at

will

not

be

you

went

to

let us not

remain

with

you

is to sup

the supper

But

you

that

Mamma

I hope

Was

I hope

and

with and

talk

me

I

as

should

the same.

sorry

get my

will

the day

For

seeing

be so early

she

were

agreeable?

much

never

I believe

so very

like

wrong;

for

you

doubt

do you

is that,

to you,

you,

longer

to you,

fact

that

I assure no

DANCENY

to write

without

you

written

But

CHEVALIER

, I consent

at present, not

THE

love,

as well?

I hope

TO

you

play

are still

on the harp

at once. I love

pleased

as soon

moment, as you

but

it is not

arrive,

in order

my

fault.

that

you

I tell

you

I can do no more.

you

I am;

AUGUST,

sad at this

well,

with

my

I hope

that

you

17 -- .

whole will

heart: be so too.

the more

—31— THE

CHEVALIER

YES,

WITHOUT

assured, long no

DANCENY A

since

I am

as the love longer

better

loved

you

your

hand,

upon

me

those

embellished

still

I will

What

never

Merteuil idea

my

day

secrets

of

whole

we

your

which

which

has written

Tell

me,

forced

my

by

when

you

the

refusal

sentiment him

happier,

charming the

aid

which

of

and

this

promise,

softened

Adieu,

my

house.

It would

again.

give

you

25TH

tell

ever

well

me,

me

as you

so,

the

you , written I saw of

for

receive

by fixed

tenderness

me.

me

Ah,

receive

it and be

sure

Madame

de

it be that

the

find

I love

17 -- .

you,

for

hour

to quit

you

returned; looks

of

it:

courage

when for

you

would

Promise

to support the

cruel

my

regret.

privations

made

it not

to go and love

my With

will

you,

I shall

no

vexations

I must

whom

have

me,

the

when

you

for

severe.

is at hand

so dearly!

were

love,

have

be less

and

another;

of your

him?

will

we

one

did

a kiss

were

that

favor!

you

share

unceasingly

me of a greater

from

us; and

delicious

kisses,

the assurance

joy

the

it with

proofs

this

hold

cover

to yourself:

the

that

the

be impossible

I not

opportunity

certainty

Cécile:

whom

kept

in store

with

had

any

not

to mingle

given

with

has

must

indifferent

say

have

I shall

have

AUGUST,

have

why Why

can

Mamma

not

and more! PARIS,

love

confession.

day?

I love

me,

by my

you

you

on the first

charming

Adieu,

to me

console

Did

that

Why

only

to

friend,

at least

me?

have

it is I who

circumstances

You

expression

Ah,

comes

to

made

of regret?

us,

your

no longer

you

the

is

it is to last

you

happiness;

every

when

presence

could

if

I love

to live

yesterday!

the refusal

Cécile,

her

end,

more

their

to your

follows

pretty

so for

charming

vow

Mamma

possesses

myself

that

repeat

happiness

What!

The

your

passed

which

avenge

never

in me.

which

life

recollection hand,

will

My

it!

to tell

constraint,

eyes,

happy.

love!

mouth

I received

betray

a happy

reading

sweet

charming more.

yours

your

VOLANGES

be

inspired

of

After

CÉCILE

shall

you;

have

me

your

to consecrate

that

you

are!

I heard

we

by

to assure

pleased

mine,

DOUBT,

which

fear

TO

go

to see

ever

be

your you more

—32— MADAME You

DE

ASK

ME

I confess task

VOLANGES THEN,

Madame, bring

myself

to believe

in his

honor,

from

the

of

a man

in

the

viciousness

error.

Humanity

evil

than

man

has his weaknesses.

in

believe,

that

in

wicked

of

that

as it does

practicing

but

I see in

vicious

as to the

but it

not

I would

permit

his

Listen,

if you

let

that

not

whom

he

danger

life

of

you

sacrificed.

himself?

reformation?

Let

public

conduct?

God

reads

in men’s

hearts:

none

among

the

and

obliged

not

tax

to believe

the right

to pretend

restrained

by this

under you,

which however

Alarmed the

objections

this that

only,

this

him,

and

absolve can

only

my

dear

warmth which

I foresee

us to

pride that

I

preach; treat

the

miracle does

of

Such,

happy

and

a right

to

so difficult

too

apart

he

deeds;

has

to lose

liable

would to regulate

by

that

precious

M.

a

repentance;

loss

for,

the

dangerous

suffice

this

this

little

from

to misdoing would

de Valmont

to

respect, value

our

possession

nevertheless, with

of

of

others,

of attaching

more

but

victims

a

thoughts

renders

this

less

the

dishonor?

instance

of

the air

renounces

an

that

moment

injustice:

and

accomplished;

not

of

action;

has he any

capable

friend,

acquaintance

with

I

hundred

any

young

with

brake.

the

be

esteem

which

to have

it might

from think

but

say,

to

judge

the

to it, he is, indeed,

innocent

the

he has succored;

of

him

at the

lost

severity

powerful

to

toward

de Valmont’s

man

as you

suppose

distrust

no one

honest

necessary

which

scandal

cries

him

men

merely

an intimate

at the

can

the

assume

You

all,

as the

leads

of M.

wretched

make

having

above

it

trouble,

that

against

after

suffices

do

he

would

necessary

Remember

it sometimes it;

them,

of

repair.

hearing

but

when

in

from

alone

of

doubtless

as the act itself:

families

Were

remain

your

complain

as laudable

us go farther:

opinion

case

latter

indulgence

the motives

of the

13

in the

alike.

voice

acquaintances,

acquaintance

weakness,

involving

to the

the

will

to of

indulgence the

as

sake

just

it safeguards

a

the

the more

of

You

to me,

for

virtues,

?

it as hard

relate

no more

necessity

that

to criticize them

prevent

his

de Valmont

find

probity,

to me all

moment,

of integrity

in

will,

has

and

at this

myself

has

the

you

fashion;

appears

a dangerous

rain bo believe

spent

truth

that

TOURVEL

of M.

I should

known

discouragement.

sorrily,

only

fact

of

criminal

good,

from

and the man

I will

This

one

in any

it is derived

the former

am

The

DE

in the virtue

to it, and that

perfect

good.

from

as well

bn

is not

PRÉSIDENTE

to believe

I cannot

one

not

THE

that

believe

less

TO

being

who who

be the would

to

is

has not

aspect display

be. which you

you will

defend make.

him, You

I hasten will

quote

to

anticipate

Madame

de

Merteuil, why

to whom

I receive

repulsed called To

this

him

at

by people good

begin

perhaps

my

society.

no other

fault

save

she is a skillful and

a precipice,

to praise

her,

it would

reproaches

principles would

become think

concerns

I receive

the

know,

a great

obtain

an empire

praise

and

But

and

being

in what

is

indeed,

confidence

by

her;

fear

right

admits

more,

to assure

a

it is

herself

as she has seen

own

betwixt

success:

she

has

in her

a carriage

justified

I do not

not and

how

over

society,

it was

and

but

they

more

thousand passes

to amiable

it

have

her

that

she

others.

No

it is

one

you

than

M.

as

Valmont,

early

does

feared

society. them,

with

a

recognized with

this

with

the

would

great

that, equal

double other.

is his existence

courageous,

rule

in remarking

to employ,

he

Such

than

which

life

de

sufficient

him.

prudent

others

qualities,

himself

flatter

more

everywhere:

one’s

them.

possesses makes

myself

he is received

one

many

one,

justify

to the

submitting

the

Madame

think

a man.

my

security

de Merteuil

of shutting It was

with

My

side,

frivolous

of which

they

do not

who

feign

not

will

Consider venture

that to risk.

only

prudent

too fear

come

sufficient

you

an inconsistency: friend,

you.

to

skill,

talent:

he

People

do

in the midst rather

of a

humor

who

will

than

and

are doing,

at this

much to seem

rendered too

come

to convince

among

our himself

intimate back,

you,

young

yield

I

with conjure to my

the

oracle,

him; you!

and ...

in a virtue

the

pattern

other,

ill-natured,

friendship;

have

the for

men

whom

M.

I

notice

you,

are my

would de

that you

not

Valmont the

not

reasons

it is that

the

its possession.

certain

If

it escapes

judges,

you

of

of them

for

will

on the

men,

betrays

a

with

by

you

what

for

you

to punish

moment,

modest

the word,

virtue

believe

would

in solitude,

the most

that

not

in themselves;

woman,

almost

very

then

in it, in order

fact,

other

forgive

your

Reflect

folk,

find

any

virtuous,

to believe

In

back,

the most

lovely

it fills

nor

up in the country,

for

of such

which

herself,

herself

reserved

friendship.

on the one

Ah,

much

to imitate

I will

as I do,

all to set the example

has

is only

fortune,

him;

neither

from

even,

me

him.

moment such

who

to add

None

which,

combat

ask

from

person

in taking

it. In proportion

ridicule.

with

esteem

world

more

them,

name,

not

and

; and

far

after,

estimable

too

delights

de Valmont,

as well

bemoaning

seduces

of having

severe

that,

will

everything.

who

myself,

M.

inconsistency You

more

me

sought

guide

for

tell

you

as I do.

As to what doubt

that

pardoned;

a most

be imprudent

herself

will

I can answer

de Merteuil,

mountain

and

you

he is admitted,

I believe

Madame

has been

house;

of honor,

with,

strength;

acquaintance

which

most afraid?

are

not

makes

me renew

my

and

that

I trust

of its anxiety PARIS,

24TH

entreaties, it may than

it is for be needless;

of its neglect.

AUGUST,

17 -- .

that but

to justify

them.

I would

rather

You you

think had

to

it

severe,

complain

—33— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT THE

MOMENT

moment less

that

THAT your

desirous

YOU

plan

is to furnish

to conquer

conduct

is

contrary

supposition;

are afraid

than

a masterpiece

arms

to fight,

of

of success, against

I have

prudence.

It

my

yourself

no more

would

and,

to

tell

the

truth,

is not

that

you

dear and

that

the

you

to say to you.

be

I fear

Vicomte,

one

that

of

Your

folly

you

are

are

in

the

under

an

of

the

on

the

illusion. What

I reproach

you

with

On

one

side,

moment. other,

the

I am quite

once

missed

action.

aware,

returns,

But

the

Do

you

surrender? and

by

It appears

not

of

on her

feelings,

move

her

letter,

by

fine

phrases

will

last

which

passes

which

it

yield to

who,

fully

be

the

the

her

And

then,

argument,

one

refuses

finds,

tells

them;

In

so much

addition,

nothing write words, them,

you

be

write,

of

By

a convincing

dint

afterward

as in order

love manner:

not I

dévote,

one to give

wonder

as to

write

it is not

can

by

Thus,

for

good

to them,

not

what that

you

so long

for

“I

seems

the

of

the

you

in

sake

of

reasons,

one

because

they

bp made:

do

not

feel.

not

employ

but

you

do not

arrange

them

in the same

way;

or rather,

and

that

suffices.

Read

over

your

there

is an order

letter:

say,

spite

yet

do

that with

they

not

you

that

woman,

she beats

of searching

have

it the

of

a

in

Merely

you

that

de Tourvel

the lie.

your

succeed

happens?

oneself

If

a letter,

that

conversation,

clings

it?

to

to prevent

may

of Madame

of

you

yourself

know

terms.

a matter

wish

method

must

sentiment

whether

do not

of

in your what

see

a

you.

she

it serve

flatter

to write

you,”

value

will

it takes

This

is

to profit

and

lead

of

it

reflection

virtue

her

admit

start

may

a truth

do you

precipitate

that

for

your

love

know

to yield.

in

“I

lie

occasion

yourself

that

in what

left

never.

let

woman

be at hand

of

the

over

which

but

time

argumentative

and

her

delivered,

wish

do you

a point

so difficult in

can

had

make

be no time of the

to

only

of love,

only

aware

which

are good,

not

this

an

a too

have

can

of arguing;

principles

they

advantage

one

it

when

to

to

arrived; that

whither

to

therein

will

will

endeavor

But

letter.

there

Reflect

myself.”

me

you

it had

from

should

prove

advantage

the contrary,

to foretell

that

take

recovers

you

the intoxication

with

is her

children,

that

not

since

before

one

never

to

and and

that

of it?

especially

to me

produce

so long

confession

chance,

not

see that

assert

at present

demonstration;

acting

they

is that

you

any

clearly

one

blunder

I defy

hope,

not

although

whereas

real

correspondence.

I do

did

there

is

I mean

to

the you

same arrange

presiding

over

it

which

Présidente

betrays

is too

little

failed

of its effect.

grow

heated,

and

forms

an

exception,

observation is not

the

same

true

forbids Believe

this but

return

What too

with

Vicomte:

woman

question

herself

to me,

strength

I return

you

you

of

whom and you PARIS,

your

after the

I am greatly

24TH

for than

and

phrase

of

this true.

less

in the

coherent

which

the

It

gives

of desire

confusion

presence

no more;

is

beloved

take

an opportunity I believed

the

object

which

gratitude,

advantage

to speak.

? Her

the pretext

about

to ensure time;

and that

two

I foresee

and,

who

pleased.

glad

AUGUST,

17 -- .

success that

defense

would

of

Do

you

is good;

she gives

she

is

thereat.

coming that

is the fact

she

be left

will

you

not

not on

I shall

bq Adieu,

quickly have for

that

they

so late,

that

exhaust

her for

are prudent,

If it were

I believe

to be very

will

if you

moment.

Volanges

your

no more

letters,

the happy

little

ought

again, at one

of the word,

until

her

author,

instrument

the

to

which

of it was

short,

and

one

the

the

in

himself

only

the expression

to write

strength

it has no less

to be won.

wait

of her letter, in

the

of

your

to

have

at all.

defense

last,

asked

and

has more

to the

all

is the

working

that

whips

substance

air of trouble

us desire are

the

of

matter?

talent

tenderness;

above

mistake,

the length

much

and

that

is added;

of that

you

your

appears

that

easily

love;

for

betrayed

of tears

what

believe

the author

the

habit

fain

Héloïse

of

believe The

and makes

to retrieve

and,

me

it: but

cold.

spite

speaking.

of

me,

know,

in

made

I would

of novels;

remains

and,

more

reflection,

turn.

to perceive

reader

confounded

eloquence

that

the

in

promotes

each

It is the mistake

to it; the facility

is

speech

at

formed

has ever

sensibility eyes

you

in

uses the

of the thing. be the

I would enough,

today.

it

will

finished

she

speak

two to

and

with

before

you,

—34— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

fair

friend:

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL YOU

SPEAK

WITH

to so much ’tis

better

fatigue

those

only

remark

there

are two.

are

the

To

subject

which

to

between

and

fair

barbarian,

avoiding

way.

this

My

letters

artifice

is necessary, remember

presented

no more

from for

own

she

hope,

however,

refusal I was offered favor,

that

much

her and

the

moment

of

chambermaid her

that

were it

subject

was

not

She her

that yield

beaux-esprits, whom

will

and

br who

vanity

leads

de B --- , who time,

an occasion

for

had

no

more

treating

in

she

a

a longer I put

toilette,

when I sent for

have

Since

choice

the affair

of the

a skill

in

So much

so that,

if

with

the

means

be routed

by her in any

war;

content

not For

with

each

one a fresh

her the first;

the second

me to return least

caprice

which

correct

or,

already

have

in short,

this

been

in an envelope;

she

de

this

to grant

my

my

third. of

I this

essay,

which a

and

asked

with me.

I

certain

which

Rosemonde

chasseur,

had

the

letter,

After

by

virtue,

the future.

defense.

Madame

gave

whether

the consequence

receive

letter

I

But

refused

her for

not

her letter;

suspicion.

obstinately

into

which

a

not

has shown

them.

I gave

the

she

it her

are

succeed.

would

would

I

seriously not

or from it,

principles

that

a little

asked

having

that

own.

myself

means

her will

paper

my

always

in passing,

the

I and

at that

defensive,

of

caught,

that

present,

letter.

seduction!

shyness

the case.

to receive

a simple

to throw

the

love,

of your

from

you

I will

the embarrassment

made

in

principle,

suppose

on the

the

for

fast

the Comtesse

saw

is not

assuredly

that

move

of

and

tell

you

for

to believe

simply;

yourself

this

had,

disconcerted

been

I am prepared

an attempt

fact,

she refuses

surprised

quite

but

tell

me

bs will

to occupy

without

has happened not

has

and it does

force

way

she only

keeps

difficulty.

art

to

difficulty,

which

by what

the

that

put

the whole

the femmes

sure

why

of her pen.

In

are

at having

will

that

To

self-conceit

any

be forced

instead,

vexation

be added

who

unanswered,

will

my

must

an advocate

even

them

her

in this

advantage;

leaving

You

walk

and

which

I shall

of regaining

who

speaking,

interviews

continues,

exception

question.

writing

my

this

the

one

without

be,

in

but

be worthy

may

elements

by

but

disputes?

is, I believe,

I am quite

her,

should

that

applicable

19th,

letter I for

that

therein

instance,

first

me than

However

make

my

nobody

simple

children,

For

my

for

most

be enticed

the snare.

love

what

ignorance,

themselves

truth,

to write;

you

from

answered

than

that

themselves

into

to prove

to speak

Why,

let

PERFECT

was seizing

and

the

an order I had

rightly

to

guessed

that

would

she

necessitate:

received

orders

perceive

a slight

or that, find

if

About

alone

haste....

two.

I suspect

of his

It

was that

They

send

which

is

purpose

are

from

in it during

for.

not

and

to the All

the

turn

Meantime

when

it seems

servant;

my

with

rights

as the husband, fair

had

It seemed

These

precautions

others. reception; arrival

for

letter.

all

the

once

the letter

to Madame

“It

my

is not

breaking

husband’s

the seal.

day

good

handed

for.

on I

the

opened

merely

folded

in

than

herself

on

my

fury.

It

was

and

seek

for

fresh

letters

from

the

post,

they

other. to him:

those

employ

for

this

the postmaster

Everyone

puts

his

in the evening

which

have

perform to go,

this under

the

of

the

right

envelope

by

since

from

they

arrived

service. the

are It

was

pretext

that

she

to procure

this

the

At box.

last

“From

I

the same

and

also

because

letters

from

pleasure.

being

breakfast, they

Dijon.

for

to add in

of

and

asking

to receive

enough

for

stamp

place,

had

expedient

is to assemble separating.

I was

her this

easy

in the address, the

the same

desire

it was

opened

handwriting

it merrier, also

taken,

before

de Rosemonde

to

to speak.

mine,

bu of which

the

my

upon

I found

custom

Madame

the

or otherwise,

skill

succeeded

of the letters

you

away:

morning

I disguised

to me only

I moreover

her

ruse.

bt

fetch

he undertook

to write

spoken

to

for

direction.

because

Dijon.

but

some

this

the

strange

depict

an almsbox,

the day,

chose

my

like

in

than

scrupulous devil’s

letter,

and

longed

this

a league

Rosemonde

in that

town,

of

to

de

and

but

I found:

morning

almost

shape

sang-froid,

Madame

of my

I counterfeited

to

one’s

quarters

post,

I wrote

pains

one that

the servants,

he had business

at no

this

room,

unbroken,

be less

her employ

regain

a lid

seal

I might

keep

occasion

my

so greatly

the

had

did

be necessary

entered

refusal

who

eyes,

she would

of another

itself,

a

anger.

me a good

people

the writing

every

three with

key

carried

sent

to

give

a packet

good

than

it would

would

that

be

here

about

one

letters

I need

has

that

which

ambassador,

who

either

of her

letter

is the only

a box

sure,

which

fear

and

my

embarrassment

had made

however, This

face,

explanation

and

it to me,

one

her

me:

has

me,

my

You

methods.

for

I recognized

of scandal

necessary,

her

mistress,

the subject know

letter;

to return

with

of which

it in

the

afterward,

on behalf

envelope

took

then,

wished

an hour

scandalous

and more

myself

herself

the

observe

blush,

she

dread

she to

I congratulated

me,

would

and

this

letter

to

the

a witness

of

the

to wait

for

the

came. Dijon,”

she

said,

giving

de Tourvel. writing,”

she answered

in a troubled

voice,

hastily

The

first

that

Madame

with

you?”

I also

glance

instructed

de Rosemonde

drew

near,

saying,

The

shy

dévote

her

embarrassment,

scarcely

letter

has

her better “It

dared

anyone

has sent

“It

not

is

author

of it.”

With

that

rose,

and left

The

account

must

accustom

world

could

and

then

eyes;

over

her

and air

pain.”

THE

and,

which not

bids

to

hide

she

was

being

me hope

Anger

which

to write

offend

me,

sorry that

then

to this

inspired

and

that

I

am

and

its

to me.”

Madame

de Rosemonde.

angry

contempt.

fair You

one; will

missive,

“but

oblige

put

the

letter

me by speaking

the pieces

she has nonetheless

taken

care of

draft

you

she read

day two

would letters;

to be au courant

yourself I

the

of my

want

that

support

to the

deciphering tedium

had my

into

no

her pocket,

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 25TH

and I rely

upon

her

to

this

it through. take

me

too

far.

I

add

you

will

thus

be as fully

bw

with

this

correspondence,

my of

letter;

minutes

copying

them.

friend! AT

matter

done.

“things

up the audacious

alteration

is the

a word;

confusion,

than

the

not

epistle,

astonishment have

“What

the

tranquil

an

dreadful?”

she said

run

such

asked,

so very

more

could

equal

relation

If

to

interrupted

anger

the first

as myself.

her

underwent

the room.

to have

detailed

letter

“Your

answered

she tore

face it,

I enjoyed

more

me with

of this

curiosity

raise

has dared

signed,”

more

this

answered,

it?”

inspire

In spite

you

she

“Who

not

prudence

contains,”

astounded

“Is

I added,

caused

her

perceived

to read.

a little,

than

and

pretended

in a state

gird bv her

her;

AUGUST,

17 -- .

; for

informed

nothing

Adieu,

my

you in

the

lovely

—35— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

OBEY

you,

Madame;

I must

which

you

are pleased

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL I MUST midst at

NEEDS

of the faults

least

enough

courage

to impose

be silent forget,

and if

that my

I confess

that

you

You

you

be

to please

that,

me,

you

faith

You

would

over

love

resists

and not

not

ask

opinion.

If

you

these

officious

rigid

a virtue,

let

have

it the right;

soul

not

I

will

met

and

a title

that

it.

more,

to obtain

it:

if it could

that

which

love,

was

be

a

you

cast

What

that,

that

from

you

the result

me

other

submit;

of my

when

As a reward

than

the

from myself

it all,

power

feelings;

of

for

afar

I support

inconceivable

mistress

even

to conceal

audacity.

I alone

destroy

to you, me

hatred....

The

have

Madame,

an

after

for

and

which

you

and if only

it is because

flattered

which

allowed

that

believed

myself

the

my

it is your

I should

interest

me to hope.

people the

be

you

But,

not

Reflect, them

work

receive.

had

I do

sometimes

I admit,

I think

to damage

me

him

I promise

his in

no

be left

ignorant

crime, advance

me.

and to

justify

you Who

severity,

they

I

can

either the

does his

their

right

not

myself,

then

know

I ask to

not are

of

force

a

so

cover

with

condemn

and

would

names to

accusers.

your

not

them of

in

and

would

confound

I have

One

naming

of such

doubt

would

that

friends,

expressions.

people

which

judge

your

are your

those

Madame,

you

sought of

named;

obscurity I shall

those

doubt

to

have

counsels

you:

No

consent

and

I never

pity

friends?

telling and

you

me to

of justice.

had

in

is

I adore.

which

that

accusations. it

enough

and

which

for

truest

your

absolute

me approach

calumniators;

favor,

for

me,

have

themselves

my

of my

the

cannot

a love

sense

even

without

you

in me might

inform

since

if

you

and

to be silent;

forget

and

so treated?

and

me

own.

on your

their

strike,

you,

ask for

displayed

You

at being

is left

and its excuse.

as the fruit

of

the

order

with

you

penetrated;

lastly,

there

in

You

was

impossible

respectful,

me,

me renders

even

count

you

my

I do not

to

complain

not;

have

consider most

speak

not

murmur

the

I was

in

bear

to open

it was

love

indulgence

its cause

accustomed

hurt

not

to me,

that,

a reproach,

manner

did

to you

sacrifices.

my

as an outrage;

be at once

my

you.

you

love

my

by which

tender,

cruel

upon

the sentiments

most

force

I had of your

might

good

the

myself grievous

I will

the need

also,

confidence

Well!

to ascribe

permit

the most

possible,

would

forget

to

on myself

desire

look

wrong,

not

to forget!

Doubtless

but

delicacy

prove

vile or

of

both, culprit

no

other

them

to

retract. If I have, I make life

perhaps,

so little

to meriting

becomes

which to

your

your

then

you saying

I will

the pleasure

do I desire believing

that

find

you

less

hard,

such

hundred

leagues

justifies

my

outrage good,

to you; I needs

imagine this

now

that

letter:

no longer

what

return AT

me;

when,

my

to ask

still

which

seeing

you,

you

to feel

greatest me

it contains;

that

it now

you

but

I frame you

everything to

love

it is but

would doubt,

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 21ST

AUGUST,

you

believe

the

myself to

of you,

then

can

prevent

I could

not

pardon

More

in that the

than

would

that

place

you

augments

me

that

my

my

you a

is

an

supreme

torture.

You

to return me

can

and

love

to me the

be to authorize

to

yourself

in

of

I

to render

be to be able

you

as I am

letter

vow

a fearful

17 -- .

of what trouble

accustomed

I hope,

you.

of serving

letter.

seems

it to you.

THE

say,

me,

you

that

it is only

would

do not

give

What

your

repeats

happiness

for

you

to me:

that

that

agreeable

spare

consent,

when

to it doubtless

me in ignorance

I feel

return

than

It

the happiness

of a refusal:

rather

impunity.

being

leaving

When

me with

I shall

indulgence.

soul,

my

owe

it, of

add

I devote

would

I would

necessary

from

read

you,

appear.

is that

and must

fatal

it

it,

of your

that,

away

love,

by not

I do not

would

I see there

which

exacting

on your

that

I shall

of which

and when

from

occasion

guess

fear

gentleness

as you

the

justice

it be no longer

in the

from

me

myself

It is no refusal

and

of a public

esteem;

in that

me,

of seeing

the

your

clamors

let it be ravished

far

I could

I hope,

with

to make

procure

If

the vain

to me,

Ah!

congratulate

that.

not

precious

fear

me.

It is not,

you

I shall

you

of

it. To

you?

that,

thus

to do me greater

desire

and

it is not

gratitude. if

despised

case,

you

debtor,

Begin

much

all the more

request rights

too

to

can you

believe

eagerness

to

—36— THE

VICOMTE

TOURVEL YOUR you

SEVERITY

having

refuse

my

for

me,

only

aim

have

means.

believe

also is

repelling

you

more

then,

was

very

will

pardon

my

that

the

felt,

to reply to

faith.

that this

that

you

presenting

to

slight

itself

when

in

which

excuse

should

will

You

moment

sentiments

you

that

contempt.

necessity

my

my

that, know

artifice.

to

them I

be little

than

it,

After

in fact,

with

suffice

of

myself

and

me

The

say

to them.

at the very

merely

permit

in

have

sincerity

me,

the

add,

had

known,

my

sense

did

not

as I was

which

encouraged

You

were

keep

me

yielded,

a witness for

or at least

one

led

accustomed;

dare

surprised

indifference

in

attributed

it as yet

I soon

me,

was

but

and

seduced

beauty

the

only

I had

spoken (yet

of

solely

my

have

to yield

know

passed

to that

not

from

to it;

which

not refuse

pleasure,

and,

was character

I

that

I

it; but, to

those

made

The to

operating

and so

kind

yet

I

natural life

I

was

seeking

to

within

which

to

of

which

without

of

if

of love.

you,

that

were

that,

only

with

relative.

de

you

me,

myself

to the

greatly

easygoing

that

troubled:

could

day

to a worthy

change

know

de Rosemonde

one

only

to conform

the

to

Madame

the torments

Madame

differed

at

been

and

I yielded,

nothing

It belongs

characterizes

one

which

respect

not

which

not

already

doubtless

me,

I believe

why

need

it

least

that

that

own.

of

your I

be

a misfortune?),

bewitching

attractions;

admired

the

coming

face, your

beauty,

to

which

alone

heavenly

soul

I

worshipped

know had

you struck

astonished the

I I

to you.

discovered the

I did

that

to you.

arrived

I did

not

desires,

efforts

I

which

would

by hope,

cause

me.

the justice

to feel

me

when

sincerity

of security

here

into

Unfortunately

the

of showing

penetrate

already

with

revealed

it.

awaited

believed

it cost

know

foreseeing,

time.

so legitimate,

which

should

of the

some

to be entirely

which

to your

accustomed were

you

fate

I will

render

heart

from

and

better,

I might

must

doubtless

it is sufficient

ingenious

far

Rosemonde’s,

have

by

I dare

indulgent.

back

good

if

being

than

them

will

and,

of

to a ruse,

myself

that

Madame,

and it is just

and

you

send

of my

DE

it.

Allow

there,

than

arguments

recourse

moreover,

that

my

you

eyes,

unjust

you

defend

I thought

love

to read

to have

to

in your

thoroughly,

I

me

Madame;

a hearing,

obstinately;

at last,

put

being

PRÉSIDENTE

OF DIJON)

DAILY,

without

not

THE

POSTMARK

of

is to convince

them

you,

you

Convinced,

justify

that

afraid me

letters

force

TO

AUGMENTS

condemned easier

you

THE

to be less

’twere

my

VALMONT

(BEARING

seem

You

DE

virtue.

Without

pretending

begging the

your

future.

that

distilled

to this of

moment? your

was

sore

it palpitated

word

escape last

Madame, that,

it was

abandoning

even

beauty

destroying will

the

perhaps,

seeking

I had

But

with

you nights

for

you

of my

Soon

be

for

unfortunates

through

you. of

did

our

ever

commence; signal

whom

sensibility

one

me

work

of

of love. on

I felt

Yes,

succored

your

over

an

embellishes

excess

which

it.

I had

which

with

by

for

completed

came

a

announced

and

to the

intoxicated

the

heart?

was

you

without

absent

conversation,

to

to

in the merriment

an affection

was

too

a crime?

hope,

and

You

our

was

return!

becoming

me,

That,

however,

Madame,

is

it would,

sincere such

love, are

who

the

that

There,

be one,

that

an

I confess,

neither

its

is it

them

which with

your

I

utterance not

amply

you,

relation

has

to

In the

eyes

applaud

of

what my

be-lied you

have

with seek

cruel

state

my

peaceful

make

to call

never

which

my

only

in dissimulating

and

just

I meet

you,

gaze.

and I who

be more

and

of seeing

while

faithful

sentiments

you.

pity

days

to it;

complain

perhaps,

it

your

my

cause

the

a respect

if

to meet

I pass

to

only

it is you

and

than

torments

with

contest,

I am abandoned?

I tremble

reduced

unequal

withhold

I implore

happiness

this

alone

to which

without

in

and could

myself

these

which

full,

then

torments

myself

in abandoning

Nonetheless,

submission;

was

strength

me find

is this

have

them.

and

my

of myself,

of

pure

exhausted

no other

know

injuries,

which

a moodiness

against

heart

by a love

my

sound

precious

to fight

made

Devoured

and

what

; at the

virtue,

was

myself.

by the dire

to which

that

already

punished

in spite

to

in

it

as

its sway. you

fortune

those

was

tears.

you

of

which

My

hate:

midst

for

eyes,

that

fear,

Were

a serious

deed

a heart

hazard

your

a good

support

in

a need.

to witness:

evil

to

succumbed. its

my

value

after

unforeseen

nor

when

In

Determined

augmented

the secret

adds

than

was

of

you.

it in your

without

existed

I call

for

complaining!

day

I only

and

I was

stronger

joy.

of your

dangerous

myself

to

deserve

distrust.

I from

sadness

interest

yourself

remember,

Alas!

It

in

with

betray

fatality,

more

without

Each

to

I spied

the

was

could

arrived

inconceivable

ambitious

all

whom

the

me which

a day

I was

changed

with

it is yourself in

myself

utterance,

sentiment.

heart

or

bestirred

I abandoned

was

sports

past,

far

silence,

you

Nevertheless, heedless

how

seeing

return,

the

a poison

delicious

my

I

and received

But

it in an eternal

pleasure

At

came

love.

you,

it in your

design,

I knew

reserve,

for

for

whence

without

bury

win

indulgence

I sought

glance

Then

to

grief

and

calm,

yourself

for

excuse. you

call

my

misfortunes. itself,

a

inspired

A

perfect me.

I

would you, on

who my

and

fear

cruel

my

THE

to present

are His

supreme

decide AT

not

fairest

pains; felicity,

my

homage

handiwork,

think, the

of them imitate

above

all,

first

word

that,

to the

Him placed

which

you

in His by

DE

... , 23RD

AUGUST,

you

shall

lot. CHÂTEAU

Divinity

17 -- .

Himself.

O

indulgence!

Think

between

despair

utter

will

forever

—37— THE

PRESIDENTE

I YIELD,

MADAME,

Accustomed believe Valmont

they

must

However

simple

seems

be equally course, from

become

the

the reasons

easy

were

for

be—or than

him at least

his relation

de Valmont,

and my

going

away.

I feel

seems

to me to have

whether, never will

will

even

have,

proposes

be out

and that

upon

is, I believe,

eager

to satisfy

have

used

heed,

but

I have AT

as you

him

de

time,

paint

away

him.

from

to be at

me;

bottom

request

to his aunt;

Neither

going

would

away to M.

his

return,

would

at the

house

resource

than

the

for

apart

de Tourvel,

if

my

would

it not

be

which

I

of

it not

would

I adopt

myself:

as is possible,

And

it

seem

of a lady

who

to induce

himself

more

should strange

is known

to

be

to consent

to

proposal

set his heart

to

on proving to him,

attempt

often

is difficult

it,

said,

of

to

his

me;

for

of the autumn

there

will

still

If

never

he leaves,

I cannot

here.

as

he

effectually,

of success.

occasion

women

behavior. for

an

however,

he has,

despair

have

virtuous

of consideration part

to me that

I do not

and

truly

to make;

I

of have

shall

judging had,

and

as I desire,

it

doubt

but

that

If he refuses

my

request

be time

for

me to leave

he

myself,

you. Madame, it,

and

all

to prove

M.

to follow,

the honor

THE

this

remaining,

to defend also

that

a great

I promise

That

no other

to complain

to spend

insists

country,

M.

at the same

ought

relative

motive,

is attributed

as he has

indeed

and

than

you

Paris?

appear—the

that

to

friend?

me then

sorry

of

M.

should

this

to him.

to annoy

is left

be

and

given

in the

honesty

to make

to

admit

a man

which

me.

I am ready

even

keep

gives

in practice.

repugnance,

me

such

things

already

follow

opinions,

if he can,

it, I will

often

to her

greatest

There

not

request

I have

to

a meeting

more

you

VOLANGES

friendship

I will

remain

embarrassing

both

your

dangerous, and

DE

to your

on reason.

to me impracticable

without

which

here

for

MADAME

things

infinitely

utmost:

ungracious

departure

counsels

based

be, since

do my

TO

in all

he appears

may

I will

It still

the

be, indeed,

that

the most

TO

are always

to be what

at least

TOURVEL

as I am to defer

that

feign

DE

that

your

to you

de Valmont, the counsels

friendship that

demanded

in spite

I am nonetheless of my

friends.

to be, etc.

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , ,25TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

of

the

of me; warmth

disposed,

not

I I

am may

only

to

—38— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT YOUR

ENORMOUS

arrived.

If

the

hours

earlier;

should

have

now,

and

a human

proofs with Do

as it

none

left

to reply

on my

own

account;

in Paris,

so that

of my

you

this

child?

that

how

you

shine

by

sweet

have

and

speak,

a certain

which

will

but wit

natural

and ingenuousness.

amuse

myself

is

absolutely

is seized then

she

with

begs

almost

me

I do not had

the honor

first,

I acted

ones;

she

with

myself.

I have

without

her

of all fits

for told

but her

you

The

lad,

witty

folks

are!

as for

him,

I cannot

pleasure

necessary

her to write, I

however, one

writes

such mighty

is, to such drive

and

contrived

he is still

well

that

him!

a fool pretty

a degree

ever

liveliest

one

may

so

even

me,

and

if

the image

of

and I sometimes with

incredible she

desires

laughs,

knows

to know.

pouts, faith.

four

She

cries,

Really,

or five

and I

she

of taking

that

not

am

that

to

she for

La,

at had

good to

her

compromise the same

tête-à-tête not

have

that,

success

and

he did

verses!

guess

them

this

order

a

I

she thought

owes

her

days

well

to say I love; for

myself

principles;

because

that air

in

the

the

presents

can very

the

with

is reserved.

last

You

I had

persuaded was

the

with

she will

her

good

as I perceived

reasons,

it,

imagine,

This

seductive

for

think

excited

she so greatly

that

as soon

bad

suspecting

kiss.

delightful,

in her confidence.

permitted

But

more

that

nor

caressing,

grows

a truly

man

undertaking

astonishes

she

to

with

in not

however,

her face

impatience;

it

anything

I distract

in

sometimes

that

I

to speak.

head

whom

precaution

Danceny.

of

with

is intimately

this

the

it,

perishing

character

very

read

fatigued

believe,

has,

in that

little all

her

severely:

me

eloquence:

droll

if I have

convinced and

then

of being

which

been

be. I do not

she

to

a single

myself,

you

moment

twenty-four

I have

be

I wish

She is naturally

of the man

know

would

it

time

I have

announces

successful,

her

to teach

jealous

hardly

will

subtilty,

nothing,

quite

society

and

thereby:

and

leaves

than

everything

be all the more

rapidity,

that

month

this

to acknowledge

It is not

She has neither

falseness

candor

nothing,

her

the

simply

to occupy

more

has

received

take

then

Chevalier

unable

lost

easy

Lacking

the last

delicious!

sentiment;

sensations.

to

and it is of her that

She is really

judge

I were

else.

my

Being

Volanges,

know

for

Vicomte,

to have

the autumn

than

constancy.

the little

if

something

else

dear

to it. I prefer

talk

anyone

of

MY I ought

may,

will

and

bx

on it is exact,

that

face

virtue;

date be

we

say to you

BUDGET,

with

even

how

he embarrasses

day, her

obtain

silly me;

a

these for,

It

is

at

this

moment

sufficiently gave

intimate

it you,

we

Présidente; spoke

for,

of him

that,

preached

could

might

my

to gratify

her,

permitted a girl,

your

at full not

my

virtue

And,

she will

way

27TH

AUGUST,

her,

17 -- .

subject By

in her that

quickly

that,

to my

of

too

during to lose

toilette,

the

him

on the

with

your rest, to

I her

more.

conjugal

much

hatred

with

so well

hate

by making

except decide

not

are

if he once

: for him

that,

You

then,

escape

which

I hope

me. and,

haste,

she could

point.

to love,

to

and depicted

the

on this

to attend

volume.

Make

Gercourt

upon

with

useful

his confidence,

ten years,

finally,

more

going

have

I augment

her to give

I am

for

severity

for

very

speed.

person,

however,

on the other,

Vicomte;

PARIS,

his wife

be

to obtain

to the little

reputation

she remains

read

I will

her husband.

it is not

Adieu,

indeed,

equal

would

Danceny advance

to

destroy;

you

should

been

much

nothing

with

yesterday

if she had

restore

that

I

fidelity; one

side,

condescension which

I

wish

her believe

that

the short

time

none

of that

what

time by

that

time. I

will

I

—39— CÉCILE

VOLANGES

I AM

SAD

that

AND

I am not,

TO

anxious,

for

Sophie.

I wept

the moment,

very

happy,

but

with

yesterday

to the

of

marriage,

and

Gercourt

whom

my

Opera

I have

he is a man

very

well.

to begin

with,

Madame

de Merteuil

shall

be happy

with

of

it,

only

talked

that

she

to their

husbands:

yet

says

she

ought

not

to love Oh,

I

prefer

would

himself, away of

you

from

went

here; sent

back

want

much

embarrassed.

am now,

all

ashamed.

sometimes; until

there

have

agreed,

fond

of

she

may

that, It’s

her

only

only

that

a month

any

before no

horrid

she

has

as I do

her,

I

think that

that

I can

tell

her

all

I think,

she

finds

that

gently,

suspicions live

is

and then

Her,

harm

it

at any

in

I am and about

it,

and

not

rate,

I can

that

to have

especially

de Gercourt

... But

to be as I except

heart!

She

more

of

them.

she has

taught

love

she

much. being

Mamma,

so

no more

about

like, We

of

be very

the

heart,

as I

I assure

so

me

all my

very

Danceny. I should

in

scolds

as much me

is

being

her with

say

I

any

before

I will

as

she

not

I believe

very

then

appearance

as I do now,

me,

I

and

the

Chevalier

that

so well

left

right,

pleases

the

afraid

I am

without

I embrace

far

not

Mamma

I know

not

after

at present,

a good

myself;

hardly

know,

look

worse.

such

I were

you

no consolation

little

everybody,

M.

Merteuil;

that

Danceny

I have

the

that

always

eyes;

and

married,

If I were

more

for

cross.

however,

if I could

only

to my

M.

wives

lovable,

Do

tell

I

hardly

of

once

Corsica

to me,

quite

being

have

I have

with

useful

she is no longer

without

loved

all

sure

She

Gercourt

be still

never

as much

am

would

is

thirty-six!

me.

at all

certainly

He

she was

always!

ten years.

de

So far,

as though

de

I have

that

When

but

there

that

troubles

she is so good

is in

but

my

me:

He

that;

de

she is very

him.

like

Madame

Besides,

M.

I would

suddenly

I

this

stay

of

when

Let

convent,

rush

that,

least

of

that

that,

him

much

le Comte

of the duties

also

last.

and she fears

grieving

longer?

love

spoke

of—.

is not

say

the

that

of

any

I shall

married.

I think

amiable

and

sure

search

I feel

the tears

in

Danceny

not

of October.

well

except

she

it will

he is at least

de Gercourt not

he would

to

when

friendship

shares

in

a husband

and

be

I wish

don’t

do now;

to

M.

It is not

is M.

and stern,

fear

evening,

Did

Chevalier

not

It

see quite

so for

that

can be very

I never

being

the

the

say

him.

imagine,

even

the whole

love

it.

he is gloomy

I could

she admits

I must

possible!

says

not

to me of anything

of

night.

we

of the Regiment

he is old:

him.

would

that

de Merteuil;

good

he is colonel

and then, not

all

and it is to be in the month

of quality,

But,

no

almost

I foresee

Madame

learned

I am to wed,

rich,

CARNAY

dear

I went my

SOPHIE

so that you

happy. him,

else

I should

Chevalier troubles, Adieu, complain, me,

get

Danceny; for my

dear and that

27TH

again.

I shall

I do not

all the same,

PARIS,

sad

want

friend.

only

You

AUGUST,

can busy

you

of

speak

to distress

however to love

Instead

I am

to him

of

going

my

to

love

write

and

to

the

of

my

wrong

to

not

him. see

now

I have

and to write

17 -- .

that,

been,

that

you

as you

to you. bz

would say,

be

there

is time

left

—40— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL NOT

CONTENT

to receive her;

WITH

them,

my

she insists

LEAVING

inhuman

on my

to her severity.

not

the

the one that

side,

illusive

seize

is one

more,

the

with

me

bound

of

which

placed

me

to

escape,

her,

without

fear

that

she

even for

you

sake

promote when

of

my

find

a means

not

pretension,

history

to reckon to

beauty’s

the

precise

which

as it may my two

and

my

difficult

free

submit

of

with

show

that

women

to elude.

which being

encounter I

was

constantly

there

to

Nay,

I thought

was

without

without

with

reason

to

trouble,

a

conditions.

impossible my

mouth

me,

on

it is to return.

to keep

word

ought

as I am,

a solitary

me

am

on the other,

difficult

love,

of

I

I

of allowing

seeing

it was

word or

in

a signal for

my

was

as

much

or break

it,

as

that

lack

I

to grant,

writing,

or has need

compensation

at a

to

time

I should

be so

of skill

if I did

not

desisting

from

this

be.

motives

days.

my

I thought

and

for,

sight

is that

persuaded

from

cost:

not

I should

some

However,

in avoiding

to

more

refusing

in

this

I

enclose

reply.

You

will

effect

produced

long as

preamble,

I come

documentary

agree

that

to

the

evidence

few

my

historians

are

as

as I. will

morning

remember

the

of the day

before

pretty

prude

violent

headache:

fits

ill

the

obtain

last

letter

one

contented that

explained

of

I did

by

you

it most

with

how

always

is more

find

her

that

either

untenable

having

You

remaining

beauty

her:

After

to impose

of the

oneself;

be the

know

guess

a discussion,

with

The

may

me

the appearance

accustomed

you

to deprive

situation,

might

grow

with

me.

has shown

to occupy

which

at the pains the

one

reply,

a command,

they

a dangerous

able

might

from

the rest,

this in

blame

we have which

without

astonish

is to commit

whatever

being

disposition For

snares

skill

will

of obeying

which

the

wishes

will

to command

authority

letters

What

You

opportunity

that

wretch

departure.

submitting to lose

my

of

humor

expression

only

appeared

a pretext that of

rebellious

air

which

use of this

discovery,

yesterday;

with

a woman gentleness, gave

by

the rest

my

have.

which

it a fresh

and to replace

and

gave

she masked

could

you

from

of the day

at dinnertime, which

letter

was out

on

most that

was

altered

she had

I promise

myself

sometimes

the tender

mistress

a

furious her

changed

loveliness.

the

stormy.

one of the most

It absolutely know,

Dijon,

face; into

to

a

make

with

the

sullen. I foresaw

that

the

time

after

dinner

would

be

dull;

and,

to

escape

from

ennui,

I made

rooms.

I returned

suggested the

a pretext

the

turn—perhaps and know

not

demon

sweetness

was

and

can

spring

this

morning,”

to

“Nothing

could

to grant

it out

words,

which

she

to persuade might

will

I

to

when

park;

as you

drew

my

And her

without than

as we came do well

but

her

a word, to hand

to read

also,

walk,

order

and me

my

I withdrew as well

and

and

plainly letter.

with

no that

She

reply,

be

you

this

went

I

have

not

possible—” perhaps,

As

she

seized

her

said hand,

embarrassment she said,

. I made

than

“I

vain

to remind

more

this “but

ought,

more

not

with

you

it

I thought,”

am

again,

and

I also

I needed

to mine, as my

answered

to the château

to employ

I saw

myself

it,

than

her steps her

in

anger,

greater

reproach

much,

“I

it as a grace.”

seizing

“Whence

wrote

tired.”

although

indolent

her. “I

natural

pardoned. an

is a little

if

I

feminine

Her

with

her.

I swear,

“and

letter;

is even

she retraced

“Ah! in;

rose

a request,

pain,

return.

I followed

she

to obtain

without

to continue

you,”

success.”

me

to

contains

I consent

heat

in, and

to It

head

her

aunt.

on this

myself

I, accosting

in

old

woman.

believe

person

have

she broke

handed

be observed,

object

for

justice,

“The

“to

written letter.

to

believe,

my

down

the same

into

of the

my

to bed on our

not

said

on,

have

with

I called

getting

alleged

a tête-à-tête

sweet

may

“and

went

away,

the

malice,

own

Rosemonde

were

increase

reason

walking?”

hope

of

had

just

to my

de

absence—an

her gone

over,

be easier,”

she

vivacity.

go indoors.”

I

as we

it was

I

answered,

But

which

we found

for

you

me

these

the

desire

give

accustomed

but

she

support

retired

Madame

infernal

my

imprecations

and

“Indeed,

hesitate

to

and

o’clock;

with

for

returned,

into

this

herself

pitilessly

hardly

went

invalid,

at breakfast,

fatigue?”

soon

to.

day,

enough,”

other

agreed

the

fortunate

entered

was

heeded;

air,

we

which

me

had

Breakfast

than

six

pretended

On the following

to write,

about

whether

were

letters

salon

to avenge

compelled

having

to the

a drive,

carriage,

of

must efforts

myself

eloquence.

pretended up to her

walk own

that She

had

no

room

as

to read

the epistle,

which

before

proceeding

further....

you

—41— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT IT

SEEMS

TO

ME,

seek

to multiply

Your

obstinacy

in

which

I would

not

of my

good

to take my

hands;

you

daily

above

employed

effect

of

of

request

to you,

all shall

You

yourself

and,

although,

which

part

by

an

château,

that

you

you

but

you

friends,

the host

when

owe

to

the

public,

course.

I

might

request,

as I am determined seek

complaisance,

least,

virtuous that,

I thought

to here

to diminish

arrangements. me,

you

add

my

the

to call

it,

all

ought

of

the

to

give

However, to

it from

into which

fear

myself

and

women when

you

I had

need

I need

is

peculiar

which

nonetheless

putting

you,

not

you

keep

fear

to

I

a

consent

today

a refusal

you,

could

to go away

stay

part

too

on

your

which well

this

;

very

make

me, ca

word,

given

that

is ever

society.

of women

me

who

me like

them,

my

friends,

to

you

to leave the

I am

quite

I to

hence

if you

which that

necessary,

shall

never

have

have

done

them my

cause wrong,

request

insist

that,

you

to you,

know

as

would to

not

complain

but

this

know,

I

necessary

on remaining;

but

should

you

this

my

you

to complain

of

denying

will

as you

the

so long

by

you

you

others,

ago,

had reason

nothing

me

upon

warning,

adopt

leave

of

gaze

that

to

myself,

Monsieur,

ill

as I can no longer

gain

to me then,

to justify

believe

to

expose

long

their

myself,

willing

but

its

warned,

would

obligation

me;

to think fix

all have

treat

that

to

disputed

make

not

ready

Already

I even

from

could

accustomed

could

departure Prove

that

complaisance

myself

Today,

rendering

letters

are merited.

if I obtain

refusal

I neglected,

toward

me with

will

to their

of you.

this

your

confine

which

of a public

have

behavior

I do not

and

Monsieur,

only

a further

admit

by my

it

to put

slightest

feared

ago.

to have

to the judgment

who

the

days

where

which

to me,

by

believe

you

confound

I

sentiment not

me;

as they

grievances,

inconsistency

followed

then

your

as keen

a

you.

have

the

but

against

with

I venture

without

did

you

compromised

as it is just;

said

I desire

danger

me,

have

me

in order

you

I have

which

indelicate

reach

these

which

the abuse

timidity,

to reproaches

as simple

have

was

women

last

as though

to approach

most

might

to

so few

and

the method, the

complaint

heed,

or of my

behavior,

be forgotten.

fain

more

may

faith,

me formally

this

not

returning

that

of

and

all

on my

causes

your

unceasingly

to make

instead

would

the

by

wishing

a surprise

occasion

phrase

Monsieur,

confer know

would have

on me

it would

that,

by

upset

my

so often

of you; how

by

told

prove,

to repair suffice

it. to

at If say

that

you

have

spent

notwithstanding, let

us not

to judge earning with AT

what THE

it has not

recall you

all

your

events

with my

CHÂTEAU

rested

which

rigor

with

I would

Adieu,

I must DE

in

at a moment

gratitude.

sentiments

life

be, for

... , 25TH

rendering me

that

forget, when

Monsieur; life,

your

AUGUST,

it

necessary;

I should and

ever

which

I offer

you

and make

would

it.

oblige

an opportunity

your

conduct

will

most

humble,

etc.

17 -- .

that,

teach

But me of me

—42— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL HOWEVER

HARD,

do not

refuse

thwart

any

myself

in my

far

easier

save

one,

good me,

to fulfill of

your

you

to grant

than

your

complete

seems,

harm I expect

repeat

to you

sometimes

Reflect, it

your

the

that

spectacle,

always

Admit,

you

are annoyed

by

my

only

form

some

But,

whereas

absence

than

you

I address

my

me;

wretch

heart

from

moment’s

conversation

you,

find you

may

the know

spend

a part

order

to have

of justice,

to

flatter to

to

you,

obtain,

of

knowing

is

kindly

to

which

is to be so

they

right

will

have

done

them:

permit

now,

the

me

to

more

than

alone

find This

In vain write

time that

were

the pretext

either

sentiments

the

courage

and

enough it me;

seek

explain to

leave for,

of some

her,

and

business

much

upon

you

the

used than

it easier

to

away

one’s

turns

torments,

whom

to

else

necessary

that,

to you

punish eyes

whom

can to

before

which

other

I expect

me?

away

amply

the

Will

you

to call

until

at least

in

you

the for

of that

a quarter

understood. eager

it

I receive

to ask

what

I have inspired

the place

is aware

I must

have

me

to supply poorly

I leave,

you

compels

however

de Rosemonde with

my

yourself

is too

find

to go

reason we

of

pains?

the

would

Madame

so

spite

do

to succor.

my

my

twofold

to accord

wish

become cause

volumes

of the autumn

as one

From

be astonished

not

you

complaints? to

which

you

redouble

in

to spare

judgment

not

I can but

injustice.

whom

from

when

more,

in order

of your

a man

even

say

of a public

to

about

you,

will

one does

to you

interview.

hour’s easily

not

mouth.

one

of

my

you

I do

letters:

the

a disrespectful

is about

to justify

your

me to you;

absence

me away

are

will

that

accused

I

my

whom

when

you

as also

order

drive

which

Doubtless, on

You

me them,

wish

I

me

I dare

I do not

sense

to obey

afraid

presence

from

refuse

for

requests

by your

of a love

of the object

to dare

to blame.

consolations

desire

are less

than

can

on me,

will.

indulgence,

happiness;

you

the

poor

your

point,

certain

however,

me

I am hastening

painful,

you

give

the homage

of

Madame,

respecting

have

to

this

me to make

to your

impose

be impossible

upon

which,

who

from

that

expense

conviction

permit

you

pity.

Madame,

at

agreed

that

it would

be solicited

enough

which

deserve

Once

own,

to me those

other,

ever,

that

will

will

conditions

I feel

submission

I hope

as to name it

desires. that

which

THE

them.

turn

by my

The

MADAME,

a by

of

an

You

will

I may

be to

obey

my

intention

of

wait

me away.

for

a letter

to in

Adieu,

Madame;

moment,

when

imagine

what

thanks assurance AT

THE

for

never

has this

it brings it

my

makes docility.

and the homage CHÂTEAU

DE

word

me back me

to the idea

suffer, At

cost

I dare

least,

receive

of the most ... , 26TH

tender

AUGUST,

me

so much

of our believe with

to write

separation. you

and the most 17--.

this

If you

could

have

some

indulgence

the

would

more

as at

respectful

love.

—40— Continuation DE

THE

VICOMTE

DE

NOW

LET

us sum

up,

my

how

the scrupulous,

the virtuous

first

of my

and

requests,

me my

accusers;

myself

to nothing.

give

me will going

with

and

by of

accustoming

you

THE

MARQUISE

also

to obtain

that

the

everything into

consent:

for

I take

small

which

beforehand

has

hardly

to

refuse

not

grant

and

the

by naming

to

that

other

pledge

she

then

of

the

object

others

I

will

I

gain,

correspondence

account

me

me

which

a regular

any

myself,

condition,

refusal

else;

entering

and

like

cannot

on this

of

her,

feel,

of her friends,

everything feel

can

de Tourvel

advantage

her

her

You

the confidence

will

a title

friend.

Madame

betray

But

the

lovely

by promising

become

I ask

really

thus,

away,

her,

which

interview

than

when

that

they

of

become

needful.

The

only

thing

out

who

are

which the

eyes.

I presume

apart

from

feel

have

under But

that,

remains

people

that

from nothing

be

count

against

thought

nothing

like

announced while

the key

that

of

her

apartment.

was

burning

open, that How vainly

open

papers

receives?

And

and this

in

this

I sought

obtain seeking

for

Ever

her

it

so:

should

to me,

already

I be

moment

I seized

I flew

must

Yet

does

she

often.

I neglected

and

woman

I

just

was

it

was

completed;

and

that

had

not

dinner,

at once;

does

when

she

to

when

remove I

heard

I pretended

that

to the desk;

What

I gained

this

I perceived

during

chance

of writing.

but

only

her custom

this

my

the room.

them

was

this

informed.

her

at the

and

them,

be rightly but

apologies,

of

embroil

yesterday;

I knew

thinking

but

I found

all

one has no opportunity do

with

the

nothing;

nothing

letters

everything

except

a

of she was

conviction

be in her pocket.

since

a means:

to

toilette

my

and

left

necessary

be

Her

everywhere;

them?

she would

find

in

I

to write

her confidence,

visiting

season.

collection

to desire,

to possess

all I must

to

a sheet

she receives

me

made

desk;

and not at

precious

to

ready.

and

since

me

fain cb have

has consented

husband,

before

was

down:

bleeding,

to

were

I was

come

damaging

is a spur

beauty

enough

going

and

I would

is to

him.

We

myself

a husband;

her

but

I was

dinner

maid

the drawers

in that:

departure

with

my

from

my

themselves

prohibition

seems

in her writing

her waiting nose

it

another.

I bestirred

left

a conjugal

intimate

me,

that

that

of

of deceiving

on succeeding

I quite

pedant

to fear

if she has a friend

me to do before

busy

the moment

the necessity

friend

for

who

it is her

the fact

sure

should

my

TO

MERTEUIL

AND

by

VALMONT

yet

yesterday I cannot

I have overcome

been the

busying desire.

myself I

regret

that

I have

education

of

agreeable

the talents a man

to filch

pockets no

not

of

for

everything, remedy

I

do

however,

soothed

my

pretended

for

some

health.

AT

but

may

mixed

up

or the portrait

wherewithal 14

these in

for

that

in fact,

her?

’tis

all

enter

into

the

it

not

be

? Would

cc of a rival,

me, I

not,

intrigues

to unmask

and

perceive

be, my

time

past

humor

or to pick But

our

very

clumsy,

without

table

much

dissatisfied.

from

parents

well

am

somewhat,

gave

I had

had

to endeavor

small

stock

to my

view,

I am thinking THE

ill

to

her;

violent

as she is that

conscience,

has

I returned

indisposition

Convinced

refusal, you,

the

Should

to

the have

think

being

able

of to

it. that

she

is

anything;

However

in all

who

the letter

a prude

thought

of a thief.

CHÂTEAU

of

justifies of those DE

and

I did

it is she who

she a theft.

cursed

... , 27TH

the not

agitations

to assuage

charity;

with

air fail

which causes

them?

But

dévote

all

amorous

But

adieu;

for

AUGUST,

17--.

to assure

them,

all

which her

disturbed ought though

alms, the

beauty,

interest

had

refuses

letters.

of

My

and

time

that my

she she such I talk

not, be, a to

—43— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT WHY

SEEK,

give

me

but

honorable You

only

my

part

ask

even and

if

would

have you,

been

you

that,

on further

That

which

you

care

offend

to be just,

you;

your

own

to

be

Again,

own

eyes

you

that

waive

for it

allowing

you as you

could

make

doing

for

say,

you

that

to Madame nothing not

will

waiting

for

prevent

not

you

interview

absolutely

decline

to

which

pretend

is necessary

you

lend

your

myself

I do

then

?

I am

not

sure

to do much

more

indeed

you

to the

could

gratitude

may

to conceal? of

which my

of proving

to

induce

me

to

I ought,

in

than

to do

so

condition

for

I

in

desire

one

to

woman

myself

desire

if

wish

woman

justify

the

and,

which,

a kind

would

any

to

and

virtuous

always

submit

and

to grant;

me

If

have

on this

have

the

to me.

blunder

a proceeding

what

be of

sways

and

What

I appeal

be obliged

would

which

speaking

a

acquired,

what

she will

Perhaps

if you

blame.

deserved,

I could

my

their

moment.

easier

have

and

letters

hate

de Rosemonde, need

part

in

request.

will you

she feels

them!

defer

to you you

a doubt;

you

in

to you.

without

voluntarily

not

I yield

this

If,

on

becomes

No,

you?

your

and

at this

of such

repeat

so that

will

to remark and

present

you

me consent;

you,

me

morning,

your

with

to write

did

it?

nonetheless

wrong

another

of

it in

attachment

done

of that

done

was

capable

whom

considerations,

sometimes

of

an

the cost

only

to

of

impossible.

me

in

not

have

to me is scarcely

which

and

I feel are

mark

be willing

a bargain

intention

with

is at least

that

that

already

which

received

powerful

much

going

having

this

reputation

to complain,

is reason

those

Permit

the

assured

have

not

me

correspondence

I were

never

will

it is not

to do something if

it to me?

were,

they

conscious

think

Why

which

their

I have

as to writing

with

things

candor

you

you

confession,

in

determine

need

but,

own

did

it

then

me to an ignominy

suggested

make

you

to reward

than

reflection,

you

as

deceived,

me very

more

honor;

make,

ask

secret!

make

lead

to have

been

their

gratitude?

to me of you,

to me

no

to your

Ought

have

you

and would

yourself,

by

they

my

for

you

spoken

you

of it, and

with

but

propose

to you

and

sufficient

much,

by delivering

diminish

obedience,

have

you

To

Is it not

friends

interest: good;

a half

action?

not

truth,

MONSIEUR,

what

as

which I am

now

a letter

this

departure. subject

taken

to you,

of

had

promised

your

word.

which ; and

you

advantage

as you keeping

that

you I hope you

will

ask

received it

to

announce

me.

I hope

I count, of

that,

me,

instead

content

that

at

all,

on

to which

I

above

and of

yourself

your

the with

order the

prayer AT

which

THE

I renew

CHÂTEAU

to you. DE

Adieu,

... , 27TH

Monsieur. AUGUST,

17 -- .

—44— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL JOIN

IN

MY

JOY,

that

rebellious

skill

has surprised

heart.

is of interest once

more

avenge

myself

that

putting

little

into

devote.

clumsiness

my

injuring

the

chambermaid,

mistress’s

still

which

it you;

you

I quite

I make

letter

to

will

felt

that

Let

I could

she gives

it

who

could

have

some

too

in

however. from

me,

but

defer

mere

perhaps,

one

not

a will

The

us try,

to her:

am

I

I have

I received

to write

that I

one,

some,

you.

you,

the

that

have

for

all

unveiled

to pleasure.

see in it that

permission

she

forced

could

reproached When

have

her;

been

quality

doubtful subject

girl

discretion; of

the

surely

to make

we like

without

but

he,

success

the

with

as

she urges

on

long

without

of which better

her do what

is often

a long

the

foolish

some

asked

her

exciting I only nor

supper

willing

the

found

my

a

money

bell

rang.

to promise

I me

is

negotiation,

compromised,

and

I

attempt. for

my

credit.

of her,

ordinarily

than

me

of in the evening,

eloquence

myself

to have

amazed

to

over

counted.

I sent

I had

up

but

the

against

to win

without

she was

I felt my

give

hold

when

anxiety,

she likes

way.”

that

written

I tried

service:

my

to her

for

laid

slight

neither

humor.

who

of

knows

this

to

morning,

I scarcely

ought

to do what

the

glad

judge

lover,

the profundity

“Monsieur

may

too

all the evening

of happy this

for

take.

her

easily

in

preaching

only

not

have

whom

a worse

retired,

to persuade her

in

myself

I had

still

I should

persuade

replaced

or afraid,

you

fain

ten louis

I was

course

she could

I offered

on which never

would

which

to leave

to know

as to what

and

vanquish.

I had

by the desire

scrupulous

secrecy,

only

I send

uncertain

suspicion.

could

of

my

pockets,

baggage,

his

written

however,

I was

was

I had

in

a degree

shall

I know

I have

delight

such

fortunate

of yesterday,

existence;

pleasure

and

which

pains, night

I will

my

over

myself.

me,

least

prudence;

narrative

my

to

triumphed

dissimulates;

energetic

from

me

I have

fortunate

cd

fly

this

and

Tormented,

and

I will

as is possible,

departure;

the

iniquity:

my

still

resumed

transports

recalling

after

celestial

I have

it

to my

night,

and

it

that

Thanks

the other; of

I am beloved,

vain

the

love

for

order

Yesterday,

since

of

in

in

element;

I form

difficulty

friend;

its secret.

in my

mystery

lovely ’Tis

to me:

double

idea

my

I wanted

or at least

afraid

and

chasseur,

of

who, him

in

either

to make

nothing,

made

a reflection

“that

to lie

sure

seemed on

the

me.

I,” to do:

said from

he,

that

to making

with

a girl

her do

is

what

The “I

fellow’s

good

sense

can the less answer

sometimes

for

she has a lover,

and

that

that,

for

my

were

her

but

went run

it not

once.”

on,

(He

“what

no risk

that

making

The

just

more

was

this

only

which

they

met

him,

and we carried

I waited had

until

plays

that

which the

projects, did

not

that

dispose

of

costume; beside

her

me over the

the done My

after the

thus

continence

of

for it,

So

have

had

secrecy,”

he

since

she

it would

will

only

be

eager

the

more

started

he was the

off

to

relating

chamber

mistress

was

gossip;

to me his which

by a bare

she

partition,

be heard,

it was

my

I communicated

plan;

my

in his

own

that it

to

success.

the

rendezvous,

several

times

went

and

carrying

a little

by sending

that

betook

rascal,

a toilette

me,

who despair,

me some

to

water,

of

was

all

improve

the season

we and

confidant,

chambermaid

wishing which

with

as

of surprise,

to heat

the scrupulous

my

My

scene

him

myself,

a light

to no purpose.

through

while

then

on

my

suggested

but

this

wench

was

her

to

ordering

my

valet

which

need

16

great the

and

without

the more

neither

to await

a coolness

her freshness spoke

change

in

to maintain

I preserved Scipio;

was

humiliated,

her

control which

would

have

the

slightest

taking

to her

nor I sat

her down

situation done

honor

liberty

seemed

as calmly

should

commenced

the

and the opportunity

of business

room,

and

which

I

position

me in my disorder,

easily

to give

as I should

my gave to with her have

a lawyer.

conditions

mistress.

me,

as

of her

I formed

a need;

bed,

to expect—I

with

not

her all the more

was

that,

morning;

in

to

on. While

could

allowed

however,

on the morrow, her

I

her;

right

run

that

her to make

I had

her—which,

life.

cf

her,

conversation.

“As

about

make

knave

learned

I terminated

the more

on

the

in the of

rung

induced

and

to her

seemed

I

with

scene

shamefaced,

As I felt

again and thus

noise

o’clock

to have

excuse.

promise

speak

once,

it out

which

had

her

from

to a marvel,

I feigned more

At

I had

his parts

and excuses,

wench,

night.

to the

pretending

of making

I let him

suspicious

two

agreed,

I should !)

Luckily

separated

any

every

service,

to believe

of country

fellow

reflections

of him,

with

to the idleness

reason

up to her mistress.”

need

adventures

I have

this

important,

heightened.

as I had

through

good

it was

her

treasure,

us? To

these

embarrassment

owe

ce

“because

in Monsieur’s

be the

in deceiving

to use it for

occupied

zeal

me dumb.

he added,

I only

is a real

will

to let her know

and

her,”

strikes

were

that

at about “Beside

I would the same

that,”

faithfully hour,

I added,

“I

keep

her

she would offered

secret,

hand you

ten

provided

me the pockets louis

yesterday;

that, of I

promise

you

them

again

situation.”

Everything

withdrew,

and allowed

I spent not

mine

which

I could

which

I did

On

my

not

do until

we were

a little

the time

that me.

addressed with giving at

of

pleasure

in

interesting

ladies’

letter

which

some

nights

my

eyes

were

the

cause

of

past,

my

masked

to

me

bring

and,

master

prudence

for

this

of

this

which

I was

so

time

you

I

undigested

mixture

details

of

word was

that

had

soothed carefully

Judge

of

letter

with

sequence surprise

my tears.

capable.

relation

when

letter,

dévote’s

any

my

put joy

when

I

continued and

was

of my

withheld

happy

to

for

it

two and

their

that

a

most

to

sleep

it me;

and

letter

and

evening

arrive

a

enough, which

me.

At

was

last

chambermaid

the

we

came

the

important

letters

from

to

pieces

order

of

date;

and

what

to find

the

first

of all,

the

gave one

my

of

me

which

all

a still I thought

love, no

but

famous

this Dijon

through

my

any my

more the

it.

adorable

and kissed

myself

found

back

I found

me to run

of youth,

I

put

temper:

traces

believed

examination;

where

of

that

conjugal

with

seized

distinct

not

of

and

them

to

with

the husband—an

effusions

to an impulse had

inventory

was

entirety,

very

I

of my

from

faithful

the whim

which

restore

much

discretion.

upon

way

so

unable

all

for

murmured

them

being

in to see the hour

the

I

to sit on me well

I replaced

Luckily

I gave

a transport

in

de Valmont

for

to wear

seemed

upon

I perceived

I confess,

that,

pains

she had

remarked

I took

sacrificing

by

having

beauty

that

subject

lighted

together.

vow

that

profiting

here.”

as to the

to myself.

hand

shooting,

which

M.

both

lawsuits

to read

my

would

I possess: at first

patience

to

proceeded

I fell

the

papers,

de Rosemonde

if fatigue

my

in its place.

I had

it

obstinately

treasure,

letter

to try

at the

everything

which

for

to believe

in not

kinder

I added

I was

for

shown

he can find

was

which

upon

of

I

a mind

us reproach

of

afterwards,

know

then

her

to go out

absence,

which

explicit,

agreed

long

to write.

sweetness,

some

I

a pretext

investigated

Madame

let

that

I had wished

I had

that,

do not

I had

secret

me the price

Once

fact

the impatience

the

your

time.

to have

I had

the much

advantage

insomnia.

and which

separated,

the

society

of melancholy

deliver

zeal

after

“Ah!

sufficiently

lost

I resolved

of

believe;

up for

I had

enough.

at the small

reproaches

the

well

desiring

night,

coldly

took

may

advantage

of the day.

especially

and

to take

to make

before

up to the one pleasure

for

manner

part

acrimony,

injustice,

you

the ensuing

so from

me some

himself

this

left,

as

awakening,

letter

received

I judge

a tone

one’s

offended

was

want

couple

on my

the greater I was

not

granted,

and, fair

for

I do

the happy

to my

return,

written

was

in sleep;

replying

today.

this

longer

letters agreeable graceless

in

creature

had

altered

and

heart

during

Thus

far

that

I was think

adore?

What

scheme?

Fury

puts

her:

beyond

me.

woman;

I see myself

Ah!

without

she must the

reach

vile

what

that

enough,

soon

soft

hand,

and

in

perturbation

your

place

an

of

her

to

plot

of

it is through

her

to leave;

her

be ruined;

assaults,

since

black

who

this

infernal

has

troubled

counsels,

through

her

it is she,

in short,

who

be seduced:

but

daughter

and,

a

I

it is Madame

horrors

she alone,

Who

whom

such

kinswoman;

a tissue

forced

to fury.

of the woman

It is she,

a doubt

of my

it gave

enough

friend,

imagine

angelic

me.

is

it is your

concerning

advice,

her

her

me in the eyes

suppose

cannot

of this

is not

by

to the

to love;

to ruin

you

know

has written

has sacrificed

copied

witness

over

wishes

do

You

pernicious

faithfully

ample

given

it is, that

the security

that

hand,

entirely

Volanges.

me,

employment.

17 You

Megæra

to

tremulous

do you

de

returned

must

this

she must

cursed

be hit

woman’s

in the

age

object

of

her affections. So she wishes go back; hero

but

of

This

you

morning

lovely. she

an account

It must can

constantly love,

and

myself

which

was

still

beauty’s

so rarely

meet,

Perhaps her

I was

too,

handed

eyes,

it

would

that that

letter

of

which

one

when,

going

her.

Finally,

of the 27th; keep

been

impossible

have

I found

her one

we

so

when

speak

assured

so

of

her

the case in which

I was

I should

may

forgetting

the only

is precisely

to beautify

your

as to whether

is that

the idea

served

hesitating and

and

soul

will

one

and

had

moment,

the

the

To resume.

Never

loveliest

is

which

perhaps

anger,

today.

again.

of

of her favors;

of seeing

of the postman,

prude

intoxication we

yet

now.

pleasure

sensitive

Danceny

often;

in my

has passed

be it so, I will

honesty

I see him

of myself

be so: a woman’s that

we are not

found

my

ever

produce

of what

that

a fundamental and

sight

me to it!

I am annoyed

possesses

losing

she forces

return.

he is in love,

I am

I saw

to Paris!

my

he

us: however,

I owe

back

bewail

adventure;

use of him.

that

the

she shall

that

embarrass make

me to come

to be deprived with

and

my

I

the

while

arrival

I read

word:

but

to

to

me

of

it,

I met

I

my

refuse

her

aught. I then left

announced

us alone:

rising

with

God’s

name,

This the

fervent more.

joined

my

but

departure.

I was

still

an affrighted leave

together

four

air:

paces

“Leave

later,

away

me,

Madame

from

leave

me,

the

de

coy

Rosemonde

creature

Monsieur,”

when,

she said;

“in

animate

me

me.”

prayer, I was

A moment

which

already with

betrayed at her

a quite

side,

touching

her emotion, and

I held

expression;

could her

not

hands I was

but

which beginning

she

had some

tender

complaints,

Rosemonde.

when

The

advantage

timid

of this her

from

this

mildness,

press

hers,

grace,

my

again

it; but

at my

am

going

The

to

chambermaid As

that

of

decided

to have it, until

which leave

you

Nothing avoid

the

it.

incident

charged

by

Volanges Adieu, AT

THE

not

you

fear,

took

for have

by this for

sending may

not

and,

it

fain

a good remarks.

hand,

before that

awkward

hand

I

and

found

strength

where

on

18

likely

affair

her

lose long

where

I

that,

at

too

to

discuss,

sight

of,

and I

have

as it is, I shall

it to the post:

depend

my

Maréchale’s,

one

letter,

to this

it very

I do

to

history.

at the

whom

it with

apartment,

my

than

I sought

a “remember

the

her

as I think

more

but

well

she would

or

to kiss

when

finishes

you;

time,

rendered

be

auguring

first

gesture

entered

will

and

At

hearty:

given,

Here

everything

the

lovely

CHÂTEAU

least

at

least

which

Madame

to come my

for

de

an

for,

at the

opportunity,

not point

and

I

be one.

in the evening.

However,

Another

cause

a long

I wished

one

comes

to see if there

o’clock

fair

preceded

the

tenderly,

Volanges,

reached,

fresh;

Madame

she abandoned

to

being

been

shall

little

myself

now

P.S. Eight

we

the moment

I have

by

in attendance.

go to look

interview,

notably

the

not

our

close

and

kiss

tomorrow

shall

either

most

the

for

insistence,

began

that

certainly first

some

complaints.

of her apartment,

had

was

I presume

back

accepted;

shown

my

lively

uttered

escape,

she

not

replying

defense

Hardly

enough

brought

in truth,

which

she had

more

the door

away,”

inefficient.

demon

had,

commencing

without

it.

who

however,

which

while

before

I dropped

devote,

hand,

although

Arrived

hostile

to withdraw.

I offered

withdraw

some

de

DE

moment

as much

cannot

be

until

some

without with

time

tomorrow,

... , 28TH

of

liberty:

sorrow

Rosemonde

and spend friend;

little

with

shown

taken

an

even

as decency

consequences invitation

is to

17--.

after,

to

permits. that

Madame

her in the country.

or the day

AUGUST,

care

at the latest.

I

am de

—45— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

M.

DE

DE

VALMONT

LEFT

anxious

for

Madame

de Rosemonde

admit, that

his

praises.

I

was cause

In

of this

formed If

I

addition,

had

not

behaved

acted

friend’s

grief;

mingled

my

We

at present

de

Valmont

come

and

pleasure

it

recompense. an earlier chance AT

THE

to

to

her. of life

you

society,

not

listen

one must

her

many

myself

with

You

that

are going

his

without she

being

to compensate

we

with

points

to be able know

it.

stint cg

to

on

so

of

of him,

did

that

to me

inform

she

to reproach

hope

deprived

to

in talking

confess

I had

kind

me

seemed

whose

possess;

as I must

the

ought

morning

on

and I cannot

according lightly;

tears

with

to

I have

to lead

the

her for by

nature

here

is

not

I

was

in the hope

that

bring

on

you, time

with

will

give

me

to

I shall

advice, really

I

should

fear

that

I

had

distressed

a degree

that

at

I could

my

venerable

have

willingly

her own.

some

be most

acquaintance

CHÂTEAU

your

me to such

spend

of convincing

to for

she touched

is

her

that

I

you

VOLANGES

it.

somewhat

live

incumbent

and

Madame;

whole

was

I have

of gaiety,

to increase

the

DE

her nephew,

know

I felt

MADAME

thought

regrets

especially

of which

store

I

you

separation,

the pleasure small

it

more

right.

that

she passed

thought

TO

morning,

much

which

contradiction,

this

departure,

is agreeable: sensibility

TOURVEL

with you DE

you the

her. see

will part

of

I hope

you;

delighted

accept

more

that

you

in

to have

and more

... , 29TH

Madame

and,

Mademoiselle

the invitation de have

truth,

this

of the respectful

AUGUST,

17 -- .

M.

Rosemonde, no doubt

you

opportunity

de Volanges,

which

and

owe of

to of

us

this

making

to have

sentiments,

the

the etc.

—46— THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

WHAT

HAS

caused

in you

so sudden

of never

changing?

vows

so much for

HAPPENED

pleasure!

me

terrible

that

light

nor

I should

shall

no longer

the same?

not

the

have

which had

me

forced

her

condescended Ah,

you

made

asked

I can

you

answering difficulty

all

a word,

me

you

I asked

at what

Thus

could

the

not

you,

being

intrusive.

I feel

it already,

That

I love

turn;

that

soft

changed,

no

however,

that

employ this

that

of

torture

which,

like

29TH

exist,

she

irks

which

with

are

comes

it that

it

is

neither insulting you

The

are

tender

received,

would

happy

chance

the

I cannot would,

understand

at least,

have

that

have

so well

AUGUST,

that

my

not

when

an eternal

has lost Cécile,

all

I love

to deprive

me

end with

of

to

I could offers

you.

that

the

to you

its power,

you

life.

of

the

of

fear

of my

I cannot

love.

it in

my

if you

are

believe,

I am fain after

me

to then

accustomed

it is to condemn

my

your

pleasure

hear

and

you,

into

me,

Repeat have

yourself

informant.

me

place

despair.

that

pretended

to be my

speak

felicity,

Remember

17 -- .

give

of

and

you

and

I

instead

to leave

is to bring

to repeat for

can only

had

anxiety;

and I dare

when

about

tomorrow,

will

suppose

overheard;

compelled

which

you

fears,

brought

again

heart,

of

my

being

When,

me

Do

you

Nonetheless,

dispel

immediately

my

me,

happiness.

you?

of

all

moment.

de Volanges

of love

love,

afraid

in

my

Cécile,

by to

excite

image

ch Yes,

my

loved

you

sufficed

the

my at this

see you

to

I loved

and

still

so fondly,

only

talisman

it,

severity,

them

and

no

resisted which

in the circle.

desired

than

be

Madame

dread

of my

hearing

to

so dear

more.

to the

you

I have

your

me;

the same!

reason

word

I could

will

which

more

single

and

ever

phrase

it once

expression

PARIS,

say,

this

you,

I suffer

chose

hour

hitherto

vows

of

It is useless

despair,

fatality

know,

no longer

then

you

tomorrow,

seeing

that

one

not

moment,

presence,

never

pretended

which

such

will

if I am

for

you

with

any

it in

doubtless of

have

today?

of

are no longer

not

if

Ah!

whose

repeated

them

cause

can have

me of it.

today,

did

the

What

has become

you

forget

what

you and

or,

that

moment

by

would

me

you

live,

find

one,

her;

you

Cécile?

What

yesterday

this

I adore,

know,

which

you

Yet,

treat

by the place

that

soul.

to inform

do not

that

my

beside

to

me suffer

then

in

gaze,

adored

it in you.

even

my

my

made

to seek

whom

avoided

only

I cannot

cruel

VOLANGES

an alteration?

can have

No,

CÉCILE

then,

and

defile

Cecile

placed

It was

have

deceitful;

you

and cruel

myself;

suspicion

Cecile,

TO

Who

to examine

TO

me

me to

a

—47— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL TODAY

AGAIN

reasons,

I SHALL

which

Yesterday,

I beg you

instead

de ---,

whose

dinner.

I did

Opera,

where

The

Opera

there

my

not

reach

over,

no sooner

ci

acclamation.

I was his

recognized

as the true

I learned

my

agreed

upon

supper

was

himself

for

seemed

to me

disturb

it; which

The

rendered

for

after this

little

sublime

idea

employ

all

already

without

myself

the

the house

the

my

Comtesse

whom

and

that

I was

I asked

I alighted

green

very

and of

room;

court,

a

at the

I

found

women

evening

invited

fat

French

as

at P—.

to the supper

stumpy

I by

person,

Holland,

who

and

whom

going

was

the price

figure,

and

that

of the

we were

this

breakfast.

grotesque

The

the

was

little

man

pleasure

prospect

what

found

barrel

whither

toward

with

I

that

not

contain

awaited

he gave

me

this

him;

he

a longing

to

I did.

that

of

objections, with

could

which

persuading

by the burgomaster’s

some

in

to the

wine,

Emilie,

ck wealth.

plan

which

and so putting

I

thereupon afterward perhaps promised

had

formed

means.

We

succeeded

the

strength

to

with

one

so drunken

decided

carriage,

which

available

vied

table,

This

are

who She

was

agreed,

I suggested

him

hors

topers

cm

of

de combat

cl

the rest of the night.

The

then

here

of the fête. cj I accepted.

scrupulous

beer

of

a numerous

than

in

effectually,

raising

and

of the

by a little

me

favors

I

somewhat

however,

invited

so satisfied

difficulty

with

o’clock,

a supper

assemblage

expectation

was,

road,

by

offering

wedding

in

my

surrounded

to

Émilie’s

joy,

friends

that

a veritable

only

filling

for

fair

hero

and

you.

she was

way

I stopped

seven

to see my

invitation

upon

directly,

about

this

friend,

indulgence.

until

likewise

stammered

lovely

upon

Émilie,

entered

with

here

to find

to whom

my

almost

Paris

I went

whilom

had

to receive

lay

I hoped

as men,

see you,

of returning

château

well

not

to had

send him

received retired, my

long

to stay

complaisance

we

in filling

a state,

that

him

back

carried

left

co

glass: him

it ought to

into

me

in

my

and,

as

and

possession Émilie

of

the

seem

price

helpful he fell at least

he

had

remained the

caused

at dessert,

Finally, for

of

is the

the

to last

the Dutchman’s part

that,

but

up.

Paris; mine,

cn made

her until on

so well

congratulations

rustication, with

his

another

the and

lift

of a Dutch

in

company, field.

us he

so desirable

was

Émilie

and

beneath

the

a week.

We

not

kept

his

his

stead.

which This

to

I

soon

gaiety,

and

to me that

resurrection. of

that

which

she

has

just

I

shown

me,

puritan,

that

to whom

almost

in

conduct.

Émilie,

and I hope As my

all,

letter Will

a simple

I open

shall

take by

together,

my

six

Chevalier AT

an exact the

needs

bear

the Paris

read

it, seal

to employ

letter;

my I have

of that at the

even

laughed

and

seal,

like

commit nor

fair

in the bed,

and

to complete

an

position a mad

I send

and

girl

it to you;

it to the post.

even

moment

Emilie

any

amorous

to come

and

to go to the Italiens. and

see you.

if it be agreeable

about

seven

o’clock,

to

Madame

de

that

I do not

postpone

the

invitation

with

Madame

my

to my

my

over

it,

I leave

it

Above device;

friend.

persuaded

latest;

to write

written

of

postmark,

own

lovely

a letter

account

it up,

your

which

interrupted

epistle,

as well.

o‘clock

her from

Adieu,

her

laugh

advantage

commands

the little

not

to send

will

please

upon

cp a letter

has read

head. cq Adieu,

P.S.

for

must

a desk

it amusing

I send

you

you

for

of a wench,

who

that

me

I found

which

be careful

you

serving

in the arms,

infidelity,

open.

of

de Rosemonde;

moreover,

I shall

to you,

we

Volanges. which

I shall

19 ... be

I

with

will

go

Propriety I am

be delighted

charged to

see

as

the

Volanges. most

fair

will

P ... , 3OTH

lady.

I

shall

be jealous. AUGUST,

17 -- .

be

as

pleased

to

embrace

you,

—48— THE

VICOMTE

TOURVEL IT

with

while

power

order

letter

without will

this

moment?

acquainted

I

assure

you

do you from

without

it

would

avenge

myself

causes

so much

me,

myself

pleasure

occupation,

Everything

an seems

with

pleasure;

first

time

will

be beautified

you

forever!

to

to this

Pardon,

ought

to abandon

leave

you

for

moment,

and which

I return

to

eagerness.

you,

it has given of

my

After still

place

so many over

upon

if

efforts, to myself

cs the

altar

the

an

traced

disorder

intoxication

than

I return

privation. the bereft

delirium

is so that

I

Never

I

had

during

time,

such

so

lively.

is

how

it the

do not

laden for

the

much

it

vow

senses.

which

me

to

love

Perhaps,

share:

I

I

must

increases

each

myself.

of happiness

vain

It

to me;

you

vain

prevent

consecrated

upon

can

In

I breathe

of my

which

doubtless,

the pleasures

air

I

the

me.

do

thither;

you.

in

same

sacred

stronger

I am equally

the

me,

I think

I experienced,

love’s

dispel

in

at

at

well

us

do not

condemn

to you,

to transports

of cruel

I seek

have

have

lead

me.

I write

you,

and

you

me

were

than

cast

which

I shall

then

of death

suffer,

they

you

and,

to hope

Believe

forgetting,

which

transports;

the sentiment to that

and

never

my

eyes!

severities;

love,

this

you

I am happier

to which

becomes

Madame,

sentiments,

tell

enhance

me

put

finish

insensible.

make

moment

sweet

I beseech

However,

you

terrible

so

becomes

if

can

to you;

to

that

entirely

to

overcomes

alone

the exile

a moment

which

passions

for

less

I never

I

irresistible

not

active

into

myself

I shall

Am

which,

myself

the

despair

in my

trouble

over

that

to

in which

the

imitation

the

office,

ever

it

ardor,

and

situation

the

to

table

the

slumber,

utterly

the very

the

eyes;

I come

need,

soul’s

your

emotion

What!

that

the

at this

in writing

soul,

control

it.

my

of a devouring

than

already

be

which

that

me with

abandoning

me

closed

have

more

sufficient

not

torments risk

overwhelm

which

an

the

I

In truth,

I foresee

would

not

my

notwithstanding,

tranquillity,

of

of

me realize

believe,

you

I have

which

to interrupt

cr to happiness;

spite

of

to enjoy.

with

DE

OF PARIS)

faculties

calm

and

PRESIDENTE

in the agitation

preserve

share

THE

which

the

makes

forced

dare

a cold

in

the

ideas;

it,

all

no hope

someday

conduce

and,

my

with

Madame,

of

hardly

being

you

not

I can

into

that

either

to you,

of love;

some

ceaselessly

as yet

writing

POSTMARK during

Madame,

I have

TO

night,

annihilation

you,

however, am,

been

an utter

seek

THE

A stormy

having

in

VALMONT

(BEARING

IS AFTER

is after or

DE

always

has fled

What means

does

it is only

the

far away it avail

to convince

of strength

of love,

with

and

from

me to you

of

confidence.

to feel

same

more

me; speak

them? If keenly

I

my

sorrow

at being

indulgence; to hope never as

and

the

must

to spend enough my

at this

moment

has

it be less

likely

to offend

you;

severe

virtue

you,

as I am that

at any

sensible

I see no other

however,

to

it.

of them.

Never,

most

describing Assured

I am too

to obtain

could

deprived

rate

not

more

time

to beg

you

at

need

greater

the object abuse

your

in retracing to reply

my

not

fear:

length,

the

which

for

to me,

you and

of how love

been

it is of such

causes

kindness;

resource,

but

I

sorrow it does

that never

more

respectful,

which

dolorous

I

I

daresay, afraid

AT

P ... ; DATED

FROM

PARIS,

3OTH

of

experience. in it,

I

be to do that,

were

I

of

the

I take sincerity

sentiments.

WRITTEN

it,

participate

picture.

to doubt

your

I need

myself

not

in

greatly

a kind,

am

and it would

save

AUGUST,

17 -- .

only of

—49— CECILE

VOLANGES

WITHOUT for

TO

BEING

EITHER

me to be enlightened

it; I have

promised

Him

that

also

criminal only before that

will

which

has been

consequence, more

wept

the

inspired

so as I warn

you you

me

would

deprive

me entirely

you

there

every

much

kind

as you

me.

But

that

committed my

on my

time

me

in which

of the pleasure for

you

all

of happiness.

I quite

will

be

one

penance

the

more

weakness,

you

my

I have and

heart,

one.

that

which

I hope

it will

give

the

I hope forget

resolution

to maintain

myself.

In

no more

to me,

the

to you, has

and

passed;

that

you

and

that

you. which

that

I

wish me as

another

better

than

fault

to give

me no more

soul

have

love

the

Divine

may

no longer

love

for

one

all my

will

I ought

that

the day

me in the good

with

soon

will

will

friendship

that

you

you

when

all

it

of your

reply

that

perhaps,

since

to

feel

that,

that,

also

more

that

strength

the attachment

and

even

needful

of seeing

did,

I can offer

But

to write

in it; and it is indeed

when

certain

you

I strive

with

altering

of you.

to shake

no longer

of

thought

the

kindness

Mamma

I feel

I expect

and

enough

are rendered

from

I have

in me,

I should

a time

which

evening.

the

such

hide

seek

harm

in giving

husband

even

it is

the necessity

estate.

not

retain

being

you,

will

to acquaint

nonetheless,

without

and

that

compel

until

of giving

to have

would

I shall,

grace

you

not

Monsieur,

to feel

of your

every

morning

that

I beg

toward

and I will

do me

honor

conduct,

character

I have

DANCENY

or frivolous,

to God,

sentiments

as I ask of Him

and of your

FALSE

sacrifice

me sorrow,

yesterday,

God

you,

this

of my

CHEVALIER

as to my

by the religious

bring

THE

which only

mercy

sorrow

I

have

to God will

than

and

take

pity

I am able

to

support. Adieu,

Monsieur;

anybody, you;

I should

and perhaps

PARIS,

31ST

I can

truly

assure

never

love

anybody

even

AUGUST,

that

is more

17 -- .

you

than

that,

but

you.

I ought

if

I were

But

that

to say.

permitted is all

I may

to

love

say

to

—50— THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT Is

IT

THUS

which for

THEN,

I consented

complaint

still

fear

when

For

the

very

are

you

for

happiness

doing

involuntary

You

by regret, the

are you than which

and

I would

not

speak

I—I

even

of it destroys

duty

that

After

all,

I beg you this to

Paris,

sentiment

which,

life.

with

Are

of your

women

who,

subjects,

not

then

in that

Can

you

take

all

more

amiable

would its

that

to the

where

you

a step

there

without

only

at to

you

to the had seen

not

that

as

me

habit

town

to

to from

subject.

enough

have

leads

me unhappy

on this

strength

myself,

the

augment

love

to grant

are you

lament

inclination

its

And

to

it often

then

to me

from

you

birth

that

still

render

silence

for

and

than

wish

ought

to

that

occasions

its

to change?

can

to it?

It seems

there

owed

else

pleasures

ravages

believe

it would

easy

find

only

readiness

to make

to keep

such

you

indifference?

example

will

perhaps,

yourself

country much

you

at

what

Who

would

it is as much

be very

love,

first

fearful

pronounced.

enough

salutary

delirium

the

which

to

that

to be good

my

In effect,

to confess

not

What

feign

and

should

you

be forced

name

all

short-lived

dangerous

heart,

tranquillity;

request

Returned

occupying

its

for

whose

should

this

letter.

storms?

compelled

are

am so convinced hear

this

you?

you

last

I

violating

to preserve

in your

I no reason

to which

an apology

however,

it would

have

upon

by remorse?

of

and

conditions

And

redoubtable

sensitive

or

reasons

of reason,

it causes

Monsieur,

and

its

habit

not,

letters?

them

if not

yourself;

by the sacrifices

happiness;

to me

the

do so without

to make

at the expense

on a fresh

believe,

find

think

revealing

trouble

effect

you

whom

stronger

empire,

of fresh

I could

out

of a sentiment

need

in

becomes

to me only

if I had

rate

its effect,

your

if I could

at any

diminish

to receive

carry

even

bought

yourself,

you

myself,

when but

that

speak

to me that

moment

are followed

it not

you

the rest,

it seems

You

sometimes

to abandon

duties? dread,

Monsieur,

present. forget are

a

in

of

idleness

of

me with

so

encountering surrounded

better

an

there

right

to

by

your

homage? I am without of that with

to retain only

false

the

qualities

the vanity modesty

utmost

you.

to beg

which

good

I possess: To

you

with

faith

which

is nothing that

I tell

had I all there ask

you

to do today

my

then what

were,

sex is reproached; but

you

a refinement here,

I should

I know not

of pride; how

believe

to occupy

yourself

no

you

already

done

had

I have

still and

few them

longer before,

less it

is

pleasing sufficient

with and

me

is

what

you

would

most

assuredly

do again

in a short

time,

even

if I were

be,

itself,

a reason

to

ask

the contrary. This

truth,

which

I do not

enough

to disincline

without

entering

as I have

done

before,

I must

AT

CHÂTEAU

THE

not

sight

me to listen

upon

to which

lose

a long

DE

would

to you.

I have

discussion,

to correspond

listen,

of,

... , 1ST

I confine

with

and to which

still

a thousand myself

me no further

I ought

SEPTEMBER,

even

others,

to begging upon

a

less to reply.

17 -- .

strong but you,

sentiment

PART

II

—51— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT REALLY,

VICOMTE,

though

I were

at the

speak

about

You and

it,

of my

keep

must

interview;

the whole

that

how

and

waiting

all

day

all

women;

I shall

me as lightly

get angry,

Why!

without

you

it is that

off

old

I know

it is they

who

to

I

see

should any

not

where.

indecently

women.

in order

that

yourself

de Volanges’

the

as

and

have

troubling

to run

at Madame by

treat

important

of the evening

the old

You

temper?

know

surprising

annoy

know

a fearful

arriving

found

during

never

in

me

of my

you

you

that

you

being

them

I am

before

insupportable.

Do

morning;

are the cause

flatter one

moment

you

ARE

mistress.

tomorrow to

more

your

present

Danceny

YOU

late,

I was

obliged

to

to appease

them:

for

make

the young

ones’

reputations. It is now

one

am dying twice that

o’clock

to do,

I must

as sleepy I have

hasten

from

not

I forgive

time

you:

skill

by

the

related

to

me

excited

she was.

word

you

fear all

of

sermon.

that

instead

a long

Do

of going

letter,

cause

further.

I am

may

me.

not

pressed

to bed,

which

You

for

time.

are

bound

which

will

for

me

fortunate

that

Listen

I

make

are most

believe

is favorable

little

girl

and

ever

since

devil

reason

to me

showed

me

babbled But

not

that

then,

she

to confession:

insists

with

I

letter

for

an hour

opening

on

to me,

it

without

to

such

She

me

how which

uttering for

a

off.

rupture,

me nonetheless; mind

a child,

told

the

the

to such

breaking

announcing

my

like

which

have

it is

tormented

a vivacity

her

to

confidence:

she has been

she embarrassed

risk

tomorrow

for

has been

that

scruples

sense.

you

The

little

She

I could

exert,

moment

the

her She

of common

imagine

you

The

everything;

degree

a real

you

ct it will

that

of unhappiness.

she has told

write

ennui

to scold

confidence.

moment

was

the

and

to the point.

little

Danceny’s

needs

it is only

to come

However

in the morning;

one

you

can

a

wrongheaded

as

fond

creature. I

saw,

however,

Danceny never

as ever; fails

Tormented of being that

through

to

damned

she may

moment unceasingly.

of

I even

find,

by her

of

verbiage, cu

which

that of

little

herself

him;

finds

and a

she

those girl

with

is

thereby

an

lover,

which

by the

prayer

thinking

her love dupe.

of praying

this of

of

amusing and

the plan

as she repeats

means

is

resources

her

so, she has invented

to forget she

one the

to occupy

if she does

day,

this

remarked

and

desire

be able the

all

at of

fear God every him

With

anyone

perhaps

more

be more

of a Céladon overcome out

this

adventure:

once

strong

that

and

danger, is

he will

that

there

will

incident man

require

would

is so

so much

be none

left

for

far as to abandon of Malta

who

as it may,

compromised rupture: rather

than

much

time

us to

to

carry

trifles

the

views

of

Danceny.

We

of

might

little

the

informed this

pretty

must

be told

everything—that

leave

nothing

to be lost

the rest,

in order

fail

to excite

certain

confessors;

and

me,

mother. give

by

I hope

her

up going

for

after

thus

time

that

of his unhappiness

is so gentle,

of

and

a woman

despair,

and

Finally

in

seems

that

so who

with

so

he explains

and

in arguments

convincing,

that

is,

not

I persuaded

to

go

God’s

that

without

her and

true

so

if you

who

is paying

lest

hers

should talked

her follies

into

an

interview

myself

her

to

with

daughter;

arrive.

and

teach

the it

Danceny

is is

please

him—since

he

scruples

ridiculous

mind, now go

once

to enter

is

to

them.

girl’s

she

thus

get an opportunity,

of this

you,

reasons and

to overcome

possess

in the little

your

of

letters

grant

will

have

project

to return

without

fashion

her

I charged

languorous,

a repetition

I have

to

would

tell

appearing

moment

sake,

to

also

abroad

decisive

the

to tell

a case,

and

on the spot,

which

I approved

such

received;

to be less

doubts

that,

be

the Knights

customary

to save

terror

to

cease

it is assuredly

it was

by those

I assure

an

of going

that

this

swain

For

loves,

that

if it is a question

in

mother

of it; but

for,

nicer,

plans

that

is so simple

impossible

was

have

our

idea

That

her

the preference.

person,

formed

afternoon

persuade

it

not

it!

is

pitiful.

did

believed;

he has done:

really to

be

done

it

if

a degree

one

without

them;

persuading

tomorrow already

the

little

is

prove

of her fancy.

of wasting

that

one

to such

he should

to

as

grief

to me

to monastic

perhaps

to write

other

thing

deserve

I said

any

the

What

He complains his

to get rid

instead

me,

but

a man

have?

cv it was

breath,

against

it seems

that

reply;

a crime:

but

yourself

would

be

of

enough:

as

the best

out

girl.

that

2

is

as you,

you

to see his

to fight

tempted

monk,

would

to the little

to reduce

a

what

he

ceases

itself

is not

not

Be that

till

so sincere,

contradiction,

will

little

the young

him,

I asked

is touching

occasion

gave

but

and I am as vexed

cannot

one

suggested

a manner

task

this

help

but

fault.

sentiment

involuntary it even

it is a pity,

arguments

involuntary

he

Danceny,

the reverse;

obstacles

it is your

produces

little

than

if we do not

right;

of

and

finds

than

project.

hero

done; He

I that,

are quite

the

favorable

the slightest

our

You

experienced

and

I did

as to the discretion for

the tell

or twice

to the first

scene,

fright everything

more

comer.

cw

with

which

not of she

to

her

her,

she

Adieu,

Vicomte;

shameful more

if we

difficult

zeal—you, question, PARIS,

could than

that I, that 2ND

take

it

charge not

we is

thought daughter

she is destined

SEPTEMBER,

Danceny

do what

had the

of

we

will

of

guide

with

at first,

to become 17 -- .

and

let

his

two

children.

us reflect,

Madame the wife

way.

de

It would If we

be

find

to animate

Volanges

of Gercourt.

who Adieu.

it our

is

in

—52— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL You

FORBID

ME,

MADAME,

to find

the necessary

which

should

the exile

unceasingly

of your to me?

bare

you

you

your

worthier

refusal

which

cause

sentiment but

Tender

You

offers

you,

have

force

your

adoration,

have

assumed

certain

me

also

that

the

man

I was

remains

suspect. if you supreme which,

one

not

in

my

indeed,

have with

in my

has thus

Would

Will

it not one

his

be who

pain

by

you

it.

Ah,

no

it does

not

reciprocate;

does

not

procure

kind

alone

a

to enjoy

is

the

it?

without hope’s

them

else

all the good forget

are

doubt,

which

find

it; and I—I

if

you

what

for

than

in

which

it

the pain

which

far been

to

me:

and,

taking

you,

you

I

are

you

add

you

have

my

how promises

offer

you,

to question doubt

sure fickle,

that

or

yourself for

I consent

have

to that

fixed

well!

will

not

to bear

faith:

you this

a me

in all good that

to with

oaths: you

a moment

you

of

rendered

my

which

you

pleased

you,

know

to

advantage

away

from

life

already

content

to

if you

too

to blame

my

Not

in

me

not

I consecrate

I am at present.

you

ask you

are

reason

confessed

either

love,

whereas

a deceiver;

of living

believe

I only

heart,

to flow?

see that

love

where

for,

to which

guarantee

believe

you

augmentation,

in order

myself;

torment

It is yourself. do not

who,

up resisting

then

as to pleasures

there

Will

an unhappy

inspires

pleasure’s

I myself

do

cause

only

and

cruel

You

you

not

mutual

I am frivolous

me

insensible.

if

in seeking

to the

bitterness?

its defense.

abandoning banter

which

pass yours

which

and

reproach

remembrance:

to defend

you

errors

confound

to give

laying

to aggravate

will

confidence—the

of

to undertake

You

you

be found,

cx it, you

but

you

which

alleviation,

calumniate

experience,

and

the object

delights

sometimes

demand?

to seek

me which

of

to pity

remind

consolation

that

tears you

only

they

and

and rigorous?

with

sweet

the

save

in

on privations

in that

the

soul,

than

of love,

to

reserve—sorrow’s

love?

rather

only

trouble

and gentle

unjust

is happiness

enchantment,

other,

of the sacrifices

you,

when

friendship,

I lose

see the

evils

living

dolorous

not

is painful,

where

more

may

so by

the

languishing

you

to be afraid of

so cruel;

with

is at once

pretend

render

fill

good

am I

you

you

of your

where

by a sentiment

me;

any

but

occupied

; must

I have

the homage

of you,

the

love;

Solely

condemned all

of my

you?

which

that

even

rendered

the

can

a soul

is only

have

to you

which

indifference

And

gaze,

refuse

You

you

and

to torments

remains to

to obey

be so sweet,

in prey

avert

courage

to which

regrets;

to speak

reign heart,

the penalty

of

this

error;

justice will

I shall

suffer,

to us both, never

cy and

have

leave

you

me

Permit

not

forced

appeal:

the

which Madame,

will

if,

on the contrary,

to yourself

I beg

consolation

indeed

but

to admit

ask me no more,

at least

me,

I will

are

a rival,

as to a sentiment life.

but

you,

to fight

of seeing

not

to beg

you

period

of my

finish,

that

you

you

have

with

chimeras,

no longer

cannot

to reply

doing

finish,

positively

not,

in

but

to this

doubt

with

part

my

of

my

letter. If,

however,

severely

I give

in your

me to defend What

I done,

Entering

speak,

from

forestall,

by

of and

error,

their

to

rupture,

did

not

it, but

not

suffice

sought was

for

love

sprang

from

and

to love

you,

whose

fate

reserve

for

PARIS,

to damage reasons

reached

into

me

had

so

failed

women,

who

they

I to punish

all

feel

to

hasten

to

but

be

of a resistance for

a

moment

undoubtedly

Nay,

was so

cannot

myself

a constancy

I

passed,

to set the example

ridicule?

which

experience;

useless,

what

other

cause,

perhaps

even

this

save

a

choice?

of the senses, heart.

to occupy

vortex

which

then

a shameful

to my

of

by

excited

the

without

Or was

intoxication

you

you the

justify

Madame,

they

part

Born

for

it;

surrounded

as far

as my

and in short,

I saw

There,

you;

seems

I even

love,

intrigue

by seducing

soul:

I was

might but

offered

thought

myself

soon

I understood

delirium distract despicable

pleasures,

inconstant

I

because

I

and sensitive.

when

excess,

and

provoked

have

attain

of them

virtues;

delicate

It was

not

none

to resist

a reflection

to me?

can justify

of vanity,

objects,

which

in case of need,

a crowd

it my

often

I can say it, this

by

nature,

only

fail

young

hand

was

was

would

did

because,

but

world,

opposed

which

speedy

all,

good

never

which

But,

the

to them;

was

it is not

after

hand

unfavorable which

eyes,

life

it.

have

thrown?

up that

that

qualities

it. I felt, or to love is the have

it, you

will

light:

of the

any

other to

change

that than

which

to pronounce:

SEPTEMBER,

soul;

in short,

heart

are as unalterable 3RD

I saw

but

nothing

as the virtues 17 -- .

that it was

they

that

alone

equally

the charm

could

of

cause

its

impossible

for

me

yourself,

and

on

you. you

fear

whatever

to

trust

may

be the

destiny

of the sentiments

which

attach

which

have

given

them

birth.

you it

to

—53— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I

HAVE

insists

SEEN especially

he only apart

spoke

from

greatly

today

I

also

satisfaction;

than

gives and

a confession for

same

me:

for

thing,

more

my

lovely

the

the

him

some

account

of

I shall

tomorrow

hope:

there

than

rest,

The

the proofs.

task

confiding

discreet

to tell

interview

for

lover.

3

have

and

However,

more I

will

is to take

happened

be easier what

him

you

us at present

or,

devote:

to them,

which

will

whom

adventure,

he clings

may

he

I bantered

Versailles,

left

This

is more her

that

everything

is nothing

his

I could,

be able

to

on the road.

person

talkative

a

it seems

collect

little

somewhat

; but

perhaps and

even

scruples

him

me

of

virtue,

veracious

confidence;

Volanges,

as best

taking

by studying

of great

for

half

of the little

him

him:

am

his

I excited

and

for

obtained

the name

a fairly

incident.

answer

myself

obtain

me

his delicacy

tomorrow.

place our

he gave

the last

I cannot

occupy

only

to me as a woman

upon

after

but

on suppressing

that,

particularly

and

DANCENY,

to

but for

to you

comes

to

the

I will

do

my

utmost. Adieu, evening, word AT

nor

on my ... , 3RD

friend;

tomorrow: return.

I shall

SEPTEMBER,

I am if

you,

in a mighty on

certainly IN

THE

your come

hurry; side, back

EVENING.

know

I shall

not

see you

anything,

to sleep

in Paris.

write

this me

a

—54— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

there

is something

nobody

so stupid

DE

VALMONT OH

YES,

IT

If he told love,

you

and

shown

is certainly so, he was

I reproach

him.

Do

him?

revenge,

I promise

wanted

to go

it

departure,

which

she

and

had

told

daughter

and

I were

intended

be occupied, I was

him

with

at the

end

Madame

de

naturally

she wanted

it in that

I was

--- ’s,

were

might

highly

her

health,

half,

without

until

the

hour

remarked been The

love,

kindness

I was

of

we

have

compromised

I will

Volanges,

she

have

my

At

she would

Madame

de

home:

suspicious.

my

I adopted

is not

dangerous

motion

had

fixed.

been

in spite

I confess

felt

I hoped

I was

one of her

still

to

an hour

at

unwell,

the less

the

carriage.

for

her

and

fear did

shamefaced my

upon

an hour

We

(as

go abroad

feigning

at least

for

people

of frightening her

and

inclined

the mother

by

the

half

the young

I kept

that

Her

little

faith,

really

to make

From

good

been

home, of

de

of the evening.

the course

her

our

be at home.

that,

hardly

and

before

me adieu in all

to

as Madame

not

to surprise

difficult;

drive

arrive

the

me,

efforts

eloquence

and

had

as for

longer

out;

Volanges

we were that

to

went

herself,

We

my

awkward,

in the course

supposing

arrival,

that

as she bade

to return

that

more

we

all

might

the

last

anxieties.

of

no

at

not

air

a the

return

which

trouble

had

I not

wasted. desire

we left

all

when

the

on our

Volanges,

and

of my

luckily

of

all

wonders

consenting

consequences

discover!

in an affair

Oh,

need

Danceny

she believed

we should),

which

the

loss!

de

I had

before

thorns.

which

afraid,

the chances seem

been

the day on

Madame

that

have

I prophesied

not

a pure

indisposed;

so affectionately

rupture,

with

I thought

been

fetch

foresaw

would

hand

more

yesterday

have

to

felt

I

Volanges

my

and

to

you.

out;

her,

more

would

that

I know

that

yesterday

persuade

pressed

boasting.

know

And

I arrived

Danceny

myself

you

through

When

with

I had who

for

further

went

to bed at once:

her at an early

passed that

into

had

Oh!

can

one

dangerous.

expected

etc.:

Danceny,

hour,

under

her daughter’s

I had

etc.,

information

in

not

of

by

safely

one

had

passed with

that

The

vanished

me

stay

having

the pretext

she

point

quarrel

and after

apartment. her;

a word,

made

supped she had

latter

had

scruples,

performed the

such

line a

with

fresh

one:

de

at her bedside, need

done,

of

repose,

on her

vows

properly. where

Madame

of

But

he had

reconciliations

side, eternal

the

been

fool, before.

are

not

The

child

assures

how

to defend

him;

indeed

how

much

however,

that

I would

wager

herself.

I made one

a mere

woman,

believe

me,

She

me,

almost

might

is really

rely

bit

by

no one

was

shall

have

have

promised

her that

have

often

a need

felt

this

dear

her to another;

but

needs

to be;

is one

that

deserves

for

I am

becoming

and

a woman

I can do nothing reason

the

I think in my so long

more

for

she

she

knew

excuses

me to find

... In

capable; short,

to a surprise

She

her,

seized

point

that

or that

she was

child!

form

of having

prefer

and

susceptible

friend,

I will

fantasy

to the

but

brags,

of which

her

more

more,

she

of it. The

excited

ever

a firm

that

on the defense

bit,

lovable, at least

certain

he wanted

and

you

of the

a different really

keep

confidence,

senses.

of

my and

she her.

a grudge

I

word. I

I

should

as she is not—what bearing

I,

may

lover;

fond

I shall

out

she against

Danceny. Adieu,

Vicomte;

I have

yielded

petite PARIS,

do not to

the

come

to me tomorrow,

entreaties

maison. 4TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

of

the

unless

Chevalier,

it be in the forenoon. for

an

evening

at

the

—55— CÉCILE

VOLANGES

You

WERE

than

your

RIGHT, advice.

my

confessor,

our

old

say

one

experience

of

myself, you

that

it is like

does

I should

better should

to see you not

scold say,

is left, to know

nothing

him.

When

him

utterly,

without

still

happy;

I close

is; but

over

it

always

is

also

once

only

of

how

be

we

utterly

they

had

the

it is to

say

understand

weep,

without

are,

any

of

yet

I

it.

Do

weeping

to

say what

to

at nothing:

impossible

may

easy

love,

difficult

do not

what

you

be astonished

see Danceny

seem

my

eyes,

think

an agitation gives

that

me;

you

and,

like:

and

I am very

that

I wish

friendship.

what certain

because

one

which

at the It seems

and it

is

not

him;

suddenly speak;

keep

happier,

or,

child’s

him.

I

play: a

look,

for

know

dream

instance, I

It is like

I

of am

remember

me to sigh;

place.

ask

resembles

I can

I see him;

it causes

I

I do not

I like

when

alone,

and

then

a torment,

pleasure. in love,

I bear

you

for but

as though

a children’s

me

... a word,

which

has been

I

understand

I see Danceny,

and

in one

that

is only

for

I think

I wish

be

ah, love!

I ask only

for

happiness.

see,

I am quite

him

would

! When

of

convent:

sometimes

you

to say,

but

would

everything

I dream when

you

to know

love,

as though

I hear

once

was

yourself;

But

... I cannot

That

than

that,

anyone:

you

begin

me an unutterable

when

as it

then

and

with

because

see him,

me,

it is not

then

is happiness

I cannot

with

No, places

it is over.

distraction,

de Merteuil.

perhaps,

but

merriment—all

Madame as

somebody

would

because

our

and

torment

even

only

would

he is not

think

not

it would

his conversation,

I even

own,

as he. You

you

when

this

and this

of

but

to

be only

if

place....

he is there—that

more;

a fire,

it will

you;

keenly,

to change

less;

when

how

I feel

me,

prevents

you

from

in my like

me

amusements,

only

scold

than

precisely

It is very

would

things

somebody;

rather

nothing

that

stronger

we are returned

if you

pain

I could

been

that.

loved and

that

change

I should

too

that

has

better

Danceny.

our

it most

I am as happy

not

like

certainly

Our

you

he is happy, says

felt

succeeded

of loving

the

to say is yes,

instance,

I assure

one

you

for

from becomes

it,

here

it; and

nothing

prophesies

predicted,

and

repent

suffer

felt

your

had

myself;

do,

pleasure

have

Sophie;

the pleasure

to

we wish

suppose,

when

than

we

CARNAY

as you

know

how his

who

dear

I do not

ought

what

myself?

for

Ah!

in which

no, when

you,

do not

what

way

MY

than

you

SOPHIE

Danceny,

position.

because

TO

wish

the

has not

what

effect

changed,

I tell

I love

her

more

that

she

were

friendship

like

of it is

you

however;

of

I feel

as I do he. our

shed

This own,

for

Danceny is or

so, else

because

I see them

that

as it may,

very

happy;

would

and,

only

distresses

the

ask me:

so often truth

after

of it, I do not

love

always

PARIS,

4TH

all,

most

what

tenderly.

SEPTEMBER,

think

and

de Gercourt know

which

between

I do not

as I am;

if M.

no doubt you

is that,

to stay

for

together,

17 -- .

makes the

there

it is only is such

will

two

of

them,

is much the

a man

become

me deceive

idea

harm

Be

make

me

they

in what

I do. I

of marriage

as I am told,

of me.

myself.

Adieu,

which

and my

I

have

Sophie;

I

—56— THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT HOw,

MONSIEUR,

you?

To believe

to fear

suffice,

may

not

And

reply

return

to this

which

separate

help admit

subject

that my

for

this

that

then,

I conjure

you

Loved

esteemed

of

pleasure

senses,

a tempest Ah!

me

to it.

should

not

letters,

which

you

besiege in

one

I asked to embarrass

you

not

that

when

more

does not

it and

you

of

call

so

break

them

if

all,

to

that

should any

and

befall I

Cease is

not

is but

dare

my

I must

so

so.

them.

with

oneself,

trouble

and

a tumult

from

the

embark

of

the bonds

the

shore

upon

shipwrecks?

I not

duty be

know

without

were

is

happier.

respect,

at peace

I cherish

it

you.

view

How

You

inspires

aware

I would

mere

I could;

hope?

which

I am happy,

thousand

on the shore;

above

tranquillity

sleeping

the

many

and

to which

of being

tempests?

to

a moment.

happiness

which

else

of any

obstacles

for

them;

of

aught

you

love

object.

that

I have

misfortune

known

a

the

well

of that

prevent

would

making

I both

desire

to

the object

if this

I have

I stay

is

a

sea

And

with

which

unite

held

by

them,

I

them.

you

me with form,

you

a heart

serene,

these

to my

and

to deprive

to doubt

than

What

should

be sensible,

love,

whom

are

of

to procure

Your

which

serve

the

I will

is only

should

without

not

I do not

that

it

thoroughly

troubling

passions

Monsieur,

yourself

Removed

exist,

debris

I would

are

in the same

confront

attach

You

me

sincerity, that

this

; and even

from

remorse?

Why

love.

you

are sweeter

of

conquer

is painful,

by a husband

the

hasten

should

their

(and

And

soon

me to regret

days

why

with

cease

that

only

No,

of

be one reason

to the supposition),

me enough,

keen

be any

without

whom?

ask

to know

really

to be pitied,

are centred

awaking

covered

that

yourself,

me

sentiment

force

more

knowing

terrible.

you

defending

by hastening

more

you,

do not

there

might

Now,

respect

necessary;

Can

love

me to reciprocate be the

If pleasures

or

for

I consent

power

reciprocate.

hope

to

you

not

my

not

us be less insurmountable?

all

I should

and

to suffice

that

that

and

which

would

attacking

were

yourself

impossible me,

you

with

does

sentiments,

it not

to wish

you

answer

to them?

that

but

THE

without

ought

Supposing

do,

in your

them?

not

it

WOULD

you

life?

be few, speak your

captious

obstinate each

resolve other

to me in them

idea,

you

this

succeed

reproduce

to say,

me with

Why

more

than

yourself repeat

only

arguments;

to follow

with

rapidity.

of nothing you

did

under

but

with

another

you

shun

mad

person.

The

things

It

pleases

way. my

They

your

your

another.

in

me?

own.

I do

not

wish

to

answer

you,

women

whom

you

I would

fain

believe

despicable? give

Ah,

What you?

The

matters By

letter AT

THE

esteem

all?

write you DE

of

Why

have

him but

should

come

will

receive

... , 5TH

How

contempt it:

violated

but their

duties

moment

for

whom

they

mere

I occupy my

from

me.

them! then

so

in order

to

they

have

lost

sacrificed

one

tremble.

with

them

or

I demand

17 -- .

all

have

tranquillity?

you;

of

the

makes

myself

I beg

SEPTEMBER,

idea

treat

speak

are they

that

the

you

you

From

to trouble

to me again,

more....

deserve

love.

is just,

do you

which

CHÂTEAU

they

no

what

of them

since

punishment

do not

is the last

some

you

With

to a criminal the

right

answer

seduced!

that

it, after

what

me no more;

have

up

even

everything.

will

doubtless,

themselves

everything,

I

Leave

me,

it of you.

with see This

—57— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I

FOUND

YOUR

delighted

me.

You

delinquencies, out

of

if

could

last

good,

you

get

you

are

a very

that

you

surprised

for

me.

I have

that

one

emotion

amorous

by heart, told

with

candor,

me everything

We At

are no more first,

it

demands lose.

seemed

much

the

necessity

far

richer

than

him.

sense

The

however

true

would

soon

have

one from

having

first

appears

least,

its

shyness;

at every

charm

is so potent

haste

step,

such

for

is but

and

a shade

It would

have

encountered;

my

in own

needed, all,

other

fact,

my

reserve.

when

prudish

is

and

arrests

these

arguments,

by passion,

they

ridiculous,

what

hinders

as he is. Indeed,

as one

says,

purer;

think,

from

delicacy

emotion,

it experiences,

it occupies

Danceny’s

girl

The

But

That

girl

himself.

side.

which

to

a

the

on one’s

at an unknown

the more

putting

to be

and,

that

for

intimidates

he is happy

girl

from

and

that

that

if,

at or

halts,

it to such

is so true,

if a

so

that an

to this

extent

a libertine

instant

in

behavior

toward

the

Madame

de Tourvel,

less little there

of degree.

to warm that

at

a young

tend

a libertine—becomes

toward

of thinking

they

pleasure.

between

this

she has more

helped

as people

the charm

befall

of difference

above

not,

heart

at

he felt

he finds

and

in that

is that

astonished

of every may

skill,

it

a young

in which

dispute

virtuous,

is

myself,

that

dishonored,

to

of custom him

more

supreme

without

a man

simply

more

to relish over

pleasure;

Volanges,

slower,

the heart,

it is unmindful

in love—if

over

justify

this

more,

the

the

in that

all

all

charming,

was

which

candor,

a little

generally

it is that

be

are

a fashion

theory

a woman,

case

be. With

hold

is

speak,

that

not

the

or living

the girl’s

him

has no

I was

in short,

on

can

is the

the sanction

any

course

nothing

showing

project.

than

which

be destroyed;

and one would

love

may

that

doubt

He

me a friendship

went

him,

would

they

in me,

in our

he

that

of security,

difficulty

intrigues,

Danceny’s

Danceny.

love

vowed

marrying

man,

virtuous

quite

It is no of

of romance!

that

of

you

than

and that

habit

Yes,

in the enchantment

that

all,

the

that,

consideration

of the

for

me

above

into

mother’s

to

more

He thinks,

so often

his own,

advanced

hero

he found

sense

irresistible

pretty

anger

yourself.

person!

are more

Your

lively

into

wicked

ten

arrival.

against

mistress

worth

and timid;

my

exercised

this

was

had

his

him

so conformable he told

a more

that

him

moment,

have

not

been

I know

secrets

on

had

infidelities;

and I am not

yesterday

they

vengeance

slight

At

LETTER

our

there

young should

man, have

more been

obstacles need

for

than more

he

has

mystery,

for

mystery

by

serving

man

begets him

value

that,

that,

the

become. that

who

would

have

What

is to be done will

That

reminds

me

have

your

generous the

interest. constancy?

way;

I will

Farewell, I defy

not

indeed

it is because my

lovely

all the kisses

... , 5TH

have

you

for

we shall

us

might the

a

have greatest

consequently,

but

he

I have have

have

my

would no hope

wasted

then

forgotten

I embrace

17 -- .

yet

come; side,

friend?

such that

your

our

in

Chevalier. my

favor;

it to be a dishonored

on my

lovely

with

an infidelity

want not

and

to admit

of the Chevalier

SEPTEMBER,

hurt with

enterprising

better

me

has

that;

say,

you

doing

I do not

payment

Chevalier

friend;

are

promised

and

you

compel

and,

nothing; and

you

in love,

of love; less

have

excellent

but

and

I know

marriage,

you

to wait

Is this

been

desires:

the

you

I see no remedy.

of

do

beloved,

before

you

date

felt

is honorable

at present?

in writing,

What

your

in him,

that

the

of you

it, but

only

that

have

be the proof

being

discoursing,

promise that

of

to believe would

who

should

be caught for

thus

man

they

he were

I am

admit

a young

is that

I am sorry

While

AT

conduct

surer

the child

time:

of

your

with

of favors

I am coming

so well;

of experience,

foreseen

I

boldness.

I would Are

a miracle? if you

but

have

you Oh, found

it

I

draft.

would take

be

charge

not

tired

give

me

some

of my

merit

me. you

with

to contain

all

the ardor

as much.

of my

desire;

—58— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL PRAY,

MADAME,

make

me,

withal,

cz

wishes:

and

you

sacrifice,

you

only

that

believe

me

Finally, man loves

you:

your

them?

unjust? I not over will

you

already

you

I looked carry

sentiment your

it?

fate,

at him

me?

No.

A man absolute over

imagination

who

adores

empire. which

you

you

you

creates

never

made

anger?

even

me?

one

this

of your

tranquillity

to yourself:

to what

to appreciate

my

sufferings,

To

you;

chimerical a man

What

do ever

monsters

and you

you

over

itself,

you

have

you

have unjust,

me

implored

my

aid,

point

my

you

know

will

and

are

made

you

to direct

you

orders

desires,

it

he has

whom

can

to

me

who

what

he

assure

And

fear,

the

have

you

fears.

be mistress, for

He

do not

add

become

which

hide.

than

which

having

can

to

need

I

think?

Thus,

your

empire

after

me

would

when

me.

you

more

What

that

I

me!

you

know

you,

heart?

without

and

even

you

I love

of to

you,

which

to

unhappy?

Do

me

from

for

reply

even

say

this

to my

that;

him

pity?

will

this

abuse

that

that

of

severity,

obeyed,

to enjoy

To be able

sacrifice

and

I

seeking

letters

respects

with

rob

moment

two save

longer

who

for

beseech

impossible

me unhappy,

I have

to which

received

to dispute

will

without

one

expression

him

being

rendered

and

passed

and

threats

of

But

not

no

other

it to you.

can I say,

will

my

of that;

would

be dear

I

you

least

no

without

reflect,

it was

had

a reward

me

and,

and

myself

But

the

I

you

it not

see what

me then

Will

do you

an

for

to you?

To

in you?

these

sure

should

what

treating

then

the extent

hold

not

today

you

your

sentiments

As

from

only

to

love,

and I owe

have

which

attachment

me deprive

and

I have

weaken

that

why

unhappy

frequent!

you

it so easy

to know what

to

my

a murmur.

to me,

Ah,

liveliest

of

bade

ah, how

exile,

with

having

of his

you

to everybody,

proved

After find

mistress

may

you

an

reproaches

submission

history

to you,

yet you

me

Is it possible

me?

my

let

The

entire

myself

too

was

And

is so necessary

and

of

content

Are

you;

the

I see it ravished

are

threaten

contempt!

of

remains

I only

not

most

pains

of my love!

prefers

the

the

a doubt:

do

that

you who

Shall

and that

I could

display?

me to write

days

to you

you

permitting

say,

of you,

speak

All

of

ten

I deserved

is

of seeing

without

you

the

the

one which

letters,

thinking

that

pleasure.

it? No,

during

by

allowed

It is the only My

words,

without

solitary

defend

two

Oppressed

obeyed

which

respectful,

in

than

HAVE

anger

most

there,

consolation

that

the

the

conduct.

HOW

despair

would

my

heart.

inspires never

you

attribute

them

cease

to

from

a

fear,

as you

need

will? the

But fright

which

they

cause

you

to love.

A little

confidence,

and

these

phantoms

will

disappear. A

wise

man

penetrate

into

application.

said

that,

their

causes. da It is in love

Love,

affright

you,

you

will

and

all

other

than

that

my

errors

repented thought make

of

I had me

writing

to

disobey

you;

which you,

you

you heed

but

and

prayers

a

indifference.

... , 7TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

not of

the

tears;

lover

db

it lies pleasure

I claim you

ah,

finds

tender leave

have

Madame,

you

which you.

and

you

no

since

a time

with

its

which

I myself,

displeasing

which

truth

to

of objects

will

regret

that

it is there

one my

love,

I feel

fear

knees; only

for

let

the

me? AT

a

by

any

you,

behold

emotion,

sufficient

this

In the place

lost

I beseech

and

that

happiness,

and

the

always

by

in pleasure;

me,

almost

marked

only

by

is

especially

delicious

days,

at your

it

vanish.

exist

I am rob

will

of having

be disturbed

would my

But,

fears,

fears

find

your

passed

happy.

dispel

and your

submissive, regret

to

I

which

I

alone

to

I take

in

I would

not

the

happiness

of

left

me;

to

will

you

I cry

refuse

—59— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL TELL

ME,

Danceny? one, we

IF

YOU

What

has

perchance, should

Assuredly, to lead

grown

which I will

have

to do,

Shall

I be able

least

send

really

Where

were

you

Truly,

it was

not

September.

Make

pressing

invitation

country;

and,

finest

woods

of his friends.” in question; remember PARIS,

am

I to say

of me, my

with

as she

pray?

the trouble mind, the

tells

you

me,

however,

SEPTEMBER,

be with

de

humorously

which

know

to my

me about

Has must

him

just; at

the

costs?

save and

tedium

which

I

is

in

a

what

I

foresee.

are engaged,

at

part. in

as I have to

seeing

preserves some

received

and

“her

rights

you

see

a

her

husband for

the

over

of very

in

the

has

the

pleasure the woods

if I am of no use to you. o’clock.

now.

in the month

just

go

enough,

four

be

if that

it is,

me in Paris

B ---

fair

at all

to hear,

If you

of

his

evening

what

succeed

certainly them

this

good

morning?

he carefully

I have

17 -- .

the

never

One

given

then

of keeping

go and revisit

will

know

Comtesse

dc in the world, Now

I

effusion

he lost?

to him

are not

this

this

to his complaints,

to avoid you

has

respect?

in listening

me

of

I have

me the cues

yesterday,

your

which

complaints

a talk

from

Danceny

time

and give

up

and

desert,

and I shall

8TH

What

I shall

worth

what

less.

5 Let

me a word,

and

eternal

arietta.

to have

meaning

his

waste

or

or

to him,

Amorous

obbligato

the

with

he asks not

is

vexed for

us nowhither.

recitato

what

happened

be vexed

rendezvous

know,

Adieu;

—60— THE

CHEVALIER

(ENCLOSED AH,

IN

the

advice

soul

on my

account dearer

you

will

this

favor:

but

help

me;

I have

be able

what

refuse

love

a friend find

no

is but

the

object,

that and

see you hope

lost

hour

All

VALMONT

could

my

instruct you.

you. You

are the only

are

when

with

me.

torments

will

a man

one in whom

of

in

the you

I opened

my

What

not pity

to

ask

I suffer

anxiety

Happier

friendship You

and

; my

support.

confide them

I see you,

I cannot on your

not

to unburden

on the day

of

is what

in

I dare

is changed

part

I count

all!

a need

so happy

and

save

DE

on

than

I,

to refuse me,

you

sensibility,

I can confide;

me will you

do not

aid. the only

as yourself

8TH

what

least

If

is left

it is not

alleviation to me. this

SEPTEMBER,

of my Let

morning,

afternoon. PARIS,

I feel

a difference!

is, and you

Monsieur;

you.

At

I was

to see her,

I must

me your

Adieu,

what

VICOMTE

I have

but

friend.

THE LETTER)

despair,

woes:

consolation?

of a far

know

in

my

trusty

Now,

own

behalf

and

and

to you!

of

TO

PRECEDING

I AM

secret

ear of a sure

can

THE

MONSIEUR,

writing

for

DANCENY

17 -- .

me

pain

know,

I should

is the reflection I beg like

you,

that

at what

it to be early

such hour in

I the

—61— CÉCILE MY

VOLANGES

DEAR

unhappy

SOPHIE, ! Mamma

TO

SOPHIE

PITY

your

knows

suspect

anything;

and

evening,

Mamma

seemed

much

attention

talked

quite

spoke

much

gaily

overheard. I was

to it.

of

the key

of my

me

tremble

so that

to find

opened

was

Danceny.

I was

what

begin

to read

to

bed.

reflect

that

night

through.

I write with

I must

send

as

still

less

letters

for

maid;

not

write

to Madame

they am

ill,

falsehood: from

write

to you

if she will will

it

we were

her

of him,

for

she will

be kind

Joséphine who

told

to

me to

all

I the

If I can speak

I

to write you

shall

enough

to

kindly get

any

to see

him

to take

such

my

into

weep

no hope

for

her

time

and will

I have

I saw

every

going

that

not

telling

come.

letter,

I did

as I came

but

I am

she

to sink

soon

naught

being

Chevalier

when

I tremble

note

from

the

time

As

will

of

it was,

but

caused

which

withdrew,

I did

it in your

request

of

barely

maid,

she asked

drawer

me what

letters.

she

we

maid;

this

letters

Josephine

trust

greater

de Merteuil take

so that

I need indeed

and

charge

me in bed

excessive

not

is perhaps

at any

find

for

my

only

and

charge

a purpose,

mother

and

that

I

had

desk.

I will

ready,

speak

Perhaps I dare

for

is

here,

a pretense

away.

a short

put

It

can

wretched!

Danceny.

my

in my

we

to take

pay

finished,

that

first

I had

again.

that

to

not

dd was

my

nothing;

itself,

her

I will

yourself.

least,

I am very

of a letter

if not,

from

At

her

The the

it was

Danceny’s

before

ask

her.

she asked

had called

all

away

I made

I swooned

in the hope

I shall

de Merteuil;

again.

off

at dawn,

that

who

appear

Madame

consolation.

so ill

I did

supped

she made

contained

presented

come

room.

stand.

that

very

Yesterday

however,

in which

when

is

has

but

rubber

had

and sent

to obey

except

which

carried

if

that,

to her,

mother,

alone,

it,

which

my

to you her

that

her

to my

she

humor,

believe,

hardly

I had

I felt

She

tone

at last

when

not

she

everything.

who

entered,

I could

the first

again,

do

The

so confused

to reply

an armchair myself

but

till

de Merteuil,

and I retired

desk.

precisely

know

go

it;

waiting

Cécile;

how

discovered

to be in a bad

Mamma

me for

poor

conceive

has

while

I

away

your

I cannot

indeed

Danceny.

when

Cécile,

she

I even,

She went

unable

yet,

to Madame

undressing

to

all.

CARNAY

they

have

I suffer

weeping;

also

and

to

more I have

because

that

come visit than

I wish

to Danceny,

of it. After

when not

length,

into

if

lie

my

room.

I had

a weight

to have

I shall

Mamma.

to have

It

my

down

letter

again,

I shall

will

time

not

the

fever.

My

on my

chest

which

all

so that

say be

to

that

a

great

eyes

burn

hinders

I

me from that

breathing.

I were

Adieu, PARIS,

my

When

I think

that

I shall

not

see Danceny

again,

dead. dear

7TH

Sophie,

SEPTEMBER,

I can say no more 17 -- .

to you;

my

tears

choke

me.

I wish

—62— MADAME

DE

AFTER

HAVING

innocence longer

sincere you

would fail

of

a child, in

make.

recourse least

I have

attempt

beguiled

her,

pursuit. from

It is for being

the

You

find

you

will

to send

leave without I have PARIS,

no

remarks

a right

to

hope

that

my

of

my

me in return of

indignation, the honor

an

her choice

the

you

eternal

misery, is made,

all those

she without to be, etc.

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

your

of

and you

you

force make

into shelter

I prefer door,

which

would me

a to

not

to

have the

you

have

her

from

your

shrink

as

little

attempting

letters.

her

her with I reckon

and to do your

without

of

which

acquainted

which

no

in future

will from

the

are

marks

at the

not

you

and I have

if

lackeys

have

daughter,

and

the

you

shall

whether

memory

shame,

if

as you

confidence

is fitting.

folly

containing of my

the

will

the

retreat

Monsieur,

packet

incident

in

that

which

that

de

to the

orders

you

DANCENY

surprised

responded

to give

also

daughter

and

enclosed

trace

7TH

the

I warn

be

of all

by

to decide,

me,

have

alike,

cause

As for

you

not

than

austere you

dishonor.

me

support

an

doubtless

where

a means.

to

a mother’s

again,

all

to such

CHEVALIER

by a forgetfulness

upon

compromise to

will

a house

to call

THE

MONSIEUR,

you

friendship,

not

TO

ABUSED,

received

most beg

VOLANGES

I could remorse.

it. upon

utmost not

to

retain

—63— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT INDEED,

YES,

which

I

caused

him

chef-d’oeuvre. Athenian

architect,

Oh,

slumber

is going

let

taught

regretting more

him

When

value

my

I returned

your

letter;

the

cause

it.

I

evil,

had

not

absorbed

I went

not

same

I told

existed

between

certainly her and

my

would

to say that

now

was

I felt

sure

Danceny. that

looks

and

done;

a number

know

if

has

day

In

to strike

seen she

of

any

changed, friend,”

and

I had

I saw

alarm.

a letter

opened

papers,

which

frequent and

she said,

before

I saw

some

as she pressed

I

read

finger

on

curing

after

according

to

who

etc.

my

sees that

I could

whereat almost

her

preserves.

to her “I

not

tell

virtue as

a

so far

“That

Here

was

as well

in

so

I

my

I went

a drawer

hand;

I had

acquaintance

received.

my

take

of

me at first

rise

I

or

doubtless

tears

this

of his indolence,

woman,

correspondence?”

of

but

blow,

and

need

sleepy:

and,

I spoke

me

she

I was

hours’

etc.,

is

indefatigable

rest.

decisive

given

the

remarks

short, the

a means

a dangerous

certain

taken

your

two

she answered

he

I did.

only

This

had

then

and it was

de Volanges,

that and

take

he

have

what

for

him

an eye,

I could

to Madame

so blind

I thought

I

in his

now

he had

had put

and

the

if

yesterday,

to find

to cure

by

to me;

before

bed;

with

Indeed,

now

to

my

and

now.

out

you

I quoted

which

kind

that

desire

that

him

day

a child,

“one

my

of the

let me close

work:

that

you

think,

I said

that

you,

me tell

was

I added,

you,

Let

daughter

I thought

face

lacking

her

me,”

Volanges’

be

retiring

my

plan,

was

said

a moment,

daughter

had

have

she

by

myself

also,

I

incident

and he slumbers

some

to be pointed

concern

is,

I am mistaken.

Convinced

sole

not

that

but

friendship

devote

morning

confidentially

case,

only

in the

him

The

and

needs,

I flatter

won’t

have

me sleep

her

I knew;

well

them.

my

mistaken,

all

It were

evening

her

in your

and

retrieved

it, did

give

longer,

time,

in Danceny,

for

project,

clearly

let

I will

it

letter,

of romance

any

need

my

completed

that

me,

however,

Chevalier

thoroughly

to

it luminous.

commenced,

him

do.”

that

home

of the

to punish

I will

mistakes

I found

at all;

he has said, hero

you.

and

last

fine

to

handiwork, your

of

I have

my

letter

since

look

well,

until

is

to be peaceful

mystery:

no repose

it

this

he has lost.

I—that

Danceny’s

no time

that

the

all

quality,

write

“What

then

felicity!

be

to

explain

I wasted

It is obstacles

to

WILL

as

reminds desk Do

Madame

in you de

eyes.

“I

thank

will

clear

this

I

went

up.” After

this

conversation,

which

was

too

short

to

excite

suspicion,

over

to the

young

to compromise willingly,

to take

afford

me

she

will

the

her

daughter’s

I took

advantage the

upon

which

folly

will

I did

had

deprived

blow

more

’Tis

few

tears?

and

even

bad

dream,

may She

dotes

evening; and

last,

Danceny’s I shall

serve

look

upon

well

avenged

himself on

and

as I intend

him

what

for

him

and

thus

certain to

to

gained

with

the young

on

for

my

the

that

vaunt

her my

Madame the

de

future

person,

the

without

all

that, herself

of

is no

ought more

to she

anyone

the

kind

of

what

I

render

the

suffers,

the

it, on the next

events

I

Danceny,

to her in hope

that

for

over,

her with

there

the

great

was

by exciting

restore

besides,

game

subject

tomorrow;

must

to

him

occasion. whom

one

pleasure

pastime

I promise

have

done,

which

will

after

for

her but

her

that

for

all,

this

if I have

Danceny

she shall

be delicious; put

with

have

a

him,

storm.

It is like

and,

considering

a spice

of

Either,

said

a

malice

him

with

tempted

as he

the wise. df

satisfied

excited

obstacles,

all

my

in that been

for

me,

Gercourt,

more,

if,

case, me;

the

to be. I went

not

to bed

redouble if

I shall on

object

over find with

his

in

he is nothing

at least

my

way,

have

bride’s

a thousand these

ways

I should

pleasant

as I of

will as

have

and

mind,

a

been

I shall

care,

to

but and

friendship, of my

I

intensity,

be in despair,

daughter’s

the first

I did

or,

he will

on

mistress

myself. will

power;

to believe,

has

clumsy,

with

by

now,

esteem

to be even him

of having

oneself:

As for

or very

I mean

the Well,

as beaten:

mother’s

of both.

unlucky,

child

to maintain

false

myself

persuaded

from

love,

as I am sometimes

confidence

and

thoroughly

fool,

the

be if the

I feel

also

her

I needs

me gratitude:

light

at

set

sees

she would

amuse

provides

withdrew

she

on him!

she owes

fool

more

seek

and when

I amused

accustom

awakening

The

very

very

to compensate

pay

than

the

I have

the

to me,

authorized

not

umbrage.

I am

to

heart

seeming

as I like

reality;

and

her

mother

this

it would

doubtless

I am

without

her say.

in

she not

it, one must

increased

child,

me

counsels.

will

her

adventures.

sooner

then

make of

great

into

and

Thus

when

moreover,

I think

myself,

eyes.

a corner,

be her haste

for all,

not

forcible,

wise,

After

in

my wise she

that

have

her

will

destines

her

she is inexhaustible.

she

that

greater

aside

she promised fortunate

because

to take

to beg

in me to open

to avoid.

of this,

child

pleasure

I

able

afterward,

how

and as privately

being

took

the

I wished

to be as long

the mother

all,

promise,

which

to her

of giving

toward

soon eyes;

confidence

her

tone

Volanges,

out

occasion

in

her

daughter’s

I pointed

keep

friendly

I left

in her

sufficient

penetration

right

me

when

were

person.

the be am,

making

thoughts:

I

slept On

well, my

too,

and awoke

awakening

the daughter; both,

I found

and

literally

very two

I could

this

not

same

phrase:

Is it not

amusing

single

of

directly

Divinity,

two

receiving

nothing

in

however,

the

my

to

precept

bids

I began

with

the

avenges

you

in part

side

of

your

only

anxiety

moment easy, and

Luckily

I could

back to

pursuit;

this

necessary I next

weeping;

the

does

choking

maid:

falling

over

When

the

and

and

that

altering

august

have

part,

been,

as

the

way,

have

kindness

on

and

of

my

of

the quite

affection, tenderness.

she had

she thought

this

the

and

been

of indulgent

resolved

event

already

advantage

would

in short, that

which

in your

take

tone

off

behaved

of

so

frustrating

on of

sending

her

and

induced

her

blow,

Danceny

continuing

to a circumspection

again

her;

she her

she

without was than

like when

the disconsolate

would

coquetry, wept

in

known

in

but

clumsy

it;

wept

I advised

to

she

not

She

waiting

embraced

time

assuaged

point.

penitence

the

marvelously,

of

she had

both

You

take

her at first

than

convulsions.

but

I had

I gave

Magdalen

in

to compel

like

and

which

I warded

it,

daughter.

this

which

sorrow

flow

air

which

of

me,

should

It is true

but

Behold

succeeded

severity;

applaud.

a threat

to

but

observe,

was

with

course

the

in a sadness

language

the

any

which

his

I

believe

to success.

she

charm,

the

in order

went If

herself

to the convent:

make

the

counsels

only

by

has

her

I expect to be

she has thrown

confidence:

with

in

affliction.

de Volanges

daughter’s

armed

schemes,

merely

for

her

from

and

deserted

wrapped

obstacles

Madame

employed

that

daughter

her

lest

she had

our

her!

was

her

that

mortals,

angel;

one

against,

blind

have

in their

Everything

to reasonable

unwisely all

prude.

I

consoling

I found

and

and

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interests? of

mother when

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petitions

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laughing

to console

friends

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fair

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my

mother;

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decrees.

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diverse

us, to visit

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immutable

assume

letters,

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consolation.” agent

late.

and

no

all

her,

had

made

shoulders

abandoned an

effort.

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she

and herself Lord! must

sincerity.... and

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bosom, my

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dangerous

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her in

good

faith. in

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of

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reassured seeing

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her as to her fear

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authorized

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her

send

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mind

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herself

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Puritan,

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heart

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than

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in her confusion

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coming

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set on her

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to your

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with

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satisfaction

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quite

a letter

for

and

on this

separated

are my

secret;

embroidering

until

with

in

about

beat her

will and

wrong

time, with

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joy? today;

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to

to

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she

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in

your

own

you. But

listen

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me,

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not

be

so constantly

wrapped

up

affairs

as to lose

want

you

people. no

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prejudice

are occupied

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moment

night,

ways;

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her my I believe

of any

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to tell fell

Adieu,

Vicomte,

into

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accept;

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I shall

lesson now;

me,

when which

you

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will

will

mark

offers

first me,

if the

send

word

to me.

of keeping

letters,

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a

signal.

you.

cherish

you

depend.

country

at your

of

be.

intrigue The

heart,

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fair

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against

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young

services. the

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to

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it.

suggesting

the confidence

must

encouragement

at first

that

is all you

need.

Pity

me now,

if you you.

friends!

Is the man

PARIS,

9TH

that

was been

it: but

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You a friend

SEPTEMBER,

her a way writing

self-love

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dare;

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tempt

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in

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think that

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pupil.

the confessor.

if

away,

to her

of

denouement

... what

to write

your

of confidant,

cannot

a good

toward

both

actors

her such

correspondence

dinner

the

as she went

him

is the case in which

the

Danceny

offer

spot

how

to me

that

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girl

rôle

and that

when

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child,

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is no doubt trouble,

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seems

attention

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your

the

I am

counselor

letter

on

Poor

up,

elsewhere; your

thousand

for

and

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There

In truth,

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maid.

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journey

obstacle

interesting.

letter!

has

go-between

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waiting

is always

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as to getting

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which

one;

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services will

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the

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become

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hands;

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friendship

keeps

17 -- .

with

for But

by

my

three

and

my

letter,

and

o’clock,

of the Comte the adieu,

them

one stone.

now,

dictated

the woods

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time

you

them

to the surprised

that

birds

a long

be with

of all the world

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two

you

and go and visit say

regard

maid,

of killing

and

it will

with

pleasure

and

de B---, of

I am hungry.

his

—64— THE

CHEVALIER

DRAFT

ENCLOSED

VICOMTE

TO

WITHOUT

sensible

I have

to you,

without

grief

order

situation

Permit

me,

venture

to

These

that

me more my

forbid

but

to

but

will

not

reason;

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point,

you in that

me.

I beg

severity

from

this

you

brings

fate.

to that

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of being

its

to

write

however,

so

many

myself;

and if

over

be sufficiently

first

sensible

sentence

neither

your

in

my

you

not

of

this

of my

would

your

letter.

confidence

actions

afraid

the

I respected

render to

nor

me

add

I

both.

responsible

that

that

which

in me is of a kind

which

may

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which

touches

offend

you.

for

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subject,

than

your

total

you,

and

at your

please

door?

for

my

give

be

letters

doubtless

order

on

as much for

I insist

this

that

very

for same

on

this

de Volanges

attentively,

and

that

not

I shall

than

to

the simple

resolves,

I

cause

all the more

Mademoiselle

your

and to

which,

Persuaded

dictate

you

absence

everything

will

in future,

as the order

prudence.

daughter

house

shall

important

to weigh

to lessen your

sudden

wish

then

at your

which

would

it is far

Mademoiselle

permit

interest await

of

fresh

you.

Meanwhile,

in case you

I undertake,

Madame

opportunity

by or

reputation

decides

her will paragraph

should

(and

to

send me

any to

permit

you

attempting

Volanges,

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a happier

even

effort

must

the

am

myself

everything

which

seeing

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has inspired

I wish

of

which

I have,

when

I

cannot

event

without

indulgence.

and

daughter

an

strength.

de Volanges;

to present

the remarks

orders

THE

and

the honor

abused

on me;

at

conduct,

to have

against

have

my

of it than

you

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me

submit

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(A

witnesses.

subject:

for

FROM

yesterday,

make

sentiment,

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than

SIXTY-SIXTH,

worthier

the

sequence,

I

depended

to you

VOLANGES

grieve

cause

since

protest

involuntary

displeasing

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justify

three

to find

Mademoiselle

alone

shall

to

say

Mademoiselle

You

and

but

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I must

to grant

first,

of

an

able that

TO

all

frequently,

being

painful

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cannot

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tried

has little

innocence

I

persons,

to say to you

letter

MADAME

LETTER

MADAME,

three

to the

TO

MARQUISE)

yours,

to

victim,

for

THE

of

unhappiness

things

IN

SEEKING,

complaining

for

DANCENY

be my

reward.

of my

letter

can count

to

speak

letter

to

this

me to pay

her.

the

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only

my

court

promise),

privately

sacrifice;

is also

on my

you

with fear

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reply

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sometimes, to abuse

the

Mademoiselle

de

compromising

happiness

of

that

make

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her

sometimes

to

what

you

tell

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me

as to the

you

were

I

would

to

make

promise

circumstances, permits

me

only

no, never! day.

There

remains

which

you

the

reasons,

me,

you

deign

your

letters

remains

to me;

they

to

me.

instant

in

making

would

yield

me to say that

so far

never

to betray

the

assured, can cause

for

deposit, now

the

the

and

my

I!

her

myself!

vow,

I must

with

you;

of:

but

your

me

consent No, it

return. of

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to add

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to

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that

to have

plans

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to forget

to appreciate

you,

letters

a refusal listen

them,

to

to

that

friendship

them

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my only

is the hope

of

of

the

pretend

even

words:

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bore

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hesitate

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of

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assure

you

that

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lock

her

you

her

secret

concerns

the

belonging

within

do of all

It would

herself,

is

be to fail

which

daughter

not

did

but

consents

to

you

If

she

doubtless

you. this

incident

to

be

Mademoiselle

To

complete

have

foreseen

inscription: to

they

sacred

of a heart

not

perhaps,

are of no use to you.

to instruct

that

I

to you.

permit and

is,

but

most

your

letters

which

rights,

The

the secrets

in

heart.

duties.

Mademoiselle

speak;

all

your

but

of surprise

a proceeding

is entrusted

desire

hitherto

Papers

my

of another

you,

I

which

is all the charm

de Volanges;

dh I respect

you

a mother’s

and

have

thing

respectful

it is the result

which

that,

anxiety which

in

which

at being my

me,

to blame

me to be the person

mystery

regret

to me,

good

I should

Mademoiselle

which

to

solitary

me,

to you

me from

her

contrary,

my

to believe

solicitude.

let

the

so precious

them.

to mine.

to you,

always

restrain

secret

to the eyes

Madame,

rival

constancy.

believe

proving

the confidence

to reveal

for

of

as to dispense

to expose

expect

and

me a sentiment

may

me for

by maternal

cannot

animates

are

for

sacrifice,

dg I do not

extend

As

you

I am authorized

of confidence.

on

which

lost

They

powerful

it is true,

wishes,

the love

me

at having

retrace

desire

blame

cannot

them

but

myself,

in order

you

his

pained

accuse

deceive

adapt

discuss

I am truly

present.

the

to my

confide

to

and

can

de Volanges,

However,

yourself

wish

me.

I should

she has received

matter

alone

more

in this

seducer

de Volanges,

already

at

considerations

authorized

conduct.

I am losing

of Mademoiselle

have,

vile

de Volanges,

esteem.

so

You

my

courage

unhappiness

doubly

life

Mademoiselle

events;

to remember,

become

of

upon

Madame,

from

of my

retaining

A

to her,

other

which

consolation

more.

be faithful

for

on

sentiments,

one

and

dependent

Mademoiselle

demand

wrongs

The

by

Forgive

reserve

calculate

two

I will

you

you

and

to be forgotten

this

fate

Madame

my

work

de

rest

de Volanges, of

everything. Papers

buried,

removing This

to be burned, Volanges.

The

I all

precious carries course

which

I have

to any which This,

fear you

which PARIS,

that

you regret

I have 9TH

should

you

could

Madame,

it leaves sincere

taken

might

personally is indeed

the at

least

prove

to you

find

in these

find

fault.

a long doubt

having

the honor SEPTEMBER,

letter.

as to the

displeased to be, etc. 17 -- .

also

that

letters

It will

you,

and

refusal

one

not

honesty

my

single

have

of my the

been

does

sentiment

long

sentiments,

profound

not

refer with

enough, my

respect

if

very with

—65— THE

CHEVALIER

OPEN

TO

THE

SIXTY-SIXTH O MY

DANCENY

CÉCILE!

support sight can

MARQUISE

FROM

which

them! of my

have

How

any

threaten

to you?

I would

you

yourself

are no better

will

you

your

approve

measures having seeing

being

taken

since

you,

of

again,

to seal

of feeling not

in our

so sweet

arrive,

and

What

am

friends; also

our

vows

souls,

that

this

make

my

also

reply.

your

who

finding

will

us forget!

it to the

have

have

they

Perhaps,

I hope

that of

with

you

all

the

the object

knows?

ourselves love,

not

of

perhaps

of

again,

of

Ah,

and of seeing

well,

will

hope

I beg

care

of

permit

in our

eyes,

pain

will

What

I have

which

consoling you

together

be falsified!

measures

is that

Who

ever.

of eternal

I owe

at the

you

all.

approval

and,

I saying?

I ought

consent;

but

has guided

not

I had me;

to

perhaps,

have

have

misfortune

it is that

a confidence

speak:

of

mine;

vow

of

to

I.

you

of

What

ignorant

are all

same

request

I am

they

than

Could

now?

event;

it to these

sole

and

from

missive?

fall?

doing

us

despair,

de Volanges’

you

I need

pleasure

anew

my

fatal

freely

save

us the courage

astonishment,

a copy

said.

will

give

suspicions

than

I owe

my

THE

of seeing

you

the

this

to

approve.

most

friend

it

tender to

of

become

own.

Perhaps,

pardon

are

and

giving

the

a moment

and

your

do your

this

and more

Cécile,

(SENT

LETTER

God

at least,

of Madame

note

I have

able

my

you

informed

I have

my

for

everything,

what

you

Imagine,

know

Mamma’s

of

love,

What

of

news

IN

of us? What

us? Let

whom

imprudence?

said

I send

MERTEUIL

is to become

us? On

VOLANGES

VICOMTE)

at the reading

betrayed

CECILE

DE

can I paint

letters,

committed

THE

WHAT

the misfortunes

TO

been

and

which

that

your

confidence

necessity

claims

was

separated

he is the friend

given

for

your

necessary, forever.

and

whom

excuse.

indulgence,

di You

of the woman

my

away

without know

without

your

It is love

which

which

begs

you

which

we

should,

the

friend

of

to

whom

you

love

best.

to beg

him

to induce

Madame

did

not

this

I

It is the Vicomte

de Valmont. My

plan

Merteuil could who

to take succeed,

was

and you This you

in addressing

under can give

assistance leave

him

charge but,

in

of

her your

immediately

hardly for

at first,

a letter

default

obligations

will

was,

of

to him.

for the

you.

He

mistress,

think

he answered

It is she who

will

give

for you

de

method

the

maid,

this

letter;

reply. be of use to us, if, the country.

But

as M.

then

de Valmont

it will

believes,

be he himself

who

will

serve

take

advantage

and

it will

assures

us. The

lady

of this

to whom pretext

be through

me,

even,

us the means

him

that

are going

to repair that

if you

of meeting,

you

our

thither

without

time

correspondence

be guided

your

kinswoman.

at the same

mutual

let yourself

is his

running

that

will

by him,

the risk

He you

do;

pass.

He

he will

of being

will

procure

in any

way

compromised. Now,

my

share

my

become

of

grief happy! some

I

unable

hope:

You

know

consolation love

Adieu,

my

for

but to

9TH

me,

to

let

to

well.

May

soul!

SEPTEMBER,

my

it

Mine

tender 17 -- .

grief

I would certainty has need

you love!

should

you

suffer.

if,

to

tender

break

the

misery,

I

the

my

me.

it has made

adieu,

him,

to alleviate

not

my

confidence

Without

torture that

pity

your

promise

it,

the ills

if you

refuse

even

to your

Cécile,

me,

angel?

insupportable

pardon

PARIS,

you

guardian

overmuch is

love

will

being

finish,

yourself

if you

regret, our

despair will

Cécile,

a man

who

will

reduced

to

I have

caused

you.

down.

that

you

be

friend,

give

as I hope,

my you

of your

not

to idea

life

to

of

your

make

you

adored

assurance

It

abandon

The

are

the

that

carry you

—66— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL You

WILL

letters,

SEE,

whether

today,

they

says

the profundity

chooses

to be tractable,

in the country; behold

me

become He

I have

Prince.

young,

to prevail

if there

were

keep

It would

it!

much

affair

preserve the

would-be

read

them,

To

of the prudence

from

I will

break But,

myself

off

such

would

absolutely

side

a case

appear

the

mother,

unpardonable

negligence.

he

Thanks

her

dj

arrival

to your

remains

against

would

be

it,

for

care,

him

I have

to renounce one

to

never

his love;

is determined

to me: the

is not

of

designs,

the weakness

man

has

also

to make

to

scruple

That

they

as

not

this

daughter?

from

permitted

he will

taking

is

so

display

alarm

himself

in

her abandon

not

give

and

reason

the

tedium

employ,

there

love

we shall

the marriage,

compromise

think

ingénue

after

believe

when

assimilated

which

herself

revolt

your

opportunity, fair

time

seducer

here

I have

thrown

would

you

de Volanges

with,

this open

would

I have the

correspondence,

Volanges

his

of

in

them

at

his

the

letter;

her request up,

for

he does

are in accord. of them.

not

I have

They

may

explain.

as on my

in

this

try

begin

letters;

In spite

for

first

that

dm

young

I am of his opinion;

useful.

projects.

If

only

on repeating

Madame

the convent;

these

would

probity.

our

become

this

him.

the mother

in their

christen

letters.

to, and

the

rascally

which

us from

wish

at the

dated

before

of it by the success

it

in a promise,

to prevent

dn

child’s

to promise

in

they

sallies

Would

he kept

all equally

little

Danceny!

be deceit,

like

It is your

oneself

all prepared.

Danceny;

eyes;

humble

a short

of

hindrance

especially

the execution

this

on him

edifying, men!

friend

are

can but

make

methods

both my

be finished

a hundred

enclosed

dl

very

able

will

two

beneath

assuredly,

to

the

and

judges

and

reproaches

the

One

of

Although

house,

one

fire;

dk all

decidedly

is still

been

more

project.

at my

when

on

a perusal

your

we wanted.

views,

is all

no

by

fulfilled

yesterday

of your

have

friend,

all that

Danceny

will

well

written

girl

measures.

lovely

I have

were

to the little

you

MY

to have

made

the

first

head.

Some

of

would,

at

I am

quite

at first;

but,

to

only

reason.

all

aware

It

By a

all

a scandal;

our

Gercourt

that

part

the

of

letters

rate, the

it,

the

and

to

would

little have even

her

scrupulous

chances

reserve carefully

convict

be personally

is a thousand

I

selecting

overtures,

any

as he would

spoil

arise

on the mother,

dishonor.

producing

his

and

and

to be revenged

daughter’s

and

at

it not?

may

of

Danceny attacked, to

one

I that

things

will

Adieu,

not

my

turn

lovely

out

so; but

friend:

it would

tomorrow

at the Maréchale

I presume

I have

de Volanges, Town: day;

whereas, and,

PARIS,

no need

upon

once

if she only 9TH

my

one must

project. there,

us a week, 17 -- .

everything.

amiable

I could

to recommend

arrived

SEPTEMBER,

be very

de ---’s;

country

gives

foresee

not you

will

I answer

to come

and

sup

refuse. secrecy,

She would she

of you

not for

as regards

at once start

off

everything.

decide again

Madame to stay the

in

next

—67— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT I

DID

NOT

MEAN

embarrassment I

ought

I feel

not.

against

to

answer

at the present

However,

me;

I wish

you

I

Monsieur,

moment

would

to convince

again,

not

is itself

leave

you

and,

perhaps,

the

proof

that

an effectual

any

cause

you

that

I have

done

for

you

say?

I agree;

but

when

of

you

complaint

everything

I

could. I permitted of that

you

permission,

If I had been have

to write

do you

as faithful

received

when

you

do

all

one,

only

whatever

you

Forsake,

then,

love

may

have

whom that

one

have

humiliating

give,

all

to this

fault

you

I may

the

be

more

would

revolt

my

friendship,

it

set upon

not

and

off

this

it. There

listen;

you

to

me,

which-

it excludes

us.

And

must

friendship?

your

friend

I would

divide

perhaps

separates

that

for

renounce

would

eyes,

would

third;

prove

understand?

wish

you

it.

will

sentiments?

me,

will

can

to

would

break

you

as not

tender

to

and to which

that

in my

so wrong

it,

and

the

me

given?

of continuing

it is the obstacle

then,

more

me

take

not

me,

that

one,

idea

of which

the

word

which

see my

with

you

as you

be the

frankness;

only,

remorse? say nothing

of you, that my

destroys

say,

the signal

you of

Adieu, more

have

for

turned

you

to my

not

me from

have

her

in

believe you

I only

it:

without

is mine To

await

I will

told;

that

more?

been

to

give

your

suffice

way assent

for

trust

your

in you

to

choice. prove

to you

augmented: and restores my

eternal

away

from

silence your

you

that,

replied

confidence; I warn

after

to me.

with

errors, than having

that

fears;

regard will

of

it will

you

to me all my

Monsieur;

feel

my but

friendship

have

desire

will

woman’s

you

all

friendship

a virtuous

until

you

heart,

this

I may

it should

it forever,

I give

can

that

if it is to be further

become

object

all

What

so suited

of justifying

of love it will

I ask

forget

Monsieur,

dispose.

so gentle,

I will

You

word

I can

sentiment,

be at the pains

If,

reflected

to

it was

however,

the means

refuse value

is,

remind

the reverse,

compel

with

and alarms

desired

you

happiness.

that

to

conditions

proved

This

you

of return.

offering

and

you

little

only

yourself

you

hope In

the

lies

to which

offends if you

this

you

how

have

me?

am busy if

on what

as you

you

and

a language

which

I forget

from

in

say,

sentiment

Would

that

one;

be less attached, Is this

reply

it is I who

but

a sentiment

think

to them

a single

correspondence, is

to me,

you

a guilty spoken

rest

the

first

above

all,

to you. not

rather

woman’s thus,

I

can

AT

THE

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 9TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

—68— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL HOW,

MADAME,

AM

when

my

sincerity

may

have

the

courage.

I

deserve that

you

than

I shall

is worthy

tell

cease

answer my

your

cause

myself,

I

you:

with

to

must

I must

letter?

you?

repeat

and,

to desire,

last

you

How

No

matter,

myself,

that

deny

at least

dare

true,

I must; it

is

me forever

prove

be I

will

better

to

a happiness

to you

that

my

heart

of it.

a pity,

what

transports

that,

tremble

today

display

me

things,

indeed,

love,

success,

have

you

to

I regret

that

for

only

away

read

offer

does

that

from

my

same

me

therein

me

your

I can not

errors!

letter,

with

to

frank

profit

With which

ness,

friendship:

pleasure,

to extract

your

your

I you

what

by them!

confidence

picture

alarm

I to tell

you

the

you?

which

provided

good

Why

...

from that

my

the

design

hope

of

Ah,

that

I consented

any

one

that

am

light

today,

from

with

with

fancy,

advantage

frankness

friendship

were

an ordinary

as to means,

encourage

this

of me,

and

hasten

delicacy

your

you

seduction

desire

accept

picture

of

scant

I should

Madame!

how

turned

speak

and

I should

I should

should

You

if I felt

child

With

I have

I

I was?

the

christened obtain.

reply.

and

If

say,

I should

confidence,

what

is

joy

to

Madame,

I were,

as you

of

no longer

out;

ruin

to obtain

never

What

which

I to

however,

all

that

they of

of

I

could me

finding

you

betraying

beguiling it

is

procured

need

well,

fancy

it;

it....

would

What,

be

to be no more

I

a

than

true your

friend. What, from I

I!

I consent

your

soul!

should

assuredly It is not without by

to

love

you

value

in my

how

soul,

which

Madame,

By

I will

but

what By

what

I

might

sweet

But

love!

like

by them,

comparisons, be your love,

cannot do

you;

eyes....

itself,

ardent

right

so, do not

sentiments,

not

you

you

frankness,

permits

the most

refuse?

these

to lend

tell

a sentiment believe desire

which me.

you

has

From

emanated

that

still,

but

moment I

should

no longer.

amiable

all

with

deceive

that

know

despair,

If I ever

seek

uniting

even

to share

you

friend;

pretend

refinement

True

sensible

love,

and

giving

them

more

to that

tranquillity,

which

even

I will

although

annihilate

confidence,

love

the most

such

suffers you

friendship as you

are inspire,

energy,

would

to that

coldness

preferences.

with

the

respectful.

You

a heart

whose

most

not of No,

tender,

can drive

it to

homage

you

it. to

dispose

of cruelty

of

do you

rob

me of even

the happiness

of

loving

know

you?

how

That

to defend

No,

once

You

take

wear

out

fate;

and perhaps

hope

ever

more,

my

you,

arouse.

renew PARIS,

For

I will

know

how

you

will

you

without

being

and,

in spite

of the modesty

to

feel

lose my

pity

only

that; vow

SEPTEMBER,

than

merit

and

surprise is that

far

from

to love

you

17 --

constant,

you

at least justice.

being him

I

shall

remedy.

me

my

love. to

to decide It is not

my that

you

I

will

ill. To know

are two which

at the

their

persuaded,

you

things

adorns

known

accepting

your

how

without

which you,

sentiments

I have

always.

leave

you;

be it so, endeavor

are unjust.

you

not

feet

I judged

that

but

me more

without

of

it is also

ah, well! to force

but,

ills,

refusals,

render

say to yourself:

whose

10TH

unhappy!

will

me,

at your

day

is independent

of my

me

it is to yourself

you

it

cruel

susceptible:

to love

for

your

you

impossible;

be easier

I shall

some

you

loving

in

in making

to make

it rightly,

you,

Persist

courage,

To put

is mine;

it. If it is the source

no.

pleasure

be convinced;

equally

happiness

it

are must

which to

insidious

you

appreciate offers,

I

—69— CECILE

VOLANGES

WRITTEN You

ASK

longer am

IN

on

done;

I love of

know will

you

he was

can only going

for

be my

my

in pencil

on my

heart.

own.

sake.

letter.

tomorrow;

perhaps

SEPTEMBER,

I will

confessor.

be effaced,

and

I weep. paper

been must

adieu,

My

NOTE

try

never

all

of having

de Valmont,

for

from

to me,

approve

how to read

and

the sentiments

have you

I did

not

miserable:

me.

am

of

has betrayed

My

I

I

you

to him,

long.

no

me;

news and

to get used

it is that

mother

away

left

I am very

know

but

and

try

who

(A

DANCENY)

means M.

know

room:

17 -- .

ink,

like

I do not

no more

you

every

not

or my

BY

I needs

to take

I do not

DANCENY

happily

of yours;

maid

I have

pens, has

I did

a friend

your

will

not

OUT

I love

which your

well

waiting

no more!

10TH

too

country

traced

PARIS,

of

so great

him

to the

see you

a pencil

you

doing;

she has taken

a fragment

giving

love

of

CHEVALIER

COPIED

I am

to me; use

THE

AND

WHAT

speaks

writing

and

PENCIL,

ME

making

TO

and

I

us; it we are

God!

These

to

words

engraved

—70— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I HAVE know,

AN I supped

and I said,

happens

raised

“Heaven de

forbid,”

lightness

one

But

I

to her

on

as she is, or better;

short

from

smile

lassitude cause

until

ill-natured

and,

during

general of

do and

joke

the

laugh

luckily

our

I was

As for shall

in a position

she

all,

But

my

Prévan

court

adventure,

this

one

assuredly

thwart

suffrage

his dp

prevented great

him

scene;

reputation. on him,

to tell

has rendered man

whom

that

and or

long,

that

him

really

I should

of

of

as stop has

by

the

Merteuil’s

scandal;

place,

and

the

by the

with

him,

side which

Prévan,

his

triple

formidable. to meet

most

like

him,

might

pledged

be given

in

kept.

But

you

do not

know,

sometimes that of

it is my the

weight

of

from

appearing

on what

we call

without

for

winning

any

which

hitherto

by

he had

He is, in short, my

path;

turning

and,

In

today apart

perhaps from

my

fact,

people’s

lacked,

me

pleasure

women.

that

is

heard

fashionable

adventure,

in

was

religiously

have

ignorant

most

dq

that

whom

If you

not

means,

word

the proverb.

I do not

our

confidence

fear

know

I am

prodigies,

fame

him

so

by this

he did the

be

who

of

de B---,

accepted;

be the

adroit.

that

that

was

this

more

it is only

for

But

you

even

thirty

and

gave

and you

success,

with

susceptible

would

are, forewarned,

the contrary,

his

conversation

this

declare

savor

resumed

and of all the pledges

to

you

and

a

to her.”

which

to be told:

amiable,

de

to

after

encouraged

Comtesses

a private

Paris

in Madame

those

the two

one runs

in all

her

difficult

others

was

infinitely

when

to

fancy,

believe

all

more

he added,

in paying

more

by a fresh

everything

me

it

of Madame

to overhear.

to render

for

a voice

may

that

It remains

think.

others

challenge

you

of,

these

The

there

spoken

when

owes

fails,

me,”

as do

had

you

languished,

the virtue

the woman

not

it excited,

sat,

As

I do not

neighbor,

It is perhaps

are distracted

changed.

skeptic

that

as, after

horses

which

were

which

doubt

as one rarely

succeeded,

conversation

whom

six

friend.

conversation

of one’s

principles.

herself.

killed

the

I should

way;

“I

dear

: you

and

she is, perhaps,

of the women,

I have

This

the

de --all that

believe

and,

some

to defend

of some

virtue,

her;

my

but

good

“that

than

others

you,

Prévan’s.

rising, dare

good

had least

it was

to please

to meet

only

would

of character

woman,

opinion,

says

he said,

her than

I think,

to be of my

when

to give

the Maréchale

which

in contradiction:

Merteuil!

follow

with

all the good

appeared

as ever

warning

yesterday

not

Everyone

was

IMPORTANT

and the your

I the

more eyes which only own

interest,

you

ridiculous that,

will

by

on my

announces more

her

love

new

cheaply;

and

and

I most

to conclude What

with

I

to lead

on

her too

a slow

agony;

spectacle;

and

after

compelling

little

worth

indeed,

take

a less

revenge

confess

that

I have,

of

all,

pains

our

alone

mine

me

dinner.

whole

her

to cry

letter

a

method

friend.

But

I,

with

her

so

quits

at such

pains

with

her,

is

that

she

should

feel,

and

feel

to follow

she shall her;

unceasingly,

the

make

me;

to let her virtue upon

happiness

worth

the

having

me

her

desire.

In truth,

trouble

of asking

of a woman

who

not

expire

heartbreaking

of

pillow

the

I am

instructions,

in

her

for.

arms,

I am And

seems

of

can

I

to blush

to

defend

amends

to you

PARIS,

11TH

me

one day

SEPTEMBER,

for,

to

have,

reason,

I have

be in

without

title

short,

of

a that

been

be

that

than

taken

lavish

one

I believe,

to my

no more

to obtain,

I

to be:

could

cajolery;

and

as

irrational, women

are

dr and

that

heart

has

I have

remarked

is another been that

for

result some

cajolery

of time

was,

to

be offered.

I leave

for

at first

endeavored

a woman’s

of repose;

yourself

importance

this

of

After

tomorrow.

de ---,

leave

seems

held

letters.

a piece

to

which

and

it is for

Comtesse

and have

sentiment.

for

and aid me with

all,

letter,

in love

that

title,

depict

and

friend;

vexed

Above

this

friendship,

of real

possible

with

lovely

for

that

can

it has need

the softest

give

not

my

observation.

my

The

been

the precious

with

superiors

profound

Adieu,

mean

to dissimulate

is, however,

is no tenderness;

exercised,

to

have

the haughtiness

deny

as it was

I concluded my

no longer

refused

which

so much

and

she adores?

quibble,

there

hope

not

not

her

if I am

a verbal

irrational

remorse

the

As I do not

disorder

pupil,

to suggest

of the sacrifices

to grant

of lover.

deal

one

her,

for

the

prude.

me to become

do not

to concentrate

her

therefore,

great

for

only

fair

capitulation.

wishes

contrary,

of each

swiftly

I cherish

appear

seduction.

the

the value

him

of your

It is impossible

should

an ordinary

my

of

methods,

certainly

propose,

thoroughly,

She

making

and

the adventure

a letter

easy.

difficult

hands,

her as with

me

by

man.

to be deceived.

or more

service

in good

through

with

sent

desire

timeworn

him

to carry

just

a real

be a ruined

as much

has

me

I leave

he will

yourself

latter

who

way.

in revenge,

concern

in

the

return,

I promise,

The

be rendering

I will

without your

the sacrifice! 17 -- .

halt

seeing

wise

against

If you at her you.

counsels,

Prévan; Adieu.

have

and

any

house, Send

in this grant

commands at any

me critical that

your

to

rate

for

sublime

moment. I may

make

—71— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL MY

IDIOT

letters, and

OF

those

I have

his

de

moreover,

waste

my

when

or the merriest action,

Vicomtesse

persecutions château: you.” but

with “Well,

“That

I felt

not

it; I insisted

to suffer

were

enough

offense

to give

longer

been

receive

arranged

Vicomte there;

but,

nonetheless: lodging lover evil

destiny

That

very

day,

cajoles

distaste

for

sport,

wife’s

arms

for

judged

that

same

and shooting

myself

or amused

me.

her

me

pass

the

the

delighted, I

have course

for

a good

entreaties

to

the

the

night

at

the

that

I pass

is here.”

word

it

with

So far,

impossible

to Vressac,

signs

I

had

revolted

and I

corridor,

put

say,

yesterday, went

her

ill

resolved

than same

things

be housed Vressac,

on

consoling

of

husband repose,

to give to pick very

him

good

his jealousy, as you

among

obviously,

with

Vressac stayed

her, side

after

and

the The

them. as you

him

at night all

myself

to take him

he had

will

in spite

him

busied

the time

The

themselves.

opposite

caused

had

he

know

on one

who,

can

nights.

at meeting

himself

a quarrel

awkward

Comtesse

a few

with

and

been

the Vicomtesse

snatch

humor

shooting

the

to which,

and

out

counted

need

so that

the husband

to arrange

his mistress

party

the

had

to the

stronger

I should

have

of

always

which

Vressac

visit

to try

is even

Vicomte,

persuaded

this

that

quite

This

so much

and

them

ennui

would

of persuading

I succeeded, very

he

left

is to

the

to

with

difficult

reproach

condition

but

to me.

shown

willed

and

he

you

women,

most

joined

“on

ds

I am

ruining

The

sacrificed

in order

of sport

dt the

I beg

réchauffé

“Vressac

to her;

Comtesse,

that

believe,

means

even

and

of both

to her,

favorable

in the great

on the other,

she make

at being

them,

the

the wife

thing

at home,

as his love and

as

to the Vicomte;

at first

for

while

therefore.

between

had

them.

she answered:

not

him

one’s behind,

and

details.

for

I never

would

I said

humiliated

Circumstances

no

they

polite

me as usual.

a talent

and

and

a its

me in practice

here,

I consent,”

in

of saving

it has kept

the

fair

remained

story:

thing; me

if I have

I choose;

which

to say

have

My

his stupidity;

night’s

small

interested

is impossible,”

meant

a

it, that

is the one

the

found

it

I wish

that

my

in Paris!

all

to repair

you

but

see that,

provided

case

Volanges: off

tell

is

But

you

little

letter

time.

itself

M---.

to let

nonetheless,

I

I will

in

my

He is going

horse,

adventure

Vicomtesse

to the

of all.

I do not

The

has left

of Danceny

need

is saddling believe

A chasseur

well of

his

in

the

day: with

but

I the

it.

concerning only

that

consented

for

her

sake.

woman

She

is better

all

women,

so

difficult

could

endowed

of putting to

moment

Vressac

was

he was

for

served take

for

He

would

be

Vicomtesse

enough

they

have

the right

to abuse

and,

have

having

thus

delicacy

so well

was

tempted

to believe

that

of them,

I made

of both

In

end,

the

love

such

Vressac, and,

sweet

who

having,

was

as he, he begged so. I spoke

to her,

at liberty

and manner

She

me

that,

of our

situated

she had thought

it more

apartment;

that,

safer

and

also

waiting await

to come

maid

about

was

the

conversation.

his

she

then

not

of

men

that

they

I

myself

know

that,

as

the

fatigues

herself

were

The

addressed which

and

sentiment

and

add

returned.

to thank

between

her

her,

a

of

she

to

disconsolate

himself

to

me;

I knew

as

well

I promised

in order

the

against

talked

must

reasons,

that

suppose

reproach

to reply,

to ask that

audacity

she

you

husband

to

confused,

she would

present,

of complaint

issue, and

the cause;

him

and to

to

do

arrange

rendezvous.

since

to go to Vressac

I was that

her

favors,

at this

it was

prudent

carried

one o’clock

just

such

As beauty

know

plain

wears

As I am quite you

left

one

placed

alone;

that

than

opposite

she would

repair

I had

only

husband

and

to receive

her, to my

she

lover,

him

in her

thought

room

to leave

her

it

as soon

my

door

was

as

ajar

her and

her.

Everything

“In

had

for

was

was

the

for

as she was

to me;

against

to the Vicomtesse, but

it

right:

expounded

in effect;

the hour told

longer

me to speak

the

he attempted

absent,

night:

she would

The

length,

never

was

her

who

finally, was

dumb

that

pleasures. no

at great

was

that

to

to demand

she has cause

grew

a third

and

common

Neither

husband,

that

changed

positively

of the chase,

the

him

when

she

no

of being

wished

He sought

a woman’s

Vressac

she declared

to those

disturb

that

as I only

declaimed

skillfully

and

friend

to

even

and

wrong.

conversation;

experienced her,

the

the husband

She

talent,

but

on the morrow.

the

listen

sublime.

because

in

pretext;

that

of reason,

himself;

off

sorry

with

and,

when

to

who,

them;

to justify

to break

became

is

on his return.

of a moment

kind

she

reconciliation

tried

a pretext

advantage

when

sullenly

a more

in the place

explanations;

to their

greeted

abused.

as

chosen

the Vicomtesse

humor

appease

I consented

have

than

ill

convenient

night,

not

me,

out

as we had

arranged;

and

she came

to my

room

in the morning, array,

when

without

fresh vanity,

and I was

from I will

satisfied

slumber’s not with

sway.”

go into myself.

du

the details

of the night;

but

At

daybreak,

imprudent

we

had

woman

to

had

the key

with

which

the Vicomtesse

admit

it

have

could

I suffer

would

And

should

my

I soon

not

without

break how

However,

Vicomtesse

up to her

ground, this

lover

to task

I had

run

you

to

sluggish

my

efforts

who

had

how

a light

to burst

open

by

therefore,

terror,

first

she

such

cry,

would

kick

the

had

should believe

the door same

coolness,

and

still

burned,

I then

yielded.

instant,

my

and

would

the

had I

also

profited

throw

have

took

as

consented.

maid

it

I

not

waiting

room.

assuring

be overcome

that

at the

ridiculous

in one’s

sleep,

first

kept which

by

would

of

after

and

I alone

ruined

in, on condition

You

for,

corridor,

imagine

with

even

time;

but

successful.

at the

bed.

and at my

lose

in the

that,

her,

situation:

have

cries

to her

a night-light

can

their

up, and

way,

chamber.

terror

for

that not

extinguish

panic

decide

must

the Vicomtesse,

piercing

rush

to

were

mistress’s

for

feign

well

Vressac

by it to go and the

she should

despair,

you

it was

be burst

shut,

You

been

What

conduct; could

not

The

it

of

this

let myself

therefore.

arranged

we found

in

had

I persuaded

we

begins.

I am lost!”

her

who

of men,

some

ajar;

“Ah,

left

me

my

interest

of the expression

have for

was

And

needed

did

and

to me at once:

utter

it had to be done

Vicomte run

it

said

of noise.

etc.

and

time

no idea

to

the

her door

have

in question

to

that

You

what

amount

door,

much

The

the door

difficulty,

in the

left

had to be found

that

etc.,

to have

the commonalty

Hear

murder,

is here

to be ruined

I, like

a mighty

It

amusing

friend?

realized

thieves,

been

A method

fair

one made

inside.

a woman

circumstances? done,

left

thought

and

me?

was

separate.

it

been

husband

them

that

the cries,

the door,

had

lasted

to to and

at

which

at least

five

minutes. The

Vicomtesse,

enough,

and

swore

chamber;

she

had

a fright

such

when

a

subject

had

of rats,

We

his wife

for

was

tenderly

that

it was

“He

she added, in

was “I

and,

left

to keep with

a vengeance

indeed

angry

am exhausted

a good-humored

for

fatigue

moment;

she

and

found

the

alarm;

well-worn to regain

a thief

that

concluded

me

my

in

had

that,

well her never

nothing, without

a

opinion

pleasantries his chamber

was on

the

and his bed,

her rats quieter.

of Love;

with

in

and

us, approached

then,

seconded

been

everywhere

and

the first

had

sincerity

searched

some

in bed,

there

more

damage

was

alone

that

the

after

the future

courage

night-light,

the

the Vicomte

who

I was

life.

caused

Vressac,

at me,

all

in her

her

gods

with

unanimously;

praying

her

to the overturned

rat

accepted

all

protested

I pointed

doubt,

by

regained

the Vicomtesse

to which

he has taken and I want

consequently,

to tell

she answered, ample

her

glancing

vengeance;

but,”

to sleep.” before

we

separated,

I

pleaded

Vressac’s

embraced, for

the

We

went

and

I, in my

kisses

of the

out

together;

betook

ourselves

If

find

you

that

I have

this

its turn.

shall

soon

and

history

For

was

after

a reconciliation.

embraced

by

both.

The I had

but

I confess

that

I had

accepted

his lengthy

amusing,

amusement the moment,

chasseur

I do not out

I am only

two

lovers

no more

Vressac’s

relish

pleased thanks,

me.

we both

and to recommend

you,

AT

CHÂTEAU

you

to keep

just

speaking

that

it secret.

the public

of the story;

Now should

perhaps,

we

of the heroine. waiting

you,

ask

of it, it is but

has been

embrace THE

turn,

effected

Vicomtesse;

say as much

My

and

to bed.

had my

have

Adieu!

cause

DE

... , 13TH

for

an hour;

I take

above

all,

to beware

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

only

the

of Prévan.

time

to

—72— THE

CHEVALIER

DELIVERED O MY

UNTIL

CÉCILE!

is he who drag my

DANCENY

on

HOW

will my

tender

THE

give

painful

this

pity

my

of them

How

it is to me that

me,

you

would

that

you

forgive

love

me.

seems You forget my

tell

that

you

me,

that

How

deeply

mine

replied

to it!

Alas,

in that

moment

which

awaited

alleviating you

treat

grieved,

of him.

for

him

wishes these

reasons you,

ever

were

you

it is mine

unfortunate,

Can

you

you

love

it to me.

It

forgive me,

me?

that

Ah,

you

that

I doubt

utter.

there!

And

my

far

past,

me

my

me

save

that

But

appear

in not

fate

means

of

this,

that

to have

had

it was truly

my

he is my

you

as you no,

to dread

used

the

from

of

do not

submit man,

reunite

us,

friend,

look

friend,

that

he

seeing

you.

If

love

me as

to love

heart

the pain

me at least

to

dear

happiness

to

amiable

labors

you,

Cécile,

less!

if I have

will

short,

the

me as much

to love and

that

I implore

you,

love

neglected

afford

it has

to attain

you Mamma;

Reflect

not

he deserves.

of your

eye.

I do

the

it

said.

the awful

with

suffice,

but it

transports

Cécile,

opinion

in

say

treasured

foreseeing

it will

who,

soul.

I have what

from

which

I had

separated.

with

my

friend,

me;

How

say,

it:

you

all

for

always

I heard

with

it

But

will

your

for

her constancy

misfortune!

me

convince

life;

own:

love

he can

to come

your

you

the prejudices

do not

friend,

Yes,

favorable

that

me for

it

must

My

it is to hear

at the unfavorable

time

you,

regret.

your

is not

from

I am of it, the sweeter

the confidence

has

for

that

pity

caused

ourselves,

a more

you

me.

us occupy

with

afar

see you:

sure

everything

do not

as I love

mine,

also

repeat

there

to be yours,

deserts

I was

Mamma with

all,

of happiness,

some

does

your

upon

him

(NOT

he will

and

above

have

it is graven

I confess,

that,

today

whom

me

Tomorrow

I, languishing

tranquil.

word

Let

I recognized

to them who

courage

it. If I am to believe

should

I was

us!

VOLANGES

unhappiness

I should

not?

it is the last

heart!

my

the more

do you

and

betwixt

and

me;

to me that, love

that

be happy

I need

letter,

lot!

misfortunes;

is in the face terrible

Valmont’s

existence

friend,

CÉCILE

14TH)

I envy

you

TO

me.

well

Ah,

if

of my

Cécile

is

of a love

which

is

the torments

of a love

betrayed. Adieu, rests

my with

you

and receive PARIS,

charming to make

the most

11TH

friend;

do

me happy,

tender

SEPTEMBER,

kisses

not

forget

completely of love.

17 -- .

how

I suffer,

happy.

Hear

and my

that heart’s

it

only vow,

—73— THE

VICOMTE

(DELIVERED THE

WITH

FRIEND and

anteroom

of

left-hand

side,

require

place,

him

necessary,

and

and

not

in

public,

own.

He

any also

may

you

in

order

to inspire

the

He

to him,

more

as a child. sense

to you;

to return in

two

the other

seems

AT

CHÂTEAU

care

to him,

order

you

that

that,

to alleviate

persons

to him

will

can

writing

find

in

the

press, dv

on

the

leave

renew

when

in the

same

This

for

no attention

behavior

security

for and

to pay

of

speaking

he hopes

seems

which

his friend’s with

to

he

to has

happiness you,

to succeed,

when if

you

dx him.

assuring

every

of

effectively

or give

by

you

no

he will

if he seems

you

He

THE

which

to tell

received,

against

paper,

occasions

yourself.

is using

great

to find

you

take

the

try

compromising

he will

beneath

will

advises

have

You

him,

to regard

to second

concludes

with

to work

this

you

one.

only

him

that

VOLANGES

want.

and

and

zeal

have

ink,

so it seems

to be offended

he has anything show

for

occupy,

a surer dw

CÉCILE

knows

provided

of pens,

find

TO

you

you

which,

to enable

your

SERVES

apartment

do not

you

and

PRECEDING)

a supply

it,

you

need,

THE

he has already

the

if you

He asks

VALMONT

WHO

materials,

you

DE

worthy DE

successively, there

if you

may

will

be

give

the persecution

of whom

one

of the most

... , 14TH

the

SEPTEMBER,

less

him that

is already tender

letters

his

interest. 17--.

best

you

of

your

risk

your a too

which

confidence, harsh friend,

mother while

—74— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

take

alarm

DE

VALMONT AH,

SINCE

Prévan

WHEN,

so very

have

often

required

him,

nothing

me,

hand.

you

and tell

I have

taken

the

matter

stands.

very

not

two

loudly,

Friday him.

first

paces

made

with

the

I have

were

to come,

will

an

no doubt

But

he

tell

astonish

you

is that

said,

six

lives! not

I shall one

decided;

now

your

have?

I have

it?

the

object

sense

you

not

whatever You you

yourself

are

but,

do.

I shall

same

myself

with

take

of him.

for

enquired your

pleasing Oh,

that

Thus

the

languishing,

on meet

were

not

that, You

if

he

see that

will

He

save

I,

sup

I can

what

a time.

and

to

know

me.

I will

so long

honor

to you

fellow

me;

at

more

would,

those

You

he

horses’

know

when

once

reason

to me!

it is I

am

been for

a great

so long!

This the

pleasure

one

in talking

success?

But

It is more

than

presents

trouble?

Is

itself;

there

what six

can

any

would

weeks

you since

I refuse

more

Has

I

myself

agreeable,

in

the word? to do Ah,

with,

As

to me!

is some

worth

you, into.

adversary?

him

well!

one

be an impartial

balance.

thoroughly

there

forced

to begin

in

people

---

very

close

be my

where

you

following

less

seen

all the evening?

to wait

leave

a diversion.

are jealous

you;

to

vegetating

myself

still

his court

warning

permitted Is

have

in

Do

yes,

the Opera,

house

come?

rate,

de

It

exactly

succeed.

from

I

him.

that

been

only

almost

If the ungrateful

he will

the patience

principles

important

me....

difficulty

out

I!

attention.

confide

Marquise

the

any

it will

will

this

at him!

by being

they

the

am

at any

it, and I now if

modest

him

Assuredly

know

Is

Opera,

gain

be in a bad humor

he will

have

confess

for

with

think

much

and I am for

Please not

my

do you

the

as we came

he heard

in paying

never

of

me,

me!

It is, I think,

that

so

horses

a fancy

from

I should

find

to have

appointment

me,

not

kill

off

at

He must

I do not

Marechale.

to come! not

steps.

me to pay

was

easily?

looked

He is handsome

features!

I have

and

I hardly

to cause He

so

simple

conqueror;

of him.

me he wants

Seriously,

see how

letter

stock

delicate

and pleasure.

He was

haughty your

you

But

yesterday.

and I took

fine

And

this

injustice

handsome:

do

then?

less than

my

opposite

friend,

formidable

met

I repaired

MY

I will

should judge,

it

not

Come

you

do

more

set up as judge

investigate, and

I already Is

justice;

you

have only now,

and shall

your just yield

that

both papers,

that with

than

praise

between

the two

of

I want

to

is what be weighed and

I should a good

your now grace;

him,

in

the

affair

is

occupy and

as

a

commencement, which

let

he is the

else,

and

occurred from

during

my

expedition

to

that

occupied,

were

and

I rarely

I ask

price

not

you

sent

wherewithal

to

Volanges?

adventure

I knew

is

the

alien

of that

sort

of

nothing

must

have

prevented

you

earliest

possible;

me. 9 I

certainly

to

I returned;

of

it

jealousy at

love

and

hate,

strike

with

the other.

about;

a moment

woman

did

have,

but

I was

otherwise

is not

the

which

be glad

convenient

Adieu,

Vicomte; employ 15TH

often

of

Now,

have

double

to

be

you to

to me,

you?

affair

into

your

zeal

of

the

time

choose;

they

both

that it;

induce

you

Have

hands

the

Madame

de

waste

your

in

thumb.

under

the

one

hand

and

the adventure

of

but,

as you

you,

as I conceive,

be admitted,

these

lie

with owe

not

separated

you

under

caress

is it

had

them

again,

dy it must

for

grain,

have

with

could

say,

it

must to

nonetheless,

be

prefer that

the

a procedure.

complaint than

put

existence,

satisfied

of

prettier

but

your

so honorable

than any

so

quite

to have

woman

bitter

It is even

who

the

blunders

the

merit

her

your

for

to éclat,

finds

when

taken

yourself

you

cause

I have

again,

mystery not

against

I,

if the situation

besides,

Belleroche

not

can

I am for

the pains

adventures!

you

Vicomtesse.

go somewhat

complained

your

and

PARIS,

triple

Apparently,

fault

him

Présidente,

it

have

roof;

shall

this

of it when

for

to your

same

shall

it.

and your

interests

should

revenge

after

Betwixt

I

is this

as though

of

to anything

pay

Was

You

searching

can

back her?

for

Repair

talking

of you

you

from

talked

word

to Geneva, it.

listen

what

of it to me

first

which

still

you,

or of yesterday.

the least

the

the

about

nothing

they

if what

you

me

I beg

speak

know

that

of today

You

not

remember

Even

hero.

hear,

I do

writing

think

me

against

is to my

a pretext

for

obliged

to

liking;

breaking say:

with

One

her.

The

and,

for

her:

cannot

Chevalier many

now

reasons,

none

possibly

de I

is

more

know

that

longer. remember

mine

that,

by occupying

SEPTEMBER,

situated myself

17 -- .

as you with

are,

Prévan’s

time

is precious;

happiness.

I

—75— CECILE [N.B.

that

VOLANGES In this

letter,

concerns

and

think

ill

YOU

of him,

that

letter, of

expected

anything;

understood

it:

I don’t

appear

not

I am sure

know

that

is a great the

air

of

attentions

for

one

here,

leads

indeed friend not

have and

know

should

them

I am

afraid

go back heart

I should to

get

embarrassed as though

if in

we spite

telling

him

all

would

give

everything

once, be

how

guided

that

much by

with were

me

and yet,

like with

you,

have

in his

he gave

every

I

answer. says note

saw

had

not quite

It is

very

anything that

he

he would

one would

time

I me

nobody

already

indeed,

to

myself,

I seek

I should

whom

although

say,

his eyes,

Danceny

know

what when

himself, which

myself

greatly

an

the

promised opportunity

He to but

I

for

do

occasion,

I speak

I

of

this him that, us

my feel

often

felt,

me

from

prevented

him

his

to say to him.

I have

to tell

life must

I should

for

of

the

to him,

everything,

alarm

de Valmont

with

vexing.

I find

also

he is full

soon

gratitude

a moment

who

to do a service

freely,

I tell

to find

contrive

not

know,

be very

when

I talk

a certain

M.

my

and

not

himself

would

him;

I reproach

well,

bore

to show

With

in the world

would

too

I did

on purpose

that

talking.

him.

whom

that

come

perhaps,

I thought.

he

and

which

Mamma;

he will

to Paris;

de Merteuil

I love

him,

that

speech

of

him

a look

here,

to have

that,

even

in his favor,

because

my

de Valmont

much

to Madame

Perhaps,

of me,

speaks

and

I give

has

Mamma

company,

I

he told

of Mamma’s

her.

how

de

When

prepared.

of me before

thinks

much

frightened,

be

it:

M.

me.

shall

he does

loving

a good

I

man.

so clever.

the

terribly

he

not

and

as

at once.

friend

be so ashamed

It is only love.

he never

to meet

was

of all

because

notice

from

of the Vicomte

says

a man

me to do when

how

any

seen

midst

now

him,

to take

all the time,

I

all

knows

It seemed

remarkable

Danceny

never

true

already

speaks

he is a most

he wants

understand

wants.

has

is

detail

thus:]

in the

but

what

to

There

it

the utmost

letters.

She finally

I have

it was

anything

following

the Chevalier

he is right.

Danceny’s

easy

but

with

the Reader

and

herself

THAT

relates

which

repetition.

expresses

CARNAY

Volanges

in the events

this

... I ASSURE mighty

SOPHIE

of the fifty-ninth

to suppress

Valmont,

Cécile

her

the conclusion

well

TO

now,

and

once, if I to

only would

see

one

I

another

again.

conceive

how

I

will

certainly

it is possible.

Adieu,

do

everything my

dear

he friend;

wants; I have

left. dz AT

THE

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 14TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

but

I

no more

cannot room

—76— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL EITHER

YOUR

or you

were

well,

my

may

say,

It

is

vain for

question.

What to

feared?

In that

up

people

trap wishes the

and

reply

woman

least

by

has

really

brought

themselves

an

understood, you

less

whatever

did.

is really

all,

of their

the

you

again

that

he

and

to

by

can

this

I tell

fall

bring first the

subtlety,

none

aware

feeling

that

it,

or

which

call

you,

is of

into

method,

often

be

he

the

are well

at this

to

talent

of

do not

finishes

was

he will

use

the

it

so little

which

you

of

that

useful

pretensions

soon

defeat;

most

who

more

attractive;

making

it. Now

the

is out

was

with

by

gains in

none

merely

Prévan

women

love

it

who

having

He

perfection,

Is

by the skill

of

am

it presents

say?

above

all

to talk

in testimony

and,

enemy

of displaying

she

to

to

are few

because,

as if

not

it. If I knew

I

which

company,

There

consents

behaving

has,

the

an opportunity

who

with

in his love,

him,

wrote

letter,

sense

be wrong.

before

I have

alarmed;

your

wished

he

occurs.

to

to lose

you

believe;

you

be most

reread

might

which

easily.

trouble

you

which

and

too

then

greatly

society,

conversation

it

case, you

truly

and

so much

than

when

it in the natural

was

take

in

read

to take

useless

interesting

alarm

I

of banter

delirium

I should

take

that

advanced;

it

friend,

I do not

so

is a piece

in a dangerous

lovely

in

more

LETTER

the

as one

at he

women who

has

seen it. I was

never

intimate

with

Comtesse air

all

our

six

that

faces

having

of what

certainly,

none

to

address

which

was

I was

right

Marquise, tell

not then was

me yourself?

in herself

one

was

who

detail,

between

she was

by

way

at a

thinking

at the same

sought,

rather

even

passed

except

but,

the utmost

had

of security

secret

Prévan:

to any

us, with that

the

de P---,

indeed,

told

in

not both

even

time;

word,

initiated, how

herself

to

all

six

the

this

time,

us:

and

ask

him

with which

if

she

the

having

the

abstract,

came

a sense all

one of

us,

she said,

or

that

she was had

and

over

that

gravely and

and

such

as to what

as she was;

been

to Prévan,

remember

a doubt

never

in the

narrative

she answered

and

of

of conversing

always

to feign

Prévan,

were

by a smile

and I shall

informed

I have

she had succumbed

disturbed

she had the air of saying, of us, so well

artful

She told

of excuse,

for

there

very

them.

not

secondhand;

we were

not

said

afraid a

word

for

you,

true. in believing it not

enough

Or that

this

man

that

he was

he should

dangerous

make

handsome,

to everybody: very

one of those

but

handsome,

attacks

on you

as

you

which

you

sometimes

you

find

amuse

them

well

succumb

for

thousand

and

alone the

any

did If

one

continue

danger,

I

you

Or that

whatever?

caprices

no

necessary

after

you

that

reason

found

do I know?

sex?

Now

Can

you

easily

than

that

it amusing

head,

that

will

you.

have

a woman’s

you

to forewarn

no other

should

govern your

doubt

for

Or—what

which

to take

have

mean

by rewarding,

contrived? reason

you

nonetheless

yourself

to

I divine

and

the

in

which

are forewarned

avoid

I return

to my

text

Prévan,

apart

from

it:

but

of

it

was

therefore:

what

to say?

it

is only

a piece

long,

it was

some

excellent

of

banter

of no use, piece

against

addressed of

to me;

ridicule,

and

it is in society I renew

my

its

that

being

very

he must

prayer

to

suffer

you

on

this

subject. Ah!

I think

what

you

I hold will

of the fall requires,

which

public

absolutely

have

believing;

busied

after

gain

found

yourself, times

him,

found

fair you

found

will

whose

to have

and

have

far is

is

very

all

will

the

I am afraid.

air

It is

of not

get drowned.

means

escape,

it

attentions

boast,

who

as

Prévan

of dishonoring

a thousand;

could

friend,

his

which

malicious

as for

of

plan:

as I do that,

he will

swimmers

I have

of this

to receive

be a fool,

another:

the woman my

approve

be? Remember,

than

not

to do, at the moment

as well

or

the

it is the good

how

I quite

know

man

is a prophecy,

ready

appearances,

resources

a hundred,

to seek

him.

a man

the

believe

but

you

You

the

to be no duller

all,

I am,

however,

fun

of

always

women

I have

here, but

love.

Ah

that,

is surely well!

but

I have

conduct

had more

good

a reason

where

to have as you

or to ruin, the

not

with

equal

The

little

Volanges

Madame

ease.

and de

the

a mere

else!

remark,

for

for

so be it;

Something

an opportunity, with

seeking

think

what

me!

else.

perhaps, to

seriously

something

same

skill:

for

letter

when

never

a

I

have

seen

the

is a masterpiece,

I

luck

than

you

have

skill.

make

awaits

he can

your

You

treating

than

unless

will

I have

amazed,

kinds,

thing,

where

a hundred

shown

prepared

Your

think

to have

will

your

he will

precautions.

Fools

possibility.

But,

If

myself

have

great

same

myself

woman,

have

said.

I doubt

I hold

of what

you

being.

been

to the enigma!

is concerned,

the

from

that

do, but

however,

as the

far

the key

last jest

but

I am

hour, on

make

I foresee

to that

has succumbed,

Tourvel:

this

should

have

part.

haste, it

exists.

You

and is

let

I

am been

intend

to

us speak

of

always

the

same;

both.

wherewithal

I undertake

your

mistaken,

and often

I

none

vengeance I answer

to bring woman

exercise

it about. is

myself will for

in

go

that;

both

quicker she

only

But

it is not

the

disheartening,

I did

not

conceive

it

thousand

of her resistance;

and,

The

effect

return

first

guess

that

first

of

her;

which

I wished

emotions,

stages the

I have

my

to judge

I sent

no

so as to arrive

clouds,

a hundred

like

when

in truth,

they

a

divinity

enough

noise

and,

lest

opera,

more

and

me. You

of

a

will

seeing

the

I calculated

In fact,

who

I have

hope.

sure

me,

10

but

she escape

to make

be at table.

the

love,

me

to announce

should at

her

gave

myself;

ahead

of

I am afraid

produced

for

one

proofs

my

I dropped

comes

to

from

effect

a

dénouement. Having see,

made

in one

Volanges

glance,

and

the

at my

joy

of

the confused had

in carving

she did

Madame

de

more

my

love

than

the tumult

side;

terror

she

did

not

endeavored

to

quarter

of

for

she could

her,

table, the

air.

would

she escaped

not

permit

I made

the

dinner

served,

when

had

foreseen

from

this

project

time,

little so that

the old

Commandant to as it

pleased

to return

soon

opportunity

as

the

was

I

was

to speak

fair

she

whom wanted

us as to make certain apart

that with

the

also we and

us stay

I thought

both

the

with de

strong the

to

take

tender

prude

being

alone,

for

was

apparently

invalid:

risen

at the

in

the

a walk,

grove she

this

double

table

to leave.

was

I

same

the

at the

decided

but

to take

followed alone

hardly

by her need

therefore

found not

a

to leave

she needed

having

left

She not

too

Dessert

place

was

her

said.

finally,

the charming

and,

Madame her,

do.

it. I feigned

and they one,

to

find

of

or

by

of her heart!

pressed

signal; curé

did

a pretext

emotion

possible

face; were

to table

her;

to

Puritan,

becoming

that

to

a word

to see her

question:

to have

owing

distinguished

to ask permission

woman,

the

I

she

to accompany

de Rosemonde

solitude

with

than

was

general

ea de T---; my

confusion

I thwarted

and

Madame

rejoin

château:

As

for

and

seat to go and

and

the

to the soft

Volanges her

of

de

and sentiments,

what

out

one,

sensitive

I sat down of

could

Madame

I said

in a position her ideas

no doubt,

as it

the

on the pretext

wanted

happy,

Volanges

example;

then

the park,

but

I

at the moment

I thought

fashions.

better

fair

Busy

head:

which then

to me, of

My

sound,

between

constraint

rose

in

pleasure

as short

movement

went

into

without

particular the

her

the infernal

me,

first

was

eyes

annoyance

her

anything

nothing

it, too

way

the

I was

it

de Volanges

and to give

to injure

later, devise

Madame

turn

different

eating;

the

all

to the door.

even

precisely

on

an hour

and

of

know

go

turned

the struggle

on it in a score

aunt,

a cry

or surprise.

to attract

of her daughter.

at

uttered

of her soul,

depicted

not

; and

voice,

old

her back

Rosemonde

recognizing

my

pleasure

the seat she occupied, something,

entry

with We

near just

all the as

her. Volanges

of fulfilling

would your

have orders,

no and

busied

myself

went

about

up to my

I took

room,

measures

piece

of

the interests and

her confidence;

of delicious

unconstraint.

spectacle, must

that

I could

eyes

of

that

heavenly

forms

wished

away.

feet

head....

to

immediately Then

allows

the

they

having fair

to be cast

through

wishing

succeed

soft

person,

head

gaze

tacit

satisfy

one

I

myself

which

by

I could

have

I returned upon

a first

reciprocal

from

me;

convention,

the

modest

considered

I averted

until

that

a position

its return,

the

another,

I felt

I amused

fixed

attitude

big,

time

to feet,

was

to promote

to

some

for

returned

in an

in such

clothing,

from

us that

order

her

I

the

first

to beg

gaze;

to cause

For

the light

her

between

to

all

my

myself

was

down.

over

friend,

in

effect

this

and

chair,

illumined

I placed

descended

but

which,

first

after

Danceny.

on a long

I

the territory;

to her from

coffee,

was

my

eyes.

treaty

need

moment

it

of

of

seeing,

comes

when

are mingled. that

charged

myself

having the

assured

notice

should

of

the

by

longer

task

occupied

of

watching

conversation

company,

I sought

their

language.

so much

over was

to For

reserve

creature

my

that

more

our

brisk

her

from

eyes

I

take

but,

us

from

that

they

by surprising not

I

safety;

to save

her

could ease,

completely,

common

I began

modesty

one

enough

obtain this,

at

fair

certain

alarm;

appeared

to

and be

as

as herself. little

our

eyes,

until

that

sweet

was

only

for

that

I rose

were

unwell.

front

of

At

me;

a window,

she

with

once,

and

as the

needed

to deliver

they

quitted

to encounter, each

is the happy

soon

her attitude

unwilling

accustomed

which

a moment;

movements,

grown

at last

languor

shame,

the moment

pleasure

that

bashful

hers

Being

the

the

interval;

a certain

with

with

embarrassed Little

new

speak

but

put

this

myself

frankly

glances,

near

After

looks

Convinced

to

contours

established

love,

to the letter

and

after

to explore

instruction

desires,

Its

glancing

and

lowered;

was

bashful

then,

also,

reclining

my

play.

Immediately

correspondence;

of

note

beauty

prude

My

girl’s

beseeching,

it into

face;

my

pupil.

the others

a word

exciting and

bring

angelic

divining

little

my

while

be tender

the

the

and I added eb I found

this

into

I wrote

to the salon.

This

went

to ensure

benevolence,

of your

signal

recovering

no more,

of love

fixed and

and

herself,

she changed,

I

had

observed

with

an air

for

a

I saw

in

desire:

but

it

not

without

and her look. should

suspect

vivacity,

asking

her,

everybody

rushed

round

little some

other

were

Volanges, time

Danceny’s

before letter.

who

her. was

she could

I let

working leave

her of

different

alarm,

them

if

all

pass

at her her task,

she in

tapestry I

seized

I was

at a little

she did air

not

of

lest

distance

know

surprise

what

and

so much

packet

in her pocket. of

the

will,

perhaps,

rate

in so far

time

in

day

is

have

betray

sheet

projects

I have without

ec I have

on the morrow will

not

read

none

too

amusing

of my

them:

for to

also

arrival. this

me,

but than

written, my had

must

be

for

glance

and

that

she was

What

has

will

it

a reply

from

you

my

indeed

feared

to put

passed

since at

any one’s

This

the

letters.

child

is,

any

has

to

whom

You

will

which

to

the

and so, adieu.

fair,

repetition,

her

gesture,

them.

that

the two

tedious insipid

you,

at

to employ

describing

telling

truth

I

be pleased,

it is better

in

In

much

laugh,

and I am wearied;

I send

incessant,

not

you

lap.

over

a quick

which

her

laughed

interest.

is concerned:

one’s

into

at last

of

with

letter

I did

us. But

nothing

events

suppose,

Danceny.

however,

her to understand

pupil

out

rightly

you

would

might

as your

You

wrote

You

about

the eighth

to

to do.

contained

bring

moreover,

replied

the

gave

carrying

will

I threw

clumsiness

accentuated,

rest

her;

embarrassment;

strongly

The

from

I or

already

person

not

concerned. Once

more,

write

to me of Prévan,

AT

THE

adieu.

CHÂTEAU

I am

ever

mightily

do so in such DE

... , 17TH

fond

of

a manner SEPTEMBER,

you; that

but I may 17--.

I beg

you,

understand

if

you

you.

—77— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL WHENCE,

MADAME,

shun

me?

How

yours

only

with

the man calls

me

side,

you

consent away

to your

to remain

near to

moment

me feel

That

is not,

that

which

you

know

seems

may the

of which to offer

I have

damaged

frankness? In effect,

obliged

myself

thought

have

by my

was

it not

to the bosom

it

the facility

for

advantage?

not

face

leaving

I had

lest

in

short,

needed

but

of

love

for

one

was

so

it than

to

alone

I had

only

two

the

I was,

This

lose

were

Could

me for

the one and the

and perhaps

the secret

of abusing

so undeserved,

deceive

you

in

order

which

I owed

you,

as I owed

to

obtain

them

to my

force

to

of

myself

in order

to

my

other?

I thought

to accept

kind

it since?

I entrusted

it

precious

you

punish

that

or

sentiments,

other

since

you

her

deserves,

withhold.

abuse

a rigor

than turn

moment

these

will

with

by

your

not

if

me enjoy

and

that

unfulfilled,

you

And

that

at

rather

did

which

friend

face

friends,

I should

you

me

of it.

not

and

of my

which

them

you,

no fear

to

conditions

Would

that

you

confidence,

have

places

to have

me;

that

on

Love

me worthy,

I done

meets

What!

there,

did

to

to complain?

a glance!

yet,

you

part

at

with

yesterday,

animate

doubtless

least,

Was

not that

it me—what

to refuse

believe

does

are

oneself

treatment and

my

your

of

you

permit

deprived

the

on

chance

less

by being

to believe

you

cause

wished

either

At

heart?

barely

severity

be allowed;

one

authorized

enough

lose

to say,

friendship

friendship,

would

favor

to see less

I should

whether

zeal

times,

the

which

tender

to alarm

of

you

pains

a happy

many

me

able

I venture

when

How

as though

what

cruel

one

indisposition, me!

I was

to me,

and

deprive

it seemed

most

which

feet;

to feign

eyes

the

one had the greatest

prefer

make

the

the treatment

back

that

ARISE

it be that

whom

short

my

can

against

your

single

CAN

me

obtain

to

greater

indulgence? I do not

repent

by

what

fatality

for

a fresh

It was to

of a conduct does

each

giving

occasion

accord

my

misfortune

of

submission

by depriving

with had

me,

action

of mine

praise

you

become

the

but signal

misfortune?

after

reassure

praiseworthy

it to myself;

your

conduct having

required,

me

and

that

myself that

of that to

take

the only

I had

displeased

delicacy,

to rob

for

you feeble

from

to

groan,

you.

It

of the

was

the

to

compensation even

the

ever

first

after

happiness

wished

me

for

have

proving

off for

very

all

over my

you,

the

perfect

simply

to

correspondence

a sacrifice love

deigned

time,

of seeing

break

yet

which

which

you

alone

had

given

you

the right

a sincerity shun

to ask it. It is, in short,

which

even

me today,

like

Will

you,

never

new

wrongs

the

some

interest

of

dangerous

after

that

love

having

spoken

could

seducer

whose

unjust?

not

to you

abate

perfidy

you

with

that have

you found

out.

dictate

then, can

have

urged

to me the orders

to fulfill

them,

AT

CHÂTEAU

THE

grow

is it too

which great

DE

weary

of

being

you

to

such

you

severity,

At

least,

tell

do

not

and

me refuse

wish

me to obey;

when

I pledge

a pretension

to ask that

I may

know

... , 15TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

what

myself

them?

to

—78— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT YOU

SEEM

of asking

SURPRISED

me to account

it. I confess

that

and

last

adopted

which

I have

affords

enlightenment,

within

me

willing

to enter

recall

by

it,

your

you

for

all, that,

in

requiring

between

the only

your

means

my

I do

in an

not

of discovering

fear

this

of

ask

naught

I am

quite

or unjust.

opinion

have

undertake

to form

it.

me

you

had only

nothing

it.

it

forced

thought I have

I

of me;

cause

you

believe

which

your

you.

you

to

in

as you

request,

justification,

side,

blame

indifference

However,

other,

us. Apparently,

as I, on my

eyes,

myself

have

any

ace

authorized

to be fantastic

should

less than

was

contained

your

me

to

refusal

with

believe

an

am conscious

granting

anyone

you,

examination: in

my

within

had the right I who

be to Heaven,

an explanation

that

and

or reproaches.

would

that

the

of wrapping

I, thanks

deserts

you rather

since

remarks

into

Monsieur,

it was

but,

prevent

has passed

at least

thought

the course

letters

felt

by this

indeed

have

more

above

all that

to gain

it, as though

should

in my

to me,

Doubtless,

for

to complain;

once

it is not

seems

to you

and

which

reading

think

behavior,

no ground

me for

Anyone

my

I should

to be astonished letter,

AT

to lose

Perhaps,

of us has the right

to

it

is

to complain

of the other. To

start,

Monsieur,

admit,

I suppose,

certain

reserve

expression

of

excessive

of

prudence;

will

not

conceal

arrival,

her own I admit

You

you,

need

you

I had

imagined;

a little

while,

and

advantageous faith,

sentiment

my

by which

you

a woman

but

soon

yourself

given

of security, could

will

not

so little

doubt

That, the

of my this

agree, tired

to

taxed

with

be

with

indulgence, should had

in

annoyed

her,

then

were

not

afraid

but

that

I should

of

and

of

it

for

compensated

It was

me

favorable

that

a constraint

sufficiently

I

me.

a more turn,

the

that,

informed for

not

been

to follow

in your of

bare

surely,

under

a

to the

friendship

news

will

myself

formed

less

at first

me of you. you

me

de Rosemonde

yourself

were

treated

me

greatly

you

confined

yours.

myself

showed

find

it had

feeling

that

how

you

not

notion

have

you

me to employ

fearing

would

Madame

to remind

to betray

did

have

cost

château,

authorized

without

have

when

in this

at least,

to appreciate

it would

from

arrival

I might

it natural

and

that

you

reputation,

politeness,

merits

not

of your

yourself

thought

you,

day

and that

than

apparently,

good

coldest

willingly

aspect but

the

I had

for

your

you;

necessary

part

the

with

have

the

your

that

prudery.

and would have

from

that,

to pester

lasted which, by

abusing me with

be offended;

the my a and

I, while

you

sought least

were

a reason

for

part,

retrieving

you

ought

in

thought indulgence, doubt,

you

I ought

Conditions

my

obstinacy

not

to

you

shame

and misery

for

forget

recalled; having

whose

interpreted

you

from

forces

respecting trouble

it.

you

most

solitude,

On

my

at my

indifferent

which

I refuse

Monsieur,

Forced continue yours.

I

escape

at from

you

contrive

to the

that

drawing

the address

you

incessantly

in

my

complain

may

and, being even

to expose

me to

have us.

been

Far

from

my

the

company

make

At

slight

instead

reply

of

come

a step

to

but

to me.

I

The

up a conversation me;

to bear,

it. a

should

who

to bring

own;

and,

I cannot you

you

to increase

of

compromise

immobility

I cannot

my

to

you I

and

raise

compelled

when

pains

others,

bring

them;

for,

I think

in

that

short, what

I

by the others.

inconsequence a moment

even

reproaches,

might

the

a pretext

victims.

without

afraid

side

room,

for

be understood refuge

all

counting

of embarrassment

your

the

your

without

surrounded

it is always

might

me;

at

me

in

your

who

all

permit

and for

simple,

moment

your perhaps

sentiment

arguments; not

made

a

could

very

before

which

incomprehensible company

leave

you

persecute

am

given

to hear,

take

the

by

here

a

your

when

of violating

return my

and

letters

that,

ed in

were

persons

you

to

to

the

serves

also

you

assuredly

remark

may thus

me,

them;

pleasures

my

obtained.

intoxication,

a jest

or

precisely

to

for

of

without

moment

virtuous

you

prayers

if I say a word,

whatever

understand

seat

return

side;

my

of

at

yourself

you

which

mad

make

me,

to have

me

my

only

or to dissipate

your

has

which,

me

means

your

you

from

by

seem

from

of,

out

of your

very

as inconsequent

although

detriment

choose

seek

to inform

you

indisposition

And

for

to distract

occasioned,

table

find

thought

effect,

to my

seeking had

away

away

in

right

one one

at the

value

and,

or rather

the consideration

a surprise

what

no

them,

you

however,

each

the only

you

go

that

you

proceedings

to

without

but

naught,

promises,

consenting

to send

that

a

which,

repeating

the opportunity

so just

kept

was

by

a permission

have

It

you

making

but

a kind

despise;

your

your

you

you.

you:

Friendship

after

to

for

you,

of such

errors

was

but

ask

I attempted

with

in

it;

to

to it:

me

eyes?

you

it

request

granted

reply

forcing

to be concerned

frivolous

by

to have

condescension,

As

refuse

your

by offering

My

to

attached

not

them,

them.

has been

was

culpable

forgetting

not

were

duty

in aggravating

profited

correspondence it

occupied

would

silence, eyes

avert

draw have

you

without

my

nonetheless encountering

gaze;

and

by

an

the

eyes

of

the

possible

to

upon

me

even

wished

it

own. of my

behavior!

and

you

are surprised

at my

eagerness

to avoid leave

you!

Ah,

blame

at the moment

you

will

finally forget

compel cease

what

respect

and

of your

me

your I owe cherish;

to myself,

to the unhappy

I should

not

AT

THE

CHÂTEAU

an instant.

I ought, but

pursuit. what

I pray choice

DE

indulgence;

violent,

offensive

and

my

arrival.

to this

reduced

hesitate

rather

No,

I owe

you

perhaps,

course,

I do

forget,

Adieu,

not

to the ties that, them,

I have if ever

if

I did

not

done

so,

and

you

do

not

I never formed, I found

or of sacrificing

Monsieur.

SEPTEMBER,

that

to have

necessary,

to believe

of sacrificing

... , 16TH

be surprised

17 -- .

shall

which myself myself,

I

—79— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I

INTENDED

TO

detestable.

All

that

GO

hunting

this

I have

to read

is a new

a schoolgirl.

It will

be two

that,

in spite

of

long

you.

I

am

my

very

handsome

not

How

was

the one which

separated

the first

Here

You

will

all

three

like

qualities

should

remain entry

extreme

into

firmer;

one

two

others.

of the

lead

to a certain

discord;

would

should

to her before

However,

our

beauties,

as though

in concert;

predicted,

it only

The

crowd

and

such

and,

of unhappy

fundamental

in

from

rivals

people

went

so far

rumors,

predicted.

The

separated

was

all

three

pretensions, the

moment

court

their

value

union of

moment

by

became

was

always

of love

would

of being ranks,

the

apple

the

great

had

at the time

carnival,

the

only

one

the favors

permitted

I demanded.

ef made

the storms

more

at

by a numerous

their

held

exciting

law

of their

of

their

which

interesting,

true

or

three at such

false,

couples,

by

choice

had the

had

a moment;

they

been charm

had

without not the they

but

censure.

(so

it

dubbed

of if

not been

an officer

the

effect

contrary, decided

women,

public

that, were

of jealous

to

community

they

a title

on

to that

up

asserted

sex,

as to say that only

held

the

others own

then,

inseparables

was

therein;

added, was

society

and had obtained

These

they

this

included

exempt

sake,

this

friendship

constancy

time),

was

their

suitors

scandalous that,

itself

the same

it

in their

their

was

recall

the reason

the honor

I had obtained

from

since

to

the

entered

the

entailed.

pretended the

far

ever

triumph

that

de ---

during

rendered

of the confidences

have

the Comtesse

me to be unfaithful three

the

at least

same

as

rakes ee disputed

I myself

in which

that

of

adventure,

will

the

were,

the objects,

said

you

women,

to find

enlightened

hoped

Our

to make

as they

were

have

One

rivalry.

11 and

consideration

and they

three

one seemed

surrounded,

of which

that

able

with

it.

themselves,

first,

shared,

and

and

so

talk

tell

you

even

breakfast:

famous

that

desire

marveled

among

At

soon,

they

and zeal

that

of

but

homages

eagerness

allied

the world.

shyness:

whose

the

intimately

you

his

was

bore

another

shall

of

I wager

since

Paris

I

heard

the inseparables?

it is, however,

with

never

we

have

for

weather

would

before

I will

you,

the

which

earliest,

weary

it you

but

romance

yesterday,

to

that

all

at the

of

remember

pretty,

of their

letter

certain

Prévan.

word.

hours,

morning:

felt

was goods,

Some at

and

that

that

love

the

three

lovers

from

those

of the other:

admitted

for

were

decency’s

eg which

one

would

that

they

were

to set their

heads

have lost against

if

the

storm.

ineffectual with

The

public,

which

satire.

Borne

on the

other

objects:

inconsequence, here,

Prévan

undertook them,

out

into

their

that

happy

desired.

with

and drew

custom

need the

same

these, complete. This

offering

but

of

the

between

habitual

things

go

delirium,

by

when

public

opinion

He was

easily

admitted

this.

He was

saw,

rather

pretended and

inseparables,

they

were

to

that

occupy

the

strength.

The

women,

neglected

to carry

them,

those

freer on;

and

of

of

love

or

self-conceit

however,

whose

an appearance

in

their

they

the

themselves

bonds

themselves

were

this than

that

who

that

envied

and

men,

aware

be

even

up among

well

in fact,

to

or broken,

or affairs

their

of the

two

still

of

proceedings, complained

evenings

of

were

they

would

not

short,

that

fail

in

who

be still

to fear.

became

easy:

in it; each

man,

might

project

all

interested Prévan,

who

enough

to

homage

of a great and

had,

see

the

from

it

with

three

intrigues

at

her

his

Prince,

new at

jealousy

time,

rarely

an

12

the

enemies

him

with

surely

woman

was

one

a celebrity.

her

lover

mistresses. equal

pace;

The

had

their

only

to

quality

participated

same

homage

to

severity the

in

lover,

of their zeal

of

rival

in his

triple

she

was

not. was

foreigner,

honor, was

had,

high

a

lucky

and

on her the eyes

the

first

wounded new

sacrifice,

difficulty

progress

choice

the

because

of

fixed

a

the

of the

he was

woman

refused,

of

to make

indulgent that

Her

a means

that

revive

who,

found

be an obstacle;

he thought

adroitly

the

Prévan,

at proving

them

would

but

shame afraid;

would

because

that

one

Everything

that

false

preferred

render

the

perceive

that

to oppose

become

Town;

the

each

assiduous

one of the day,

easily

everything;

would

the

to circumstances,

could

make

others

to

the deserted

He

to lose

would

profitable

according

friends.

was

was

beside and

three

unfaithful

that

part

principles;

Court

its

itself

the

He soon

therefrom,

kept

the

longer

placed

them

vanity

a real

from

kings,

abroad,

some

to fulfill,

alternately,

be

of

these

loosened

together,

on

naturally

each

an

it busied

As all

settle

of

ei

conduct

being

and

no

omen

that

among

retained

them

but

and

tired

with

praise.

of perfection.

he concluded

already

duties

one

become

of access.

pleasures

and

intimacy:

discovered

into

it was

models

like

that,

eh alone

brought

levity,

that

prodigies,

so easy

was,

for

distractions;

and

natural

to

converted

a favorable

are not

seek

were

back

these

these

remarked to

friendship

to

therefore

happiness

beginning

its

soon

as his own.

persons

He

everything,

of

gained;

to verify

society,

vaunted

was

enthusiasm

as well

He sought

so

the

of

wings

casting

its criticism

fashion

about

then,

tires

of

and to

of the

profited

conduct

course,

the

his to

be

regulated one

of

his

which At

by

was

ripe

already

the third

his

received

into

from

herself,

in

third

of

much;

was

only

as the

a signal but

her

whose

departure

of

hair; and

not

one

the

consented,

were

at

to sup at

the

gallants the

portrait

which

which

she had

the

friends

in

the

day

he divided

device of

next

the former

day,

each

enough.

the

day;

She

it

ej

letters he

had

painted

received

return,

was

this

to send

entirely

was

husband

arranged

going

absent;

spouse,

whose

was

her from

be given

husband

of the third

her

avowals,

see. Of

the

friends

permitted

in

will

leaving

very

one

to

her

of rupture.

dispense

should

not

of that

whole,

it was

should

the evening

had

in hand

the three

it as you

inseparable

from

the rest.

obtained

was

an amorous

of

letter

dispose

indisposition

by

a tress

had

I heard

to hold

before

other

he enclosed

in the second

a sacrifice

This

The

in fact,

was

arranged

the

master

lots;

third

lover

that

three

the

who and

absent,

the new

most;

difficulty

Prévan,

in town.

the

a fortnight

On the morning

her,

disgraced

could

was

there.

fair

greatest

nearly

was

but

to be invited

his

lagged

of the situation,

one

widow’s;

which

arrived.

master

daybreak,

one

gathering

day

husbands,

future

the

that

for

the great

three

of

of

confidants,

was

last

that

that

to supper

to Prévan;

and

by the last

town

pretended

her friend,

the night the

in

a

with

daybreak,

appointed

was

was

granted

moment

for

the

and

of

the

shepherd’s

hour. ek Prévan, there

who and

having

aroused

brought

of liberty. some The

neglected

letters

had

spite

at being

the

communicating satisfaction,

rival.

em

The

latter

this gave

but

not

three

evening

took

but

was

that

with

the

ill

of but

to sacrifice

of the Bois he ran

being

same

triple

home,

only

left

after hours

intending

to the

to

disgraced

sacrificed which

take

in

to Prévan;

all

it from

he

pleasures the

following

place

and

the

without

resolved their

to

fortunate

accepted

or the

for

and always

three,

concert,

him;

lovers:

is almost

deserted,

awaiting his

and

brought

four-and-twenty

of demanding

de Boulogne. his

been humor

either

foreigner,

him.

as though

rendezvous

at the

el

him

of light

he had

challenges

the

required,

awaiting

a flash

the course

three

fixed

came,

he returned

another,

assignations

one of the gates When

the

he

made,

humiliation

one

wishing

adventure, all

doubt

petty

and

found

assured

brought

uniting

with

have

loyally,

any

tricked

by

which

business

had

to the fair

he

thus

Other

hastened

which

a quarrel

of rupture

of them

next

humor

dispositions

repose.

none

engendered

the

about

His

hours’

nothing,

them

glamour

of

morning,

same

hour.

and

It was

at

13 course

with

equal

success;

at

least,

he boasted three

subsequently

times

imagine, do

is

the

are

point

out

imagination follow

can

so

concern

wage

proofs to

and

to

beget

the

each

of his en of

to history;

the

a night

nay

Be

that

mistresses

love.

that

the

reader more,

seemed

new his

all

incredulous

prodigies;

future.

one

declaration

lacking

brilliant

for

that

to

that

the

this,

received

as you

impartial

that

vanity

and

which

can exalted

which

was

a dispensation

facts

may

historian

the morning

promise

as it may,

In

had

to

from

follow

all

are

more

authentic. Prévan

repaired

found

there

them,

perhaps,

punctually

his

misfortune.

three a

He

language

divined

you

to give

the

shall

three I

include

character

three

hands

lived

long

While

“I

hide

strength.

I have

has had

you

decide

second

time

and

in

used

have

of complaint

this

you

nor

which

all

an

witnesses.

I

Then,

I of

equal

did

not

agreeable

“I

know

one

rarely

may

befall

me,

one

love

of

the

me.

you

have

reparation.”

to win

doubtless

against

between

to which

fortune

of

each

to me:

cause

in my

and

companions air,

together,

eo he added,

them make

this

at one

triple

slip.

breakfast

was

another

contest

not

for

can

holds has

in

always

women

and

in silence,

rendered

and

the game

their

hardly

you

to

a breakfast

for

just

permit

to be served

us breakfast

Never,

to

such

together, trifles;

admit

that,

facts

finished

humiliating

have no

once before

that

it is said,

avoid

would

deserve

I have

but

passed

has

me

recruit

to

cruelly my

on the ground;

do

and,

above

let

they

ought

all, not,

I

humor.”

they

These

of

fight

accepted.

that

which

generous

of it. Let

enough

not

the night

orders

good

them

occasion

that

One

was

skilled

did

looked

that

be

given

our

breakfast

women

would

gaily.

to spoil

to

you

to partake

us breakfast

all,

none

one

reflected

It

me the honor

persuade

I seek

adversaries

from

me.

was

affable

chance

neither

whatever

when

but

he

resumed:

fatigued

He

but,

Let

his

selected;

of men.”

Prévan

think,

same

me

as a gamester,

perhaps,

do not

The

offense;

of

here

a vengeance

with

his astonished

delicacy,

the

all

had

at meeting,

reported

you

he

sight

a blunt

satisfaction.

running;

the

faithfully

three

attempt

enough

the esteem

fair,

you

in my

with

which

surprised

at

I find

all

brought

any

his

them

he, “as have

rendezvous

somewhat

has been

first

have

the

consoled

accosted

am ready

to

trifle

said

that

right.

rivals,

to them—it

“Gentlemen,”

to

men

easily

more

they

Prévan

any

one

had

than

admitted,

was

a like

he,

everything

had repeated

of honor

would

should

more of

his

success, they

rivals, and,

have

arranged a dozen

fight

for

amiable.

times them.

to

above let

itself. that This

the The such idea

promoted later,

cordiality;

it

was

unreserved

it was

not

enough

so well

merely

who

doubtless

liked

not

that,

however,

lose

adapting “it

his plans

is

not

on

revenge.

I

me

but

succeed

Your

quarrel

maison,

you

the

proved

me.”

All

him

to you

that

till

the evening

usage,

to

visit

his

same

evening

come

the

them

raised

fixed

the

conspirators, first

swore

allows

himself

an

was

gaily

Prévan

divinity;

how

for

former

a grace;

eq and

by resuming

was

her former

more

solitary

other

actors

Each

of the women,

Their

astonishment

and

three

couples

were

united;

but

in their

midst,

had

reappearing

place,

and

in almost

the

the

empty

same

however,

their

at such

The stage

fashion, still

embarrassment

at my

petite They

I think wit;

new

the I

trust

friend,

in they

according

to

the to

pleasure

house.

Two

of

on the day

to

after?

for the

his

He

plans.

other

three

victims. alone,

receives

of which some

who

to

had

be

was

successively

increased

confusion

reached

the cruelty

to make

any

reproach

alone when,

the

more to

was

with

its

pretext,

yet

able

of peace

herself

believed

not

once

treaty

always

with

he

lover.

slave,

happy

her

she

slight

a moment:

truant

and

thought

three?

each

by the outraged

chain.

all

from

under

too

you

a promise

the sanctuary

only

of

which

a certain

necessary

forward

the

none

superiority

word

of a woman easy

master,

being

disappearing

triumph

like

if

goes,

at his

to await

confusion

already,

“Gentlemen,

and

sent

replaced

take

of his promises.

time

into

victims,

postponed.”

their

obtained

comes

her

then,

the

rendered

counted

her

went

of

adroitly

to retain

long

on

time,

retired,

would

should

evening

can one refuse

hour,

he

be

embraced

what

for

this

is founded

He

feel

share:

tone

tête-à-tête

a late

to be forthwith

guess

adventures

sup

to

he answered,

wasting

ep conducts

to be the

to

for

that

the issue

but

arriving.

of alacrity,

with

you

can I hope

not

other,

to the three

that

a supper may

conquests. and

how

having

without

and all four is heard

may

after

preparations

herself

pardon

they

moments

consequence,

begin

be my

Accept

conduct

objections;

rendezvous

he said

one,

to await

new

a few

these

over

will:

as the

mistresses

to adopt,

my

and,

to Paris

made

a few

ill

truth,”

soon

but,

him

returns

of

that,

as well

I

vengeance

explain:

Prévan

You

more

In

faithless

own.

your

consented;

separated

an air

wine

celebrity.

“In

a single

authorized

have

his

would

my

I hope

to make

of

opportunity.

which

becomes

circumstances

The

no

dénouement

your

in retaining

and

this any

on

an injury

could

After

bear

to circumstances:

offer

yourselves,

wished

to

by

friendship.

Prévan, for

fortified

hope

ratified by

his excuses

a the

result.

question.

at suppertime, when

for in

same

to be in

height

not

handed

filled the

habit

the Prévan,

to the

three

faithless what

ones,

a point

However, men

they

they

gave but

which,

in its

turn,

up,

and,

but

following

the

men,

their

who

Since

in exile

is the story

anxiety,

to the last

I wrote

Adieu,

my

easily

seduce

alone

does

short,

fair

not allow

had

time

on their

me some

them

completely

to

cleared;

the

charm.

was

All

sealed

aroused

their

into

lasted to

made not

vengeance

has gone

desire,

thought

resentment, and,

their

orgy

had

healed;

in

on

content

by making

a convent,

be

and

the with their

the

two

estates.

it is for

you

to say whether

to his car of triumph.

I await

hatred

astounding

women

their

never

had gaiety

This

the

retained

one

countenances

tender:

separated,

they

of Prévan;

and

nonetheless

which

that

and tie yourself

told

submitted.

fresh

they

mistresses,

public.

languish

was

a rupture

fickle

secret,

afterward

women

to gaiety

his glory,

In

and soon

the

when

morning

adventure

That

to table,

lent

their

fooled.

the conversation

pardoned:

other

revealing

had been

went

morning;

leaving

by

themselves

hearts;

until

which,

impatiently

Your

a more

you letter

prudent

wish

to add

has really and

clearer

to

given reply

you. friend;

you.

distrust

Remember

suffice;

one

a prudent

those that,

single friendship

queer

or

in the career imprudence to

be

amusing which

becomes

ideas you

which

are leading,

an irremediable

sometimes

the

guide

of

too wit ill. your

pleasures. Adieu.

I

love

you

nevertheless,

just

as

much

DE

SEPTEMBER,

as

though

reasonable. AT

THE

CHÂTEAU

... , 18TH

17 -- .

you

were

—80— THE

CHEVALIER

CÉCILE,

MY

again?

DEAR

How

courage

shall

and

absence.

look

forward

Each

who

perhaps,

one

feels

live

adds

VOLANGES

will

afar

Never,

day

me,

he did

and

by what

had

the

from

never

to my

promised

forgets

when

You

when

to

strength?

CECILE

time

you?

shall

come Who

and

us to

meet

will

give

me

the

to

support

er

this

there

is no

term

I be able

unhappiness:

for

to

to!

and,

me?

TO

CÉCILE,

I learn

the

fatal

Valmont,

DANCENY

me!

one

not

write

from

to me.

means,

I shall do

participate

in my

desire?

more

ever:

but

help

He is near

is parted

yourself

than

me

this

it.

forwarding

however,

it to me;

Ah,

Cecile,

Cecile,

love

which

makes

tell

of my

to

when, to

tell

do

not

I love

you

you

unhappy!

charm

letter

then

it be that

I am very

what

me

he nothing

could

the

last

should

Has

neglects

he forgets your

who

to see you.

of

Valmont

of his love;

When

It is he,

speak

consolation,

the object

be able

not

and

life

becomes

its torture. No,

I can

no

moment.

longer

When

saying:

I rise,

I have

happiness.

live

not

whence

pains

my

anxiety

about

think

of

you

unhappy,

consoled,

my

All

the

moments

the

pleasure

nearer

distractions

pleased

of

a

what

these

mortal

of the day

remains

I see

dwelt

in the same

certainty

of

which

had

away.

duties,

seeing

they

far

me

my

of

walks,

you

with

all;

was

marked

use I made

rendered

to your I

everywhere by fresh

and

as

divine

never

you

homage,

worthy Even

what

had

of when

I was

not

would

have

our

sweet

and

upon

even

of it was

you,

talents

I

you

you.

from

seized

calm

from

me more

to please away

you

places

away

I

see

embellished

to be passed

The

reminded

you

I

you

you

I sought

to me?

if

me

situation.

If

when

playhouse

of it to your

of my

dismay.

sorrows;

me

on

an idea

without

carried

I compared

Nowadays,

to

world

company,

the tribute

Add

unhappiness.

my

of

pleasure!

the

concert

no moment

I find

time

down

to

the more

the

I lie

a

come

I hoped

At

contain

for

ills

talent,

resemblance. moment

the

her.

Everywhere this,

The

see

it only

these

have

your

were

all

will

never

all

days

any

In

I brought

from

then.

occupations.

Every

and

If I fulfilled

you.

you;

you

not

and

every

to me as it glided

if I cultivated

from

and

for

long

despair;

are redoubled. it was

to you.

parted

yours,

I must,

I shall

long,

I expected

of absence;

you

unknown you;

own

see you,

myself:

regret,

I suffer

different was

brought

The

uninterruptedly,

afflicted,

did!

her....

is privation,

source

how

to

All

the

I must

I say

seen

from

Ah,

thus;

the the

slightest advantage.

and every

evening

feet. Dolorous

regrets,

eternal

privations,

and

a

faint

hope

changed

to traverse,

I implore

remain

cold

What all,

my

has become

for

pretexts

Cécile,

my

it;

not

to bestow.

see you

for

Does

aside

that

love

you

that

it:

but

Adieu,

Cécile.

PARIS,

18TH

gave

will my

of

now

way

idea, always

situation

SEPTEMBER,

you

turn;

is frightful,

17 -- .

And

I believe and

me

I

then?

I do not

what

in

remember, them

With

how

you,

make

my

a merit

to obtain

I

was

is the request?

To

to receive

a vow

as it makes crown

above

so ingenious

let me remind

and

endure

of

mine?

upon

it, I am sure I cannot

reply.

to forego

desired

set the

both

What,

you

you

happiness

would

me,

and

Valmont?

And it,

even

compelled

wishes.

What

obstacle!

do not

to

be

distance,

to overcome

made

say

to your

to you

which love

not

shall

that

Sometimes,

reasons?

I ask in my

your

of

myself

sacrifice.

make

they

meetings?

my

to renew

no longer

despairing you

combat

that

But

did

yours

us, and

me

which

I found

what

always

me,

friendship

daily

that

divide

to help

sentiments,

our

broken,

an insurmountable

aiding

active

them,

not

a moment,

me,

doubt

of

even

burning

love.

the

duties;

did

be

mistress,

Far from

to desire

reasons

it has

14 alone

tender

means

considerations,

many

leagues

my

of

of your

ceasing

may

to me alone

friend,

then

the

silence

becomes

has become

without

Ten

and unmoved!

discovering

of

Valmont’s

to inquietude.

so easy when

that

my

I

thrust

ills.

You

of it, I will it much

eternal

never longer.

—81— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT How

YOUR

FEARS

superiority

over

poor

Valmont,

pride

of your

us.

my

That,

and

of

me in an ill your

of countenance

That,

feeling,

should

hope

of your

spite

to distract

sublime

to see one

effort

another, of their

authorized

by

tones,

it is better

these

than

in

describing

But

that

you

could

lose

my

way

unless

I grant

brilliant

I deferred

or a whim:

over

much

on the confidence

And,

pray,

what

You

have

have

you

seduced, had

that

chance;

graces,

solely your will

means, not

scandal As for who

is

ask

even,

A

which

habit

almost

ease

its place of

at need;

your

first

for,

as for

me,

I suppose,

prudence, more

the celebrity to count

than

I do not you?

Why,

brings;

a praiseworthy

successes;

the opportunity finesse,

always

if

you

have

for

much

a moment

grant

it

burning alone

should

me,

doctorial

one’s

projects

I forgive that

I

it.

should

to sacrifice

to

in you!

what

times?

difficulties

What pure

in truth:

merit

lies

result but

of

jargon

perhaps

mistaken,

due

these

are

in acquiring,

art

of

where

it

yourself

a thousand

the

feel

in

and

succeeded the

you

to me

you

but

not

you.

the story

are both

impudence,

I am

agree

conduct,

to place

wit,

put

and

to plume

face,

should

I

to surmount?

handsome

counsels

you:

I ought

surpassed

weigh

you

prudence,

women:

to

loves

harm,

is indeed

them

you.

out

I have

obstacles

judge

owe

to

willing

What own?

no

that

many

separates

your

finally,

of your

not

the

which

who

in carrying

that

all

No,

me with

write

me

my

your

I am quite

very

your

or seizing

has not

ruined

that

really

supply

to the

done

to overcome?

therein

eu would

you

of

That,

advice,

Vicomte,

which

who

I smile,

to

need

to your

in truth,

have

also.

Ah,

for

by the way,

does

I had

and

children

time

vanity

that

a pleasure

that

one’s

having

it by gratifying two

guide?

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credence

which

you

you

which

there

a new

fallen are

I should

retains,

the

Delilah,

I

15 Ah, my

only

ones

supple

appear a few

when

of

beneath

of having

to crush

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secret.

confidence,

these

a secret

More

Finally,

how

heart

important

lest

one

in it the

the history

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they

appeared

a truth

of which

to humiliate.

each

I knew

keep

divulged:

them;

of

ever

studied

the locks

unfaithful

any

have

not

this

not

myself

which

giving

symbol.

an appearance

notion,

secured

be

than

to

them

friendship,

the flattering

lover,

failed

of

not

have

permitted

the art of rendering

does

in surprising

many

I have

me

I have

who

an ingenious

of how

whom

to

heart,

should

better

than

my

own

him

of never

and

is nobody

to

be no more employed

writing,

excessive,

looked

there

might

of never

appear

I have

of others. which

and

with

to

them

generous been

my

these

methods

in advance,

beneath

dangerous

men

could

have

obtained. All

this

doubt me

of my your

I tell prudence!

first

attentions:

desired

you

seemed

to me

for ever

before

you

a moment’s

homage

ever

were

combat

seen

indeed! no

I had

that

a hand-to-hand had

Ah,

have

wanting

with

empire

seen

you. over

me

recall

practice

to mind

was you.

ever Seduced

to my

glory;

It is the only me.

However,

unceasingly; the time

more by

when

flattering your

I burned one of my if

you

and

you

you to

paid me;

I

reputation, with

a

fancies had

it desire which

wished

to

destroy

me,

what

no trace

behind

suspect,

and

would

have

time,

I have

unite

us,

had

and

started

tell

me

her;

your

own.

head

word.

and is that

your

addition,

me.

us,

at

seconded

profiting

would To

is my

to render of

is true,

know

which

since

what

can

if

I had

that

interests

be taxed

with

and

less

how

the

which

to pretend of

them;

high

above

of my that that, other

secrets and

that

on

my

does

not

a love

be

I persuaded

to

I should her

lot

reasons

applied

Then,

suddenly

me.

parents,

I

and

all consent

to

demand

its

or the

girl’s

within

my

hands;

should

not

prevent

and

to

to

it of

honor,

made

them

stay

form

with

her

I made

in

madness,

They

I obtained.

free

condition:

bristling

might

minister,

call

which

future

and

if,

her,

her authentic

fundamental,

habit

would

be

must

conduct,

her

to

is

it

punishment

of all credit? I

details

I have

anger

of her conduct

precautions,

you

your

which

imprisonment.

order,

potent

the revelation

which

for

anymore

of

parents,

which

I have

her language

view

fruit

that

of

victim

which

judgment

deprive

and

to

the

her

order,

the old

these

the

I was

dangerous

bond,

people

Her

their

this

the

or occasional,

of

that

then

me

my

she is

at Prévan,

and this

still,

than

clemency,

impossible,

sufficient

I

of

I answered

believe

among

her.

useful

solicited

then,

will

mercy

sentiments,

umbrage

sister,

better

by nothing

to

the

of my

was

do it precisely.

to her mighty

you

force

saved

of

at

before,

taken

foster

not

knows,

which

have

I will

rate

reply

confided

without

of

important;

But

helped

leaves

you.

secret

according

of

general

edify

her

this

whether

depositary

local

need;

I doubt

the

these

any

in the secret

you

with

soon

others,

that

a glance

that

at

since

influence

evident

am

have

by my

the

I

you

side

conduct.She

not

It

I who

to you,

that

the

execution,

account

proof

and

me

assume

which

relation

you

is not

my

them to

make

it

of it to me once

be satisfied

turning

sincere

but

spoke

is not

ruined,

I saw

that

the girl

I have

would

us,

if she is not

therefore

to

to render

now

place,

one

was

of

secrets:

talk

have

novel.

you

is turned,

In the first

she

the

conceived my

Empty

would

facts,

all

be one

now

But,

I must

seem

reputation

a badly

over

off

When

tranquillity of

of

it

in fact,

actions. of

very

found?

fb

you

sure

air

if

have

improbable

you

that,

chambermaid; my

the

you

your

of

handed

I have

hear

would

it, which a tissue

imprudence. Since

means

raised

women,

I

to

to

succeed

consent

by to

a me

their pick

thousand to find

practice

out

in knowing

pains,

myself,

joined allow

although

trouble

at so much

having am

the

would

after

reflection

tedious,

take

if you been

and

are

from

at is the

them.

and

am

not

to cull

the

my

arduous

labors,

so

grope

along,

like

them,

betwixt such

an extent

never! shall two

imprudence

I must have

words,

PARIS,

timidity;

as to see no conquer

him;

little

to tell

romance.

SEPTEMBER,

that,

other

or perish.

he wishes

is our

20TH

and

above

salvation As

for

of

it,

fc Adieu. 17 -- .

all, than

Prévan, and

I should in

flight?

I wish

he shall

fear

not

any

No,

to have tell

of

man

to

Vicomte, him, it:

and that,

I in

—82— CÉCILE AH,

VOLANGES

GOD,

WHAT

impatience more

it: it is not because

thing.

What

is it that that you

with

which

without

you cannot

mean

that

are,

the contrary;

Valmont

has not

because never

I have speak

not

before

you

to be assured

Do

you

think who

is worse

than

reflecting quite

least

Even

but

my

to

were

to do;

morning

interrupt

quite

can

my

of

well

light.

were

even

you

than

it is not

the

a torment

to

situation?

that.

not

have

me

to,

he

and

do?

you

to be scolded

every

If

day

the contrary.

moments

by

Now

for

it, however,

when

I found

too,

without

its

for

all

has

that

can

it also,

better.

I had

him

we would

I ask nothing

myself

you de

so that

desire

so

If M.

beg

that

sake,

you

are vexed

times

than

for

I

read

no happier

agreed

Quite

I

it is not

I do not

to me?

am

because

your

I consoled

letters and

And

after

every

then, and

line,

it by

I was

being

in my

bed,

see that

them

sleepy

in

hitherto

to listen

must

comes. indeed

I should

to, even

I am

she may behind

the least I wish

love

my

anyone

were to do

so that there it.

In

the

come,

at

I have

to

Luckily

I tell

curtain,

know

afternoon,

then

go away

de

All

studying.

sound,

you

the

and

M.

not

still.

in

in the evening,

to get for

harp;

if

and she may

able

hear

so that

obliged

if anyone one

to let

the

that,

difficult

by me,

I am

by myself,

I am

is more

on

so

as he is,

is close

playing

grows

then,

that

Sometimes, or

to bed

embarrassing,

so clever

Mamma

sometimes get

is

to you,

room.

singing

be seen;

soon

your

because

into

maid

everything would

me

such

many

your

I could

would

for

grief

as to writing

myself

waiting

light

more

so obliging

not,

pretense

the

there

I see that

receive

and,

moment,

I can

you;

I have

not

I dare

under

for

fault;

the means,

at the convent.

me,

is for

when

time,

the more

say that

anything

here

wept

support

and we have

what

agreeable said

when

fault,

find

and

is grown

I am

you

again

but

felt

to me.

Valmont

me

it was

merely

any

never

if I were

that

happened

my

once

that

that

my

him,

have

tears

this

more

to love

love

I do not

please

love

to me

with

this:

it is so very

content;

what

of

already

any

it is not

desire.

it to be so easy,

Mamma,

the

you

I have

your

to cease

and

many

But

nor

I only

alone

people:

do what

believe

yet

well

I shed

to me.

that

thus,

to you,

been

you;

It seems

and

it.

pray?

I need

in it consolation,

painful

live

to be?

the sooner ought

I reproach

DANCENY

me!

to find

are going

written

gave

ere I received

to say,

you

as it used

letter

I hoped

longer

agreeable

CHEVALIER

its being

wish

you

quite

it!

I was

of you,

THE

your

than

that

same

Do

PAIN

fd to receive

afflicted

you,

TO

her that

and

leave

so that

no

I can

hide

to see!

You

short,

it

is

quite

true

that

I do all

that

I can,

and I would

it lay

within

my

power

to

do

more. Certainly,

I do not

love

I never

you;

you

had

told

assured

me,

happy.

You

longer,

I remember

And

you,

this

regard

took

from

someday, them

all

back

good,

because give

there

Adieu, life.

I shall

not

my I hope

should

not

that

till

then

AT

THE

dear that

I shall

can

object!

Now

much

danger

friend.

feeling I love

you

CHÂTEAU

with

no longer

Write

continue DE

you

are

be so myself.

a deal

to me,

you

are

to read

Yet

to make

you

how

kept

those

you;

a

them

no

them

every

day.

the

same!

But

think

God,

always

vexed!

I have

unhappy

I

am!

... have to

as at present, be when I return

and

I am them

otherwise;

which

time

able to M.

in spite

Mamma

must you

come,

will

give

to keep

them

de

Valmont,

of that,

I never

of pain. all my vexed, as soon

heart.

I shall

fe and,

were

as you

sad.

... , 21ST

I shall

enough

longer

Ah,

back

happy

be too

now

sent

you

that

Although

I used

of it!

be so restrained

without

I shall

she

that

was

letters.

no

and

and

that

last?

How

one

to him

that

now,

always

you,

heart,

as when

I hope

which

would

it,

are the cause

letters,

I love

a fuller

absent

not

who

that

it is in your

are

and

no

with

as well

will

to me.

and

them

you

you

I said

it;

them

to your

when

it you

deny

you

me,

to tell

before

absence

it is indeed

With

for

cannot

because

perhaps And

refuse

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

are

love

you

I sure able,

for

all my of I

it, feel

I

—83— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL FOR

MERCY’S

SAKE,

so unhappily

broken!

how

much

that,

above

began

to grant

endow

virtue!

sentiment! only

for

knowing

you

noble

love

better,

from

to taste

love; never

to virtue.

me!

vengeance empire

do

you

not

disdain

how

to your

inspire

without

and

interest,

the

me?

a word,

you

to

virtuous

strongest;

it

is

you

soon

the

you

in

me

take

a

perhaps,

a crime

had

who

have

of this

new

you

might

to

which

reproach

in it? What

sweetness

to

worships

back,

Would

of

yields

errors

make

might

to hear

another,

brought

handiwork?

seem

not

harm

is to

there

not

be

it

with

a

which

I

hard

your by

And

why?

then,

I was

rendering

you

it is only

Such,

how

that,

to appreciate

happy!

heart

is so unhappy on

himself, which

a man, my But

as

he

and

you

own!

What

this

gentle

due to love.

tender

is all that!

on

lost

your

pleasures

such

depend

love

is

who

that

the

and

It

sure

be entirely

to all

happiness

experience.

not

he imposes

that

A more

from

which

a like

Yet

once

happiness

friendship;

you,

would

to me,

is the man,

believed

Temper

I offer

believe,

accorded,

on you,

thought,

knows

which

I dare

you

of barren

I

empire

Where

And

you!

unrestrained!

in the privations

does

soul?

violent,

a glance,

take

frightens

a common alien

for

why

it

could

or surprise? Ah,

find

to delight

I would

word

union,

have

and what

and which,

sacrifice

is no result

That

certain

which

how

as by love,

by

your

know

every

soul,

seduced

a sentiment,

to escape,

to prefer steal

feared

in your

than

will

you

has the happiness

made

charm:

blame

you,

its price

to know

could

you

so pure

What

keep

as not

their

the interest

alarms

gentler

could

all

he who

by veneration

who

me;

which

you;

Better

it is you

of

in it?

love

swear

anew

with

virtues.

although

them,

Will

even

the

them,

mine?

be feared

all

to you

made

you

dear,

to please

read

penetrated

was

of respect.

But

can sometimes and,

of

to desire

to be redoubled.

which

is the

and worthy

been

confidence

render it

which

of proving

has

with

fascination;

to see you

who

from

your

and

interview

work

amiable

are the charms

powerful

desire

me to feel

yourself

you

that

me

of

My

lies

my which

that

beautify,

is at once

follow

separated

that

therein

image

and

caused

you

enthusiasm,

the

love

not

How

portrait

enjoy

many

that

complete

odious

again

How

let us repeat

I could

the

it is enough

company

in you

from

me!

Ah,

Doubtless,

that

I could

one which

more

Oh,

I differ all,

MADAME,

attachment,

a like

above actions

pain,

at least, all,

what

stronger

is there

is the love

which,

according

a

in

which

calculating to their

merit

and not

their

price;

things

become

What,

then,

precious have

can alarm? love

I will and

shall

as you

order

if,

unite

as you

soul,

told

can

the

occasion;

already

been

extent

of your

them.

which

you, too

fashions, object

you

your

away

daring

to

your

opinion:

it,

it

word;

being

your arbiter

become

you

not

doubt

my

an

chance the

right

be

better

docility?

us, perhaps who

you

to

indicate

to interrupt

knows

I

had

the

you to my

the

and

to you are

but

full

and

heart.

my

of

sacrifices

will

be,

I feel

me;

of this

interview

I shall

of you,

what

to speak

it is to submit

are

there

not you

leads

having will

for myself

for

are to pains

are

again myself

be

with more

your

letters;

they

to lend

them

fresh

me

dared

become

to

Madame, if you

it;

you

can never

then!

against

of

see

aware, Ah,

myself

hearing

pleasure

what

renders sometimes

aid!

worthier

Yes,

in a thousand ever

your

myself

to me

I am well

But

you

which

promises,

implore

to defend

pleasure

myself;

my

against

utterances,

have

be afraid

to appear

I abandon

charm,

it comes

authority!

arms

to which

which,

ideas!

It is easier

I shall

by

a love

consoling

the

to prove

dearest

bound with

abuse

very

against

that

should

stronger

will.

at least

happy

it is I who

perhaps,

by these

However,

even

it

the first:

would

irresistible actions:

it, if I am thereby

to your

strength. danger:

it,

do not

is to give

indeed

by which

known

than

do you

power,

my

without

for

alleviated

entirely are

After

sake,

the happier

come

to your

this

as of

perhaps

extinguished,

you

invincible

to consume

mercy’s

not

This

and

I

an idle

it would

yourself

vow

us, when

it: but,

difficulty

me,

not

entirely

thoughts

Alas,

compelled

had

reject

I am wrong;

whom

to share

to divide

to hear

could

to combat

on calculation,

my

I ask!

you

round

it to you?

of

a refusal

that

party

consent

sentiment

not

to

is the solitary

me is not

sweetest

no greater

you,

that

power?

venturing

sovereign

be

brought

I say

without

third

have

us; I will

to believe me than

do but

offered

unjust.

and all

to practice,

the sentiment

you

is not

furnish

This

it no longer

to it;

present

inopportune

if you

to listen

souls,

cause

us suffer

between

will

own?

it, except

it is the

interview

to convince

If that

fear

yesterday,

I am willing

pleased

Shall

me

it consent

again

moment.

let

so sweet

of sensibility

your

itself,

But

and friendship

A second

than

sentiment will.

to grasp,

all to fulfill

be the bond

let

injustice,

happiness

of sensitive

or by it.

can a man

us. If the friendship

let that

of love,

this

for

so easy

either,

sacrifice

is inspired;

treasure

are done

truths,

fear,

no other

today:

should

that

these

What

permits

make

it is the inexhaustible

to

brave

everything

an homage.

manners,

as I feel

without

excepting

the

in a

for I

am

thousand

myself,

the

AT

THE

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 23RD

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

—84— THE

VICOMTE

DE

YOU

SAW

HOW

GREATLY

long

I was

unable

to hand

whether

I shall

find

by

showing

more

for

an imprudence

of my

friend,

of

impatience

the

situation, this

will

I have

any of

found

I have

opens

into

us yesterday.

I had

I am afraid and

how

never

to you,

painful

delay

in the myself

not

I am

be to you, you

means

of which,

myself

the despair

However,

the

you,

forgive

consolation

with

day

I know

and cause

it must

only

you;

All

of compromising

miserable.

I feel

for

I should

so fatal

one the execution

default

remarked the

Everything

that

would

be easy

of it, ff I will in this,

it will

for

an hour

or two.

You

own

that

which

it; this blue

they

are not

ribbon,

It would

be

might

pay

to

more

aware in

can

of

if you

your

know

at

removing

take

the

some

pains,

its

attention

that,

You

will

even

to let

then

only

how

me.

You

aunt

and not

answer lack

toward

when

to take

pay

lose for

your

aware;

serve

in this,

care

in

stead.

disposition

taking

be seen,

take

in its

at my for

but

it;

one

unless

and,

of

my

they

try

to tie it to a faded

own. by tomorrow for

you

evening, shall

from who

some

or the day

to give

a time

be

able

from

walks

last.

in

it me

when

to

after,

then,

your

return

as you

it

at

and

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time

ill

He suggested

was

same

assumed

accomplished,

a real

details

propose

stead

him.

foreseen,

these

that

an insurmountable

to bribe

by day,

until

The

of the question,

became

because,

I summoned

he had

scene

I did

how

weeping.

the hope

salon.

sadness,

blow,

are

my

compromising

can guess

decisive

and

him

without

you

you

enter

I insisted

attempted

and

Zaire,

and

them He

might

established,

me;

changing

household.

all

someone

he

into

went

it was

this

on

to

which

I

accepted. To begin me;

with,

the one

at my

his servant

was

house;

quite

leave

alone.

door,

while

he,

side.

believed

him

had some

difficulty

to be able was

employed least

it;

was

to

really my

select call

it,

would

this;

open

the

on

one

slip

with

project

me

with

even

one

which

adroitly while me;

this

he used

everybody

the

question

that, weak

instances.

method;

supper

his carriage,

against

this

a great

to

he

I confess

than

lie

when

apartment.

ordinary

not

a moment

so that,

remained

he answered

he did

to give

would

entering

reasons

that

I was

perceive

reach

in finding

more it

of

he had

to destroy;

was

confidant

instead

he could

by these

a private

ft that

unwilling:

the

and

wait,

propriety—oh,

to give I

which

leave

in there

then,

irrefutable

staircase

I could

himself and

cunning

and

in this

at first,

I

enough

To

for

hear

him,

he

himself

had

often

the

most,

as being

the

dangerous.

Subjugated had

be there,

left,

as himself:

so as the other.

his coachman

to have

whether

nothing

The

could

remained

him

to

Prévan,

In no way

as trusty

as little

he was

could

was

only

more

led

to the

of

it,

key

without

on

fs I admitted near

and

undue

probability

relented

a propriety!

authorities,

to my the

In short

it

neighborhood was

risk,

until

quite

of

candor of my

possible

consent,

condition I was

with

for

my

women

the

moment

a perfect

willing

had after

to prove

my

I

boudoir;

him

docility,

that

to

shut

retired; I

was of

a

love

to

him,

but

not

The

exit,

of

wicket

so much which

gate

of

my

when

the

Cerberus

hour,

and

people

heap

of

What

sorry

need

thing

You

will

next

society.

this

hardly

avoid

day

reputation,

executed

already

received

him

nothing giving that

company

and

I could

parasitical

midnight,

the

double

through

me,

I put

note, according

him;

and

words,

such

as love,

had

before

Prévan;

and

be

the

I

I

can

me

two

no

I put

that

to lose

longer him

my

is all!”

virtue

Victoire,

and

and

evening was

to

she

arrived.

announced.

I

testified

to the slightness

of

by the side

of the Maréchale,

as

it.

The

evening

lover

custom,

found

I burned.

word

happiness,

in it.

invitation

18 “Albeit

Prévan

my

to see me on the

in fact

faithful

seen

of

pays

visits

and

I was

discreet

essential

one

by a written

made

the

to my

this

the

not

a place

free;

me,

which

which

this

for

I accept

morning

when

him

I

at

has yet

of

he comes

Annette:

to

no one

see. In the meantime,

whom

short

which,

and

than

it should

house

and

too

on which

politeness,

trust

the design

it

reputation

to

be

as

remembered,

a

game

lasted

was

succumbing on

rubbers of

to

being

favoring

noticed;

were,

was

etc.,

produced a means

of

It informed

surrounded

which

to my

desire ruin,

I proposed

by

never

not

I had

I had

fail

to

been

thought.

I

and

sorry,

not

to console when

a short

escape, not

was

that

than

my

could

I

longer

over, Prévan’s

that

gamester.

if need

The

rushing

him;

and

that

with

with

that

fail

me all

to

the

appear

a festival.

By

causing

with

a very

me,

at such

a marked

that

at the

true,

with

presently

at

situation.

better

He accepts,

one

instructions

a great

person

but

my will

with

and

the fact

day

passes

reciprocal

that

the

daybreak,

are astonished

our

piece

’Tis

cry,

the

as you

acquaintance the

come,

I gave

the

intimate

I can well

having

them

less

for

by

fixed.

piece,

this

made

a soul

certain

at supper

me to find

be

waiting

nothing

quite

a new

to

Not

asked

settled,

besides

of

forget

the day

by custom.

of persons

of ceremony.

He

during

but

was

If you

to be of the party.

day:

my

being

him

with

you

I was

for

supper,

of the next

fatal

my

to

slumber.

him

box

exacted

in the category

I had

his

you,

a sound.

is the affair

I meet

her

rests

me,

one was

the visit

The

utter

ones?

as for

tell

a matter

because

better

but

inviting

it only

to only

not

is

there

woman

later

a supper

day

my

he offers

it

and

that

invite

would

of

notice

friends,

count,

it was

we

in

morning

garden;

reasons,

Prévan

days

forgetting

are in the soundest

had

The

his own.

I was

17

to be known,

known.

to gratify

at the

happen, either,

The

devil

that,

fu

same

I

had

time

of

considering that

in a hurry

the impatient

reflected

medley.

it

prisoner. once

might

to be left

tempted

his

me, I was

having

be alone. and thus quite

I

surrendered,

I should

the

of

costume

resist.

left.

my

As

them

also

Can

my

place

for

see

me,

He

lightning

me;

vanquished,

timidity

me;

in

His

rights

were

Comtesses you

will

with

all

more

my

her,

his

ordered.

again.”

him

in

strength

to

humor,

to

ill and

everyone

rapidly,

and

sent

lost

than

and

made

certain

great

commotion

have

dared

I desired.

nonce

in

them

interval

My

household

only

in repairing

by my emotion, to bed.

went

them;

they

returned asked Victoire

his

more

not

him

leave

were

behind,

lucky

I

kept

raising

my

into

my

was

obeyed

indignant virtuous

good,

round

I vow.

the

I

cried

so long but

there

anyone

mistress. with

bottom

no

him

me: that

at

him

fright,

occupied

by what

was

had

come

caught

and

state

bell

when

tone,

It did

and

same

the

she

in what

noisily

in the

how

action

go unmolested,

we

two

entered.

active,

their

my

never

sword.

men

the

to know

whom

in a mortal

My

to tell

something,

queenly

people

“Listen

I rang

and

out

retreat

toward

related

or

extreme

then:

curious

turn,

“and

and

of my

then

my

to his

the disorder

them

my

but

thus,

an ambush

Chevalier,

stayed

I am

my

I was

gone.

him

kept

did

enough

servants,

of my

let

story

on,

is brave

he was

respect

was

assuming

himself

bade

but

renewed;

but

the

he betook

the unfortunate

this

calling

to the ground.

he said,

caresses

stammered

fancying

that

fail

Victoire

only

I

was

and one

arms:

Speaking

it

a crowd

among

to

accompanied

the

and

I

to arrest

which,

soft

were

others;

and,

and

my

conqueror?

to you?

position

equal

far a merry

had

I say

and

things.

adventure.”

fv who

him

to cease,

thus

Then,

his head,

hurled

and

other

Monsieur,”

a joke,

with

timid

to my

say one word

his finery

me

with

door

shall

He cursed

the

Whereupon

the

a convenient

project,

He up

valet-de-chambre,

yet gone

some

very

What

I could

a thousand

For

me,

Prévan

to them

the

walking

to take

have

of

running

prompt.

his pretensions

speech.

as I had

presence

my

end

strength.

“Leave

no more

to keep

however,

toilette,

to open

before

with

will

the

Victoire

voice:

without

undressed

light

combat

occupied

de P --- , and

than

heard

not

him I had

It finished,

hand

to this

“you

relate

quicker

would

redoubled,

I said;

my

wanted

opposed

He was

they

women,

my

is not

he

time.

body

for

vanquished,

him

for

game.

over

required.

returned,

trembling

He then

was

to me,”

control

plans

eternal

to the circumstances. from

Poor

and

quite

myself.

aloof

near

my

and

Vicomte,

steps

suitable

steps,

I rang

circumspect

defend

which

at the

me,

sufficient

away.

you

saw

have

decency

I retraced

resume

not

as was

should They

the scandal ourselves

all

which during

bed. of

commotion;

chance

to me how

they

and

I, still

happened

she had asked

upset

to be two

not

women

friends

to supper,

had

together

one

of

to

fright; He

agreed

them,

seemed

sat up with

I thanked

to

go

I was

them

means

condoled

Victoire

in

of

go abroad

and

ill

wind

let

them

all

from

bidding

my

It

mortal

to the

prescribed

in the morning

we

physician.

celebrity

and

that

retire,

my

effects

and

mightily,

early

in short,

summon

fearing

me

and,

and

giving

with

her, all,

immediately

justified

a sure

effect,

I bade

had

upon.

that

it was in

addition,

they

however,

me

and

came

how

news.

repose.

and

gossip

In

in

the

neighborhood. Everything awake, and for

succeeded my

the

pious

details

an hour

the Maréchale great his

this

that

an

in respect.

and

immediately for

his

accomplice, myself given ’Tis

that to

Madame which

I was

about

he refused

should

with

have

me. on

my

my

door

to

this

long

letter!

to

so

my

bring grossly

Maréchale’s, under

thought and

to

me,

been

be shut,

her from

o‘clock,

himself

side,

truth

I received

at the

I then

myself

I caused

to moan

he told

to consider it

the

five

of it at dinner,

to Prévan

to know

was

arrest.

that, at

and

as

least

an

keep

word

to

be

one

to

indisposed. that

Volanges,

you

enraged,

and

fellow!

Luckily

I shall

have

going

to repose

my

owe

which

is

25TH

heard

as I

later,

He came,

regiment

dispatch

hear

PARIS,

his

only

and

will

Belleroche

fw

as soon

obliged

A moment

---

arrived.

and

bedside,

I was

Finally,

of

guard.

at my

I enclose.

word

to

solitude

de you

ought strict

my

sent

pardon,

I

under

officer had

already

noon,

of the age.

which

He

before

adventure.

Monsieur

wanting

I asked

was

the corruption

astonishment,

had

that,

terrible

the note

excuses

well

neighbor

of

over

so

this

she

story

own,

SEPTEMBER,

will

be

to

as it is to be told.

absolutely time

which

sure

wants

to calm is tired

17 -- .

his

with

to

I shall read

aloud,

I forgot fight

write

to tell

Prévan.

and

from

you

that

The

head.

In the

meantime,

writing.

Adieu,

Vicomte.

poor I

am

—86— THE

MARÉCHALE

NOTE AH, that

ENCLOSED

IN

HEAVENS! little

is one

Truly

such

never

console

such

a monster

he shall

at your

nice fx persons that

Give

I pray

you

have

cannot

doctor

will

afternoon, Adieu, PARIS,

have

you,

come to you not

allow

always dear

adopt

you

hastened

for

toward

your

been

him,

quite

yourself.

I only

to

25TH,

ask

interrupt;

upon

doors;

and

had

nephew’s

count

you

But

to you

in

one’s

that

for

the cause that, that

do their

or send a word

and

I must

for

about

17 -- .

sincere

friendship

shall

receiving is

true,

which

all

health.

of your

my go

your

to

me.

baths,

for

women, I

life.

should

which

Versailles

business. my

I

duty.

to reassure

been

all!

house!

which

course

by one

it not

own

I am told

is the

that

above

of your

if what

I am anxious

news,

morning,

me

old.

if they

ill,

(A

Is it possible

And safe

partly

my

precious

this

longer

being

within

MERTEUIL

Madame?

abominations?

I promise

been

on my

Madame;

SEPTEMBER

house.

dear

is no

I have

set foot

will

I am told

One

DE

ONE)

my

such

one

is that

more

I hear,

to!

console

myself

MARQUISE

PRECEDING

commit

exposed

events

THE

DO

should

not

never

me,

THE

WHAT

Prévan

What

if

DE—TO

my this

—87— THE I

MARQUISE

WRITE

TO

disagreeable ill

with

fright

upon

to avoid

this

decide

her

that

I met

unhappy

by name,

a house, society.

lacking

in

alone occupied

anything

wait

friend.

because for

sex,

until

The

most

has made I have

to have

public

attention been

whether

it be forgotten.

This

to

woman,

to have

uncertain

me

aught

a virtuous

in the world

and I am still

arranged

able

I may is the

a new

have

As the Maréchale

performance,

I proposed

days

later

compliments, following

he

and day,

a trifle

bold;

fashion

of receiving

were

but

not

I sent

paid without

not

affair

that

I was

four

words

to him

all

of leading

have

till

been

I heard saw

day

enter

and

which

better

the

evening;

You

will

two

after

half

in my

he, that

on his thus

other

at least

I opened which

by

the

this him

light

of

my

it; and

my

my

it

at

the

of

the

he came. customary

marked.

On

appeared this

to imply.

the

to by

me my that

To

this

invitation

I did retired

we

curtains

into

gave

by a politeness,

side,

I went

leads

talk,

and

ceremonious

games,

my

till

the

far nothing

after

being

last

feel

yesterday.

and finally

room.

by the door

I recognized,

and

hour

with

him,

very

before

the

o’clock,

and

day

admit

her,

as he seemed

dry

woman

me at the close

making

be

together some

anything

to remind

a footing

giving

the

of

only

Monday

and

to

to me not

accepted

for

passed of

instead

a very

was

who

at

company

to accompany

occurrence

it were

a mortal

a noise

a man cry;

nearly

there

to sup with

gentleman

the

conversed

of which

a visit,

up to an adventure:

lasted

It must

finished.

us

coming

that,

same

a supper

was

of

the

sure

him

him

seemed

me

of

in it. It was

on so intimate

for

his game

rest

to see me in the morning,

him,

that

left

are

meeting

and

a place

the

I thought

yet

him

me

play

you

in believing

to the Maréchale,

was to this

he came

three

his box

I should

of

--- , the

piece,

But,

personally,

tedium of

whom

way.

justified

made

The

to offer

that

quite

Bishop

the table,

was

to me,

the

lansquenet.

At

Français.

the

de Prévan,

in no other

enough

and

M.

I knew

it seems

and

with

the occasion

piercing

her

VOLANGES

foreseen,

so painful

becomes

and

whom

Chance

him

and

not

de --- ’s a certain

and

him

suppertime.

when

kind

It is, assuredly,

give

He is well

wit.

with

which

dear,

to have

adventure;

I was,

of good

Two

DE

impossible

which

at the Maréchale

such

my

is always

I would

MADAME

to.

to know

end

it

to go to the country

I allude

we

but

modesty

bed,

the most

with;

the

TO

my

annoyance.

myself

drawn

from

and

and

retains

MERTEUIL

YOU

event,

reproach who

DE

not

speak

as soon

as

has less the

air

played

a

medley

had

retired,

much

alarm,

to bed. women with boudoir.

night-light,

I uttered this

M.

a de

Prévan, that

who,

with

he would

begged

enlighten

me not that

me,

I think,

even

this

pretended my

bed.

My

much imagine

rope.

was

what

I

come;

my

should

which

of that,

it is the

gossip

order

of the

call

upon

Town

and

have

closed

rendered

sufficed,

this

slander;

Paris

since officer

me his

but

that

place;

The

Adieu,

my

few

me to you. 26TH

my

force:

perhaps,

my

yet

in

with

You a

on

can

moment that,

at

reflection

chambermaid have

to

all

I confess

had

escaped

yet, even

de Prévan

M.

regiment, he said.

obtain

persons

Lord!

you

This

all this

it should

their

names

not

certainly

who

knows,

she

has

put

at my tell

still

to

further

who

The

door,

which

I

me that

justice

is

height:

the disagreeables

some

friends;

can

tell

and what

to be a young

herself

by

courtesy

is at its

from

unfortunate

the will

Prévan

has

and

be otherwise.

seen

detract

talked,

is in prison

had

arrest

that

I have

does

how

out

of

the

his they

woman! reach

of

the lie to calumny. would

thought.

the most

who

against

man

to give

all your

and

yesterday.

that

when

what

and

the household

indignation

the

Ah,

of you,

to receive dear

if

to inscribe

it, but

injury?

consolation best

in

was

not

was

the neighbors,

not

been

merits

in short,

I love

myself

excuses,

public

nothing

I beg

find

of his

I could

have

she has need me,

PARIS,

awoke

to be mischievous;

done

Prévan.

what

speaking

there

only

I saw

company.

kill

so

petrified

were

me

would

I was

fortune,

and

this

he

believe,

good

furious;

and I should,

are bound

has

will

that

air

when

heard

all

preferable

Moreover,

She

attach

all

to everyone.

to my

me,

were

to

adventure.

invent

sweetest

of

he well

will

Write

the tumult

and

to

a candle;

words,

of

myself;

and

assured

women,

summoned

it

conduct;

as you

of my

to alarm

me.

noise,

me,

friends

my

have

the Court

assuredly, of

found

two

piece

people

his

and

reply,

coming

relieved

have

said

one

on

not

he lit

tranquil

incredible

My

commanding

the

only

and

quite

me to offer

augment

and my

valet-de-chambre

afflicts

In place

not

up with

of

me

speaking,

he had

who,

I was

she would

noise

sitting

Thus His

an

a scandal!

moment,

today,

By

alarmed,

I thought

the

was;

told

mystery

speak.

But

chambermaid,

heat,

when

more.

been

noise.

not

mystery

had

effrontery,

as to the

any

I could

bell

household

me

to make

confounded

clutch

inconceivable

have

done,

It is always prudent

what

from

counsel;

you

you

would

that

I receive

it is from

you

do

also

in the that

it. kind

I embrace

SEPTEMBER,

friend; your

you

know

amiable

17 -- .

the

daughter.

sentiments

which

forever

PART

III

—88— CÉCILE IN

VOLANGES

SPITE

OF

le Chevalier we

dared

that

takes

notice

since

we

have

of that,

blame

twice anything

have

never

If you

continue

the

ill

we

should

find

of

you

M.

unhappy, is

my

Danceny happier I have

mother;

time the

AT

THE

on

will

honor

and obedient

your you you

I

needs

must

loving

me,

that

it is going

very but

to bear

the

it. Lastly,

I always

started

trembling,

stay

as we are.

quite

that

last,

you

have

would caused

the

at a certain

feel

rather

enough

if

me

too

you but

for

moment,

cannot,

like

patience

and

as I do:

for,

more speak

it and

as hitherto,

with

it

it;

had done

much

pain,

he

be. same

I am

have you

time

as this

nonetheless them. be even patience. do

not

letter,

grateful

It is very more

so;

And

your for

true

abandon

but,

me,

own,

all that

provided

your I

am

after

all,

that

M.

perhaps

come. to be, Monsieur,

with

much

gratitude,

your

servant.

CHÂTEAU

to

be easy

Danceny

I should

and

you

and

if it was

to me too

that:

so,

of

have

round

to continue

without

and,

in

use

nonetheless,

turn

at the key.

not,

at

made

to undertake

Even

which

looks

it would

I would

something

I beseech and

goes

and

that

much

enough

a letter.

I can

M.

not

fy

we had better

suddenly

but

he is

so

yet been

to be as complaisant me

that

Monsieur,

Danceny, and

sure

it should

back,

why,

then

secure.

M.

me to put

Mamma

like

me that

certainly

know

of that;

he wanted that

be kind

be for

of giving

of

I have

not

it seems

key

it would

I think

than

want

but

and

then,

a duplicate

you

truth;

a mischance;

And

would

you

it has not

but

ever.

and

letters

hindrance,

which

in

I should,

quite

I am

kindnesses,

she

been

it,

known,

it,

made

key,

to be seen,

the kindness

so much. that

for

I do not

only

give

most

which

consented

I will

but

a means

have

time

always

to take

be thinking

risk

every

since

to have

chance

myself,

that

if it became

else:

this

needs

who

had the courage.

easily

not

it is you

tried

were

there

desirous

without

although

to make

and the odium,

I have

will

that

no less

in the

to me.

to

Again,

VALMONT

Monsieur,

again

suggest

is not

be lost

wrong;

It is true

another

enough

here,

I should

I am

dangerous;

like

DE

I take,

although

difference

been

be very

in spite

is

that

you

of everything.

be perceived,

far!

and

it is too

the

VICOMTE

pleasure

to do what

place,

however,

THE

to see one

place,

other’s

would

the

be able

In the first the

ALL Danceny,

might

however,

TO

DE

... , ,26TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

most

humble

a

—89— THE

VICOMTE

IF YOUR

AFFAIRS

my

friend,

one

obstacle

not

Whether

me

her;

the only

from

and

THE

CHEVALIER

advance

whom

you

must

The

vigilance

ones;

your

young

or

and

severity

than

of Madame

not

better

wish,

more

throws

does

I know

could

I have

also

she

that

as you

blame.

friend

timidity,

nonetheless,

DANCENY

as quickly

here.

coldness

I think,

TO

always

entirely

to overcome

are not

advise

VALMONT DO

it is not

Volanges way.

DE

some

always

than

de

in

do

my as

she what

I

must

be done. I had

found

and even I could

a sure,

of facilitating, not

see

your

three.

were

any

you

than

I should

grieved,

alone

to decide;

serve

them

assure

in their

yourself

of her own

’Tis

not

does

and

fear

perhaps

you. fz Do

tell

I have

you.

not

your

anxious

little

what

This

as much

mistress

friend’s

you

but

at

and

as,

this, even

us

to run

also

you;

you

all

that

risk

be one

for

of confidence would

to do,

friends,

do

well

it is for

you

one

means

the woman

must

also

the more who

to

keeps

a

as she says.

of inconstancy: who,

render

no reason

lack

want

one’s

might

toward

however,

desire:

compromising

perhaps,

to serve

be dangerous

at bottom

more

Consider

of her Mamma,

not,

together; of

to you;

enough

love

you

letters,

distressed

afraid

useful

manner.

it would

her with

if your

sentiments

I suspect

she has a great you;

own

of her

will

that

it is not

which

you

no

her your

to it.

however,

on the subject. for

I am

of you

being

of giving

the more

bringing

constantly

that

either

me from

to her

it. I am all of

I am

means

the interviews

means

imagine

to expose

to prevent

simple

to employ

other

may

be truly

to write

her

correspondence,

Now

myself

and

subsequently,

persuade

as I cannot with

convenient

for

as you to stay yourself distrust;

but

she is very

know, too

only

long

seeks

without

unduly

to injure occupying

anxious

it is entirely

young;

by what

the

I

solicitude

of friendship. I do not my

own.

consoling succeed employed. AT

THE

write

to you

I am

not

thought; in being Adieu, CHÂTEAU

at greater as far and,

useful my

length,

advanced even

to you,

if

I

I shall

because

I too

have

as you,

but

I am

should

not

succeed

consider

that

my

as fond; for time

friend. DE

... , 26TH

SEPTEMBER,

certain

17 -- .

affairs ga that

myself, has been

of is

a

if

I

well

—90— THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT I AM

GREATLY

you

any

which

distress;

time

you

then,

in the

wish,

name,

more depart;

in saying

Only

yesterday, to tell but

Do

that

Ah,

combat

that

them?

for

absence

I tell

cost

of my

such

but,

in

time

not

another;

too

perilous

though

I

never

in listening

me in the park, 1 my today;

when

I fear

to

retain

for

lost

what

did

I

bound

me! you:

how

shall

the courage

to confess

I have

intention

I am

no longer

less

which

I shall

from

sentiments

I have

yet,

which

yourself

my

sole

and

love-to

remove

control yes,

to you

all;

overmuch.

of mercy,

before

a fall;

warned told

me

my

over

to

weakness

my

feelings

it, I am resolved,

leave

me to regain

In

acceding

to my

myself.

the sweetness contrary,

tears.

some

calm. what

of tasting terrified

without by

my

myself,

I

be it at the

cruelly

when

it strikes

no more

I have that

let

fresh

you

upon take

remorse sentiments,

would

in my

my

myself this

us it forewarns to

fail

strength. have

none of

of

over

have

no need

I shall

I shall

sentiment. thoughts,

a

happiness,

acquire

gratitude!

a delicious by

not

never

punished

no more

do you virtue,

of

if I continued

us speak

rights

sure

I vaunted

punished,

that

Ah!

I shall

very

guilty

founded

pleasure

myself

be doubly

times

my

rights,

has moment

I should

hundred

request,

those What

Heaven

and

by

I believed

I congratulated

at the very

a

but

from

when

as I am already

purchased

And

distant

to undergo.

full

have

on the

far

struggles

in prudence,

defend

that

actions;

is not

perhaps

me again

heart?

you,

life.

the time

happiness

you

one

and

power,

I pass my

neither

assuredly

see

private

inconceivable

alter

you

see,

my

You

ever

You

retain

pride:

those

love—your

them,

shall

this,

all

by

I conjure

but to

by that

but

vivid,

us cease

sake

will

to it: but

for

you;

promised

let

cause

enough

I have

me:

writing

your

pity’s

to succumb

having

I am

with

than

Alas!

me well

despair.

more

to join

in overcoming

over

not

softened

to grieve

eternal

to say to you,

came

which

to respond!

succeed

wish

perhaps

some

I wish

know

which

let us shun by

you

myself

think

for

should

to hear.

when

you

my

letter

be at least

must

friendship

have

forced

occupy

not

I ever

you

this

me into

sentiments,

what

ought

it is not

tender

the

in which,

I never

never

of

the

which

what

was

of

You

to plunge

in the meantime,

interviews succeed

that

that

do so, it may

to you.

doubtless,

even,

and,

if it must

assured

name

sincere,

Monsieur,

in writing

to be well

would

do,

or that,

I experience

this

the

DESIROUS,

At I am

owe

my to you

present, equally

afraid

of occupying

alarms me,

me:

but

Is it

when

I repel

not

Oh,

has

continued

you

will

succeed

you,

consent

to

in

My

formed

this

Behold

your

you

innocence

for

reduced

feel

too

only

friend,

from

and

THE

to all

of eternal CHÂTEAU

drive

... No,

of

you Ah,

my less

of

you

it from

trouble

shall

painful tender

say,

and

of its errors, situation, interest

again

will

through

in

the

by

your

joy

of

my

God!

... , 27TH

I had

but

not

hesitate

no;

rather

would

the

eve

on

I shall

love,

happy,

I would

shame,

passed

for

and you,

it

is

Do,

out

which

you

Monsieur, SEPTEMBER,

to

remorse,

I

you me;

I

in tears.

would you resist

inspired

17 -- .

a

I die a

unless

confused,

adieu.

to

for

to reassure

begging

she ever with an

of generosity,

have

my

and tremble

peace

the night

I reproach

difficult

no

suffice

suppliant But

of

of company,

have

do not

upon of

me,

friend,

impose the end

you

my

a reproach.

Adieu,

are buying

in the midst

pain;

I do not

make

a request?

the sentiments

gratitude.

not

you

resolutions

how

is not

of

in the midst

which

to

and yet I have

repose.

state

breathing

believe

I blush

a life

DE

but

think

if,

assailed

myself,

A complaint

AT

guilty!

to so humiliating

sentiment.

add that

it; I do not

respect

and

you

may

she whom and

will

then,

Ah!

praiseworthy

strongly,

duty;

idea

this

even

deprivations,

will

you

one yesterday,

been

the very

friend.

a few

and myself;

most

you

existence,

a price?

to

soul,

A sweeter,

it to my

Already,

I lead

a stop

agitations:

to become

others

put

virtue,

of you,

dear

deaths.

solitude;

or myself;

it, I combat

sensitive

cherish

I beg

But

both

consent.

prayer!

unhappiness,

moment....

dread

my

to undergo

at too

thousand

of

I owe

which

torments

ever

violent

calm, you

but

you

from

us to

friend

I shall

In causing

of

whose

these

This

escape

both

reject

benevolence, heart:

for

the

to

either

it.

you,

not

with

I cannot

better

anxiety?

myself

have

nothing;

I

imperious what

in me,

I I

do will

—91— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL IN

CONSTERNATION

how

I can

reply

unhappiness

to

and

hesitate:

but

before

AT

all,

it.

my

such

YOUR

letter,

Doubtless,

own,

it

is for

important

investigated

if

me

discussed,

are to speak

and see each

other

What!

the sweetest

of sentiments

while

to separate ardent

us, perhaps

love

What

then

fears

so

reasons

reclaim is this

lightly for

Permit

have

been

one

esteems;

danger

conceived

are

you

given one

judged

worthy

dreads

and shuns.

may those

ceases

to give

you

me, more:

Do

feel

you

to

your

I do

me,

not

to

be contrived,

shall

it

an empty

shall

besets

tender

not

be, if we

fear

Ah, to

suffice

friendship

be heard:

you?

seems

ever

believe

me,

and

and

why?

me,

potent

this

And

why,

you

little

you

know

Nay,

one

consoling

must

needs

at least

you

do not

merit

if

you

of love

such

enough

renounce

this

the

courage

of my

shall

will

have

prevent

the

love, work,

favor,

and

the

I am

myself?

I no

which

longer it

never

friend;

before

his

myself

hear

them and

without

it from put

a

then into

for

I

hearing? I

will

own

lips.

question,

how

to see you

once

my

soul,

perhaps

to it. In short, which

abide

methinks,

all.

I go.

and

your

this

succumbing

will

fulfill

Command,

if you

pity

Doubtless

verdict

judges

friendship,

master. to

the

despair

prepared,

than

one

and sensitive

Is it nothing

and your

whom

of a tender

Ah,

me from

man

lover,

me

brought

has

heart,

to be unjust?

heart!

one

unhappy

which

turn.

whom

and

I obey

let

man

language;

to my

I pledge

tyranny

the

the faithful

slave

me,

me in your

see your slight

duties;

before

submissive

in my

so dear

the

him

dangerous

and

impressions

tremble

away

it is the

command,

and

not

circumspect

judge,

the

you

glance

shall

drive

condemn

this

ask

when

all,

It is no longer

prefer

or

will

does

so sweet,

new

possess

judgment,

One

respectful

I am

his

impose

you

But

more

of the unfavorable

and the consolations

do you

obey.

above

traces

friendship:

names

and,

still

not,

before

titles

promise

again?

me.

in secret.

accused

to

and

seems

us, shall

vain

already,

about

the counsels

Listen

which

you

observe,

myself

new

unite

voice

here

a certain

permit

these

can that

their

I find

was

you

it is the

and

as to

between

myself,

so it

In

that

does

of

however,

receiving

choose

deserve, how

ignorant

security.

that

Already,

must

sacrifice

return!

rights:

pressing

me to tell

Who,

to

I am still

no more?

beyond

their

I needs

interests

and

Madame,

with

alone me;

to pay

I

if exist,

even

dearly

I

if I for

the hope What!

of obtaining

you

becoming

are

it.

going

strangers

to to one

although

you

assure

but

my

departure,

urge

You

speak

which

already

your

And

you

your

lover,

would

of

for

wish

my

if

your

not

to

you!

What

am

will

by

from

you

one

with

alter

You

your

for

the

to talk

Thus, most

indulgence.

Pardon

desire

it;

and

you

the

you

service, offer

their

from

or

to

your

of

do

sentiment

trivial

to you Depart

our

destruction.

Interrogate

indignation:

to

at their

is what

this!

then,

sentiments,

easily

gratitude.

with day

consent,

I saying?

you—this

to be satisfied came

You

more

them

to injure

them

not

to work

obtain

friend

say

order

ceasing

heart

from

absence

replacing

would

enemy

you

in

me

another!

me that

an unknown

even

drive

me!

own;

if

gratitude,

me,

you

are

in-grates? I come grief

to a stop,

to which

you

submission.

But

sentiments

which

pity, defer AT

at least,

for

the moment THE

and

CHÂTEAU

beseech

have

given

I conjure you

you,

yourself

the mortal long.

your

in

it will my

invoke,

distress

Adieu, DE

birth;

turn, do

in which

not in not you

the expression

detract the

from

name

refuse have

to

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

a

complete

of

those

hear

me;

plunged

Madame.

... , Z7TH

my

of

me,

sweet and do

in not

—92— THE O

CHEVALIER

MY

DANCENY

FRIEND!

Cecile

YOUR

... 0 God! truth,

wished

to prepare pains;

through

but

interests

it:

of mine:

speak

of you.

Does

them?

she

raises

One

of its fate,

me any

I might lately

details in

often to

of

two

At

this

covers

it.

You

I thank

you

for

of all

that

can

did

What

change, is not

this

all

a

may

say

been

to

you?

herself

difficulties

acquainted

to

whole

have

defend

the

what

above

she

she not from

doubt

I beg

change

still! does

no more

suspicions,

You

Love

I see

Endeavor

another

least,

this

everything.

to your

fright.

Yes,

do so, and

meanings....

myself

foreseen

may

rise

for

in advance

are precious.

bears

reproach?

about

gave

me.

it. I have

you

place

beguile

have

it divines

what

cold

blow;

It is ever

concealment,

VALMONT

friendship

mortal

on gb love?

least

word

this

run

loves

your

of

DE

blood

no longer

receipt

word

I seek

she make faults?

The

same

alas,

her

hear

my

which

of everything;

words.

deceived:

the

impose

not

me

the

in

VICOMTE

made

Cecile

veil

for

THE

has

to me without

has confirmed

sentence;

me

it does

her

the

can one

Inform

recall

letter

is it possible?

direful

your

TO

for which

with

so

many

obstacles. What

course

see her!

ought

Is that

utterly

she has rejected there her

was to

run

too

too

her!

If

I let

they

are unjust, from

her

risk.

but

me!

danger, But

in it!

I pardon

What

myself

her,

do not

If I attempted so dismal

me what

that

I am unwilling

your

will,

having

I know

so How

grieve

not

how

if for

to

my

write

her;

distressed

and

it was;

prudence;

perhaps,

to

...

tell

am I to do now?

for

and

well

know

they

me?

is so cruel,

You

also

suspicions,

is to deceive

counsel

she knows I

believe

see my could

her

do you Absence

of seeing

much

much

I cannot

What

impossible?

a means

in truth

misfortune

them

I to adopt?

her?

to

and, To

if

hide

to dissimulate

with

her. Oh,

if she could

her

sensibility;

her

love.

her

mother

myself;

only

much

treats

I will still

she will

To

my

I assure

grateful

for

quality

with

beg

refuse,

I suffer,

her

heart,

some such

pain

and

would

I have

embarrassment:

severity!

to leave

she can

my

I will

herself

at least

not

she

I know

proofs

is so young!

to her;

entirely

her!

a thousand

write

take

move

in your

offence

I will hands.

at my

of And

restrain Even

prayer;

if and

consent.

friend,

myself.

timidity,

her

only

perhaps you,

what

she has an excellent

Too

she should

know

to you you

them.

in friendship.

that

I make she

It is timidity, Yours

a thousand

feels not

is very

the

value

distrust. precious

excuses, of Be

your

both

efforts,

indulgent;

to me,

and

for

her and that

it is the

I know

not

she

for is

finest how

to

acknowledge

all that

I feel

fears

me

all

an

pleasure!

my effort

to

Adieu,

you

return: write my

do for who

to

her!

friend,

me.

Adieu,

would

have

Alas,

only

continue

mightily. PARIS,

27TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

I will told

your

write

at once.

me that

yesterday cares

it should it

for

ever

cost

was

my

sweetest

me,

and

pity

me

—93— THE

CHEVALIER

(ENCLOSED

IN

I CANNOT

DANCENY

THE

of the scant

ignorant

that

together

once

you;

will

which

will

would Is it

then

convenient so short tell

least

left

Tell

which

me

forgotten hear

my

you

believe

true,

Cécile?

excuses,

Cécile,

Cecile,

means!

Look

coldness! I

is it

Ah,

have

in

by

truth, you

fear,

to me

beyond

will

it

to

Nay,

penetrate you

too

simple,

me?

An

absence

me?

Your

Mamma, If

Why in

she has

sorrow

the

at

fearful

I to die. Have

to

you,

difficulties

A

either

reply

least

me?

sincerity?

not

with

deceive

recall?

but

faith.

why

less were

I know

you

love

without

suffer

that

this

you

when

you

whom

can

will

Valmont’s

have

infrequent.

utterly

you

them.

be

to suffer.

buffeted

Ah,

in any Cécile,

love

your

has soon I was

not

wished

No,

I

I believe,

caused

word,

to see me, Fears, and

Perhaps

it

between one

thought;

you

with

alone

accuse

shall if

my

is

not

love

employ

unjust

have

me,

suspicions

I only

for

maintain the right

a

is it

not How

to make

you

of love! that

every

perhaps

even

be happy. to

fear,

you.

an eternity

shall lost

that

A passing

suspicions,

we is

No,

to vanish:

to

I should

of injustice

Consent

me?

heart.

wrong

How

of absence!

happiness?

stay

love

belie

wrong!

a single

cruelly

longer

you

moment

effects

no

and

on me!

look, of

you

which

pity

I cannot

and

learn

us

at

help,

seeing

your

bring

doubtless

me more?

I should

good

doubtless;

the

A single

Tortured

not

an illusion;

to repair

talk

love

preferred

be to be proved

upon

still

you

love;

But

not

that

fresh

your

you

are

be sufficient

find

of

that

correspondence:

true

are under

tender

...

destroyed

when

of discouragement,

my

Cécile!

refusals,

you

love,

your

can

from

me?

then:

I should

love

in

suspect

sentiments.

closed

irksome;

more

happy

cruel

assured it

Ah!

again

You

I hope

without

is it thus

will

to your

our

you

moment

heart

had

me

possible;

me.

nor

has deceived

Answer

Can

cause

you

to hear

who

May

a means

that

you

complaints,

no

Cecile

pity,

Thanks

found

Will

has she also

is your

me?

friendship it;

you

then,

me always,

some

a mistake.

rejected

your

you

tortures

have

changed

love,

would

Ah!

indeed

your

titles

not

gc And

love

that

these

been in him.

person

I dare

means?

you

destroying

you

to place

however,

mine.

I have

only

made

and sure has

me that

that

VOLANGES

he is the

I cannot,

to betray

grieved

continue

motives?

conduct.

venture

true

I have

you?

of this

not

that

me of your

prevent

the mystery

friend,

that

how

you

I had thought

pain

inform

you

confidence

he is my

I see with

you

FROM

more:

CECILE

PRECEDING)

CONCEAL

Valmont

TO

lost and

But

what!

for

ever.

the

most

existence to make

to

it dear

to me; happiness PARIS,

and

I expect,

from

or the certainty 27TH

SEPTEMBER,

the

first

word

of an eternal 17 -- .

that

despair.

you

will

utter,

the

return

of

—94— CECILE

VOLANGES

I CAN

GATHER

What

has M.

to believe for

me,

love

you

of

which you

give what

were

is not

Assuredly,

and

everybody

must

needs

What

have

key,

because

be for

pray,

I was

afraid

more

seems

to me a bad

key?

I will

have

to say. well

you

the key,

I shall

shall

not

comes ready

know

it

you

than

when

it

this.

came

do

shall

he

again

but, to;

I would from

and

rather

you:

to take

it

spoken

you

knew

to take

this

you

I love

will

you

and

that

to

you

at

I

am you,

I shall

I assure

see

a

would

had

have

you

it

the same

now

it

because

is right,

is quite

so,

I; and

more

I think

I

it at all!

who

who

That

I want

to say

dare

see what

if

should

than

I refuse

friend;

telling

But,

have

it or no, since it,

appeased:

act like that

we

am

it, and that and

hurts

interest

not

de Valmont

desire

angry.

quickly

I did

account,

is always

I am very

to see you

only

perceive

to be your

yet

I am

to, when

how

we would

the troubles you

do not fault.

If I had truly,

believe

been

never

soon

to fret

have that

the grief what

I

that

you

are

each

doing

more,

other!

And,

us by others! any

complaint

always be able

be very to meet,

at least,

we should

I assure

you

to make

against

unhappy,

and

and that

then

that,

if I me:

it will we shall

only were but

if

not

be

have

as at present.

to foresee

I was

be sad any

have

we shall

we shall

able

love

are caused

me,

occasion

I thought not

that

would

I hope

no further

Do

that

myself,

liked,

mistress,

my

you

be able

want

and

what

I

that,

the

me!

to me for

wished

when and

and

it is stronger

M.

happier

hard,

of

you

to cause.

If you

you

know

from

can:

you then

de Valmont

I assure

because

you

and

have

I should

on my

whether that

you,

me.

led

far

I receive

being,

so vexed?

only

I know

M.

as he

wrong.

know

that

you

would

too

have

I am wrong,

no obligation

it was

it tomorrow;

for

as well

always

not

always

unhappily

Mamma

But

that

me with

you

can

and it is very

notion

feels

it causes

be, perhaps,

I am deceiving

but

you

the pain what

would

no longer,

me;

and

Now

take

It is very least

it.

you

that

action.

to me of it; I could

you

reproach

to make

trouble,

and

believe

believe

one who

I done,

me

always

it is a pretty

praise

some

then,

That

from

You

as you

would

about

is

if I loved

cause

nothing

you

it

truth;

to be as deceitful

I have?

that

pain.

the

you?

except

be less tormented;

me,

me most

DANCENY

letter,

to you,

loved

certainly

consoling

your

written

I no longer

I should

CHEVALIER

from

de Valmont

as I do, to find

instead

THE

NOTHING

that for

TO

this, right.

and

love

I would Do

not

have

taken

be angry

me always

with

as well

the key

at once;

me then, as I love

but,

I beg you. you;

then

I

shall AT

be quite THE

happy.

CHÂTEAU

Adieu, DE

my

dear

... , 28TH

love. SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

—95— CECILE

VOLANGES

I BEG gave

YOU,

MONSIEUR,

me to put

needs

do not him

me

deal that

to him,

most

confidence;

and

I do not

for

the

to give

the day

in the same long,

receive

and

past. I have AT

and

for

me,

me the key

everybody

which

you

it, I

must

wishes

what can

will you

of me. but

you

always

to

the

contrary

it;

for

it is in

have

me

said

that

you

are

You

next

a thing,

his

would

time

that

I

caused

you

either. the

him:

it has

you

he has and

and,

It is true

key, in

... , 28TH

pleased

the

am

not

be very M.

too

continue

it,

great

that and

give

you

give

it back

Danceny more

much:

to be as obliging

to

me take

seeing

it.

use

more

convenient you

to other

not

to make will

I beg

would

the

if it does

kind

you

attention

of Mamma’s

be much

me

nonetheless grateful

will

way,

it will

pay

could

the danger

you

it frightened

you

all

have

I would

be very

that

that

still

I will

and

for

remember

you

go to dinner,

I should

that

well if

at breakfast,

have

I

I promise

be less time

DE

I

easy;

time,

to be, Monsieur,

CHÂTEAU

aware

him

However,

as we

be very

quite nor

quite

same

will

so; and

him,

of

loved

to do.

letter.

at first

to think

I am

when

be

also;

I no longer

vexing

sure

as the first.

letters

the honor

THE

are

tomorrow,

once

I hope

I shall

you

there

my

news

VALMONT

that

reason

too.

telling

that

manner

is at present; me,

for

in your

after

when

it to take

a reason

be tomorrow

because

Again,

me

it me at the

it. If it could key

since

Danceny

you

and

by

you

me

to M.

given

pain,

know

key,

recommended like

of

pleasure

write

As

DE

as to return

of the other;

wrote

ever

is not

great

believed,

to be so kind

you

I have

a great

give

why

believe

but

VICOMTE

also.

know

friend;

THE

in the place

consent

I do not

TO

often than

to

most

humble

SEPTEMBER,

and obedient 17 -- .

it

excuse

as in

to you. your

of

servant.

the

—96— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I

WILL

WAGER

expecting trifle

my

out

always may

humor

thought

at my

that,

be at one’s I thank

even

you

ready

have

have

It is not

Spun-out

woman,

indeed

back;

and

soon

her

thought

retard

it.

terror

offer

to

would

have

which

she for

touching

to

the

me, pays

me,

her

support!

then!

eagerly

to

Do

between you

the

think

theatre,

engrossing

in real

dreads

happiness

even

the when

it ceases

life?

her

an

for

to

terrified

this

on my

I

time side,

I

she shuts More

sentiments desires,

you

listen

a

attempt

guide

and

applaud

never

to with

another.

and,

letting

fresh

alarm more distance; had

support,

with

no

me

mortals

in

her;

ceases

enthusiasm;

their you

the

cult

which

she those

makes

you

run

fury,

is

less

with and

to

and

to observe

which

to

she

power

time

there

of a pure

can

destroying

the

spectacle

caution

once

from

the

of runs,

implores

that

myself

spite

which

she

them

her,

at least

and

of no

she

a short

danger

as

prudent

one

her eyes often,

to that

receive

and

and

overcoming

precipitate

you

facts.

in

succeed

all

same

laggard

pleasure

on

skill

supplications,

the

too

such

her

Her

fall,

me

her

at the danger

in.

me for

that which

see,

carries

nearer

and virtue.

to resist,

that

tasted

inevitable

leave

it

on yours.

accomplished

she would

love

which

you

matters.

admits

care.

entreaties,

Those

one

other

to you;

inevitably

is I who

Ah,

a woman,

which

in painfully

me

employ,

have

it, on a course

terror

only

her

a

I

this

must

my

humble

to

feel

watch

herself

having

divinity—it deaf

combats

to

replaces

prayers,

you

to

the danger,

her strength

Then,

to

Then,

in her mortal

reproach

Fervent

they

herself

to fly.

with

love

declivity

hold

to behold

power

to give

I had never

I love

me.

yet

daily

expect?

let us see if,

only

part

dangerous

steps;

you

admitting

to talk

You

my

to follow

daring

that,

I want

Yes,

her

a magic

more

for

cannot

by

been

that

congratulate

happy

you.

but

do

oneself

and

her perceiving

and

even

praise

occupy

After

that

delays.

she wastes

sought

How

you;

not

have

in part.

displeases

her efforts:

vainly

invokes

at least

abandons

reanimates turn

expectation.

you

what

but

completely

halt,

not

go,

has naught

de Tourvel

rapid

shorten

herself

you

my

forces

Sometimes,

one

without

fain

but

account

to make

engaged,

she would

silence:

own

feigned

and

long

on my

these

herself

I doubt

you

weary

whose

praises;

and

know,

return,

and

her,

scenes in

adventure,

about

of Madame I

your

ease

up to yours,

progress,

I find

when

surpassed

come

since

compliments

of

However, am

THAT

tender to

soul

which

defend

itself

should

they

be

valueless

only

delicious

enjoyment

reproach

me

soon

him

for

when,

ordinary

to

who

has

which

this

relishing

degraded

its by

of her

to you,

her.

I

know

what

do

not

ceaselessly,

even

me

myself

again

become

my

ago,

being

become is now

Some

days

consequence in fact,

when

her

just,

moreover,

myself

pretensions;

it. The

little

action,

Ah,

the

time

be

to

will

however,

is

me daily; will

me

come

no

perhaps,

rendered

the

and

you

only

too

more

than

an

had

You

must

be already

the

favored

lover;

of my

prey

her;

I profited

by

and,

having

employing

and even the

my

let skill

having

The

young

to

to you

of

corridor;

but,

question

of obtaining

of

one

know

get

it

the ill,

into

to it.

out one

had taken

Then,

such

seeking to

me

any on

relinquished air,

her very

resolved

on

and

at all. by

subjugated

merits

from

Danceny

subtlety,

by

it

rise

to

I,

authority. a ruse

to

the name. for

signal,

I used

such

Whereas

required

barely

his

fair;

instead

find

I feigned

of

a lack to

of

share;

the remedy. door

of

away

Nothing two

triumph

gave

supplanted

youth

none

concerted

hands,

I pointed

for

with

rights

so soon

of it, I only

the

this

disposal

I have

sex,

I received

of this.

was,

had

certain and

in

reminded

Danceny

consequently

man,

to which

the mother

it at my

to

her

and

I

her infantile

befits

your

by

me.

not

her:

I had refused

reach

it

pupil,

in love in

giving

I employed

a chamber

possession

similar

of

your

It seemed

in claiming

I employed

which

occupies

naturally,

to have

which

let

by success.

trouble;

gd

idea;

Volanges

part

before

means

of

her

Puritan,

my

mouth,

to

recognize

solitude.

to me,

I

back

in being

I was

seduction

get within

impatience

caused

person

asked

her

on

crowned

rights

letter

less

because

weapons

that

first

to do so: the after

of the

if I could

folly

justified

will

the little

was

resolutions;

form

the

that

care

by what

imprescriptible

approach

after

sage

yourself

gentle

her fresh

has been

what

skilfully

his

face,

wondering

Spare

rendering

myself

these

my

her

possessed

enterprise

wielding

offered

I considered

pretty

by

by my

the

me

It concerns you

no

to talk

dangerous

here

if there

for

her

that

necessary

that

with

I remarked

was,

want drags

subject.

treated

by her,

not

me,

Away

and I hope

there

you

I did

a gayer

that

person’s

inexperience.

her.

better

he only

and my

procural

offers

that

and,

fortified

and,

own,

myself

which

gaucherie,

only

That,

woman

constrains

to treat

to repay

and

a property

I forget

I outrage

a distraction

as well

means

she

pretty,

Danceny,

from

Sure

fall,

power

less engrossed

extremely

like

you,

sweetness!

forth?

woman.

in talking

her,

them

heavenly

her

But,

who

called

the key. more

hours,

correspondence,

which

easy

and

opens

into

It was

merely

the a

of execution;

I answered

interviews,

for

I the

nocturnal

rendezvous believe

it?

have

The

been

piquant did

—everything timid

child

in despair;

for

ge pleasure.

it so well

young

him.

This

notion

soon

as I had

and

safe:

alarm

and

refused.

I only

saw

there

part,

to Danceny

and even

urged

her,

utterly

to my

discretion.

I confess, to do

doubled,

me

in my

precious

key,

no peace

eyes,

of

a more

he had

obtained

grant

and

request

rôles ,

I should

use of it;

and

do

of the adventure:

to make

I

from

my

the

he calculated

I hastened

for

refusal,

changed

the value

would

this

she should

you

man

the occasion

thus

what

would

Another

until

that

at having

for

however,

to complain

had

man

the

easy

blockhead

pleased,

the

my

herself

mighty

induced

our

mistress,

and so surrender

took

I wrote

that

his timorous

I was

became

for

thus,

this

as

was

last

night. After

assuring

dark

myself

lantern,

I paid

to be made

(and

in her first

sleep,

had

After

it has to guard

it!

Here

we

scare,

tried

to

by

come:

what with

tears.

you does

your

do,”

consent?

short her

obtain

And from

harangue submission.

farther,

try

to

which

it

and did

in

and

the noise

devoting which

who

taught

all

promptly

to

be lost:

earnest;

that

attention,

fail

to draw

the

the

and all

only

a feigned

the

girl,

her

bell

profit

position.

little

luckily

upon

her

her

took

I

at

was

could

and

herself

well

is exposed,

a kiss,

good

conversation,

in

voice

rope;

a

was

but

my

in time.

Who

her then;

else key,

you—will

I know

was

before

for

been

for,

ourselves

to me?

calmed

there

not

defense;

in

She

precautions,

innocence

from

thrown

I asked

this

has

be surprised;

out

had

it matter

come

accordingly,

her arm

of entering? only

cry

not

timid

without

preparations

her bedside

and

with

all

entrance.

even

my

I feared.

she

thought

She

restrained

would

about

tactics

had

“What

This

my

alike

adroitness

could

rest

to go

with

the circumstance

caused

I reached

sleeper

herself

the

both

drowned

means

all

I changed

mighty

not

which

of surprise

which

perils

, armed

of a noiseless

so that

as I had

to defending

she left

from

varied

if it would

all her strength, attack,

the cry

château

I had

tempted

Doubtless

many

pupil.

the lovely

fears,

the

the hour,

the effects

to awake

first

in

to permit

I was

fearing

liberties.

to how

to your

of her age;

first

but,

her

a few

convent

here

At

quiet

befitting

by herself)

in preventing

calming

risked

was

visit

the sleep

I preferred

succeed

first

that

a dream;

entails, fact

my

awakened.

pass for

all

and in the costume,

demanded,

she

that

Whom but

neither

you

I had

nor the

her

accents

anger; of

anyone I am

not

me with

from

to explain

Let that

furnished

obtained

undertake grief

utterly?

persuade

can have

I have

her if

yourself

will

you

which you

not

“ruin

you,

the

which

I

its use?” but

it

eloquence;

brought it

is

true,

at any

force,

the

If

favorable

course,

enter

to resort

my

was

to be taken the

guiding one

nay no

better.

you

By

sure

it

was

devoid

of

love

verify

nature, whose

all

by

but

it

observations,

I was

cunning

Only,

seemed

inclined

to escape

happy

effects

further

trouble,

yielding

and

was

a return

busied

ended

and

by

I did

not

with

fatigue

an

and

excellently, have

done

granted

her

chance

eager,

I

found

energetic,

will

I have haste?

told

love

to

shame, which

always

offered,

enough

to employ

I

and

fight

and

had

you.

Seriously,

of opportunity,

had

and

Then,

amorously

could

by what

it

agreement

more

I at once

reproach

retire

to my

and

me,

fair,

as ever

agreed own

sleepiness:

frailty,

Well,

forgetful

not

for

enemy,

I constrained

experienced.

cause to

charming

reproaches but,

giving

and equally

just

my

consenting:

or feigned: in

if

languishing

of mingled

myself

another,

I had

the

real

reproach,

It

whether

nay

such

I did

received.

delay,

no,

against,

above

much

I

all,

effect.

always

It

present,

absent.

resisted.

were

there,

into be

she

obtained,

thus

for

some

dearly:

agreed

her

the power

modesty

was

post

once

to

mighty

aid.

adopt

itself

with

excited,

a child.

love

not

a taste

more

I had

be

not

I know

extraneous

which

that

journey

once

you

received;

me then

the

sustained

alone;

my

could

take

as

me inexorable,

pressing

a reward;

acquired

and,

we

was

and

so, indeed,

but

at all;

we fell

effectually

suppose

to observe

was

was

I have

by the temper

and love

they

will

pleased

opportunity

than

You

Had

said,

body,

withdrawn;

why

and

fortified

To

was

was

deserved

of arriving,

here

however,

kiss

faith

no means.

mighty

found

my

so much

good

hand

it

was

must

the kiss

reasons.

a

it

the important

that,

such

least

she

found

of bargaining,

one,

soft

I sold

in

in

at

me like

that

As prayers

dint

round

the

in its place.

Once

this

arms

Such

not?

was

and

By

felt

employed

grace

that

no head

can lead

good

hand to

admit

I have

It is true

I had

one

pretend

will

gf

think

a kiss.

or given?

me,

dudgeon

You

but

received:

My

myself

a compromise.

mine,

perfectly

request.

into

for

you

a schoolgirl,

high

With

could

it,

in

timid

of

orator

still

second;

gestures.

as for

woman,

promise:

her

with

but,

everything

keep

its

imagine

to bargaining.

not

over

not

what

attack:

while

I promised

love,

simple

and

I had

rightly

to the

one,

had

in

you

the most

This

that

other

situation?

say,

rate,

that,

after

and

tears;

happens,

them we

separated,

on the rendezvous room

until

however,

well!

this

that

uncertain

Finally,

good fear other

began

moment,

ceased

force

same any

vows,

first

I am

well

by

my

without

her

they

anew.

abusing

her

of

no more

there whether

as soon

from

by

as

frailty

satisfied

I to

with

one

tonight.

the break I sacrificed

of day, both

and I was to my

exhausted

desire

to

be

present the

at breakfast

day

after.

embarrassment

this

You

can

and so heavy!

have

more

this

extreme

Présidente are only

too,

who

is not

AT

THE

far distant. CHÂTEAU

face

And,

for

displayed was

lent; gg a day

day

no

very

will Adieu, DE

a passion

idea

of

a difficulty

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amusing.

alteration,

I have

have

in the attitude!

and so big, been

morning;

so round the

was

first

about

her!

when

she will

my

lovely

friend.

OCTOBER,

watching

one. eyes

faces

on

There

was

an

always

lowered,

elongated!

time,

tender

come

... ,1ST

this

in the gait!

a most

busy

for

her

mother,

interest

Ah, need

17 --

Nothing

those them

in

could

alarmed

at

her!

And

the

attentions

of

hers

herself,

and

that

—97— CECILE

VOLANGES

OH,

MY

GOD,

will

console

in

which

do

me in my

fills

not

someone,

and

You

shown

am not

that

well,

for

Listen my

of it: what

I am

goodness

face

endure

not

shall

guilty: me,

Oh,

but

I shall

hand

Oh,

be the

embarrassment

can I tell

you?

can I relate

my

is

heart

How

full....

I can,

wish

have

increased

all

scold

me

idea

any

the if

to in.

here

grief.

you

I

me now,

I has

I felt

contrary;

me;

it?

confide

for

my

of

speak

it. Everybody

on

save

I dare

have

I do not

the

I must

whom

do not

afterward

so

scold

me

not

the

I can

feel

have

die of grief.

trembles,

is all on fire.... it will

it!

Who

No,

But

... they

me in the

and

whom

I say?

so unhappy!

Danceny!

kindness!

deserve

very

... my

it;

one

in me today

to advise

then

only

I am

advise ...

How

MERTEUIL

distress!

will

However,

me so much

I did

in such

Valmont

despair.... do.

DE

Who

de

are the

an interest

much

M.

to

you

worthy

shown

That

what

I am

trouble?

me with

know

have

MADAME

MADAME,

I am?

Danceny

TO

as you

see, I can

it is indeed

first

the blush

punishment

for

my

hardly

write,

of shame.

Ah

fault.

Yes,

well,

I will

I

will

tell

you

all. You

must

me M. have

know

Danceny’s

a key

but

then,

letters,

to my

he went

that

chamber.

so far it

since

my

absence,

which

consenting.

I never

foresaw

Yesterday,

M.

very

much

his voice,

A

myself, for

perhaps, moment

the whole was

came,

to

there

to

my

not

easy,

second and

one;

me: out;

and

but do?

afterward,

tried

the

was

have

all

Then

I do not even

for

this,

that

me;

as I had careful

the blame

to.

into

and

refused

know

how

it was,

worse

than

before.

and,

to retire. but

that

have

suffered

to be done, out;

that,

he

defended

indeed, He

indeed

for

but,

if

it quite

Oh!

me

far from

I

call

me

on me;

very

not

to

tell

room

I recognized

while

It had

tried to

my

to me at first It was

first.

by

he frightened

I would

a kiss

it; and

ended

lead

to me at once, came

this:

especially I

come

Danceny.

kiss

he still

to

to

want

wished

that

it would

key

to do what

he was

to put

of the key.

this

not

anything,

unhappy,

from

more,

able,

also

him

handed

he wanted

Danceny

the idea

to

difficult; I did

as he spoke

he would

how

it

of

always

that

which

and then

he

All

one,

so

me a letter

being

this

but

you

refuse

prepared

he contrived

know

because

him

so little

afterward,

world...

to

use

too

and

the misfortune

to bring

natural,

he would

very

cry

assure

pain

made

has hitherto

it was

to Danceny,

makes

he awoke not

truly

so much

I was

and did

addition

me;

asleep;

as was

what

me

de Valmont

when

had come, that.

gives

who

found

I can

as to write

me,

I was

de Valmont,

suddenly

as for

when

M.

in

anyone it

was

wanted

a

confused this

is

dreadful. but

In short,

I am as unhappy

What

I reproach

speak

to you,

do not the

him:

but

myself;

were

imagine

that

then

At

was

that

in spite had

distresses

him.

especially,

that

I am

so fast

never and

I wept

that

again,

you

yet

when

I was

I looked

it, when

than

truly

that

before

I felt

all

rest

the

in

and here

one

the

one

was

not

away, to

loved

saying

no

to

in spite as

It is true

does

I

difficult

that

know

it was

of

M.

de

how

to

as though

his

returning

him

from

this

all the rest. I will

prevent

how

very

the

time.

wrong It

time

I thought

I did

nothing

is my

because

to sleep

to it!

consent

of

Every

that

I

quite

as though

always

and

have.

de Valmont,

just

he went

to

even

suffocated,

at myself

rest:

nevertheless

If it is always

to which

enough

it only

able

the

as I might

M.

me from

as I spoke,

things

you

love

it was

prevent

act

so grieved!

were

not

not

see the result;

be consoled,

when

not

weak

I was

telling

I must

as much

do not

accustomed

too

from

which

resist

to be well

away,

me

of

confused!

of it, I promise

promising

now

did

me more

gone

not

moments

believe

was

and

mightily

you

I

most, I did

saying

would

hardly

flowed

of

excuse

I certainly

I was

one ought

and

the

I did

again,

last,

sorry;

evening:

and

that

has a way

answer.

Oh!

sure

to resist,

Valmont

He

there

surely

can be.

I am afraid

and

I felt

will

with

it happened.

can

and

as that

myself

how

contrary; You

you

as anyone

is that

know

him....

I

after...

paper

minute.

mirror,

I was

as she saw

me,

of

been

this

my

think

No,

I was

morning,

frightened,

tears

of him

soaked. last

in

Danceny,

him,

but

At

And

I had

is about

all

of him....

coming.

...

I

shall

worn

out,

on

rising,

so much

had

I

changed. Mamma

perceived

matter. me,

As for

and,

spoke

She

There

not

that

not

threw your

crying

crying

would

Little

know

moments

I

Mamma, from

I started

to me!

did

are

myself.

me,

perhaps,

gently

that!

it as soon

when

ask me why

is very

and

I was

cause

of

all

it.

my like

into

only

so unhappy,

less: She

on

to

dead.

her

arms,

my not

she

to grieve

make

like

myself not

said

the

to scold

contrary

I could to

could

not

grief.

Luckily

have

was

about

not

and

Mamma

I should

what

the

me

I should

increased

for

but told

be

me

she was

grief.

miserable!”

this

asked

I thought me

I deserve

sobbing

daughter

hurt

I should

myself

a little;

have

did the

at once.

and

contain

her,

keep

known

ill!

“Oh, herself

she what

did

to tell

her. I implore

you,

Madame,

ought

to do:

for

grieve.

Will

you

but,

if you

write

I have

write not

be so kind to him

to me as soon

the courage as to send

at the same

as you

to think your

time,

can,

and

of anything,

letter

do not,

through I beg

tell

me what

and I can M.

you,

de tell

I

only

Valmont; him

that

I

have

said

I have

the

humble I dare AT

anything. honor

to be,

and obedient not

THE

sign

this

CHÂTEAU

Madame,

always

with

great

servant... letter. DE

... 1ST

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

affection,

your

most

—98— MADAME

DE

IT

A few

IS BUT

for

VOLANGES

consolation

days

and

request

which

I have

not

ago,

my

advice:

you

made

taken

TO

the

THE

MARQUISE

charming

friend,

today,

to me.

best

it is my

turn;

I am indeed

means

to

that and

in real

remove

DE

MERTEUIL

you

were

I make

you

distress,

the

asking the

and

vexations

me same

I fear

from

that

which

I

suffer. It is my seen

daughter

she was

had

armed

absence, as

who

is the cause

always

my

sad and

heart

with

distraction,

a childish

error

as

since

our

more

more

to a dangerous

her

and health

altered.

is suffering.

prepared

to me,

to

Yesterday

I notice

all,

it

the

and

during

the

struck

me,

for

necessary. which

that

departure

prepared

I am

last and

and that rather

from

having

abandons

herself

actually

few

that,

upon

far

child

I had

I hoped

I looked

However,

melancholy;

besides,

overcome

morning,

ill,

she

miserable; caused

above

a love

my

afraid

days,

it has

everybody

that visibly

here

was

alarmed.

proves

were

here,

I was

passion.

Particularly

Yesterday,

genuinely What

sojourn

Since

I judged

destroy

a real

recovered

but

severity

soon

than

anxiety.

melancholy;

the

would

of my

threw

the

tears

mere

herself

into

away,

to prevent

to put

no questions

is nonetheless

till

came her

to my from

that

question my

eyes

seeing and

she

she

I cannot

them.

it is this

not

I had

me.

as to whether

she

that

to tell

she

sufficient

which

very

the pain

the time

to

it

turn

prudence

me any

passion

was

to you

only

I had

dare

unfortunate

me

her

with

describe

Luckily

I see

shown

to her,

telling

and

is that

always

I put

at once;

she did

is affected

has

arms,

she sobbed.

to her,

clear

keenly

shyness

at the

and she cried me;

how

more; is

but

it

tormenting

her. What

course

daughter’s

am I to take, unhappiness?

of the soul, if

I

sensibility

should

stifle

happiness the

may

ensue?

a choice My might my

be the

I not What

try

constancy?

so

natural

first

to make

not

and

it was

of maternal

most

which

precious only

makes

as a weakness

sacred the

the

of

all

disastrous

for

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us

desire

if

to give

And the

I hold,

on

I force

consequences

authority,

my

qualities

what

duties;

of

my

her which

daughter

and sin!

imitate

not

for

I to be the cause

I her mother

regard

most

Am

for

sentiment,

to answer

a choice

her Am

if I should

unhappiness

I shall

experience;

have

if it lasts?

I blame

a use to make

between

friend,

and

children;

to

shall

Shall

that

of our

contrary,

choice,

however,

for

what my

a right

I have daughter; which

so often I did,

blamed.

in that,

I exercised,

but

Doubtless,

but

aid

a duty

her

I with

which

I

fulfilled. the

I should

neglect

prevent,

I

No,

my

neither

I will

never

endure

and I would

reasons

for

really

secret

ignorance would

to

M.

in

which

do for

him

make

of the

irrefutable, With

the

happy

mother

the

equally

the

and

neither

of them

that

cooperating

future

gain

me?

finding

from

being

that

for

daughter;

my

choice his;

M.

he yields

Gercourt

the

rich;

has not

but

satisfaction

Those

marriages

calls taste

marriages and

scandalous

her.

whit

at least

know.

I have,

heart

I shall indeed,

in

save

to him

the

Pray,

I

would

not

to betray

him

that

I believe

he

all

while

he

betray

honors

in the choice

me

by

he wishes

to

so true,

and

enough

to

me

calculates

courage

to

the

his

of

what

than

my

daughter

to hope

ravish

at

the

a family

as

over

M.

de

he is

not

in truth,

why

a

which

flattered

he has

beloved:

in

of fortune?

as good

qualities;

and

those

I ought

extremely

Ah,

choice;

so sweet

are will

only

son-in-law

upon

hope

is of

two?

from

her the

she loves! instead

and which

time

my

of the other,

perhaps,

of being

daughter

duties

to be the slave

Danceny

whom

not

day

advantage

I was

for

my her

them;

And

personal

and

knowing

Ought

match,

all,

him

I compare

each

what

that

become

have

daughter

in the happiness

own.

in

they

which

promises.

the

fulfilling

considerations?

of convenience,

my

heard

abuse

dread

himself

after

one

just

engagement

reflections,

me

finds

of loving

which

have

in

to

has chosen,

indeed,

character—are

delay;

make

my

of enriching

course

I, on the contrary,

him

These

her virtue.

not

and,

deceive

is a better

daughter

outbreaks

faith,

she may

at least

Shall

if she is, nonetheless,

But,

gh

advantage

sweet

my

views.

rich,

my

informed.

augment

I confess,

no

for

she

interested

of

do

the

I can say.

her

de Gercourt

he made

to

on

to vain

born

I agree

and

happiness

to

Only

him

congratulating

to be sacrificed

restrain

to

they

which

it to my

to

or

prudent

my

able

that

than

You

to fulfill

to

duration

to outweigh

it

than

bridegroom

sweetness

are,

children?

which

more

de Gercourt.

if I owe

mother,

me more

contented

of

relies

of his

misfortunes

with

from

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CHÂTEAU

friend; DE

never ... , 2ND

doubt

the sincerity

has

prudence; solicitude

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

of my

I

amiable

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to

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hardly

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gaiety,

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so

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I

—99— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL A FEW more

MORE

actions.

even:

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her apartment,

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to enter

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apartment,

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play at

her that

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salon,

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down

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attitude

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place,

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of her indisposition,

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she had wept:

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promised ready?

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tomorrow, the joy AT

hours

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than

THE

me

to

two

you.

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day

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courtesy,

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friend,

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me

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to my

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for

for

keeping

me

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me

be her punishment this

adventure

and three

days;

’tis

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out

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possesses

till

whole

more

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months.

power

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That I

am

resistance

virtue. lovely

friend;

I must

on

farther

than

I was

fain

to profit

of your

leave

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you,

for

intended;

by it to let you

it is mighty

but,

as I am

participate

late. sending one day

This to

DE

... , 2ND

OCTOBER,

17 -- , IN

THE

Paris

sooner

friend.

CHÂTEAU

letter

EVENING.

in

—100— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL MY

FRIEND,

Tourvel

I AM

has gone. departure,

not

I would

would

have

stayed,

security,

upon

me.

No,

hope

of understanding I recall

night!

That

glance

hand!

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all

the

perfidious

me

for

What

does

she

for

having

pleasure could

seems not

Madman

that

see

at

it!

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Madame

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have

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the thunderbolt at all;

there

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stayed; !

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not

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in

has

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her

fallen

abandon

me;

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all

myself! empire

what

will

at my

over it

me!

of

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the

women,

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perfidy

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find

her

again,

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she

love

when

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to the the

it was

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tastes

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sex,

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her

faith

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virtue;

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her.

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planning

resume

with

her

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in avenging

present?

to

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of

mercy

obtain,

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departure

voice

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take

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pleasure

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me:

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yesterday;

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over

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features

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measure;

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peace

excite

But

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passing; the

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In

... , 3RD

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

once,

I experience to you;

and

truth,

not the

I are the only

consequence.

means

written

me,

morning.

any than

me;

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—101— THE

VICOMTE

DE

(ENCLOSED You

IN

MUST

without

THE

BE

not

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spend

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money

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Tourvel:

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Julie.

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lover

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It is by assiduity

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Offer

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importunate;

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to the post.

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me to seek

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Julie

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company, ill

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addressed

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service

But

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pray,

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him

to be, for

she has another, do not

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negligence!

informed

to dream;

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CHASSEUR

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her time;

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you

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those

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Tourvel

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warn

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Julie

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You

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you,

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house,

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twenty-five

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 3RD

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

you

is honored you

will

yourself still with

be so

have my with

—102— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

You

WILL

BE

DE

GREATLY

you

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Madame,

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soul

love,

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him

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ROSEMONDE that

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heart

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MADAME

Madame,

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astonished,

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surprise

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to it. Doubtless, of

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Intoxicated sweetness

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well;

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of

necessity

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pleasure

him

near

to only yet of me;

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strength;

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ever be

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misery

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defend

myself

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receive

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Shame

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Adieu, and

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myself

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flee

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was!

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to hide

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you

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have

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you;

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live

trouble

I owe

of

to resist;

by remaining

I had not

happiness

and

had no longer

Ah,

greater

that,

unworthy

AT

THE

CHÂTEAU

AT

ONE

O’CLOCK

friend;

in spite of your DE IN

of

my

weakness,

daughter, I would

choice. ... , 3RD THE

OCTOBER,

MORNING.

17 -- ,

adopt rather

die

me for than

such; render

—103— MADAME

DE

I WAS

MORE

at its cause; sufficed told,

was

whom

my

even

love.

I see that

I had far

hardly

desire

I

I felt

But

what

can

you

have

taken:

remain

always

it

alarms

and,

when

at a distance

us. However, noble

soul;

do not

and,

even

yourself

at least

the

what

human

prudence

pleased.

Perhaps

you

are on the

by these

grievous

And

then,

Hope Do

that

not

count

I

will

friendship.

unhappy

eve

who of

to memories

might

whom

the

heart should

have

from

them

the

strength upon

it

that

you to

is

incessantly

be

impossible

your

will,

and

your

purer

and

which

to

reserve

all

grace

it, but

course

difficult

dear,

with

of its succor;

to you.

the misfortune

fairest

divine

the

wise

it is very

Nothing

my

through

from

our

so

yesterday,

be useful

I praise

struggled

to repose

did

the style

them,

so far,

effect,

issue

it of

you

Since

with

someday

having

cannot

in order

to You

to your love,

of it, it is better

the care

nothing,

I

as far as within It

I feel

mine

solace

do

them.

confidences. open

this

of

If

aware

is ever

I conclude

me,

tomorrow

to Providence

you,

share

believe

me.

be

power.

if it be

virtue,

so

proved

more you

for

lustrous.

lack

today.

to encourage

you

to

own.

can

consoling

has gone

will

receive

upon

one

consolation

may

leaving

which

forbid!),

struggles,

you

use all your While

God

must

in ignorance

age.

you?

because

should

all

taught

back

which

me,

if you

(which

my

pity

courage.

if

I am well

to hark

something

to

in me had

all the time,

that

occupied

him

surprised

times.

to

and

than

and,

be still

that

TOURVEL

inspire

letter

of that;

case

lose

succumb

your

myself

much

from

you

to me of him

alien

admire

dear,

heart;

that

no need

so

in them

which

your

as in past

been

except

but

it necessary;

to your

and

to find

judged

attracting

I had

DE

fairest

I should

to be in the

truly

I do,

of

nothing,

the same

me,

have

state

I remind

ever

from

which

name.

it is still

removed

the interest

in speaking

it, because

expected

nevertheless,

for,

his

I remark

and

my

of information,

loved;

write

PRESIDENTE

departure,

or almost

source

you

THE

as to the

nothing,

once

it is. But

at your

me

only

it was

TO

experience

to enlighten

been

not

GRIEVED a long

there

had

ROSEMONDE

is that

you; will

always

obtaining

to

me lies.

heart

has

but

reserve

virtue

your

age

sorrow;

that

by

of succoring

not

of

I shall

this

must yet

so

it ready

at least

you

it should

much

be with

I

in a danger

that

of

will

it

over

me than

with

gladly

that

weep you,

your

you.

it

but

receive

is

compels Here

and you

I

your itself.

I

insensible

It will

alone:

him.

and

pains,

of unburdening

to receive not

against

sustaining

assuage

need

chilled

will

power

not

that have

find

too

myself

you

to

be a

poor

when

this

to

am I

speak talking

like

you;

name:

and

for

I think

the rest,

I know

not

grieved

at your

but

I have

forced

to speak

hands

do not

Adieu

then,

you pride AT

for

my

love

for

about

admit my

daughter,

CHÂTEAU

right

it would the

we

it at no greater

length.

and

letters,

you

succeed

adieu, have,

you

be wiser, which

dear;

shall

in telling

prudence

of long

fairest

us,

... , 3RD

that

perhaps, grieves My

avoiding

its

when

I have

to write

my

amiable

child:

indeed,

all

that

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

he seemed not

weak

of a mother. DE

in

his

one another.

I am doing

departure;

and pleasure THE

between

we understand

whether

no

that,

to speak

friends. sight

Yet

and

them yes,

keenly of

it:

I

am

tremulous

myself. I gladly

is needed

to make

adopt the

—104— THE IN

MARQUISE TRUTH,

MY

movement entire

to the

may

be,

only

one

GOOD

and

friend,

when You

then

my

yours;

them;

but

at least

eyes

I have

why

I subscribe

wisdom,

labor you

myself,

because

that

it

think

is

deserve

a counsel)

to

it is

judgment

I do not

to

you

it

motive

obtained

to you,

to your

owe

the

harder

to give

reasons

happy

if I do not

to have

a

your

I am

whatever

and

from

me with

Ah,

part:

I should

my

honor

rest,

heart;

I distrust

them,

much

the

refrain

advice!

on your For

exposed

you

my

pretending

of thinking.

thus

for

VOLANGES

hardly

What!

to my

without

condemn

letter.

friendship.

in my

DE

I could

opinion

precious

(but

MADAME

to ask

favorable

when

show

your

deign

of

fashion

and if you

shall

this

the more

going

freely

from

even

prepossession

reason

dear

I read

it is nonetheless

I am

you

TO

if I deserve

only

it.

MERTEUIL

of pride

confidence!

indeed,

DE

tell

different

will

judge

in advance.

myself

wiser

I

than

you. If,

however,

preferable,

and you

love.

Since

you.

Indeed,

in

must

this

this seek

for

sentiment

how

very

It is thus

mistake,

it never

arises

disposing it by

seems

a mother,

her

daughter

order

with

to succeed

pleasant

it not,

annul

it, if you

power

of which is

general

which

is born

than

the

more by her

then,

bond,

such

and

felt

For

excuses

course

of

seem maternal

have

a place

which

you

to you

in are

to make

a

of virtues. be

where

preferred,

of

one

you,

to distinguish

of

marriage.

as you

I ask

when

it is a question

as that

ought,

Now,

myself,

say

is

fixing

’Tis

so well,

then to

aid

what

is she

to do

in

her

between

what

is

for

for

our

by that

for

than

dread

of honor,

is false

a thief

would

it not

dies,

believed

it seems,

and

to them be by his

as in

how more

virtue; can

to

soon these

we are agreed

conceive can have

be

the illusory

disappears

never

which,

modesty

who

revenge.

it, and

gq I cannot

in a moment

would

inclination,

I have

through

disorders.

a woman

passion,

who

I confess,

and

authority,

it to a frivolous

passions,

principles why

the maternal

by those

in a moment,

pretended

tender,

to subordinate

is only

unalterable

or an assassin

sacred

must

happens

to

all,

be to degrade

were

understand

the

a choice

if it be not

and engrossing

to pay

in

quality

should

in the illusions

it needs

is

above

opinion

is suitable?

despised?

irresistible

the

experience.

in this,

it

and,

wise

her

and what

Would

as it

and

equally

of this

if it sometimes

is

fate;

my

one,

through

me,

of another’s

that

that,

except

to

an indissoluble

the cause

recognizable

to take!

it

instance,

is a laudable

tempted

Prudence,

single

and

be held

passion

for

a fancy strength I can

no

justified money,

Ah,

who

ever

is there

sought

the

will;

What in

thus

would

virtue

except

who,

to justify shy

modest

which

ready

to

sacrifice

know,

for I have

my

I like

seen

little

Their

birth

other

is so great

be

I quite

Volanges

is rich

thousand

livres,

name

Danceny;

of

corresponds Luxury

also, enough

with

swallows

two,

she will

must

no longer

up everything;

and in the end the superfluous As

to

the

reason, for

personal

M.

him,

his

Danceny thus of

one augur be not

one

not

I like

inferior: exempt

gs for

love be

the

he lacked say

(God

one

but

with

the one

from

feeling

while

that

it.

Mademoiselle

sufficed

however,

you

the

much

when

and

maintain

of

to

obtain

we needs

the

which

de

must

sixty

bears

a house

of Madame

it de

of

one

the

but

an income

over

but

count

think,

needs

in

much,

a taste

for

who

knows

money

fact,

Sévigné. imitate

it,

Putting

of which to

I do

and

this

aside

one

frequent

good and,

think,

that,

that

in

spite

which

makes

apparent

virtue

the fear

of

being

or a libertine, dreads.

good

as that

It is true

company

whether

with

score;

of that?

to be a gambler

a thousand of doing

in

of his age, good

and

on that

as sure

the faults

the excesses

that

for

and,

of his fortune?

the means forbid!)

as

happiness,

are we

from

him:

the faults first

past,

make

not

irreproachable to

he shows

to the mediocrity

yet

not

because I do

day,

or a drunkard,

may

would

the

favorably

due

a cheat

of

fortune,

it, but

you

is, assuredly,

his

he has seemed tone

which

is over.

is no whit

far

the

proof

had

stints gr us of the necessary.

qualities

de Gercourt

are

matches.

in the days

we blame

this

prudence

does

furnish

a and

you

have

is not

live

pure

it would

say:

and

it from

that

time

me

be

it is to

friendship

facilitates

as you

enjoy,

one

it. We

greatly

Yet

your

prevent

is without

money

it

my

the two

birth,

that

for

when

one

without

that

do not

fear

whose

a long

lies

endeavoring

daughter,

for

: but

between

but

agree

which

other

and

which

opinion.

them,

one

nature?

your

have

cannot

by

could

happy

and

truths

disregarding

borne,

to

to

my

illusion

marriage

exists

even

admitted,

her

de Gercourt

I admit;

that,

everything.

must

which

have

greatly;

the

in

I have

Its worship

These

But

humiliating

toward

is equal,

you

fortified

Danceny

confirmed

hearts.

interest

But

it sufficed

it imposes?

reasons.

whom

of M.

has

a moment’s

advantageous

her!

difference

an

bad

call

to resist,

which

our

to have

have

to

indifference

enormous

him

but

the

in

by

had to struggle?

experience

have

a child

I venture

contrived

who

conduct

can

in order

the duties

hope

child;

education

fear,

and

those

bad

simple

my

recompense

depraved,

their

and

at least,

its

she has never that,

be without

by

already

myself

far,

sacrifices,

denied

can say that

to persuade

and

our

that

and

In short,

company

he

solely

otherwise.

I believe

all

this

of

him;

but

it would

be

always

a risk

to

run;

and

yourself,

if

the

event

daughter,

if

she

were

experience;

I was

Heaven,

which

to remedy did

you

when not to

your

failed

been

you,

even

had

me from

it. Why,

then,

Was

of the marriage

your

choice

the

submission

which

is only

the rebellious

you

I was

young

with

of your

to choose

mad

respectful

I owed

to

you,

children’s

age:

forgetful

this

and

due.

without

at my

wished

your

and

me a wise

me

make

answer

granted

If I had

had

to

mother, prudence,

a

husband,

to do so, was

desire.

it

Determined

resignation

; I

yet

today

Ah!

but

I bear your

never the

weakness

has

...”

her respect them;

would

and

the

drip

upon

consolation?

Will

it

and

by

stifle

tears

nonetheless

her,

I never

have

would

it for

state?

not

pardonable

weakness,

I awaited

Perhaps,

error

my

you,

ruin!

an

unhappiness?

you

How

“Mother,

by

But

my

armed

to

me?

which

divine

say

would

happy!

to oppose

in

penalty

to my

reproaches

not

foreseen

nothing

duty

obey

to

protect

consent

I knew

were

seduced

had

it and

what

these of

your

be to

your

Where

mad

on the

but

daughter,

heart.

that

which,

complaints:

love

though then

against

contrary,

you

maternal

would

you you

would

would

hidden,

will

which

love

have

look

for

should

have

yourself

to

be

seduced? I know this

not,

my

passion:

but

disapprove

it

bond, is

not

illusion

of

choose,

one

occupied

that

must

as you

dangerous

hear

them,

it

the

compare;

ill;

there

dream

at their

clothed

it

only

by

of them exist and

the

object

whom

the

to adore

Either

daughter love

of can

It

is not

that

to embellish

duties form

against I the

which

it

it;

it

not

for

In

fact,

in

order

to

one

is

is

imposes:

our

life.

that

be

done,

when

object

one

cannot

that

model; dupes

across

I have whose

only

virtues

than,

if their

them

of

an abject

the to

even

come

of

perfections

themselves your

believe,

one

marriage. sentiment

sort,

how

a prejudice

the

know,

and blindness?

some

is not

pleasure, worn

of

in

belongs

when

strong

virtuous

choice

and

object,

well

and

that

too

even

in some

to settle

may

chimerical

heads

illusion;

of a soft

passion

a single

I have

it redoubtable

to sweeten,

a moment

this

often

and

whether

as one is in intoxication

I have,

these

I deem

to

by

plunged

friend,

of the growth

marriage but

dear

many received

lover

in their

but of

prefer:

they it is the it may

own

afflicted

To

being:

Their adorn drapery

but

feverish

with of

be, hardly

handiwork,

with

confidences.

a perfect

imaginations.

whatever

their

the

is not

accomplishments; they

women

them, a

have

they

god, they

prostrate

it. does

not

love

is reciprocal,

Danceny,

or else

it is common

she is under

to both.

Thus

this

your

same reason

for

uniting

them

and cannot, daughter

know

know

simply

two

studies what slight

fortifies little,

looks

soon

form,

The

illusions

less

durable?

which

by

the

had seduced

which, which

in

he no longer

humiliated

injuries,

at

causes

finally

ill

by long

Such,

my

occupies

the

reasons

gather amiable

friendship PARIS,

which from

child, for 4TH

that

that

they

with

been

begets

vanity hate;

joined

to

they

the

of

same

and

perfection that

value

him.

are

moment

shocking

at no longer

frivolous

by

that

idea

the

which

of marriage.

by

to

have

little

however,

the

embitters

and

about,

know

the

case

of them

habit,

appear

attributed

he is astonished

a

These

which,

believes,

always

are

and

and

about

form

they

discovers

reciprocal,

not

faults

has

soon

happiness

least

my

Each

brings

does

and

in such

and

kindness;

brought

the

had

wounded

humor,

who

not,

tranquillity.

are

and solid

not

he

seeks

the common

one of the couple

experiences

friend,

persist

light

are

at least

happens

confidence,

but

which

moment,

us; I do not

if you

the true

do

de Gercourt but

destroy,

tender

they

to be virtuous?

they

not

be sweeter;

and

this:

What

to mutual

it does

contrast

do M.

that

only

as

The

that

charm

producing;

mind,

he

augments

pleasures

are paid

for

misery.

dear

But

birth

It is then

a mistaken

doubtless;

because

dangers

changed,

No,

up for

that

us. Each

ask,

at the other,

give

to me,

what

will

I assume

to face

which

them?

has

whom

give

may

the certainty

no delusion.

friendship,

And

unendurable,

other

they

of love

you

irksome,

so it seems

destroys

which

not

into

better?

he must

are

sweet

any

face

inclinations

that

But,

persons

and wishes

all

esteem,

other.

itself

are under

married

foreseen:

resolves

other

they

sacrifices

been

is

each

the other, tastes

ever

each

ignorant,

between

the

for

is my defend

manner it, I simply

in your

opinion,

have

outweighed

you, whose

and,

I beg my

above

all,

happiness

I

her and through OCTOBER,

of

that

17 -- .

thinking

upon

the

subject

expound

it; ’tis

for

you

you own:

to make I shall

to be reassured ardently

which

unites

desire,

which

to

decide.

me acquainted

with

be

glad

indeed

as to the fate both

me to you

for

of

through life.

to your my

—105— THE

MARQUISE

WELL,

DE

WELL,

ashamed.

what

LITTLE

And

He dares

that

to treat

you

are

not

(who

in

fine

things!

the

worn,

the thus?

men

are

the

then,

after?

Nay,

you

my

adventure.

Believe

damsels

would

In spite

of the praise

admit

that

you

everything thrown

to

And

ravished

your

come

right,

at past

friend: the

more,

when

contrary,

are

you

have

that

could ought

shamefaced,

need

bring

generally you

a heap

of

one

feels

ennui

Her

eyes

looked

lover’s

that so;

all

to raise

those

eyes!

Oh,

in

our

read

in

women

them

and

your

even

our

as you

she also it!

virtue,

and there

and

and

had, what

tender

could

without

have

pathetic

mother, shut

have

loved you

assuredly,

already, a

have

sin:

told

quite

you

up

in

Danceny

could

would

have

not

have

pleasures.

one,

perhaps, give one

excites

wept:

however,

to

You

Your

you

be so utterly

have

was

would

Valmont,

would

which

so well!

completed your

see, I must,

a child my

kindness.

with you!

as you

the

are?

Yet

mother

But

if

do with

you?

intelligence

in

girls

are

I would

be

you

you What

You

do

possess not

form

can one seems,

hope

on

the

of it?

yourself

to reason

to congratulate and

what

them

gt

sobbed,

deserve

you

and

marvelous

it is your

have

started

do not

she

of love

have

so,

you,

vexatious

of

for

gaze.

rivals

one

you

would

which

with can

whom

to deprive

you

fifteen

it were

had

you

ease;

grief

what

You

life;

are

always

would

to give

without

to say that

husband

yourself

you

your

to dare

to assist

at your

not

chef-d’oeuvre;

of your

wished,

heart

indeed,

your

that

the rest

you

virtue

figure

virtue:

when

not

to have

and

pray, will

modest

arms, not

delight,

to trouble

Seriously,

her

a pity

as you

broken

If

what

for

as much

Mamma.

into

with

a convent

for,

your

will

pageant,

you

if

your

your

the pains

you

now!

proceedings

to keep

all,

How

He teaches

these

is to be pitied!

everybody

I am forced in

she say,

then,

a far more

and

quite

it back.

however,

failed

yourself

scene!

and

have

the best!

only

brilliant

you

there;

me,

cherish

vexed,

is he not?

truth,

above

this

angel,

And

right

you

much

will

sweet

Valmonts. were

wished

you

quite

man,

side,

one pays

What

are

love

be better,

of

how

you

In

misfortune,

midst

VOLANGES

to know!

it):

could

child,

not

abuse

Passion,

here

he would

on your

not

CÉCILE

is a wicked

desire

you,

but

day

look

truth,

with

it is true, poor

So

as the woman

a romance.

sometimes,

ONE!

Nothing

In

TO

de Valmont

does

pleasures!

well

See

you

And

lover its

M.

dying

unpardonable. your

MERTEUIL

that

for

yourself,

disturbs

you!

a moment, instead Well,

you

would

of

complaining.

calm

yourself;

soon

find

But

you

the

shame

caused

by love

feign

it

afterward,

remains, from

and

your

acting

as you you

feel

which

things

to which his way

to your What

That

would

position

mother

whose

new

ends

proofs

be,

them,

he

of how

Does

not

that

your

increased

written

course

which

be beguiled

their

you

you,

she will

will and

have

been I

go so far, that, by

Do Only

only

make

to induce

deceitful

soon,

confined

for

your

blind

credulity

at your

This

ruse

you

time,

are between you

will

this

the

air

her,

in

of the

While the

last

your

to

its

they

would

you

have

most gained

attributed

she is incensed proof.

to extract

the

She

answered

if,

letting

it, just

as

a

yourself heart

would

at

from

to you,

as your you

has

admission

Danceny And

in

have

the

has

additional

forever,

it

pleasures.

you

Mamma

to speak.

the

means!

to

what

of

obtain

of resisting

to taste

that

you

complain

and

seem

that

perhaps

to

these

him

it by similar

you

you

desire

defense.

grant

a

by

have

he

as to propose

tenderness,

a long

she wishes

me,

becomes

Distracted

which

know

attempt

fibbing

obtaining

of one,

you

for

are

else,

a fine

than

of love,

waits

every

she told

you,

which

to

arisen

them;

to retain

to an increase

in order

this

pleasant?

she

for

more

propose

have

will

virtue;

reputation,

able

adopted?

melancholy

to me;

husband,

lost

not

in the case in which

in the eyes

have

it

that

of

not

to you

love nothing

which

of

more

you

was saying

displeases

will

your

which

of

by whom

you

you

cost

had they

to punish

She

love

to

from

way

party?

honor you

you

away,

as you

which

painful

attribute

as it is the most

from

that,

to

a third

the

for

his

means

eyes,

love,

sacrificed

women

the

your

so little

will

will

preserved,

reasonable,

you.

he

other,

many

carefully

of

of having

the

acquire

it

to resist,

be nothing

only

Mamma’s

count

and you

placed

an inclination

will

fail

but

merit

those

not

the

fact,

that.

and a lover

with

to

and

could

In fact,

see that

your

refusals,

will

perhaps,

double

in

you

and

yourself

incessantly

of it. Such

will

not

the

went

are fibbing,

let us leave

to you,

submission

lover

him

But

happiness.

you

while,

you

to anybody,

is to occupy

your

assuring

and

do

to your

of

right.

is necessary

always,

sacrificing

Oh,

love

girl,

I gathered

prevented

may

can

however,

Valmont

to answer,

one

pleasure,

it so difficult

it pleasure?

how

Indeed

inclined which

when

was

little

a veritable

adventure,

eyes

is not

or

know

Ah,

be a pleasure

in your

opposite

it,

that

were

find

sorry

The

even

trouble

you

were

not

of acting?

friend.

be loved

caused

you

once.

it.

I think

That

made

you

one does

feels

that

honesty.

as though

shame

from

letter,

which

experienced

longer

something.

a little

spoke,

really

no

chattering

now,

it is only

one

is surely

little

Come

its pain;

but

that

much.

made

is like

weep

bade for

leisure. to employ

against

you

you

must

combat

with

another.

Begin

that

think

you

persuaded better

then,

disposed her

some

doubt

still

you,

and

upon

less

to quit

him.

that,

attaching

this

and

way

that

and

no more

must On

the

other

first

hand,

if

a piece

rank

acquires

consideration

as when

your

blushes,

him

nuns

of our in

made

risk? and

you;

at your

them

both.

men

For,

whom

much you

mark

one

has

ease,

could

then,

him,

tact,

that

and

choice,

to keep

of fortune

gu

another;

be at one’s

with

if,

well-bred

marry

it is difficult

employ

what

in the

be able,

of those

But

a mother.

will

can

the for

do you

than

at last

one

a

what

will

he is one wills:

as

than

to keep

Valmont:

as a friend,

at once,

less troublesome

with

docility.

one

is worth

or even

be

in proving

back,

one

you

easily

to her.

to persist fall

mother

believe

she will

means

of fact,

your

to

it an opportunity

a matter

but

One

and

in this

marriage,

as one

same

find

her

to be the more

of absence;

nevertheless,

Danceny,

him.

to you

set you,

tears

the

herself

will

movements,

as long

much

him

would

take

lead

As

is always you,

to

suggested

of

is charming;

to leave

not

you

in your

It is not

dangerous

which

to

with

and

wills

she

are concerned,

Danceny

one

since

submission.

satisfied

Valmont

when

has

perfect

hampered

your

with

speak

allow

effect

she were,

uncompromising

more

this,

it,

remaining,

as husbands

Once

for

melancholy,

She will

prudence

to

less

is the ordinary

own

were

the most

then,

this to you

applauding

As far

seeming

less of Danceny.

in that

daughter,

by

or,

and

if

one

succeed

in

would

be!

He

women

of fashion.

It is

in

the

world,

and

dint

of

you

take

your

not

by

dinner

on

your

knees. If

you

who

are

must

repair you

wise

be mighty

one’s will

follies,

soon

obliged

then,

will

wroth

gv

do

learn

to make

you

not

that,

if

keep

this

letter;

and

I require

have

read

it.

not

forget,

to secure him,

and

secondly,

for

yourself

the

to

prevent

your

because

am sufficiently Adieu,

sweet

better P.S.

for By

there

be reconciled

and,

to make

as one

a few

make

us the

first,

You

have

a pretext

for

you

to hand

however, merit

of

having

my

step

the

air

in the

should

we

know

are

them:

are

how

for

always

you

as soon First,

taking

with

to

besides,

almost

it beforehand. you

Valmont,

to him;

it to Valmont

to seal the

with

advances

men

to speak

follow

to

you;

is no one

the friend angel;

with

fear

the second.

Do

endeavor

must

not

as

you

in

order

regard

of

being

advised

to

it;

world,

save

yourself,

of

whom

to and, I

to as I do to you.

advice,

and you

shall

tell

me if you

feel

the

it. the

way, style

I was

cultivate

your

it arises;

it is because

forgetting

more. you

You

... one

write

say all

always

that

you

word

more.

Look

like

a child.

think,

and

to it that

I quite

no whit

you

see whence of what

you

do

not

think.

hide

from

You

would

when

you

therefore, most

one

may

another:

always write think

have to

less

pass but the

between with air

you

and

everybody! of

a little

anyone,it

is for

of telling

him

him

what

With fool.

and you

me,

You not

think

who

have

nothing

your

lover

above

must

for than

remember

yourself: what

you will

to all! that, must,

give

him

that

you

pleasure.

Adieu, will

That

sweetheart:

become

PARIS,

4TH

more

I kiss

you

instead

reasonable.

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

of scolding

you,

in the hope

—106— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT AMAZING, after

VICOMTE,

the first

astonish

of your

me;

soliciting

and

no such

need

of

tender

for

The

But

is because

poor

woman

case

one

must

I know

taken

is really

on the first

he may Here

to you your

you

to say of you:

follies else

work

enough

there.

brought

will,

some

not

you

were

that

I had

account

observing

I said

to myself

What

do

and

that

your a score

perceive

that

profits

itself: no better

to impotence! crossed

nothing

the Rubicon,

do not

men

I will

complaisance

you to repair

of

these

not for

step

she

has

myself

I promise you

you

from

it,

In

them

them.

two

to

short,

every

day;

me!

It

It is true,

that

there

bear

upon

was

other, it, gx

and

you

have

you

seems

have that

I

would

be

undertaken as you

I

of

enough

we shall

to

the

leave

Vicomte,

when

for

to

are

And

it;

lend

a piece

other,

one

am

and

longer

soon

adventures, in

learned,

and

brave!

I

the genius

Vicomte,

running

them.

that

really

Ah,

successes;

come

was

are compelled

meet

he was

the other

I can swear

no

on the

with

two

but

have

of prudery

meddle me

you

between

think

not

you

a schoolboy.

by their a day,

will

circumstances

or remedy

such

Présidente

4 and

have

what

and

like

a return

follies,

state

as

formulas, short

you

except

soon

to prevent

your

that

It is because

and

so.

And

as much.

you

a

than

the event;

side,

in such

but

after

up

faith,

use of it

to prophesy

as

a

ever.

brought

know

you

the

to make

presents

expect

My

is what

I propose

which

me for

to do but

be the

and

taken?

it is easy

one

after

nothing

my

deeply,

you

to judge

have

against

it did

clearly

well,

pull

On such

is not

trouble

accustomed

either

may

so

the rest,

the beautiful

chivalry,

can

effect,

occasion

because

me not

Whatever

some

Thus,

you

you, how

I saw

reading

thus

to come,

Well,

you

on the

committed

who

to do

road,

teach

myself,

than

the

you

for

better

to your

not

honor;

already

nothing.

and

one’s

had

to disconcert

ready,

otherwise.

save

reduced,

themselves

know

surrenders,

renounce

estate; gw

childishness

befall

I go to that

I expected

beaten

For

the second:

you

of our

furiously!

success

honor;

moved

not

of whom

invent

expect of your

my

days

could

serious

and say that that

had

without

whom

nothing

boasting,

of

not

are then, one

asking

which

that,

assuredly

women,

it

at least

rather

you

upon

you

has failed!

well

if he for

I love

me if I were

Yes,

to do who

does.

already

of the fairest

affair

time

I could

and asking

scene,

of times: that

proud

haste.

worthy

THIS

letters,

while,

restraint,

that,

two

its reward,

that

AND

make

have it

my

business.

The

letter

which

I enclose,

give

to the little

Volanges,

is more

but,

I beg

give

attention

you,

concert,

the

despair

increase

the

doses.

and,

views

our

some of

her

than

her once

and that

the

little

at least,

a subaltern

gy

I see

she

has

not

even

foolish

me:

ingenuousness,

have

employed,

me,

but

weakness

which

though

the most

dangerous

wise

intrigue,

that,

know

nothing

knowing

almost

have

made

Women

of

solely

this

fear

to

not

take

the

will

what had to

yielded

and

absolutely

she

has gz

a

you

little

all,

a

girl

woman.

and

to

to everything;

knows

more

for

ha Now

surrenders

nothing

play

above

this

a facile

it is attacked

to

specific

opposed

which

to

it is, according

in forming

facility,

her

It denotes,

and

desire

her,

to the

fails;

of her but

some

in

alarm;

she will.

take

stuff

can have.

idiotic

are

not

ourselves

nothing

kind

not

and

incurable,

because

need

person

rarely

a woman

busied

in

You

intrigue,

which

as that

or why,

in

always

we

so insipid

how

resist.

disease

while

we should

has

it be one

of character

in such

that

her,

I had

of

to

us make

let

account.

make

then

and

become

interest

and

to you:

she may

without

first

her back

Gercourt.

entirely

understudy

her

read

to bring

child,

of

fulfilled, on

will

sufficient

I am

her,

you

to this

mother

I see clearly

upon

which

I

without not

how

than

to

pleasure

machines. You

will

plans.

tell

Well

machine,

at the

right

of

matter

is all But

soon

moment

and

when

of the

husband,

you

us

without

of

and

provided

that

doubtless

think

one

that

Gercourt,

of the

of

motors;

will

be no

lack

rate,

will

he can no

longer

what

console,

mother;

kind

stop

notorious,

he do not

our

hasten,

at any

when

and

and

for

must

there

Indeed,

public

with

of the springs

In truth,

pleasure.

it is enough

that,

danger,

it,

it is quite

that

forget

it afterward.

it is our

to us if he avenges,

I say

one

ourselves

when

dishonor,

let

and

to a knowledge

this

break

is to do,

not

attains

to disembarrass

his

there

do

to employ

it up securely,

doubt

this

good!

therefore

means

shut

and

everybody

in order

of

me that

will

himself? thus

the

it

What affair

is

settled. The me

course

I deem

to conduct

letter;

it also

hands

which

This

do:

might

we have had,

one

little

renders

concerns

cured, have

the

precaution

rest

the better,

If,

in no case will

taken,

or other, our

pains

which

somewhat

I charge we

I have

rapidly, that

us, and

however, time

upon

important

compromise

always day

person

it most

once you.

and

myself

you

to pay

the

our

to occupy

ourselves

the

issue

project.

We with

see by

attention

my

in

her

to

this.

teaching;

the

ingenuousness

is

should, what

induced

be left

moral

that

has

will

should

with

to change

be wasted.

as you

nothing

I beg

see in

decided,

in any

case,

we are about

to

Do

you

near

know

that

to carrying

show

have

of

which been

you

the

wrote

to me,

virtue

in it,

and

over

my

above

Did was

day

after.”

noble

that all

Did

which

“the

of this

that

prudence?

that

remarked

I hope

so, and

weakness?

It was

cause and

being

maternal

to Danceny?

interest

risked

the day

a moment

daughter

mine

reply

I flatter

will

her

not

she

Madame not

to

by that

It is you

again

Luckily,

the

disillusion

so, that

star de

want

presaged

masterpiece!

my

the Gercourt’s

came

Volanges marry

more

tender

who

would

tender

her.

mother

I talk

she is bound

her

so

much

to think

I

am

right. I am sorry you

with

who

that

I have

the austerity

in conversation! And

peccadillos

like

humiliate

Adieu,

but

of harming

time

I invite

and you PARIS,

where you

of your will 4TH

other

own. gave

I thoroughly you

to distract obliging

doubtless OCTOBER,

I have

summons,

you

17 -- .

good and

similarly

the

our

of

I despise

my

you

that

lady

had

her

was

not

sorry

to

for

the

in the same

fault.

well

adopt

pupil.

in

letter,

remaining

As for have

little

of him.

on your

you

rigorist impedes

me a little

spurring

edify

women

to be a

to speak

common

see well

it is not

I

that,

course

to

in no way

it consoled

no means with

that

the

me the courage

yourself

admit

and

days,

It was

letter,

so convenient

that

young

of my

see how

to others,

aware

approve

are.

’Tis

except

her

a copy

would

her conscience;

my

Gercourt

You

a lover!

quite in

before

her against

Vicomte;

in spite

any

I am

to make

morals.

no hurt,

then,

at least

I gave

the idea

some

her,

time

as to take

It does

ourselves....

found

of my

are so depraved

praises

not

still

progress: myself, to wait,

—107— AZOLAN

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

MONSIEUR, Conformably letter,

to

ordered off

to M.

him.

your

orders,

Bertrand,

who

I asked

immediately,

but

your

from

of

for will

Monsieur Philippe leave

gave

for

the inn,

would

that.

I was

obliged

hold

me acquitted

yesterday

so that

the

more

for

not

do

so,

receipt

whom

your

as you

had

I had told

to set

and who

had no money;

saying

that

no

he had

him

these

if it be his good

I strongly

be certain

of

me,

to give

of them,

we might

the

louis,

Philippe,

therefore

evening.

on

twenty-five

had commanded

business

set off

immediately

me

two

as Monsieur

man

you

him

I went,

myself,

and

pleasure.

impressed

of finding

order

upon

him

him

if we had

not

to

need

of

him. I

went

immediately

Mademoiselle

afterward

Julie;

but

she was

Fleur,

from

whom

I could

been

to the

house

at mealtimes.

service,

and

began

this

see me. me

she

her me

Madame wench

morning

that

assured

that

had

porter

not until

of that

During

nothing,

that

la

and

Présidente’s

I could

only

as, since

his

second

lackey

It is the

she often as she

Mademoiselle masters

the

naught

of

I was

not

speak

arrival,

to

see

with

La

he has

who

acquainted

known

so that

she

spent

hours’

past

one,

château.

sleep.

for

could

She did

done

Julie,

all

on

did

her just

does

with

only

all

him.

the

But

I

who

had

had

in

packing,

leave

her

leaving, does

Monsieur

not

hood

one

word,

which

and was But,

but

remained

to

the

whom: speak her

Julie

feels

she would

breakfasted.

poor

to write.

over

none

she

chamber

a letter

does

too

I

putting the

down

for

Mademoiselle

and

mistress’s

know

she

truth.

when

handed

not

the

and

sitting

to

but

departure,

before,

a great

but

told

night

as she was

but

coming, not

not

delighted

return;

she

of her

night

Julie

speak

she seemed

mistress’s

me

before

see her:

her

her

the

the

Monsieur;

not

and

I believe

it till

Madame not

of

and

Mademoiselle

journey,

wept.

it;

de Tourvel,

perhaps,

one

cause

She

and left

Madame

Julie,

to inform

not

two

had

failed

had

whole

of this

upon

having

she

it was, the

reason

... hb

the

her

with

In the morning,

that

out,

to Mademoiselle

knew

to bed;

night

says

gone

learn

knows

I questioned

reproached

that

Monsieur

Madame

today.

I returned

told

to

she of it.

face;

by

assured

not

halt

at

pleasing

as I said

to

her,

to the

are the masters.

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Madame

went

On rising,

she summoned

She made

no toilette

at all.

to bed: her Swiss,

she only

and gave

She sat down

him

to table

orders for

there

two

to admit

dinner,

but

hours. nobody.

only

took

a little and

soup,

and

Mademoiselle

arranging

wager

came

to her

the

why matter,

she

resting

that

she

she did

are,

admission

today

to

There

only

two

are

Pen-sees

the name

Yesterday She went, wished week She

or ten days. returned thus

Monsieur

desired

There

was

which

was

for

interesting. that

Monsieur

the rest, has

There

written

Monsieur them

desires;

Monsieur

did

not

even

sup;

her confessor

was

it well

an

hour.

for

one

also

is sure him for

too, want like

he is willing her pleasure.

to know

also.

I

found

I who

carried

Madame when

in

the

the to

gladly

money

make

her

to charge

do what

which some me

with

it,

horses,

and

mass.

She

not

return

for

this

one

a

out

to

every

what post.

be the most

I let

all

do

Monsieur

but

Madame

she

to the

should

and

and

to

the letters

almost

la

I imagined it go.

Présidente

those day,

For

which

who

of friendship

gives

for

me,

I want.

I offered little

it is.

tea.

to write,

obtain

me that,

the

of this.

he wished,

Julie,

it.

of

what

occasion

since

see

Clarissa.

she heard

I send

future

to

her

de Rosemonde;

everything,

shall

for

he will

to me that

she has assured

she will

but

obtained

entitled

began

soon

it is Mademoiselle and

then

Volanges:

see that

and

know

volume

some

Monsieur

and I

it was de

hd where

to inform

breakfasted,

took

head

to I

is

whole

her

say,

know

at once

away,

thence

the

wishing

perhaps,

asked

that

Julie

with

second

she only

morning;

For

during

of a book

will,

her But

and took

not

of

the

the first

to the Cistercians,

always

wish,

give

is

for

would

will

one

was

Monsieur and

not

me.

be pleased

could

pretence

before

Monsieur.

dream,

would

the

which

Mademoiselle

and

Julie

I

of mine.

in them

Monsieur

letters.

three

still

from

room,

mistress

were

astounds

but

letter

Monsieur

Madame

to the servants,

and for She

to

what

her

of the

to the library,

this

it seemed

Monsieur

is

one

of an hour

le President:

could

which

boudoir:

under

this

the most;

M.

it is also

read

did

nearly

for

that

the other,

I thought

none

she had

hc and

hour

for

one

missing:

immediately,

remained

was

books

but

they

and

that

library

o’clock,

to confess;

that

as Mademoiselle

Madame

nine

she saw Monsieur;

her

but

as it is written:

at an early

before

a quarter

the

evening,

rang

read

and

chrétiennes,

I write

to

to her

found

and it is no business

As I thought

books

brought

She

in the afternoon

nothing

was

time.

That

carried

not

and

this?

to know,

went

on her hand. these

like

is sure

she did

there

coffee

same

from

certain

leave

which

that and

desk, those

quite

la Présidente

certain

what

were

I am

Monsieur

books

day,

they

Her

at the

writing

in the afternoon,

did

Madame two

that

at once.

entered

in her

evening.

then

away

Julie

papers

would

all

went

her:

present; I shall

but and easily

I feel if find

sure this out

is

that his what

I hope

that

service,

will

I have

set my

and

he makes was,

Monsieur

me.

on the

since

it

If

I did

contrary,

was

that

not

heart

not my

zeal

which

the

reason

that

before,

as usual,

having

gone

As

for

the

reproach

it is because

then

one

must

I ought,

livery, being him

I beg

most ROUX PARIS,

humble

against

service

at three see

the

makes

of

honor

of

a little

who

me

myself

honor

departure,

which

was

o’clock

in his

the reproaches

in

the

the

Mademoiselle

Julie

he to sleep,

so that

the

coat

for

the

is so good

Monsieur la the

will

Duchesse; robe

of

no

In every

to remain,

being

decent,

of Madame

chasseur.

it

cause,

morning; the

night

I might

one

wears:

future;

but

not

money;

may

see;

I know, I trust

indeed,

entirely

while

not

require

this

but

certainly

way,

as much

remaining

17 -- , AT

ELEVEN

to

in

of me.

It was

I

would

not

having

had

Monsieur

the

may

affection

O’CLOCK

very a

honor

of

dispose

of

as respect,

AT

that

wear

CHASSEUR.

OCTOBER,

and

a master.

de Tourvel

other

without

as Monsieur

less, 5 after

with

often

servitor.

AZOLAN, 5TH

the

that

a livery

has

not

negligence

la Présidente’s

to Tournebride

to save

Madame

Monsieur’s who

start

did

to keep

the service

with and

Madame

me

I

of Monsieur,

entering

different

I like

perhaps,

of Monsieur,

of

any

myself

in Monsieur’s

Monsieur

maintain

the generosity As for

shown

the château.

first,

that

I have

on justifying

made

was

to arouse

that

know

which

have

think

NIGHT.

his

—108— THE

PRESIDENTE

O MY

INDULGENT

and what put

DE

need

MOTHER,

I had of your

it away

from

my

departure.

since how

me.

them!

love;

but

any

... they

the

inexpressible

of

it,

idea

separated

for

tomorrow, how

one’s

feel

at each

instant

is a crime! I adopted

hoped

that

greatly

I

even

him;

often

own

were

fixed

warmed

nonetheless from

all

my

bitterness; thus left

My

of one’s while

have

on

my

object

of

how

then

Ah, the

if

of

to

love,

today

you

pains

felt

one’s

young

cannot

know

have

me

I

spent

ills!

must

you,

I have

virtue

experienced

one

God,

and again;

and

crushes

own

them

have to

will

I am

be

return

still,

and

my

insupportable

cease

with

one’s

heart

sorrows,

a word,

was

the

to

and that

this

at least

I felt

without

closeted

passing

Now, with

is marked

by

is mingled served

in

my with

to render

misfortune,

tears, my

him,

it seemed

grievous

and

more

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’tis

true: saw

I felt

and

his

though

eyes,

solitude,

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dolorous

had

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sacrifices;

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through

my

my

against,

I

how

though

toward

them;

him,

strength:

as

privation;

eyes

from

my

to struggle

friend,

to me,

and

more

my

heart.

myself

contrary,

to direct

my

and

on

not

separated courage

I had

daring

only

out

these

and

seems,

Yes,

to tear

... course,

all

misery;

suffering

at my

existence

they

isolated moment

of

sweetens

its

those

those

I

have

which

are

to make.

Yesterday

again,

brought

me,

I had

there

was

when

I recognized

it

could

hardly

A

life!

augment

soul;

is dear

made

my

It

no consolation

far

which

painful

me.

arrived

sorrowful

pain

friend!

without

my

that

the

of destruction.

on

I had

the

resisting,

even,

I thought

to render

moments

pity

from

deceived!

while

take

separated

would

the work

it again

Prudence

You

ROSEMONDE

I have

less painful

are!

one can make

my

this

was

completed

they

that

absence

read

which

and,

Ah,

thanks

that

all

DE

to suffer!

hands;

When

but,

after,

many

torment,

the architect

own

you

weakness!

be

MADAME

I have

terrible.

I have

self

good

... Yes,

day

a time

with

to

ever!

be one’s

word

is

the

long

To

are

how

to it the few

How hf

TO

letter!

I owe

to compassionate

knew

TOURVEL

hide

moment

me but

letter,

me,

which,

him; the

emotion;

left

open pursues

among

finding

and

feeling

one from

later,

vanished, this

my

a lively

rest.

which

this.

were

I rose state

alone,

sacrifice

however,

the consolations

they

and this

myself one

of

seem

still

two

the

was this

not

to make.

to present

off

In

me

I trembled,

I

unpleasant.

sweetness Could the

themselves

they

from

altogether

deceitful

to read?

letters

paces

involuntarily,

the more

I burned

Among

soon

I

actually

fatality

which

do nothing,

on the contrary, from

the thought

There it

but that

it is at last,

costs

me

alarmed

impose M.

that

I beg

to you

and why

sentiments,

but

for

worthy

to

come

naturally

write

it. I return

You

tell

then, you

inspire

to my

him

bear

me

course

from

which

It

is

only

entirely

not

deny

any

I ought through

separated

understand,

console

her.

PARIS,

5TH

has

him?

them!

not time,

mind,

you

shame

causes

this

child

to you

ill

will

there

still

and

which

make

me

really

not

altered

Ah,

Who

why,

this

I had

need

still

my

step:

from

him.

that

One

his letter

I blush other

my

for

than

name

my he

is

does

not

of reflection

to

your

words;

my

venerable

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

If but

at my departure. of returning

to Paris?

he has

judged

he must

feel

of my there...

greatest but

What,

me

aright,

also

that

torments

you

I beg he

it is is not

are surely

of

a to

my

it.

indulgent

two

Adieu,

this

grieved

he speak can.

is no return.

to open

you,

Did

as you

for

I have not

keenly

he say?

as much

perfectly, your

which

my

reproach

to name

and,

did

he thinks.

that

I fear

even

fills

a false

I know

he seemed

cannot

opinion

of

However,

pen;

he do? What

what

should

crueler

to him.

to dissuade

know

sort that

the object

them?

me that

did

the

become

them.

so constantly

to believe

in you;

and those

shares

which

write;

confidence

not

privations;

de Valmont

name

so much

me.

fresh

I

friend,

would

letters one

not cannot

to sustain

friend.

that

I can

abuse be long

feel

your

kindness

ones:

her courage,

myself

but

and

you

the other

not ;

I

will to

—109— CÉCILE IT

VOLANGES

IS ONLY

which

TODAY,

you

spite

have

and,

up to reperuse I quite all;

still

what

I must

confess

grieve

about

I hardly

sometimes

think

of

that

I often when

I have

lest

grief

M.

de Valmont

me.

I kept

it for

it should

once

MERTEUIL

given

to write

felt

my

DE

be found;

more

seized

the letter

four

but

me,

days,

in

I concealed

I shut

myself

it.

see that

and

MARQUISE

me the honor

which

carefully;

THE

Madame,

done

of the alarm

it very

TO

I believed

to be so great

that

is certainly

it any

torments

him

at

there more.

me.

all!

Moreover

with

him

pleasure

It is only

But

there it

is

a misfortune

that

de

which

when

Valmont

at

so that

of Danceny

moments

M.

one

in it: so much

the thought

are already true

is hardly

I do is

not

mighty

amiable! I was but

reconciled

said

two

to him,

words

that

seemed

come

I was

no more

not

scold

just

like

me till you;

I should which

to him,

he would

answer

I never

give

me

that

I could

which

come

have

sent

than

afterward,

would

not

risk

agreed

that

henceforward

we

should

been

expecting

yesterday, him

and

to come.

even

Now,

of

did

in a manner

...

me?

for

me.

to me,

and

Mamma.

have

You

would

is very out

heard;

I am

to

He

I burst

might

de Valmont

me

In that,

once

say

he

to him.

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to

there,

he related

true.

had

had

friendship

about

I

sure

sure

is

laughing, and

if

she

she

would

moment.

for

he should

room.

things

become

very

as M.

compromising

go to his

there,

have that

and

the odd

Mamma

I only

and it was

so that

for

anything

anything

gently;

if it is all

me;

and

had much

me

for

as he had come

done

particularly

for

would

evening,

he also

laughter;

fright:

be prudent,

all

telling

me to the convent

As we must

you

my

what

never

easy if I had

as soon

very

believed,

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us a mighty

in the

to me that

restrain

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very

me that,

then,

and then

have

it was

he told

And

to tell

pleasure

ago:

chamber

if

proved how

not

gave

had

vexed

should

much

to my willing.

know

days

when

very

which

not

two

anything

in

come

to open

only there

now,

Madame,

has told

is nothing while

the

world, the

to fear;

I write

I hope

me himself

you

to will

that we

door,

you, not

have

and

I have

he

that

already

I am scold

again

me

any

more. There

is one

it is what Danceny

you and

thing,

however,

tell M.

me,

on the contrary,

that

I should

me

which

against

the

de Valmont.

even

that, have

time

I fancy

once to

has greatly

married,

forget

when that

surprised I am

me in your

married,

one

day,

at the

I could

only

love

Danceny:

for

that

with Opera,

letter;

regard you

to told

my

husband,

and

matter,

I may

have

misunderstood not

you,

be so much

shall

have

such

a fashion

never

him,

more

become

that

and

I need except

with

difficult;

my

marriage.

then

think

that

of

him:

no happiness

very

have

for

I hope only

rather

for

I shall

as soon

desire

be able I feel

the idea

when

as now

I even

Danceny.

except

and,

it different,

I succeed

it, since

that

always

in not

as I think

of

shall I

to arrange

sure

of him

I

I

shall

torments

thinking

him,

in

of

I at

once

sad again. consoles

more

for It

me a little

this: is

but

But,

none

seems

that

however,

that

Valmont:

thus

Mamma

she speaks

too

it

what

have

yet

that

well

tell

my him

no reason

spoken

me Danceny

... Oh, is

yes,

Danceny

said

you

will

love

would

not

I love,

it is fortunate! you

finds

to

assure

certain?

perhaps

ought

you

you

say,

Danceny

I

has not

quite

however,

as you

I understood to me

is that

are you

amusing,

Valmont...

Well,

about

my

letters

good

nothing

of

and

as they what

the

deceive

that

we shall

fashion

me

M.

de

see.

of writing.

are.

It

I quite

passes

with

feel, M.

de

to be afraid.

to me of my

to me of it, since

it is to entrap

dear,

kind

friend;

I thank

all

your

kindnesses

marriage: me,

but

I promise

let her do so; you

I shall

when know

to lie.

Adieu,

my

never

forget

o’clock; AT

far

of the time

happy

is

What

how

I would

liberty;

and I have

which

me!

afraid

be really

me now,

and

THE

so M.

de Valmont

CHÂTEAU

DE

cannot ... , 10TH

you

to me. be long

mightily, I must

and finish

now.

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

I promise now;

you

it is near

I will one

—101— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL “POWERS

OF

HEAVEN!

hg

himself.

Better

balanced

Yes,

friend,

I am at the same

since

you

have

pleasures Know

is

my

and my

then

that

it the fourth; it

waste

my

the same fair

one

she will the

cannot I

I

which

you

treats

me ever

You

see

her

to the

grow, have

told

and

relation

of

my

rigor.

I am wrong of the

change

first,

thus

complaints

the second

post,

to into

it is always

the envelope.

if only

from

be time

enough

then

of

I

to call

unwilling

my

manner

that,

If my

lassitude, to pick

up

correspondence,

has

since

and, mouth

her

I

departure

one

lost

and

severe

ill

of me:

but

far

more

fear

by

do

the latter of

her

dearest

that

side,

the

it was of

Madame

have for,

caused

the

become.

will

us

need

with

change:

they

there to

disavowed

the

the

nothing of

at returning

so long

I have

from

I concluded

on

her

while

says

subject

to speak,

shame

changed

de Volanges,

on the

that,

a little

has

as the latter

of a sentiment that

creature

Madame

ceased

crabbed

prude

fickle

I presume

I fear more

the

her

she never

her far more

sensitive

miserable;

softens,

new

her for

opens

subject

the

and

sure

on the other,

revolution.

since

I merely

Rosemonde;

confidence.

of me and,

great

that

from

no longer

who

and,

this

made

the old

she

de Volanges

once.

informed.

has come

previously

speaking

at

the same

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a soul

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my

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But

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to me

with

soft

from

... , 11TH

language why,

this, but

of

but

of the

the

Puritan,

rigid

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I will

it makes with news

I promise

you. OCTOBER,

17 -- .

I

am

that

my

drawing whose

I doubt

I have

I shall

interesting

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so in that

acquainted

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I

sensibility.

event,

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more

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mighty

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pleasure.

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longer

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CHÂTEAU

time

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state

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as I

am

her.

my

affairs

to tell

you;

myself,

and I beg

I count

for

—111— THE

COMTE

ALL

SEEMS

from

day

doubt

TO

Volanges.

his road,

that

months.

I do not

Perhaps,

you.

In

entirely

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M.

for

only

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le Marquis of

these to

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first

me

await

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own;

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arrangements,

know, your

kinsmen

with

respect,

Madame,

your

most

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THE

COMTE

GERCOURT.

here, and

till

plans

in

and it alone

BASTIA,

all

the

from

weeks

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for

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me two

profit

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wedding, in Paris;

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on

He begs

service

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regulate

OCTOBER,

that

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mine.

intentions

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10TH

to see,

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de

to me to

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six

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married,

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of

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DE

that

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me

through

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to whom,

informed

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cousin,

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just

which

you

feeling

to France.

to pass

journey,

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for

notably

with

VOLANGES

Madame;

me to you

de ---, has

DE

hm

eagerness

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not

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le Duc

that

country,

to return

obligations,

time

it will

this

MADAME

are to unite

M.

opportunity;

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the

of Italy

him

in

which

me

part

to accompany

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tells

TO

permission

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the knots

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quiet

Meanwhile,

Naples.

find

BE

I have

to tie there

by

GERCOURT

to day,

that

I am

DE

I on

beg this

my

action.

befit

a

17 -- .

son,

—112— MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

(DICTATED) I HAVE

ONLY

THIS

instant

11th, hn and the gentle quite

disposed

you

were been

reply

to you

you

to make

very

wretched in

young

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you

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today,

right

made

has come

me

I am

are,

to have

fair,

really

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scolded

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hope

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me.

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from

so old

a friend!

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One

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you

day

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absolutely

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not

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to borrow

letter

Confess

if you

postpone

back

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as you

that,

desire

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arm,

fresh

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dearest

it contains.

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rheumatism

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myself

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have

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abode

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you.

letters;

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friendship

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you;

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you

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retreat

The

little

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my sister

to you

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THE

fair; did

ADELAIDE, CHATEAU

long.

of falling

dearest

do not

especially,

day

by all the most

SIGNED: AT

ho all

us the honor

Adieu,

departure

Volanges,

consumedly done

your

the

great

age permit

affectionate FOR DE

last

your

few

days,

sleep very that

DE

OCTOBER,

of our

furiously,

every

good title.

little

circle.

and

yawns

in particular,

In short,

ROSEMONDE. 17 -- .

she

has

afternoon.

friend,

sentiments.

MADAME

... , 14TH

gaiety

you

a profound

I am always

my

to the

misses

Since into

add

your

mamma,

I am

attached

—113— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

you,

that

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT I THINK

I OUGHT

themselves already

with

said

and

romantic

If you

are advised

credit,

but

resist

will

you;

you:

virtue?

Reflect

your for

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caprice.

Présidente, that you?

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endeavor

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you

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as much

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stronger

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undeceive it. In

your

your

reputation

we

with

little

Volanges;

wished

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fantasy.

any

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you

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need

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Do

ceased

At

be able

the

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irresistible

of women

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rumors

fact,

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have

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have

country

allow

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Remember

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leave

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to

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OCTOBER,

fool

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with

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one

much

Vicomte,

myself

this

own

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sway

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of friendship,

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veil

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himself

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guesses.

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and

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guess

to remove

it is because

anything

15TH

and

then,

Cécile

a sacrifice

one should PARIS,

you

youth,

this

pity

of her;

seriously

he discovered

me,

never

But

of

him

beneath

you

are you

when

with

that

always

nothing,

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you

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approach

that

graces

wasted

I beg

has

the

a mighty

Danceny.

I give

children!

amiable,

had

I am jealous

fancy

of

is well

taste

debased

made

but

more

were

know

education

in society the

successor:

are astonished,

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reserve

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You

to

exception;

that

Do

his

be

in

I would

at

indeed

as

—114— THE

PRESIDENTE

MY

DEAR

without from

DE

FRIEND,

knowing

you.

is not

dangerous,

have.

It not

like

to

you

will

The

does

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symptoms

body,

I yield

whether

questioning

the

TOURVEL

those

not

leave

the

to me

that

are ill

yourself,

have

this

morning,

and

who

have

seen

indirectly of

that

one who

should

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is so dear

never

taken

to you

enhances

my

anxiety

days.

My

Are

you

he

God!

have

suddenly

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sooner.

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for

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to receive

those

same

at least

sure

and

he was

him!

I did

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them:

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tears

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my

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torture Great

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hardly

having

Heaven!

dear

will

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this

love

me,

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let

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have

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four

should

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my

adopted

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how

pained

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refuse

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have

me.

Ah,

when

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news

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as to yourself,

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my

mortal

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me

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Shall

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friend:

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friendship;

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of misfortunes!

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letters

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write?

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to

in

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me as to his condition?

past,

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often

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as

are

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his letters

In short,

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of

How

side?

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sufferings

naturally

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in persons

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solitude;

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a doctor

anxiety;

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the

of

merely

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ROSEMONDE

confidence

grave

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de Valmont,

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DE

to reply

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make

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melancholy

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with

MADAME

be able

of

reproach seems

ill

that

precursors

of

the

condition

happens

and

TO

perhaps,

rends

my

to experience a letter

from

my your the the heart: all. you

today? PARIS,

16TH

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

—115— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL IT

IS

AN

people was

INCREDIBLE

are

separated,

near

seeing you,

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things;

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You polite,

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appear

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yourself;

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lover,

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love;

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to her master. prefer

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the virtues! one

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Wherefore, it gives

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How

curious

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which

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Two

yourself,

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confidence;

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say to my

you

making

love?

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the means.

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and

Once

confidence

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it no further

punishment;

projects

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opened

absolutely

... But

not

have

instructed

found

my

me;

fair

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know

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and

pleasure,

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existed

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habit

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the century

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of curiosity.

should

adventure;

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triumph,

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deserts,

my

this

secrets,

inventions,

with

attained

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she will

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week

out

consolation,

long,

de Rosemonde

the others

of

In short,

whence

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me

need

or

and seek

ask

tell

short

having

handiwork, will

her

of vengeance.

career

Once

You

resist

Leave

schoolgirls

all

Cécile, boys at

the truth,

of a rare

never

guess

the successor.

this

trouble!

Oh,

and

do

compromise

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are taking

virtuous

it, to tell

to form little

not

themselves

innocent

my

dear

in their

games.

How

absurdity;

and

What!

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friend,

leave

yourself

at

nurses’ can

hands, you

is

him these or to

burden

yourself

with

leave

you,

and

seriously,

humiliate

You

have

you

with

offered

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toward

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at least

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inaction

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choice,

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object

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of

or

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I

you

shall

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have

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if

you

my

great

you!

you, it

conscience. you

surely error.

famine;

and,

always

too

reflect:

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delay,

to

remain,

of your

if,

how

I tell

it may

nay,

of

and

nor

This

in fine,

Paris turned

return

you

you

dread

myself

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fine

as

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to you

to

neither

me

as you

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henceforth,

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keep

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up long

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you

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to her

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hands

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the

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health;

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You

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me

lovely

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pupil

head

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will

of Valmont.

9 But

let

undertook

at your

you

of me

all

the

to represent

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have

run

second

thoroughly

already

the

risk

finish,

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Gercourt

entreaty.

destroy

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awaiting

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friend,

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to augment

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fact

raciness

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that,

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Remember

him

dying

will

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first

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you,

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to be preferred.

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and

husband and

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hope,

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But

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arrival,

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her,

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to take

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ideas,

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lover.

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how

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Présidente being

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say,

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all

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Belleroche

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and I even

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will

will

a novice,

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him,

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of another,

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constrained,

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choice. after

not

to

lover’s

Yesterday,

I had sweeter

first

your

tender having

her feel

by

for

the

your

pupil

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sweet

to see her

letter;

her

I asked

views,

passion found

disturbed

still,

I made

cross

that

it was

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thus

that

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dictation; foster

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in which,

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quite for

the

for

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delicious

and

an

be delighted

THE

CHÂTEAU

certain

I

herself

him

shall

you

of

to of our

if this DE

and

first

liaison.

person

at this

moment,

his

my

lovely

more,

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to

I his

dangerous

a moment

friend;

Leave

have

friend,

Yes,

is to buy

can.

and,

I am rendering

you

as you

to was

so well;

once

chains.

I tried

What

at

at my

have

Danceny

renew

to

of the

alone, me,

the

10

event

... , 19TH

herself

been

lose

the approaching

happy

little

correspondence.

Adieu,

once

another

prattle,

The

dangerous

as soon

receive

upon

have

regret.

her little hope.

the

your

her to write

expressing

Again,

from

Belleroche

you

with

his mistress!

to possess

yourself

pleasures

by a more to find

eternity

persuaded as I could,

to be charged

for

I congratulate

I shall

said,

and

as well

Danceny?

to dispatch

prepare

love

of saving

a doubt:

courage

AT

this

his rival

happiness

P.S.

I am

the service

without

imitating,

she

future,

done

her lover,

man’s

enchanted,

confidant, him

console

occurs

OCTOBER,

decision during

of the great my

17 -- .

reign.

lawsuit.

—116— THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

MADAME

DE

MERTEUIL

charming

Cécile,

I am

to me during For

some

time

profited

by

nearer

denies

past,

all

Lord!

charm

she

of you!

her.

happiness

What

uninterruptedly consecrate of

your

with

is

mutual

love

dearly,

value

still

to the

have

tasted

the

charm

friendship,

surround

your

heart

vibration

might

give

derive

never

from

Why

must

it

in the country that

you

refrain

of

Cécile, but

overthrow

tell

these

and that

reality The

more

than

me

what as

all

though

that

she

to

hear

her

you

both,

of

friendship,

the point

that

greater

it.

Since

you

share

Cécile,

you

would

that

I

should

with

I

every

still

which

I

fain

its

I should

of the felicity

other.

Give

that

and

myself

in

so

union

of the

woman.

I do not

to

of

occupying

for

happiness;

a

to pass

sentiments,

a part

to bring

for

in

my

me

is not

is impossible nothing,

me,

I must

you from

feel

I should

you

love

ardent

like

my

yours?

I

should

a chimera

it

only

out

me with own. not know

my

it

with

without

all

Why

you

consolation And

me!

Twice

a reply.

the faculties

does

it not

interests

that

how

and

it impossible.

over left

my

indefinite

no other

find

been

of

to me of seeing

I have

do really

subject

is

only

held

grieving

that

Why

had

renounce.

that this,

are

on the contrary,

you

on this

obstacles? of

projects

which

myself

I do believe

the

offers

that

complaints

soul

charming

hope

telling

instead

me

you

that

my

your

considered

You

be

from

Cécile,

nothing

repay

of

have

toward

desirous

Yes,

I

with

participating

which

and

by

sweets

that,

mine.

me so much

measure

am

and

it pleases

draws

by

softest

a sensation

her

adorable

I

enjoyment. the

how

the

remained

It seems

equally

her

pleasures

all

you

persuading

have

to

with

I see well

already

soul;

a half

privations?

than

From

And

my

you.

imagination, dolorous

of

turn.

obtain

to

this

for

title;

that

in

always

friend, I have

it in your

I could

charming

her

entirely

working

attachment

to

that

love

I was

friend

is!

which

to feel

to your

woman

you,

thus,

which

it seemed

to it, to be in some and

pleasure

because

to live

of

country;

friendship!

she loves

to be able

the

fortified

no doubt,

of the one, my

this

and

delights

existence

the

only

that,

sole

to give

to endow

how

attachment,

Love,

seem

knew

it were,

the happiness

experience

amiable

for

of you

me

embellished

... ’Tis

my

of the

eagerness

how

VOLANGES

morning

of talking

more

knows

from all

that

the

If you

me speak

this

deprived

how

sentiment

to love.

now

CÉCILE

she has allowed

you.

sweet

LEFT

absence,

it with

to

flattering that

your

TO

to

prove

lie

of

your

with

have to

Ah!

to

you

me be that

to love. either,

of the

duration

of this

cruel

absence:

here,

at

least,

I should

drooping has

perhaps

soul;

their

sometimes

I believe

unhappy,

if

Adieu, grieving, PARIS,

I

I am

of Madame

touching

need

suspicion.

renewed!

see you.

of in

were sad,

my

my

Cécile;

and that 17TH

it.

love,

doubt

it. very

alone

OCTOBER,

my

sad.

would

reassure Cécile;

constancy.

so

Ah,

many

It seems

beloved. him

as though

to happiness.

heart, fear

I should

obstacles!

Remember

reanimate

my this

in me the sentiment

can restore 17 -- .

my

your

But

eyes

would

me, in

had renewed adieu,

you

Forgive

friend,

de Merteuil

charming

expression

your

to

Your

And the

of all my that

your

my which

is

not be

a too

always departure woes. lover

is

—117— CÉCILE

VOLANGES

(DICTATED Do

BY

YOU

make

THEN,

me sad, when as you,

at all I have

me

justice.

Oh!

that

the

last

the

answer

what

such

you

difficulty And

should See,

here,

to give?

Do

And

I did you if

pray,

wished

I

what

to

you,

the

from

have news

you;

done that

what

this

you

M.

knows

what

I may

be able

overmuch rest.

always

be much

before My

they

my

better?

love

friend,

but

was

you:

for

do

that much were

a moment,

are

not

wives

I

not

sure

of

if

and

time her

her?

with,

been

often

loved

even will

as And

myself

have

for

cause

caress from

me

heart,

been

some

I have

they

restrains

my

for

side,

for

is the

to reproach

so much, fear

who

what

judge

it not

to obtain

to believe

That

had

as Mamma,

anything

I am

wives.

you

and

having If

their

were

awhile;

reasons,

de Gercourt,

as I, on my

longer

that,

it be if you

wish,

kindness;

no

it is

so

my

more

without

yet

are

much

that

arrive

here

me

not

you;

already

you

shown

be happy

do not

life.

to conceal

who

you

you

know

would

console

I suffer

I do not

have

to

I cause

answer

suppose

yet,

at a distance,

not

that

which

vexes

has

men

them

more

there

than not

be

time?

Listen;

I

promise

marrying

M.

able,

you

de

nothing and

shall

any

even

before

and

you

the rest

will

be just

always

that,

Gercourt,

by you,

must

the same

and

me

declining

to do, and which be very

serves

in him,

to make

I assure my

glad,

dear

you! love;

no

until a thing

it yet vexes if M.

me grieve does

it was

that

then,

more.

late

you

my

which

when

Oh,

you

that

you

before

I began

know

as much

it is not promise

I have

of

I

to be loved

friend,

were

misfortune

yours

care

me to refuse

everything

very

being

if I do wrong,

de Valmont still

the

already

I do not

provided

But for

from

that,

to me;

more

too,

He

As

avoid

so much

me

well

do now.

cannot

I hate

prevent

see quite

as I am;

I should

whom

I

everything.

as you

ask

though

longer

as much

adieu,

I see what

of scolding

doubt

I see that

not

would

only

those

when

to come

I had

share

will

if we could

am

Indeed,

do you

grief,

as I can,

him,

you

need

And

our

much

the

right!

perhaps,

told

I even

wicked?

you

all my

I should,

of all

told,

very

nothing

I have

DANCENY

I had any

grieve?

than

one

because

be sorry

yourself.

past,

is

you

that

more

asked

an easy

then,

I have

what

is not

in refusing

here?

CHEVALIER

friend,

sorrows?

one

you

want

dear that

your

and

times

my

I know

knowingly;

two

THE

VALMONT)

THINK

as much

TO

as except

my

fault,

to love

let me good

I

me

continue

reasons

for

you. not

so urgent

have would

a very

for good

do yourself.

to write

to you,

you;

it

friend But and

I

have

spent

part

for

the lost

AT

THE

of the night

over

it. I am going

I embrace

you,

but

time.

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 18TH

do not

scold

OCTOBER,

to bed now, me any 17 -- .

and to make

more.

up

—118— THE IF

CHEVALIER

I AM

that

TO

you

believe

have

centuries.

costs

must

in your

by

the

however,

far

from

your

you

you,

presence?

of reasons, myself,

you

this

journey,

not

even

that when

reasonable

here,

below

you,

the more

it would to lose

not

are said

therein,

positively,

one’s

chimera;

fain hy

beautify

finally

one

recalls

the model,

one’s

arrives

eyes,

the more

all

they

the

charm.

unoccupied,

creates

but

give

one would

of lies

could

one little work,

one

at perfection;

which

is,

the how

it! friend dispense will

find

do but

talk

sent

you

on

to

it,

listen

however, as you

a

most

suppose.

thinking

to be the most

It

of you;

one

amiable,

feeble

idea

thought

they

always

and

fail

builds

gathers

as soon

and one is astonished

to find

as one that

resembled efforts, you;

the

is exalted;

and

the

one has but

one would

may

is there,

long,

air,

one

that

so

think

are so

in

all

I

their

days

castles

together

and,

they

in being

the

the imagination

are yet you.

in vain

when

one

of

at first

afterward:

Unhappily,

by little

pay

they

no longer

That

a very

know,

be

to me.

remark

dreams,

reason

of always

you

me to

to

gentry

be so difficult

the habit

and

to sentiments.

it. I will

you.

who

display

is

forget

those

their

one

to

one

your

to be unable

it was

with

women,

in vain

and

those

done

that

And

to leave

then

that

two

to show

advocates,

recall

difference

no right

your

would

practiced

I feel!

you

me so often

is

equally

querulous

days

return,

expect

him

you,

with

that,

you

accustomed

I assure

they

should

betrayal,

consult

it

heart

I must

but

answer

merely

that

even

humor,

sufficient

fact,

you

how

are not

me

can

two

heart,

one’s

or won,

and

entirely

my

you

How

behavior;

told

in

ill

that

MERTEUIL

it is but

believe

ill

tells

reason:

loveliest

far

it

will

friend,

then

a black

having

I have

be sufficient

nothing Our

have

for

DE

it is always

Oh,

infidelity,

this

and reasons

For

would

for

to

time

absence?

In vain

no justification

I am

be it lost

a subject

after

adorable

finished.

when,

a real

MARQUISE

yourself,

than

of your

so fair

Is it not,

with

lawsuit,

if

quite

be more

tedium

sad it is to have

away

it from

THE

my

but,

it is therefore

affairs

interested

TO

almanac,

absent;

I have

believe;

your

my

been

Now,

should all

DANCENY

please, portrait

dreamed

of

you. At

this

will

very

believe,

started

have

I am again

perhaps,

that

to write

a hundred you

moment,

know, been

to you?

things

Not

the dupe

it was

in order

at all:

it was

to say of which

interest distracted.

me very And

you

keenly; since

of an almost to occupy

to distract

were

not

pray,

myself myself

the object,

and it is from

when,

similar

does

these, the

error.

You

with

you

that

from

you.

I

things

charm

of

had

which,

nevertheless,

I

as that

friendship

I

divert

us from

perhaps

that

I should

forget

this

ignore

it.

Why,

then,

of

have

little

error,

are you

to me of my

derive

from

even

her

Yes,

confidence.

I love

unreservedly you

deign

all my new

one’s

friend,

delicate allows

that them

one

must,

my

adorable

short,

the

so pure

why

are

you

not

not

write

it.

one

may

not

let

them

sometimes,

thousand

where

you

I have

the honor

one

see them you

reach

see how

reasons

which

are not. to be, etc.

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

The

I love has

I your

become

receive

my

my

sentiments

the more,

when

say to myself:

thus

of

It

new

you

refuge.

where

you

may

them

out

come return. are,

I

still. blame

well

parole.

Ah,

is your

it

what

say

especially,

their let

letter

neither too

love,

never

last

delays

I can

one

upon

necessary

detain

that

The

but

Although

at least their

situation.

understand

secrets

go

very

astray,

to

and

hope,

do not

here?

must

if I go

up.

you

dare

friend;

them

and

one

out

I cherish

my

us

herself

me

to pour

assures

Perhaps

in

enough

at you

Let

friend

her,

to you,

I look

matter,

the happiness

heart

and

so tender

me back

kind

again

the hush!

my

been

to my

are

let

inspires

regard

you

complain.

as it were,

19TH

my

she

to me that

and

increases

but

to live

PARIS,

to open

But

in loving

with

motives nor

have

It seems

that,

which

into

be possible,

to tell

her

you;

you

them;

if that

thought

love

and

to lead

is bound

However,

telling

the

to it,

to me,

closely myself!

happiness

her

am

sweet

to look

to make

to enhance,

the

yours!

from

them

to reply

since

received

her for

here

it,

hz to receive

nothing

fear

so much

into

is in her that I have

of reverting

by

precious

I were

for

Cecile,

love

if

reproach

I confess

more

Ah,

a slight

not

to talk

friend?

love?

ia

I

all

to

are

so

If

of

one sight;

back

then,

Forget,

in

or teach

me

—119— MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

ALTHOUGH

I

endeavoring

AM

STILL

to write

what

interests

every

day

to enquire

for

more

of him

where

I little

My

himself, than

time

since

four

days

he has gone

I

of

him

my

confidence

soon

nephew

penetrate

the

something

if

AT

cause

I take

Adelaide

THE

better,

to do

Now

Adieu,

I would

my

with leave

knew

that

dearest

fair.

CHÂTEAU

reason, rather

singular

you.

I will

I had

DE

him

... , 20TH

fair,

write

than

his

and

tell

no more she

would

OCTOBER,

move scold

17 -- .

but

he

that

I

me repent above

all,

you. the course,

and

I will believe,

anything

I may

fingers: all

the

as

try

well

me

last

most

you

make

adopt

my

the

beginning,

and,

I can you

the

me

from

deceive

chamber;

which,

for

afterward;

hide

no

last!

was

do not

I will

I see

for

this

anxiety;

me,

mania,

as I can written,

in

not

lively

from

that

As mass

I will

to pain

once

in a place

that

to resume

dearest

come

congratulated

health.

a too

aloof

this

of you,

my

grant

of

sends

I had gone

today

am

He

however,

whither

I

to you

he has not

today,

and

him.

to speak

to do so. Thus

God

I expected

by

visiting

mass.

of my

choose

to keep of

of

But,

him

chapel,

fair,

misanthropy.

but

him

me,

rejoin

changed.

his

I learned

to

state

I could

continues

as I am

out.

up

which

in your

that

I met

to hear

came

before

somewhat

rest assured If my

he

the conversation,

disappeared

found

regularly

up

TOURVEL

dearest

to be able

begged

in my

DE

my

health;

indisposition.

on the improved

short

had

I have

It was

painful

entered,

affectionately I cut

my

my

in Paris.

him.

greatly,

keeps

to ask after

if he were

expected

PRÉSIDENTE

in order

still

although

first

When

myself,

nephew

regularly

THE

suffering

to you

you.

most

TO

to has find

besides, evening.

—120— THE

VICOMTE

DE

CISTERCIAN

OF THE

I HAVE

THE

the

NOT

entire

you, believe,

I then,

order

that

to obtain

a very

and one in which I have

in my

entrusted into

hands

hands.

which,

perhaps,

myself

authorized

you

blame, expecting,

which

have

me;

she could and

Monsieur,

will

with

since

are

to grant

my

errors

the sole

me by

traces

and,

of an error

the

or fault

holy

I beg

new

are one. cannot

of

was

up

except reasons consider

I

very

that

destroy

all

cannot far from

superhuman

you,

at least

be

refusing

therefore,

resolutions,

I can,

in office,

willingly,

them.

which

I

give

course

I myself

sacrifice,

deserved.

I do not

by

in which

in

because

possible in

as a last

not,

I confess

her of my

interview,

excuses;

existing

recognize

reposes

which

which

which

rendered

as to inform

a private

my

to

today,

events

only

forced

to be so good

her

foresee

her,

but

to take

that,

your

of this,

her

of

indiscretion,

her

her,

I know

and myself

and must

from

led

is

of

concern

of informing

a course

were

worthy

not,

but

without

(A

HONORÉ)

de Tourvel

de Tourvel

which

heard

SAINT-

Monsieur:

you

truly

I would

have

not

which

we

papers

ANSELME

confidence

to

of Madame

no means

to state,

correspondence

myself

and which

I have

this

service,

important

RUE

to you,

much

address

the interests

PERE

la Présidente

how

essential

to anybody,

her

force

I may

known

Madame

moreover,

THE

OF THE

of being

which

know,

TO

MONASTERY

honor

confidence

and

VALMONT

and to ask

in part, in her

has rendered

repair

presence

me guilty

in

her eyes. It will

not

be until

your

feet

the

your

mediation

for

and guide but

which,

I await make

feet

I blush

your

with and

of

my

important

Monsieur, and

the new

to confess,

reply

reparation,

more

aid,

into

expiation

confession

I hope,

necessary

my

preliminary

an even

May

and

this

humiliating

reconciliation. precious

after

the

that way

you

impatience

I beg

you

to

I shall

dare

long

disorders,

and

and,

unhappily,

more

that

you

will

deign

which

I do not

that

will

I desire

not

refuse

to sustain

my

most

ardently

repentance

which

to lay

to

at

entreat difficult me

this

weakness to follow,

yet know? of the

believe

me,

you

deem

with

equal

desires

gratitude

to and

veneration, Your

most

humble,

P.S.

I authorize

this

letter

duty

etc.

you,

Monsieur,

in its entirety

to respect

all

my

should

to Madame life

long,

and

de Tourvel, in whom

it proper, whom

I shall

to communicate

I shall never

make

cease

to

it

my

honor

one

whom

Heaven

touching

spectacle

AT

CHÂTEAU

THE

has

used

to

bring

back

my

soul

of her own. DE

..., 22ND

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

to

virtue,

by

the

—121— THE

MARQUISE

I HAVE thank

you,

YOUR

I must you

believe

me,

scold

shall that

tone

friend,

every

our

in

thought

way, that

and

CHEVALIER

youthful

you from

is that

the language

one

this

more

Quit

and

to

customary

jargon;

but

distinguish

between

my

of

any

aware if

that

it be

I confess

them that

it is

No,

use

I am well

to be,

will

ib when

make

and

you

I

correct

if you

jargon,

to them,

I ought

not

then,

is said

than

that

do

before

of friendship?

expresses.

nothing

but,

you

than

speech,

which

if

me.

is no more

DANCENY

friend;

that,

which

should

perhaps

too

befitting

into you

THE

answers

understand

some

grieved,

its

the thought

I deserved

truly

I warn

Pray,

has

women

translated,

and

of flattery,

sentiment

frivolous

my

no more

of love.

is to disguise

TO

letter,

you,

have

the expression

other

MERTEUIL

RECEIVED

yourself,

not

DE

not

that

me.

I

I am

have

judged

yours

lacks:

me so ill. You

will

only

frankness would

and

give

tiresome

me great

you

suppose,

when I make

being

me:

than

your

fault

for

perhaps, seems two You

formula,

you

and

at what I do not

your

for

instance,

only

please

but

very

me;

you

are

will

not

these

women

Cécile

also

who

no

more

to

tell

so that,

able

to

always

fails

to the

this

not; be

in

live

has

believes

in

That,

made

and

I

fail

that!

abuse

of compliments, one

it

to have

owing

which

that

I am vexed

where you

which,

in

all

perhaps

turned

I feel

instead

of upon

compliment.

I believe

your

nay,

I prefer

novel

even but,

I will

more

be

me phrases

some:

by

the

of

it

become

than

tell

in

a

than

the attentive

for

example to keep

I

have

worth

I hope detect

you

will

a little

this

ill

I am

from

than

of

without

the shadow

that

more

my

ill

of

the

humor

is,

you.

a lawsuit

It and

Belleroche. absence,

never

is catching, to my

even

at which

are

fashion

I can find,

should

you

you

at

your

of the day.

to avoid

not

me

which

if you

distance

despairing it,

it

in any

considered, even

let

you,

you,

yourself

but

me,

to send

augmented

that,

that,

to

not

I reproach

advocates,

you;

And

jargon

I am telling deny

somewhat to me

write

congratulate

flatter

the

who

to live

which

you,

that

mistress,

that

than

or less well

which

see

me

of it!

find

and

of people

your

pity

qualities tell

to see you,

with

lower

the

certainly

of a language

a mere

more

for

will

Teach

you

feeling,

be angry

humor;

letter

instead

The

result

when

and

aid,

my

servant.

friend,

thinking

not

a third.

humble

My

are

is even

more

me thus:

you

is the

nowadays,

I

round

perhaps

however,

in

pleasure

translate

unless

most

then

simplicity.

people

phrase

no

find

and

frankness;

paid

you you

I, too,

ought so

pretty

am inclined

it is that

to

alone,

a to then,

which

assures

inspires

in

occupied

you

me.

of

It

is

elsewhere.

seems

to me

from

which

early

enough,

mistresses

tender

friendship,

very

sweet

to

That

that

one

one

my

is not

have

perhaps,

so young

I begin

to grow

career

of

that

old!

have

have

and

of

more

but

pleasure

thus

all

I have

it

heart

is

it is mine.

It

to a

sentiment

passed

But

my

which

whose

women,

you

for

in preparing

with

interest

friend

me perceive

well

wish

the

confidant.

made

acted

I

of all

fear:

role

of

a young

with

to

the

you

You

constancy,

oneself

nothing

into

have

the system

abandons

can

and

with

you,

choose

your

the first for

time

that

a

long

yourself

heart

that

it

may

be

reciprocated. You

are right

to what left in

you

tell

to those any

in yielding me,

who

other

to the pure

delay

do not

than

your

how

forewarned

by the confession

idea

of

what

incapable

a

me to you. well

You

Upon

this,

holy

keeping. THE

and

of

what

be

of

I cannot for

dear

CHÂTEAU

for

I pray

... , 22ND

love.

You

sacrifice ought

anyone

reflection it is this

love God

OCTOBER,

to

lack

amply have

But,

no

however

know

is the

of

that,

greatest

ever

let

of

herself

on the subject. which

principally and,

without

you

men

to

can

of love;

myself

the been

it!

a frailty

how

the perils

to defend

has

merit

unpardonable

be

she

she

commits,

it, and I shall

Chevalier,

DE

reasoning,

a moment’s idea,

to

find

would

of her

according

is the only

I should

which

costs

conceive

me from

for

it

she

will

hitherto

of

which,

defense

Volanges

she has made

which

save

little

danger

this

to you my

a

motives

A long

and what

the

to dispute

enough

to be grateful

AT

sin

if she has time

proceed

known

nor may

the

to her;

be caught, not

is,

woman of

misfortunes

escape

virtue

independently

Do

to

always;

like

knowledge

tender

happiness.

resist

a child

and

for have

although

your

aid,

it the more you

17 -- .

attaches

in

I I

have

consent

and better.

His

good

and

—121— MADAME

DE

I HAD

ROSEMONDE

HOPED,

MY

TO

amiable

THE

daughter,

anxieties;

and

I see with

grief,

on

them.

calm,

however;

my

nephew

that

Be

he is really

him.

ill.

I understand

sadness,

even

although of what

if I were

to live

this

my

sundry was

of

so busied

turned

and

that

it was

he had wan,

this

and,

all,

gay

and

ourselves,

which

air,

keen, not

is one of the most

Although

impressed

conversation health;

as though

that

it was

bad.

almost

the

reproof;

the more, even

to

friendly

but

tell

his

words,

tell

him

that

you

is

the

one;

for,

impression

his

He

but His

labors.

chamber

before

he

as he recognized

my

his

I found

In

him

in

to see him

thus;

have

between

for

that

and

we

short,

to inspire

truth,

pale

which

downcast;

me,

features,

attention.

glance,

I nonetheless

nothing.

I spoke

it was

he had tender

a

pity

I tried

commenced to him

good,

I complained

somewhat

by

of love.

in heartfelt

first

of

his did

retirement,

a little

accents,

with

the

he nevertheless

of his

to infuse

be retrieved

he

to

surrounded

to compose

believe,

noticed,

answered,

than

and

me that

and

it shall

you

This

the

of

his

attracted

snares

Thereupon,

he only

of

which

gaiety “It

the rest.”

into

is one His

disturbed

my

attached

too

much

importance

quietly.

He

told

my

wrong

expression,

playfulness,

and

to

a

I

mere

reproach.

then

perhaps

but

you.

object of

powder;

for

perceived

not

say

within

causing

writing,

an effort

I dare

I had

of a mania,

I confess;

more

hastened

air

fitting,

I had

he did

had

sad

cared

what

though

say

no

dangerous

and,

not

mild

by

for

forget

As soon

expression.

was

and most

entered.

further

wore

have

middle

he made

which

him

to be the

the

had

of a changed

I should

pathetic

in

who

and

passing

it is a faithful

never

I found

already

toilette

above

so

very

no

I should

even

a sentiment

with

that

your

augment

I cannot

myself

assured

seemed

perhaps,

still

with

it

calm

me.

on rising,

fact,

made

known

that,

I must

room

discussing

years,

which

I was

his

TOURVEL to

is assuredly

from rest

at least

in danger:

I reproach

morning;

to discover

clearly

I left

DE

that

which

upon

this

papers

his head

I noticed

made

contrary, is not

but

may

eighty

nephew

heaps

you

another

sad scene

I visited

it;

refrain

passed:

be able

extraordinary

of alarm,

I cannot

narrative

which

of

to

the

something

naught

perhaps

share,

We

But

PRESIDENTE

commenced an affair,

him

to Paris:

lest

this

put

no

but

prologue question

to

the most as I was should to

him,

talk

important afraid

affair

of guessing

me

soon

of his life, it, my

lead

up to a confidence

and

contented

myself

would

dearest which

with

afterward

that

shortly fair,

I did

replying

recall

and not that

feared

desire, a

little

I

more

dissipation

not

press

would

him

to

simple

expression,

which

I cannot

well

himself.

any

regret,

that

you

your

who Do

not

the love

me,

so greatly

to me.

Moved

more

alarm,

“pardon

my

me,

not

ask

fail,”

my

me?

I have able

relates

to

those

AT

visit

affair,

you:

passed

asked

made

were THE

them.

my attempts

for

CHÂTEAU

of

I

me

know

from

those

of his

he

as

voice

noticed

he resumed,

profound

will.

I beg

veneration.

respects

to you

I

before

suggested

what

that

he wished

emotion

I

he

he spoke

to

times therein

anything

love

are

more

without which

clear-sighted

in ignorance

say.

does

a thousand see

you

to

ground

when

even

to leave

with to

me,

of my

On what

questions

not

eyes

of

than anything

and myself.

to finish

the fatigue DE

I do

him

away.

I guess

involuntary

love

Repeat

me,”

sentence

of his life?

unwilling

nephew

last

love

trouble,

doubtless

in spite

my

this

me to conceal,

“Pardon

and I went can

not

the sound

my

at

say,

forgive

and

renew this

these

as the

I was

four

it not

to

that

myself

however,

between

that

important

Whence

reply

me

and

do

over

of himself,

would

“love,

indulgence

stooped

to remember

it, the less

the most

already to

upon

same

I am wandering,

come

to

the

I

vehemence

me,

as you

will

composed:

to a conclusion,

I reflect

of friendship,

I have still,

my

seemed

forgiveness?

being

that

It

that

“to

Yes,

to

a

to enjoy.

precipitately;

and only

he added,

the more is this

I feel

remarks,

you

more

with

and

me.

in spite

I rose

and,

soon

He then

which,

say,

you;

once,

themselves;

he said

he hopes

for

this

speaking

happiness,

I hope

growing

Madame;

bring

What

I can

my

forgive

can

for

aunt,”

his

offended?”

at once

departure.”

should But

for,

how

friends

cherishes

which

you

of grief

than

to forget

shall

peace

I have

betrayed

you

about

that,

and,

“Yes,

grieve

I added

my

hands,

you: and

but

the signs

my

respects

that

health.

as I loved

to

eternal

I think,

his

he grasped

goodness;

whom

my

remain,

describe

a nephew

for

benefit

I feel.

... , 25TH

this

long

Adieu, OCTOBER,

letter, my

which

dearest 17 -- .

would fair.

be

longer

—123— THE

PÈRE

ANSELME

I HAVE

HAD

yesterday

I betook

question.

I explained

asked

me

which

she

refusal your

will

be

another.

and

Meanwhile,

letter

will

more

that

the

risk

being

come If

all

the God

my

duties

finest

moment

Almighty,

by

may

me be

my

life

see my

durable

efforts

PARIS,

the honor 25TH

by

a

way

of

merciful

always you

on

that

should

she

not

and

be

appoint

happiness

that

God

your

Religion which

abandon

if

the

and

Weak who

guide.

will

can give,

in the

blindness

to be, with

OCTOBER,

respectful 17 -- .

consideration,

runs

God

is may

ever

to it:

believe however

be to

devoted,

by

fulfill

and

the

the

blessing

of

the

that

we are, we

can

you

can

desire

It is by His

alone

of

you

desire

sinners

the constant

to

of grace

a moment

I beg

peculiarly

recalls

display

mercy

as you

which,

the

of vengeance.

business

in

you

that

without

yourself

which

a God

I am

to delay,

the moment

that,

as soon

prosper. the

to

do all;

and

to be reconciled aid that

even

in this

of human

in vain.

I have

the

her,

not

confidence,

important

be

able

justice;

into

to which

will

Holy

by

yours,

most

of being

him;

your

bounty—you,

that

day

inform

course

the

to tell

this

you

to improve

with

to His

you

If

in

had

that

visit,

me

dispositions

turn

But

and I the means

her

manner, your

as to

be

shall

ourselves!

alike

to

in

you

prudent

an obstacle

to invite

from

office,

my

Him,

seek

you

hesitates

shall

owe

and

me

of mercy

shall

to convince

permit

it is regulated

sacred of

I shall

do nothing

solid

of

to honor

my

the

some

and

to the person

out

receive

good

Vicomte;

of the visit

upon

28th.

to the laudable

be busied,

of

wishes,

has charged the

so

withdrawn

attention

I may

be

that

he who

use

continue

greatly the

the

when

you

that

its

in

le

be received.

entirely

Remember

yet

you

order

me.

of

next,

was

putting

to

and

your

pointing

opposing,

last,

le Vicomte, in

of

M.

the motives

my

consented

Thursday will

reasons, and

of

be the

you,

M.

infinite,

thus she

on

upon

VALMONT

letter,

with and

a risk

DE

your

as she

at first,

it shall

Your

sooner

Determined

Providence,

to

receiving

incurred

return,

convenient

grave

her.

at home

of

VICOMTE

in accordance

adopted

that

THE

to her the object

perhaps,

of

condition

honor

myself,

pay

had

happy

decrees

THE

to

she,

TO

etc.

we to

I hope

soon

world,

that

passions

we

—124— THE

PRESIDENTE

IN

THE

MIDST

yesterday must

OF

you,

occupied

a more

informed

applied me,

for

the

which

me,

either

with

of

future

the

direction,

or

and

by

also

which

retained,

the the

I judge

in spite

it. M.

Père

only

of

his

to contrive

the

received which

it

is

no

retrieve

youth.

Anselme,

to be the

of

I

de Valmont

he would

errors,

in order

news

the satisfaction

with

his love;

ROSEMONDE

the

forget

you

rather

DE

which

I cannot

event

of

hitherto

in

me or with

great

object

MADAME

to acquaint

faults,

this

principal he had

Madame,

I hasten

life

TO

astonishment,

and

edifying

been

TOURVEL

the

has thrown

cause

longer

DE

to

by

I

have

whom

he

an interview

return

request

of

I had

with

my

letters,

made

him

to

the contrary. Doubtless, myself,

I if,

it that

not

means

while

pray

conquer

my

and leaves But

to

return

been

obtained

absent?

nothing? what

11

And

had been

What

to Valmont?

He

for

No,

his

price. The

sake!

create

this

penalty was

who

own?

made

forbidden

audacious me to love

we

be dear him

that

to me,

to return

ought

I ought

strength

to it,

I do but if I

felt

allowed

suffer the

Father.

He me

owe

is

common

for

us Him,

happiness

to have

never

owes

complain

’Tis

son on

before

handiwork.

to have

for

had

who

already

if his

His

never

but

prayed

rights

to the

I not

of God;

for

Him

any

to be a reprobate.

imprudence;

this

the prodigal

I dare

cherished

me

the son who

had

should

any

weakness.

from

of a virtue

how

have

him,

ask

life’s

by

forgive

has not

that

than

me my

decrees

to my

needed

secured

vain,

know

to

that

for

only

the

felicitate

why

cost

been

in

father

we

will

must

being

his

and

needful

him

I not

it. But

friend,

abandoned

I boast

me,

have

always

ic Do

and

it have

it on one who

possible

Could

should

indulgent

and

have

sufferings

it was

charming

of my

it

for

to question

from

account

were

my

my

utterly

favor

termination,

happiness

mine

plaint.

has saved

Doubtless, God

succor,

more

my

why

He lavishes

guilty

even

responsible

ceaselessly, love,

this

way

Oh,

it is not

Him

me without

let me stifle

happy

and

misery?

that

unhappy

this

de Valmont’s

my

I know

I

I am in any

M.

than

complaint!

applaud

be the instrument,

Could

other

but

as he states,

I should

repose?

his

cannot

did

not

to pay

the

that,

since

myself

it

to see

him? ’Tis

my

You

are my

sacrifice complete, that

fault

or my witness,

as soon

misfortune my

dear

that and

I held

venerable

as I recognized

its did

in

that

M.

de Valmont

it is this

idea

which,

at present,

out

friend,

necessity: not

too

but

share

torments

it.

long that

against I submitted

it just Shall

me most?

this

failed I confess

Insufferable

truth. to

in

this being

to

you pride,

which

sweetens

will

conquer

this

It is above on

all

tell

will

I had

to my them

up

and

my

given

to me trembling

to them

him

depart

will

not

And

from

use of it by

daily

the

will

burn

soul. which

last

what

by

one

no

longer

choice

save

prudence How

far

away

grievous

me;

again?

forgive

I repent What

him.

praise

him

beguiled

for by

is most

other?

Doubtless

If

will

you

occupy

urgent

permit

myself

even

of

alone

know

that

with

consolation, how

at once

feel

will

give him;

that

it is

I shall

see

follow

Ah,

let

the

sentiment

my which

him,

nay,

and

this

instant

will them

own

I my

risks

even

which

unites

my

I

his

the

it still,

often

of

corrupted

even

passion,

least,

reading

has

of feeling

at

keep,

of

us regret

dire

me,

to

tears;

object

and

of it.

Alas!

What

another

him

even

do more,

I will

to

shall

me,

either

why

of

amiable

arduous

I will

to understand

on

not

If

to

when

leaves

no

both:

let

them

wish

imitate

him;

back does

by

friend, task.

receive me and

If it

has

and his

shall

I have

need

to my

heart.

me,

I

faults;

I

But,

since

me

out?

forget

the

care.

in order

succor,

other

see

been

sole

to you of

visit

have

should

be my

come

to speak

his

seeking

each

any

offended

example.

I will

from

This

I, who

by

the

has he to

repair

he begin

henceforth,

cause!

need

to

that

consummate

its

he

his

us, is it not

is so; and that, my

now?

be brought

from

this

long

for

then

cares

its

one

me,

will

shame

by

can I not

we

for

the

makes

shame,

promise

is to flee

own

so

interest

which

with

poison

this

of my

errors,

my

he will

And

longer

be afraid

Why

forget

it. I will

like

it

us shun

still!

I congratulate

intention

What

are

gaze

virtue.

is Thursday and

if

can

or

no

are effaced

then,

Let

me

myself

dangerous

misery

replace

sacrifice,

troubles

it?

betwixt

at least

the

us; if one

inspires

see his

betraying

further

eyes,

fugitive

he refused

humiliation!

he

on

them

love

it has exposed

which

impose of

of

tranquil!

it to impregnate

traces

and

I shall

of shame,

and my

so much

letters,

is this

and

weak

hear

to me!

for

I will

as infected

Oh,

back

these

preserve.

is firm

I

receive,

I shall

indifference;

no

deposit

forever;

allowing

Yes,

until

look

reserved

religiously

his

which

me ... depart

been

weakness....

me

a hand

have

to

Then

which

his

Ah,

to humiliations!

the

fear

letters

from

this

that

the

inflict!

consented

effaced!

same

which

receiving

see his own

I have

make

by

things,

we

de Valmont.

while

receive

hands,

at last

is entirely

Those

I shall

as useless

M.

those

myself

to him;

emotion,

eyes.

requests

of

him

of

I have

nothing

upon

thought accustom

that

visit

I am

my

the

I will

result

without

me lower

repeated

heart,

that

me

by

painful

made

toward

make

bear

this

the

himself

impression

we

rebellious

next,

me

directed

ills

to obtain

Thursday

him

the

than Your

to

perhaps you.

You

precious

friendship

shall

for

me

my

tranquillity,

to second

me will I have the

fill

be that, written

trouble

very

of

I would

my

my

hide

in

it

must

take

my

virtue,

and

become

which

25TH

in this

I rely

of the movements friend.

I hope,

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

to

the fruit

too

I shall

of your

I gather me

difficult owe

you

kindness

so, at least,

while

blush, it entirely.

of my

in a few

seem

of yourself.

letter;

upon

shall

to

of it.

harassed I ought

arrival.

PARIS,

worthy

unceasingly at

Nothing

you

I think,

friendship;

any

venerable

that

I shall

has

your

existence.

happiness,

wildly,

which

indulgence

whole

care

at last,

occur

Adieu,

the my

sentiments

that

my

writing.

cover

them

It

is not

from If

any

with

the

from

you

heart. days,

to announce

the day

of

PART

IV

—125— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL BEHOLD think

HER

VANQUISHED

she could

yesterday I am

there

still

amazed virtue

resist

too

full

almost

first

triumph?

Yet

it is not

always

that

shared

the

would

be dissipated

should

even

somewhat

trouble

by

all combat

the

crowd

this

of

the

as much

even

in

meet

me halfway, but

the

on

which

was

but

women

desire habit

of

the

clear-sighted

modesty;

already

years

conduct escape It is not

inspired from then,

the first

my

by

with

these

at a speak?

with

this that

them

for

and

me,

as

I

a moment,

passing charm

I

illusion subsists.

in abandoning

I

myself

at my Nay:

age,

I

must

others

have

it true.

played

the

one

whose they

virtue

motives,

fain

who

who her

did

part had

and

not

to it;

no

I

more

provocative

I

at was

than

defense

had made. unfavorable

extreme

account;

of the cause!

to persuade

by the advice

to

a glimpse

met

a preconceived

attachment

different

yet

prudes

advances

and

to its

never

women

a natural

victory

if,

that

hitherto

as I had

to so many

strengthened

of

Does

I

had,

sentiment?

caught

I have

I had

those

an

which

I be dominated

and I would

whom

calling

woman;

enlightened

rate,

herself

I met

that fall?

tales.

had carried

same

involuntary

am

resembled

even

the

I

then,

to overcome

on;

Shall

already

to give

contrary,

how

but

it.

of lover,

conceal

since

resistance

sometimes

pleasure

anxiety.

I have

with

subsequently

two

enough

to

of her

wives’

of

I caused,

a sweet

in contrast

imperfectly

Here,

which

and

old

which

I counted

nevertheless

at any

moment

of yesterday

and

goes,

functions

least

known

it:

it be true,

charm

if I have

always

me some

idea,

the

weakness

an unknown

as that

other

of

it and understand

with

performed

did

cause

a schoolboy,

am pleased In

I confess,

not

as far

now:

Can

at the very

elsewhere

than

dared

entirely;

appreciate

or less well-feigned

intoxication

by

mine

a more

if the scene

farther

and

find,

to it, if it did

Perhaps,

Even

to

experienced.

all,

who

me.

be able

even

after

I have

she is mine,

with

moments

principles.

it did,

before

for,

woman

notion

I found

of love;

believe

I have

puerile

id passion,

to my

to

of a woman

have

proud

her to grant

encounter

woman,

pusillanimous

for

charm

this

friend,

happiness

this

And

astounding

like

my

the value

us relegate

one not

return

of

my

left

at the unknown

let

Yes,

is nothing

enhances

Nay,

me!

THEN,

prejudice,

and stories timidity,

directed finally, which

of a spiteful

fortified by

by

religion,

with

a vigorous

course

all

their

had

for

an

of aim

pursuit.

as in my

other

adventures,

a mere

capitulation,

more

or

less

advantageous, a

whereof

complete

victory,

determined success,

by due

the excess feel

point

can

in

subjected;

that

I

happiness;

and

that

should

be reserved

These

deliberate and

to such

a degree

them

at my

do not and

yet

learn

know

the means virtue

You

will

to you

reconcile

me

with

my

to reunite letter

us. One

intercepted

of being and

after

had

quitted filled

these

the twenty-eighth,

presented

myself

announced;

position: impatience, in

compliments.

the

But,

the

I carefully

the

of my

in

settled

pleasure

break you

rights:

read

then,

folly. that

I

studied

I hope

to

be

you.

the you, fear the

mediator personage

which

I

and

the

austere

not

I

holy

sentiments

learned petty

Puritan’s and

ideas

commonsense.

to know,

that

appointed

of a timid

and while

ie what

were

and

my

rupture,

delight

tell

you

of

bonds

my

with

I came

It

yesterday,

by the ingrate,

and repentant

knees

slave,

had

We

filled

up

to

I could

waste

no

the locality; have

not

her

who

recluse;

She attempted

did

servant

order

to the fair

to everyone.

resumed

examined

victory.

for

when

shut

her trembling

apartment.

precious, scene

has been

immediately

because

new

zeal

they

of

I to

victory.

in the evening

but

she

necessary

her in the quality

with

her door

because

have

enchained

the

head

I

be

disturbed

and

the day

before

o’clock

her return

heart

of thinking

let myself

enclosed

somewhat

I

important

will

way:

of glory.

this

I obtained

I must

usual

interesting

Thursday

six

had

preliminaries,

her crowned

more

I

whom

to succor

what

which

on

of my

that

and

and

energy

acquired

letters

fair,

the

her

nonetheless

of

and

all the others.

these

the replies

thing in

not

it seeks

a precision

copies

were

perform

with

two

prudence,

was

and

to me;

plenitude

whole

already

when

the

conduct

with

I have

is exposed

this

slave

excluding

I will

play

by which

conversation

the

my

to you

the

humiliation

It was

always

see from

employed

leave

that

I am talking

them

was

assured

that

the humiliation

alone

a woman, regulate

then, precious

the

is and

I triumphed,

upon

it

campaign,

of the sentiment

me

shall

But

to repeat

which

or such

I cannot

will.

when

myself

giving

hard

the more

me from

in

of

that

able

a

possess

rest

all

dependent

power

may

my

from

not

a

to be proud;

surprising,

impression

saves

manner

the

you

to what

to

which

than

of

not

seem

the sweet

to such

so attentively

chose

I experienced

reflections

occasion;

’Tis

which

any do

cost

should

than

advantage

the

alone,

of view,

be

at

maneuvres.

to myself

this

I

cunning

is no more

cherish

to take

purchased

of pleasure

still,

that

it is easier

allow

seat.

the

and

chosen

when at once

one

showed

me

interval

time,

to rise

her to remain

She

introduced

for

more

had

with

moments my

signs

I

of

task

to

customary were

eye fixed

suitable,

when in this

some the

since

for

so upon there

was

an

ottoman

portrait was

in

of the

afraid

result

very

husband;

lest

of

that

all

one

my

room.

and

I confess

haphazard

labors.

But that,

glance

At

last,

I noticed

in

we

with

that

were

that,

such

it,

a singular

direction

left

facing

and

a

woman,

should

alone

was

I

destroy

the

I broached

the

question. After

having

explained,

informed

her

treatment

I had

had

displayed

been

of

in a few

the

motives

been

of

subject me.

She

yourself,

I founded

I had

inspired,

on

scandalous

my

letters,

a justification her;

and,

with

even

which

would

to obtain

a flattery.

“If

on my

upon

Led

soul.

to deem but

myself

I am

silence, “It

duty

etc.

very

brusque

on the scorn

which

I felt

on,

her

she

maintained

which

refusal

to

it at

no

them,

judged an

once

profound

has been

having

to

interrupt

so

to approach

for

you

commencing

made

you

as

fear

I covered

virtues

desire

As

and

bound

“have

of so many by my

and,

ensued,

proceeding,

reproach

severe

As she was

easy,

I went

“My

you?”

“It

not

a more

less

I dared

otherwise; embarrassed

must

during

this

it my

with

think.

be so.”

your

Well, you

may

to reply: my

“The despair.”

your

eyes,

me to have

to embellish

them.”

the her

“Is

dialogue, were

this

finish

it true

that

“And

Madame,

congratulate Somewhat resolution I resumed

“I

or

to

committed;

to which

I

attach

not

raised

surprised you

have with

phrase.

it is from drive

I have of

I

me

gentle

lie

resumed,

me

no need

the

the

you

have

away

from

to tell

you

prude

was

to mine.

scene

firmness,”

yourself

completing

her

you

must.” voice

we shall

of

that

the

languid

“Your

difficulty to

forever?”

her eyes

yes,

suppose

days

necessary.”

to give

handiwork.”

of

tone:

an air of vexation:

own. And

duty

in

tranquillity,

And

permit

“And

short

ig and that

I judged

my

was

myself

to reply:

not

tender

you

refused

me....”

did

justify

a certain

have

permit

to

the wrongs

with

you

departure

oppressed,

either

for

end,

required, in

fled?”

result

etc.,

mistake.”

she endeavored

did

therefore,

sought

pardon

since

however,

which

of

you

value

duty

rising

my

Madame,

I can at least

no more

all

wish,

from

so that

that,

I do not

for

them,

had

have

the

on the distrust

which

effect

of

as I expected;

flight

no doubt,

worthy.

punished

my

obtain

“My

away,

the

particularly

proofs

charms,”

heart,

complained

herself,

been

this

I

must

I continued:

was

Here,

for

so many

an impression my

have

pardon

dwelt

my

to receive

the Père if Anselme

visit,

defended

expect

answer

that

my

to, and

would

the

words,

a touch I then

of animation; said,

be separated at your at taken passion.

this ...”

“restores

even

leisure

more

over

tone

of

said

she.

“You

thus, to me than

the

success

reproach,

wished

“It

she

is but me

you

to

the be

unhappy; “I

I will

desire

to

your

her,

one!”

I cried.

and

in

in that “Can

Where

that,

can

of

constant

and

either

painful

this

from

attention

I remembered

equally

good,

change

of manner

profound. terror;

ill

I

disposition, giving

which

never,

had

on

is mine:

in

Ah,

hopes.”

of her voice

know

me

you?

extent,

I was

feet,

and

that,

that

for

for

that,

know

not

rose

with

you

what

knees

“Ah,

cruel

you

counted

began

my

have

never!”

I

on

the

to

the

owing

it was

no

confess

much

or perhaps

to everything,

As

her.

It

remarked

that

scenes

ridiculous,

if

withdrew

enough

for

I then

rose;

wild

impossible

and,

after

were

still

as soon effects

to draw as possible,

of so violent was

your

happiness,

I trouble

my

it too....”

Madame;

little

then,

silence,

her

from

one

I have Then,

accustomed

had often

such

really

However,

her,

while but

as if at

loud

it became

to succeed

of tranquillity,

to

that

gave

produce: and

necessary

capable

weakening

all

quarters,

in this,

their

contraction

arms,

wished

at close

for

the

trembling

as I had

except

random,

observant

breathing,

another,

without

troubled with

such

in order

very

I

became

whisper,

and

of her

was

distance

to an appearance

upon

heavy

position

finishes

am

cast

clear-sighted

the effect

only

ominous

she

had

a key

I

but

which I

your

met.

in mine;

to take.

and

at

death!”

ever

“I

wishing

a low

nothing

transition: and

one

and

eyes

for

left

attitude,

a condition,

her:

or

from

vow

our

with

prolonged,

in

It was

retain

voice,

this

words,

arm

substituted

my

she saw,

the

to

I

make

lively

half-raised

together.

and

too

nonetheless

to me that

favorable

in

far

“Well

at once

rendered

a moment’s

the

in love,

This

me:

from

nothing

I added

ill-assured

at some

all things

very

Her

proof

did

unduly

were

muscles,

escaped

despair

which

of all

since,

of

me,

her to hear

air.

but,

I

as I was

distracted

sufficient

true,

or thought

are great

of

last

means

by some

lacking,

“I

these

all

her

inflection

I continued,

saw,

and

proved

the

I uttered

creature

were

from

glances,

her

is

they

changing

or die.”

air,

to astound

which

“Yes,”

a woman,

an impression

sensibility

the timid

resources

to produce

posture,

a terrified

to subjugate

be sufficient

merely

encircled

tragic

it would

the

in the same

to possess

in order

in order

Thus, and

keeping

me,

to

from

for

your

therefore,

you

exist

it away

the sound

myself,

which

beyond

me to weep.

Luckily

she

tone

happiness

even

And

dramatic

myself but,

succeeded

Casting

I find

tears;

have

emotion.

any

abandoning

support

you

she answered.

a strong

before

share?

that

happiness,”

announce

for

prove

we

before I

passed,

of calming

the

its impression.

miserable!

It was

my

wish

to live

for

it. I devote

myself

for

your

peace,

and

a composed,

but

constrained,

as I am to the storms

air:

of passion,

“Forgive I know

ill

how

to repress

at least

remember

you!”

And,

would

me

voice,

continued, For

remains

for

“Behold,”

me

signal

which

Here,

my

to

life;

must

fruit

of

step

your

yourself

what

own

then,”

what

is that?”

the inevitable

I answered, “The

put

an end to my

my

arms,

nor

forgetfulness

only

pain.”

did of

the

“Adorable

creature,”

conception

of

what

an extent

to me be

the

than

you

with

this

sacrifice

love were

sincere

the

all

will

way; and

I

your

sacrifice to

diminish

my

thus,

pocket:

yourself,

the

concern: would

one?

Is it not

which

has made for

Here

from

you

will

you

“And

you,

I clasped

was

the

adopt?”

own.”

judging

potent

say?

led

me

my me

and,

me;

“But,

is it you

can

her

from

her

enthusiasm,

in

days

in this

emotion:

“you

have

no

never

know

to

much

dearer

be calm

and

fortunate;

may

they

have

ravished

from

me!

which

you

a tear

not

a

of friendship!

same

is it?”

any

how

by a regret,

make

what

inspire

your

the duty

a little

and

in

you

tend from

it separates

strong

happiness

prayer

I shall

you

more

But,”

sorrowful

me

you

be

return

may

what

not

which

in

risking

adored,

May

all

which

I,

“If

long.

assurances

and

they

me,

how

which

existence!

adorned

Reward

proprieties

to

is responsible

herself

for

a voluntary

while

answer

defend

said

are

which,

“But

she

today

course

one

conjure

I added,

to her tender

you,

course

“that

I.

them,

forever....”

with

And

said

collection

entirely

taking

reflections?

to approve

“Well,

are

“pray

This

I

nearer.

fair,

I not,

Give

to

be calm,

not

which

me.

you

way

is

of your

from

gave

you

naught

receptacle back

it

back.

precious

is the matter

which

them

me

me from

mistress

you,”

did

myself

drew

frightened

came,

the

it

separate

timorous

the

leave

take

insensibly

at least

to take

deceitful

be calm,

I promise

“I

deign

drawing

I, “the

I

great,

air,

to perform;

de Valmont,

Is not

be

to abandon

Ah,

the

yes,

effort

sake,

time.

replied

well!

the

And,

last

wrong

speech,

calm,”

mercy’s

me

the

a distraught

said

bound

If I was

long

“Ah,

“If

courage.”

M.

be

with

letters?

for

this

yourself.”

fainter

It

’tis

during

have

tranquil

my

its movements.

be the

at least; most

this

sentiment

believe

that

grievous

to

was

the

my

last heart.

Farewell!” While

I spoke

changed choking that

expression her and

I resolved she said

it is my

wish.”

As

this

last

I was

I felt of

yet

quickly. “I

word still

must

her

her

were

to feign

to me,”

At

thus,

face;

few

and

“Leave flee

of

from

saw,

painful when,

violently;

above

her

It was

I must!”

“You

“No,” fell

shall

not

were

till

then

“Nay, listen

listen to

me;

she cried....

swooning

a success,

the

tears

me forcibly:

you,

or rather

I observed

that

flow.

retaining I answered.

fortunate

all,

in their

me,”

herself, so

throbbing

I

departure;

she flung doubtful

heart

I feigned

into

my the

arms. utmost

alarm;

but,

alarmed

originally

fixed

upon

return

to

happy

conqueror.

Thus

herself

far,

which

my

will

from

Frederic

or

temporize;

the

terror

more to

this

chance,

except

and

certainty

the

until had

feeling

before

conquered.

at present,

lest,

Capua.

2 Now

what

I fully

expected

that

customary

confusion prude:

thus,

last,

however,

less

indeed

was

displayed.

Imagine

I did

not

give

without

issue

seated,

to

an effort.

if

I tried

innocent gasping

for

an articulate

myself

I was

able

to

nothing

I did

one

can

to

not

engage all that

do:

but

I

I

am

by the delights

of

with

than

Madame

of

de Tourvel,

apathy

was and,

consolation, assist

speech,

alarming

which

resistance,

under

which

an unchanging

understanding;

while

a caress,

it

face;

whose

which

the

which

would

the form

tears,

by

of

any

a really

nor

to me

road

and

of

differences,

than

from

more

character

sensations

rigor,

stream

sobs

high

do more

I met

attention

slight

without

somewhat

to the

ordinarily,

character

convulsions,

of

in case of success,

at first

these the

would

But

apparent

choice

be accomplished

both

followed

a continuous

this

not

with

of an immovable

her

do

confidence,

I left

be enervated

I attributed

action

was

with

been

would

and preserve

that

I noticed

hearing,

Such

had

the

retreat;

so

fixed

fall,

however,

I was

speaking;

by

even

at once

succeeded

at intervals,

cries,

the by

but

most terror,

with

not

word.

cries was

breath,

if

of thinking,

to recall

gesture,

and,

neglect.

I

who

in short,

would

as happens

its excessive

a woman

event

I simply

a single

enemy

remarked,

since.

a great

that,

the air neither

eyes

These

that

I may

though

engaged;

all

her

nothing

as

cover

is, I believe,

despair;

local,

from

I could

of shrinking,

persuaded and

by which

to

in

advantage

of defeat;

not

I departed

I obtained

was

she did

method

in his

in case

concerning

purely

sentiment,

having

a sort

fight

Hannibal,

such

him

had

of

the enemy

of a great

has passed

and

without

thoroughly

but,

tears

and

I thought

even

for

the

That

like

to inspire

I

a purity

often

an

spot

abandoned

have

then

combat

up with

consideration

retreat,

me

maneuvres

able

to catch

afraid,

the

I was

as we

Judge to

already

see that

which,

to the

in truth

I believe,

will

scientific

easily

I had an assured previously

war

her, and

and

find,

forced

of resources

carried

triumph;

you

war.

ih by

in my

will

and

1 I had

and of the field;

in order add

Turenne.

but

you

real

or

submissive

of that

the

her,

of my

was

pleasure,

principles

resembles

I led

field

friend,

you

strongly

positions

she

lovely

true

nothing

as the

until

give

the

as I was,

were

so violent

resumed that

several I was

times,

entirely

and

always

discouraged

more

loudly;

by it, and

the

feared

last for

a

moment

that

I had

won

a useless

commonplaces;

and,

among

despair

because

you

have

woman

turned

toward resumed

she said.

can guess

protestations. While

languorously, which

You

judge and,

second

of

shall

this

candor,

the

the

said

you

word,

the

rather

then?”

in

adorable had,

happiness!” I redoubled

supple;

and

my tender

she sank

yielding

to

that

are

wild,

praises

she, “that

reciprocal

to her;

I only and,

so

or sublime, my

me

idea

down a

hand

consoles

and

Ah,

are you

not

I

hope

proposed

to you

as I promised you

a

and only

you

do not

But

happiness

entering

portion

even

once

fantasies.

me.

tends more

as letter.

the

and

what

and

me,

no longer

support

you

myself

happy.

I

to you,

and

It was

mine swear

with

and

her

intoxication survived

the

an eternal

I said.

And,

I was

obliged

and

same effects:

regrets.”

time

a had

this

in it. The

what

left

attempt

to me her person

first

lose

nothing

settled

the

Do

by

you

Hasten

love

even

after

to

make

of your

however,

And

to

that

I

do

I must

the new

lover

so?

which

word,

and

I that,

me to

your

heavy

to

occupy

is,

in the country,

I should

then

that

to enable

he

so long

that

is not

dismiss

where

doing

adorers,

my

advanced

then

of the action

arrangement

I fulfill

Danceny

know

waiting,

happy

see that

are you

indulgence.

the ranks

the charm

be sufficiently

time.

what

me?

Remember,

the

I believed

mawkish

But

to

nor

at her knees

You

will

my

answer

for

fain

favorable

render

I give

to counterbalance

I shall

affairs

leave

with

at least

last

of

to

really

myself.

consider

my

can

by participating

truth,

But

in my

you,

Belleroche, yourself

may

“I

she abandoned

of her never

here

reward? I

refusals

to fall

to distract

of the

with

her arms

in order

its

serve

neither

left

an effort

may

moment,

happiness

the whole

to me,

it was

summoned

perceived

said

it;

I would

having

this

that

left

resistance,

from

and

the idea

but,

as it

complete;

to tell

when

a certain

I soon

and

separated,

that

aid,

I no longer

So that,

with

far

side,

we had

why

one.

creature

to that:

enhanced

way,

circumspect: my

in

on my

naive

and

pleasure.

first,

tender

entirely

meet,

charms,

little

and

shown

at

to

except

myself

give

armchair;

feel,”

me

happiness

right;”

you

And

grew

customary

“Your

joined

her limbs

“I

only

I met,

existence,

devote

by

I

the “And

still

are happy

me!”

her

the

rendered

my

are

thus

perhaps,

before

“You

was

in

this

expression.

“You

all

At

one:

although

celestial

through

to take:

that,

success,

passed

my

face,

upon

this

happiness?”

answer.

back

back

me.”

right

idea

found

her

speaking,

leaning

may

the

I was

number,

its

happy

I had ventured

relieves

and

my

I fell

my

already

“And

speeches.

made

me;

nevertheless, You

their

victory.

like not

submit will

to scold forget

you?

that,

anew lose

that

to

in your

no whit

of

the former Adieu, P.S.

rights

as of old.... Do

to leave punished PARIS,

you

know

of a friend. Yes,

adieu

that

Prévan,

his regiment? for 29TH

my angel! after

It is the news

a sin which OCTOBER,

he did 17 -- .

not

I send

his month of all commit,

Paris

thee

all

the kisses

of prison, today.

and your

of love.

has been Truly,

success

he is

obliged cruelly

is complete!

—126— MADAME I

DE

SHOULD

fatigue

ROSEMONDE

HAVE

once

was

most

me

of

my

succored

you

of your that

little

I do

which shipwreck will

will

alleviate you

remorse

for

me

to

absolute

Since

a

even

and

contempt

you

earlier

feel

with

born,

It is this

last

to tell who

palliation;

dies

you is

he has incurred, with

been

not

if

this

only

the

of of

our

them! objects from

you

dread

forever

It would

have

and

in

to endure been

severity:

than

useless love

its

is

for an

avoid,

but

which

it

could

not

by

fine

death,

or from

the

its

you

are,

opinion.

which

to

to enlighten

to inspire

gives

It is cruel

susceptible

submission

spite

saved

which

easier

longer

in order

important

still

my

it is right

any

has

It is

rights

the

subsist

in which

frankly

no

ii but

and

case,

in

been

lose

also

you,

and,

not

has

apparent

only

to try

the

sorrow

it was

can

has

a

of means?

to

this

prudence

once

sick,

that

in this

to you,

that

of

the

were

sincere

one,

had

I

given

my

thanksgiving.

who

of yourself.

which

and the right

it

of

agreeable

had a choice

if

you

the

arm.

have

exhausted;

your

view

that

you

wished

speaking,

man

my

heart

Valmont’s

in

daughter,

nonetheless

he has need,

me

to alarm

aught

save

a convalescent

him

with

to counsels

that

which

as

prudence

may

still

be

to him.

you

choose

that

I tell and

comparison

will

and,

which

and we would

Does

dear

pains,

only

more

humanly

he has not

my

back

to recognize

was

that

considerations

that

which,

dangers

present,

Next,

obtained?

and

necessary

and

been

to

been

preserved,

if

offer

the

methinks,

and

child,

is forced

who

TOURVEL

amiable

which

to

touching

have

even,

slight

of hope.

consolations

Him,

first,

better

sentiment

of which

you

it seems

would

lack

by

it would to

find,

and

owe

these

hopelessly

to the

that

crime

the courage one

you

been

speak

vanquish,

which,

One

strength

itself;

involuntary

account.

DE

of the use of my

news

eager

your

soon

entirety,

less

when

complain

You

no

days

good

at a moment

of it;

have

the

last

God,

come

are

these

my

brought

fair,

have

what

not

dearest

had

sex would

own

before,

had

for

was

PRESIDENTE

my

feel

consequence

But

Yes,

murmur,

not

resolution

I

Providence,

the other.

letter

you

and

on your of

you

me during

to thank

nephew,

THE

to

last

deprived

anxious

effect

saved

on my

more

congratulations real

REPLIED

consequent

have

TO

you

that

which with

as your permit

me for

the

physician, little

perhaps

the alarming

friend, myself

your

as the to

add

indisposition

demands malady friend that

it is as such

from

which

some which

passion,

your

which

I speak

you

remedies,

of a reasonable this

that

is

virtuous

has

you,

experience

recovery

and

to

nothing

at in

is assured. woman,

subjugated

I you,

already

so unfortunate

I am

to

perhaps many

believe

what

ruin.

and

Indeed,

doubtless,

was

flattered

deceived,

me,

who,

I

better

you

more

with

for

whom many

worthy

you

I

love,

are women their

seduction

should

not

of

many

and Never,

so many

and their

to

whom

him.

but

If

qualities

converted

to do this:

thought,

to think

laudable

upon

have

its object.

I confess

there

price

may

the same

far

so through

women;

an equal

that

a person

I love

unites

danger

believe

more

nephew,

indeed,

without

themselves

even

my

he sets almost

there

that

became

told

and

is not

he has wronged,

have

is

to weakness, attractions,

their

in itself,

hopes

others

have

be reduced

been

to

this

resource. Consider

now,

my

have

had

to run,

your

own

peace

dearest

you

happy

in large

the

of

part,

weakness

error.

I love

in that

your

I expect

you have

had

result

to think first

Come lost

For

part

and

kept

myself,

have

left

a few

recover above the word

calm all,

and

to rejoice

you

gave

THE

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 3OTH

cause

resistance,

and

that

a

nephew, think

the same;

amiable

her,

loving

OCTOBER,

you

fond

to do nothing

17 -- .

is,

moment eternal will

find

more.

as you

in the same your

this

in you

daughter,

happiness with

perhaps,

for

and

the principal that

or of yourself! AT

conscience

but

reasons

my

would

doubt

to see you

days,

been

you

I do not

my

and I, fresh

risks

of your

of having

courageous

might

the

the repose

the satisfaction

of your

within

instead

besides

so, and desire

it; come,

so happily

have,

consolations,

here

that

reformation.

on your

you

announced.

will

of mind,

of Valmont’s

fair,

spot

mother unworthy

that

have where you of her

—127— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT IF I HAVE have

NOT

not

had the time;

that

I found

not

do better

you

appear

consent,

than to

sometimes

whole

seraglio;

thought

you

it,

to

moreover,

in

way?

favors

By

that

has

is

good

condescending keen

in

truth,

although You,

certainly,

am not

myself

warn

you

I

have,

I have

Danceny,

in

than

even

assistant, And

for

well

be

equally politeness,

me

all permit

it would what

not

reasons,

none:

for

cause

your

to give

the

or

opinion

however

for

the

are

the superior

I may

of

de

afraid idea

of

my

look

this

sublime

of

which

you:

then,

pleasures,

precious

for

in

Madame

you

your

fancy

distraction

celestial

in search

have

myself

a moment’s

preserve

I

ignorant

a fresh

for

a

one.

must

to occupy

less

bounties,

happiness!

of yourself:

Perhaps

of be

and

when

come

believing with even

loves

at his

years,

that,

the

me,

and

before

but,

apparently,

at myself,

is a fault

I

I

cannot

of mine;

age,

at any

do you

ask me? which

reason

rate

But,

but

I

However, of my

effectively my

pleasure.

to give

with,

make

me

am

quite

opinion.

who,

him

an

moment.

to begin

I

and

whim

without

satisfied,

more

happiness my

mawkish

to me,

work

at this

might

the

sacrifices

may

my

not

schoolboy,

it has been

if it were

be you,

caprice

that

to secure

to add

the

could

person

a part ij

no longer

the

suffice

exclusion. you

I

silence

proposal

want

should

passion,

as one

myself

and

to it, since

single

slave,

Cécile,

will

good

in my

And

nevertheless,

occupied

his twenty

I

also.

of

of it, a first

loves for

that

you!

adorable,

a point.

others

is solely

a merit

you,

I will

many

especial, who

a word,

to such

my

a fancy,

and

for

take

can

consequence;

in your

and

your

you

she

you

will,

back

a submissive

the

that

so in modesty;

reduced

in

making

rare,

with

of the seductive

without

that

come

make

you

experience,

to myself,

are rich

equally

find

you

therefore,

you

to

sacrifice

forsooth,

made

pleasure

somewhat

me

absurd

like

When, which

but

to

turn,

that

me in a bad humor,

to replace

when

myself

my

it is not

I think.

how

charm

even

contains,

at least,

I am

it put

since

suited

imagine

in the eyes

your

never

to occupy

alone

compromising,

what

Now,

Highness!

but, it

Vicomte,

I thought,

the pretension

has

awaiting

that

sense.

ideas

I indeed!

unknown

Tourvel

it

it

easily

order

of Your

from

the

had

this.

me.

simply

plainly

have

will

appeared

to

but

of the 19th,

it in oblivion:

you

knew

you

what

leave

tell

letter

in common

cling

I must

to your it is quite

it lacking

I may

of

replied

there prefer

It seems

might you

willing, to me

very could

out that

of you

would

have

too

for

them,

grateful believing from

that

each

in any

you. kisses;

Adieu,

above sure

AT

Until you

of all,

you

THE

my

fashion

then,

I bid

believe

so many

that

me,

you M.

CHÂTEAU

Be satisfied adieu

make

see that,

me

are

together

I had

again

time,

before I

and

will keep

...

a little

more

to

minor

parts;

and,

said

yes,

of bidding

as at present.

... , 31 ST OCTOBER,

as we

took

le Vicomte. DE

of

of them!

you

entirely

if instead

capable

arrangements,

to me,

being

I promise

to dispose

until

far

a long

converted,

of

be

come

time,

other

it seems

then,

quite

need

occasions

instead

might

I am

to wait

I,

we cannot

better

relegated

and

expect,

You

When

not willing

to

it might

you

quite

me;

of thinking,

of old,

were

fail

debtor!

But

had

make

not

say you?

consent.

servant,

still

sentiments.

have

me;

of my

as of old, Your

my

to

would

and I am afraid

as of old,

account

were

in our

change

inform your

other

sacrifices

as you

you

manner:

I should

many

17 -- .

before

you

also

being adieu

—128— THE

PRESIDENTE

I ONLY have

RECEIVED

killed

hands; see

me

but

that of

guile.

All

death

or

myself

on

is its

your

friendship, I can

his

will made

can

ever

cause

not

have

cruel

you

accuse

that

it was

before

this

then

have

myself.

He

ruined

sentiments, will

my

be precious

differently

dared

on my

course.

You

to me,

to cast

see, now,

lest

one

he will

day

is forced

him,

now

your

read,

esteem

lead

kindness

you

the contrary, I am with PARIS,

you

to suspect

1ST

and

He

alone

Madame,

in

frankness

have that

shown

To

I have

the

justice

in ceasing

Madame,

NOVEMBER,

me.

your 17 -- .

vanity

most

I fear

I

and

that

I my

he I

have

resolved

to

wish

for

have, that,

reproaches

As

shall

it

thinks

seem

be vain judge.

to

I shall

repose;

have

and

if

he

justified. the

this

misfortune

myself

more

upon

confidence would

it still,

be

when,

to it.

and obedient

of

unworthy

complete

word

to pretend

do

that

him

I have

ere he can

to count

it

I

thoughts,

you

of rendering

humble

that

reproach.

and

I preferred

one

that

to his happiness,

be sufficiently

add

not

is happy;

my

nor

memory

I owed

nor

it is for of

then

must

pleasures.

fear

be my

to that

I thought

for,

will

heart.

vaunt

Do

If someday

by the

my

I shall my

all into

moment;

shall

that

when

Valmont

complaint

what

by his

letter

in me,

torn,

center

me:

it

between

It is not

myself;

fatal

ruin

me;

be in him

I do myself respect,

should

of a lie.

to a regret

it fortunate.

that

longer

contains.

is necessary

be affected

him,

of it by the degradation to the

upon

I need

my

it

is most

me neither

You

no

your

which

it converts

life

own

I neither

impression

one

my

the fact.

or in conduct.

deem

I loved

by

latter.

devoted

would

to retain

of

birth

in

me

it than

the

It

de Valmont.

de Valmont

state

the

reply.

by M.

heart

as my

from

hear?

that

to lose

truths

I have

eyes

it will

less

I say to myself:

I shall

to love

not

to admit

have

losing

ceased

for

and

little

consider

what

my

become

de Valmont

I shall

but

You

M.

have

which

lived

how

has

my

must

favor

or rather

that

hear

you

to give

when

As long

... he shall

already

me

actions.

is M.

severe

ROSEMONDE

been

other

in sentiment

idea,

nephew

that

placed

torments,

It is to your

still

this,

able

but

my

had

I simply

the

me to change

existence

in

after

with

tardy

even

myself;

DE

your

If

is that,

me,

endure

all vanishes

you.

MADAME

Madame,

and

I resolved

moments:

can no longer

my

I fear

understand,

however,

if

from

tell

nor

upon

TO

possessor,

happiness,

easily

believe,

instant,

nothing

on this,

have

the

hide

that

TOURVEL

YESTERDAY,

another

I

worthy

You

DE

servant.

to on

—129— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL TELL and

ME

THEN,

banter

which

committed,

MY

lovely

prevails

friend, in

apparently

without

You

reproach

me with

before

I had

obtained

it:

in

case

of

save

confidence:

aught

to friendship natural

to us as possible; the

result

introduced but

old

these

protocol;

that

out

of love.

Perhaps,

but

me:

but,

you

judge

That,

come for

from that

imagine

could

very

in

you

yourself,

the

you

and

frank

moreover, which

the value

it would

and

me,

it

we

seek

to

no

more has

that

seems

to

to

which

us.

on

an

takes

in this

still

is

between

so often

painful

it

me,

it is founded

to the happiness

near

custom

know

I find

the

as

was

necessary

which

for

detriment

yield

that

which

be more

consent

but

also

when

flattery

I attach

error have

whom

you

so ill

me,

in this

tell

a point.

I well

that

I was

very

more

a cause

or less,

At

least

to the

I infer

prefer

for

the

manner

it recalls for

to

me

praises

have

to

to

see

I do

not

strange

your

idea.

which

I made

Madame

de Tourvel

or of

little

Volanges.

words,

expressive one

more of

the

finds

often

used

by

account

one

takes

oneself

at

the

chance

time

of

the of

found

only

that

use

of

But than

from

person speaking?

than

have more

so? that of

the

in speaking are you

at

you

to make out

I

yourself

however,

of picking

that

with

you

myself

any

looked

not

It seems,

affectation

seductive,

have

judged

permitted

celestial,

less,

the conclusion,

to have

adorable,

the

have

existed

even

You

it proves

drawn

not

I have

it, from

you

for

there

and,

believe.

and

of;

that you,

it, and

certain

this

to

feign

believe not

conscious

seriously

connection,

ease and justice, for

I am

thought

as you

you

in vain

which

I could

could

which

you

method,

to the insipid

But

these

but

no longer

mirror.

women.

doubt:

ill

presumption

what

well

were

only

world

to such

a faithful

due,

mighty

precautions

could

appreciate

I seek

know

pride

I

such

done

happiness of

in

you

I did

authorized,

cause,

is the

that

reduced

I

effect

have

of it otherwise.

however,

woman

that

the

crime

seem

sentiment

I was

free

preferable

does

for

the

bitterness

you

between

to desire,

of

on your

might

and

this

is far

what

place

a respectful

liaison,

relish

us ever

put

of counting

has that

hope

eagerness.

minute

even,

uniting

tone

what

which

be taken,

when

took

a case

a mere

that

Methinks,

you

my

in such

a form,

believe

of

In

it,

that

the

Pray,

the air

never

since

makes

and

letter?

I believed

and

which

last

having

could

or to love?

impulse

than

but

everybody

your

comes

suspecting

humor?

the

whence

it

is

other

epithets

to you

of

not

aware

that

reflection,

are

less

the

situation

in

if,

at

of

And

the

very

moment

when

nonetheless both

I was

keenly

desirous

of them;

of

since,

to the prejudice

affected

you;

if

in short,

of the two

either

I showed

I could

others,

by

one

you

not

the

a marked

renew

I do not

or

our

find

I

was

preference

former

in that

other,

over

liaison,

so great

except

a matter

for

reproach. It

will

be

charm with, Ah,

no

more

with

which

it does

not

who

know

wish

to

you

give

how

tell

but

I repeat

today,

and

to conquer

it.

As

task

for

a homage

the

little

You

have

with

the

have

remarked

any

way

And for

since

it

and

I only

upon

her

lovely

to the long

adopt

with you

and

minute.

I will

thousand

me? like!

all

fly

to your

be the true

sovereign

Adieu,

lovely

3RD

But Say

and

your

friend;

NOVEMBER,

how

will

it will

into

that

had

not

combat

see in

this

but,

of

upon

first

confidence

to compensate

your

arms, that

not and

you

17 -- .

reply

with

much

for

tone

whether

for

a day,

are,

that

one in

kindness

see

I will

a

which

be for

me here,

may

her.

to your

will

I

she is not

prove you

heart. your

her.

the severe

you

myself

or less degree,

attention

you

you.

even,

assuredly,

justice,

to

I charged

I deserved

and

manners,

of her

I may

in a more

the entire

detain

and

I await

but

to

if I can

freshness;

one’s

to your

word,

in a thousand of my

you

I did I

to be rid

handiwork;

us: have

one

feet

and

friendship,

easy

but

which

to it; and I added

to speak

request

because,

I appeal

how

begin

unknown.

keen?

know

to this,

permission

to fix

between

it is

which

a class

be, I shall

at your

own

perfect

kind

necessary

ingenuousness

the seductions

times,

my

await

consequence

and

that

to

to you.

it was

friend,

un known

pleasures

to assign

it hardly

in one’s

a

zeal

the for,

are always

of

more

her seductive,

the bonds

charms

PARIS,

that

pleasure

welded

when

I think

thought

my

even

fact

delicious

was

it may

as to

shocked:

the

as they

pretend

to be offered

of sufficient

now, me,

you

have takes

bring

forgotten

child,

moment, always

not

not

whatever

Cécile,

somewhat

the

fresh, it

myself

from

over

that

I did

I shall

justify

it is stronger

always

that,

to

to be also

therefore,

before,

me

palm ik

to render

what

trivial

that

it the

you,

experienced

for

seem

result

could

alone

difficult

eagerness.

has which

me

for

all

the

but

for

to you will

ever

a a

—130— MADAME AND

DE

WHY,

MY

do you

seem

us?

it

Is

ROSEMONDE DEAREST

to announce

to

punish or do you

know

heart

pain,

therefore,

fair,

for

well

me

to

which

your

friend!

I tell

PRÉSIDENTE

would

not

suspect

too

THE

to me that

me

probability; your

TO

cease

correspondence

having

guessed

having

believe

that

caused

will what

pained it

can

TOURVEL

to be my

all

of

letter

you

DE

me is far

cease

was

you

think

Why

between

against

willfully? thus

less

child?

all

Nay,

of

relative

I

mine.

The

to me

than

to yourself! O my

youthful

being

loved

was

that

truly

ever

delicate

and

sentiment

which

appreciate

the woman

’Tis

not

that

affections: unison

but,

like

our

own.

they

bring

that

delicate

of which in

the

the

solicitude

arouse her,

them. it

is

would

fact

sentiment,

most

with

which

And

experience that

pleasure

And

do not

only

not

should deem

voice,

is

In

short,

in

the

man

a pleasure destroy;

destroys

every

and

removed

from

and

disgust

in

bestows. a

of to

whereas, are

with

so

often and

taste, a

desire,

by

which

preference,

it is a

object profound

but

allows

point

very

pleasure

another

women

very

lies

especially,

but

dominion,

at the

cares

of feeling,

perhaps,

extraneous its

is,

exclusive

which, while

she

women

naught

even

pleasure

to success;

that

is

eagerness,

The

manner

in

love

however,

other

to

their

constant

conduct.

of this

in

their

which

which

how

themselves

man’s

has,

the

with

very

this

often

and

that

a means

only

repugnance

where

which, them it

to

seems

be born. that

can successfully

by the public

love,

in

of

in

anxious

The

noticed,

the abuse

reality.

would

nature,

is but

coquetry,

than

aim.

that

who

constant

that

tender

of

woman

know

to put

that

respective

desires; him,

its

little

of their

to enhance

not

so

worthy

intoxication,

know

woman’s

and

child,

same

in us those

the

men

how

dear

the single

and

else

but

than

is ever

his

the

what

Do

know

my

too

misfortune

actions,

do not

causes

are far Ah!

felicity!

few

they

he feels,

characterizes

diminish,

quote,

but

itself.

proves

at the

stronger

to it;

gratify

To please,

particularly serving

to

is nothing

very

experience

essential

found

suppose,

on the sum

success

reproached, that

so

not

how

you

happy.

in their

they

which

is ever

not

object

il influence

one

Do

you

much

these,

which

the beloved

sensible

so

honorable

ardor

difference,

her

are not

Indeed,

more

has

possess?

hearts!

happiness

This

sensitive

among

sorrow:

make

they

even

our

with

should

promised

many

with

love

it you

more

or less

contradict which

numerous these

exceptions,

general

has distinguished

truths.

infidelity

which They from

one

might

are guaranteed inconstancy

im

for

men

alone;

humiliated,

and

depraved which

who

are

to

which

never

love still

dearest

oppose

and

multiplies

the

from

a lively

passion!

their

number,

disorders

without

applied. person

The

hearts,

us leave

the

I even

But

I conjure

a single you,

resolutions

discouragement: existence,

will

to your

never

Adieu, believe

dare

cease

my that

dear you

right

perfect the

to

it,

too

can

regimen is to

to

THE

are

friend,

guard

yourself

inseparable

moment.

advice

that

to

who

pity

a

be sick

blame

reads

a host

In

can

of us should

sight,

my

dear

are

forget your

less that,

own

of the

part

a

proof

of

in rendering

expression,

strength

in

of

they

is

not

all

our

virtues

from

those

of

entire

than

another it

of it which

above

possessor in

previously

your

of power

possessed

your to and

to reclaim. daughter; will

ever

think

sometimes

be, and

above

of your all

else,

affectionate the

object

thoughts. AT

which

or of diminishing

alone

paternal

with

of

that

in His

these

loss

alone

that,

baseness.

which

at this

Him

good

to

fulfill

any

seem

to have

the

pains,

that

those

spirit,

that

remember

pray,

judge

real,

by

happiness

lying

and

your

or

are we,

of their

be

weakness.

do not

friends

you

Who

which

employ

already

of

of

abandon

the

means

feeling

imagination:

to

all

should

save

be of use to you

of alleviating

is

they

adopted

to whom

ideas

to

when

been

the painful

I would

believe

prevail

it might

our

I ask

Let

redeem

deprive

it

thing

and

chimerical

one

him.

may

violent

only

to blame

and

that

task

is not

another?

from

sorrows,

remedy

only

them

forced

This

is the

shame,

to abuse when

they

has never

its

the

even

irritates

clings

fails

sex,

fair,

to

which

our

can save

my

reflections

one

for

hope

thought,

by

which,

women they

I had

a distinction

CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 4TH

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

mother, of her

and

dearest

—131— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT ’TIS

WELL

than

the last;

you

that,

DONE, but

for

you

VICOMTE, now,

let us talk

as for

myself,

would

be a veritable

Have

you

not

yet

of

the

union

motive form

a liaison

attracts, nature

which

wills?

Yet

one

one

had

The

difficulty

being

not

lost

loving, but

followed

by

needs

can

which

from is

rendered

that

the

But

Vicomte,

You

know

playing:

“We

pleasure

make

cards;”

and

they

gave

prudent

example,

and

effect,

the

sole

suffice

half,

’Tis

have

too

deceiving;

which

a law

of one

embarrassing,

if

on one

even

from

to

it when

only

is a little

of

of us two

of the two

shall

which

to desire

side.

without

the

much

happiness

less

keen

that

sets

of

indeed, up

an

is arranged.

which

the story

pleasing,

one

pleasure

time

convince

appear

in

if it exists

by one

derives

to

this

by the desire

be really

less

I hope

repels?

does

suffices

one

of

added

and everything

me,

the

love:

you

nevertheless,

which

it would

been

is,

not,

disgust and

it happily

equilibrium, tell

and

which

with

you

if it is preceded

the

that

in fact,

and which

does

that,

change;

it ever;

has thus

other

sexes,

and

alone

friendship,

pleasure,

two

them;

discovered

the to

that

the

pleased

the arrangement

remarked of

thereby;

in all

of madness.

less

love

I am better

piece

between

it is no

and

sharpers,

nothing,”

up the not

will

who they,

“let

We

had

best

time

to deceive

recognized

said

game.

lose

undertake

together

each

us divide follow,

which

the

other?

other

while

the cost believe

of

me,

we can so well

the their

employ

elsewhere. To

prove

to you

my

own,

and

refuse

you

us will

do not sweet You

that

the

suffice

we should

celestial

that

I am right

less

nothing,

absolutely

than

write

for

me:

regret

the you

for,

from

turn,

all,

frequently;

of

fain Yet, else

what

caprice,

I do

that

even

not

each

doubt

to happiness;

as

but

regret.

and,

of that But

however

it can be lasting. and

a

even

still

bargain me I

would

before

to have

you

have unless

interests

to see it end with

I was

because

your

perfectly

I do not

it, not

in my

conditions

nothing.

and

that

after

nor

us: I feel

believe

by

humor

is necessary

whether

would

ill

night;

to adorn

you

as much

between

one

how

meeting

forgotten

must

upon

this

however,

influenced

neither

let us not

with

perhaps,

Puritan

well

illusion,

prude;

have

agreed

too

let us forget

see that

I am

I am acting

price

know

set yourself

in this

to the other

be our

you

that

the first

cling

have

letter

to it,

which

believe,

make

you

or

interests I

have

a mistake,

she do when

of

yet the

because you, received

the she is

tender alone?

Surely

she has not

wish,

some

slight

of a little

Vicomte,

is again

it only

as much

which

I desire,

think,

necessary

risk:

for

it needs

driven

present

that

lavish

more Do

But

and,

jealousy

side,

himself

at the

malice

to you!

this

you

A reciprocal

tedious

to love

can

holds me;

into

will

letter. and

must,

we should incur

some more

by a thread.

the

at

which

would

render

He is

a degree

caresses

this

I not

Belleroche

the

this

moment

which

to such

see that

infidelity

last

a

I should

I

silence,

of you,

of

did

in

postpone

date

only

as prudence

time

is to

other,

he now order

in my

request

the

the

to attach

in

same

it

then,

over

On the one hand,

on

although

as much

to make

not

I

be

a

charm

far

resources!

In

potent. you

know

the days

I regret

when

Vicomte!

... But Nay,

require

sacrifices

which,

like

you?

Oh,

Adieu, THE

why

which

to leave

you

I believe

it was

you

such

will,

assuredly,

I do

no, no. I will

we are reduced

concerned

which,

enough,

that

be longer

say what

of the pleasure far prefer

sometimes

we loved—for

return?

AT

here;

one

but

to town.

have,

perhaps,

own;

as you,

I could

I pass them

I showed,

as my

return

a little

to exert

on him.

sacrifice

my

but

me to make

as much

to my

I put

for

herself?

you;

that

sake

freedom but

ever

already

your

until

the

to make temper

perhaps,

find

than

to distract

remains

for

be deferred

closely

enough

reproaches

in consideration Now,

wit

not

not

I derive

with

a return you

deserve;

even

love—I

occupy

was

a happiness

not

then,

myself

at the present

how with

moment

... , 6TH

NOVEMBER,

First, not

the idea; from

I

should

make,

17 -- .

and,

writing

you,

cannot

is it possible

abruptly.

DE

and

which

or would

Vicomte. CHÂTEAU

happy;

is impossible.

could and

to these

and to

in

fix spite

to you,

I

—132— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DEEPLY

DE

TOUCHED,

abandon

myself

accepting

above

that

them,

an empire

hearts,

over I

still

happiness? follow

experience shun

they

resembling ardor,

You

talk

it

love,

and

I love

may,

far

how

him

doubtless, who

ever

idolatry,

have

been true

it as he inspires

You

will fails

become will rarely the

cruel

since

our

tender,

he

knows

if

reserved

has

been

able

for

then,

adore

him.

render happiness attaches.

me,

before

happier one

not

to

is

I

cannot when

so

I to

far

from

which

you

O my

friend!

happiness; value! but

my

we ought

I

owe

You

know

love

him

as I

he deserves.

he admits

more

can

He

it himself;

I say to you?

this

for

he cease And is

the

delicious

me,

been

himself

to guess

all

But

no;

to love

me?

from

strongest sentiment

tie,

If

Ah,

He

of

But, to

the

mine.

Who

was

not

let

me

to cherish,

to

woman

experience,

only

I

of

him.

happiness

other

have

which

constraint

to live

own

which

of

it is an illusion,

What

the

he

of myself,

me

desires

love

to obtain?

in spite

I am fain

my

should

of reserve,

this if

which

further

given

the

with

why

without

other!

to his!

I feel,

case,

of reflection,

had

each

to an end.

ideas

reminded

abandon

necessary

me?

arouses it

say,

than

errors;

in that

an air

which

born

being

should than

for

but

is

did

he has nothing

often

he seems

it comes

Why

Yes,

heart,

of

to strong

happiness,

its

less

chimerical

when

and which

impressions

were

worth,

in my

if you

What

but,

in him

false

we

enhance

of those

ardent,

and

his

object

by certain

imagination:

I found

him,

of

then,

as he does?

is one

more

before,

movements

die,

to abuse

abandoned

led astray

it!

admire

suffices

delicacy.

so, far

it

of

and

of passion

a part,

even

worthy

so soft

Valmont

excessive

Ah,

I see

frailties

as you

violence

foolishly.

while

from

it. this

confess,

the

and,

love

that

more

take

their

then

sort

our

longer

are such

but

by his

does

with

no

would

of love.

in a perfect

he has that

perhaps,

preserves

I

I will

knows

I feel

if men

some

gratitude;

of the charm

hated;

them,

greatly

knew

think

be

troubles;

say,

feels

never

like

my

you

to

my

charm

believe

Yes,

in

me,

I am no longer

which

I not

to

it be that,

only

counsels:

it is surpassed

of sharing

nephew,

do!

but

how

potent

of your

moment?

If,

which

by the side

should

that

ROSEMONDE

kindness

must

to you

a friendship

deserve

them!

call

your

even

how

it at this

them,

to

whose

deserve

And

time

DE

prevented

it. Why

virtue

and

your

I not

to express

I say the same

them.

were

at the same

indulgent

compassionate

can

it,

venture

MADAME

WITH

of profaning

I feel

at least

all

But

to

it by the fear

I will

TO

MADAME,

entirely

to be so precious, Ah!

TOURVEL

could

he

that

the

one

which

really

ennobles

love,

which

purifies such

it in some

and

makes

it worthy

of a tender

and

generous

soul,

as Valmont’s.

Adieu,

my

dear,

would

write

to

promised you

sort,

wish

scarcely PARIS,

my you

to come, me

at greater and

happiness,

support 7TH

venerable,

every

my length: other

and,

at

it.

NOVEMBER,

indulgent

17 -- .

here

thought this

friend. is

the

It hour

forsakes

moment,

it

me. is

so

is in

vain

at which Forgive great

that he

me! that

I has But

I

can

—131— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL WHAT,

THEN,

I would

not

please

Let

I permit

you

of me

of late,

that

for

me only

even

if

assuredly, I have

been

time

to a woman

met

with.

befell, great almost

has scarcely

entirely

days

since

longer And

I culled

with

what

never

Besides, bear

did

the was

you you

it?

I will

doubted

incessantly

so much

so that

not

so readily

offered

To

begin

with,

aught

else;

adorn

us,

activity

is all

he who

does

In another lover,

in are

our

class,

of him or

depends

less, more

less

may

to devote

some

that

it to my

when

that

cost

it

the

should

is scarce

eight

often

dallied

me so much!

...

I am bringing

to

prejudice.

of the zeal

doubt

timid;

at first

sufficed

to see the extent curious

now,

it

is naturally this

adventure

I have

not

is rarely

this

surprising

had

cause

that

to know;

she

to trouble of my

it:

power

in

and the occasion

is

think.

women

and

even

labor.

and

and

I was

pleasure

of

more

it to that,

which

please,

woman

a thing

never merit,

the true

This

sight

prove

am

After

of a sort

and,

it is not

from

beginning

many the

value

just

as you

I

these, than

among

is always

whatever factors,

whom

pleasure,

the mere

he who

title

with

and

never

which

they

commissioners, does

the most

whose is

always

best.

the pleasure

robbed more

for

and we

it was

then,

attached

I will

expense.

at

to it;

months’

happiness,

I am only

Yet

three

to know

of her

direction.

of

you.

my

think,

Heaven,

myself,

season

remember,

a conclusion

tell

You

Yes,

of being

more

to flow,

But

of much

like

this

dead

myself

fruits

draw

would

upon

me.

the merit

the

begun

occupy

or

thank

Tourvel’s

compromising

has, at least,

to abandon

sentiments

doubt.

without

moreover,

Ah,

you,

conceived

me of having

it to you.

de

to

to

you

make!

suspect

to prove

no further

not

success?

at Madame

I believe, who

you

my

deem be

them

have

doubt

you

would

to offer

opinion

or could

which

however,

if I hesitate

you

I set upon

be

me

current

which

sacrifices

which,

what

And

should

Perhaps,

caused

not

and I offer

able,

and Pray,

I would

can have

of

indulgence

to that, it

you

reward

subjugated?

the price

are those

them,

in your

and

yet reduced

you,

know

which

I am in love

the

the homage.

if even

Sacrifices

friend,

you,

to refuse

to the person not

LOVELY

make

you?

energy?

MY

perhaps

of having

in turn, for

nowadays

absorb

something

on the

carried

the most him

the women in

the

circumstances

kind than

off

numerous, from

almost of

a rival, entirely:

enjoyment

on the

person:

the celebrity the fear we count, they

of the of

being indeed,

obtain;

it comes

but to

it

them

through

us and not

I needed,

then,

sensitive only

her lover;

(and

from

responsive grown

to reach

Last,

are

rare;

have

should

hold

makes

her

pleases

value

met

does

on others,

I admit

free

to

Volanges,

to town

little

money

Can

you

then

they

conceive tell

you

us that

be easy.

too

lively

lover

as soon motive

service. is,

‘Tis

in truth,

at Madame

assuring

him

on

an early

occasion;

with Cécile. or two

the

the

and,

correspondence I have

more

already before

anxiety

way in

he means

letters

the happy

meantime,

from

day.

The

him,

contrary, to defend

a

And

stupefies from

to weaken by

the

dividing

it;

them. schoolgirl

for

to her

those

discover

have

I will

whether

contrive

I continue to resume I shall, have

on

discreet

no

longer

this

signal

he has done

to the utmost

lad must

her

myself

Danceny

and

little

business.

it

to do poor

him,

or another,

the

which six

I calm

the

method?

you

to

the

embarking

the

to me that

I can do in return

will

it is

brings

did

experienced,

little

I consent

greatest

in one

the

as

communications;

I am about

multiply

It seems

it; and

the

her

one.

simple

how

days,

do, I will

de Volanges’;

that,

know

I have

to restore

the least

in

by

not

proper.

preventing

at present,

received

think

On

in a few which

ready

as you

for

Already,

will

of this

with

Nor

mother

my

she

mind

neglected

to his wife,

thought

I, then,

not.

Her

that

the

me from

even

such

especially

agreeable

I assured

ingenuity!

not

perhaps,

division

be nonetheless

creates

because

cheap.

compliments never

Shall

may

if a simple

yesterday

a few

love

so

I take

to

never,

therefore,

But,

not

her

admit,

it,

more

candor,

I should

that

in was

permit

will

one,

prevent

have

I hold

and

you

Certainly

adventure

instance

natural

I refuse

to me?

ever

which

not

be surprising

saw

of enjoyment

that

this

should

itself

for

word

would

is caught?

I

this

if the trouble

why

that

Danceny

it enslaves.

impression,

I shall

days;

that

not

a

Now

it to some

nevertheless,

to the porter,

whom

it? Ah,

extent

to all

failing

and

this

in

and

road,

seen,

the moment

heart.

that,

sacrificing

an

in three

her

the heart

I set upon

such

of

in love

I have

which

disagreeable

that

from

whom,

back

those

it follow

habit,

happy,

of being

whom

unite

who

a delicate

the common

pleasure

of

another;

and

from

recover

It should

than

to find

following

rise

believe

perfectly

or even

day),

force

I dare

affair,

senses;

she must

another.

instead

which

am

and

happy,

the

sentiment

me longer

me

engaged,

by

least

her sole

later

soul.

observation,

far from

of the first

moment

the

of my

love

heart

insurmountable

perhaps,

He

made

emotions,

to her

women

any

purposes

whose

a

dissimulate

and,

the

speak

and

us.

who

the

I do not

despair,

I

for

woman,

started

from

me.

he will of my his

be

power,

happiness

to charge

myself

the

of

arrival

certainly, mighty

little

have

his one

to do!

But

let us leave

occupy

myself

without

a doubt

it.

Pray,

have

relaxed,

but

to run

more

then,

restores

you

different

courses,

comparable

Adieu, pray

ceased

the

me,

after

our

hope;

no

to

and,

me;

in

which

hope

rupture

the

after

idea,

having

had

or

Yes,

doubting

have

been of

nonetheless

our

united.

that

I

deserted

sentiment,

which

more .” in

rather

tasted

of old,

for

an error

confess

may

me.

bonds

only

I

d’Harcourt:

my country

the happiness we

was

gave you

Our

remained

say with

I loved

pardon

I will

so that

letter

to you?

interests

and will

your not

disillusion,

longer

to ourselves,

and I would

our

I saw,

let us enjoy that

sweet

pretended

returns

lands

return

to be constant

sentiments, who

and

all

the the

of feeling and

pleasures,

in

our

that

none

of them

we

shall

find

more

return;

but

hasten

it,

which

is

still. my

you,

PARIS,

hold

oppose

with

couple with

broken;

strange

Please,

delicious

will

I ever

traveler

happiness “The

you

Our

the

childish

exclusively

never

imagination. Like

this

charming

friend.

and do not

forget

8TH

NOVEMBER,

I consent how

greatly

17 -- .

to await I desire

your it.

I

—134— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT TRULY, say

VICOMTE,

a word,

once

lay

you

even

and

hold

advantage and

to

me,

of

myself,

the

A bare

idea

which

not

I have

sacrifices it

sentiment

which

has never

existed:

thousand.

(for

I

this

you

deny

for

instance,

believe

you

the desire

happy,

perfectly

poor

memory!

Nay,

it is not

interest

in not

Thus,

while

suppress

all

nevertheless, retained

de

sensitive such

to

find

Rest

’Tis

would

in

that

this

an

have the

future,

and

Either renounce time

these all hope

I am

Well, that

are

you

speaking

a

toward you

made have

I, who

any but

a

on your

have

great

satisfied. you

rigorously me,

of

nonetheless

it,

you

the

a

I

saw,

celestial

delicate

in short

a rare

and woman

It is the

same

with

that

so be it:

but,

since

you

you

would

would

incur

be no

more

would

symptoms

finding

to you

love

displeased

certain

of ever

the

it in

imposes

made

of all others;

loss

to

overcome

you

woman,

another.

or

nor

the adorable,

astounding

the

you

to

makes

never

heart

has

notice

to believe

if

ready

employ

that,

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had

strongest.

do

prove

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met

to

Even

as

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is

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often

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conceal

arguments:

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assured

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the

or we must

true,

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it before, it

doubt

to the exclusion

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found

nonetheless Vicomte,

you

if you

imagined

without

but

even

charm,

never

likely

that

ideas.

you

me),

you

am not

more

illusion

but

say that

bad

your

the

moment,

you

with

simply,

it,

in

It is love,

one

politeness,

perhaps

Tourvel;

woman,

unknown had

which

the same

Madame

and

the

an

can neither

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under

you

Ah,

take

happiness?

subterfuge

Quite

with

remarking words

not

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sincere

happy?

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being

be

Would

woman

and

that

you

to forget

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fashions,

of

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that

at

warned

impossible.

de Tourvel?

it in a hundred

other

intelligence,

are

to Madame

to

or

it

at this

to your

you

you,

to support

is really

also,

I

myself,

repeat

display

be harmful

you

woman?

you

to

of

me

and

suggest

that

spite

would

which

I am seeking

in

again,

it

one cannot

they

upon of

to leave

delicacy

Vicomte,

to curiosity

of retaining

you

would

attaches

What,

yourself

my

to me,

I speak

you

whom

because

to it when

the generosity

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comes

pray,

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before

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participate,

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not

show

attention

alone?

arrangement

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my

all

the children,

settled—because

Is it generous,

to include

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prudence

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ascribe

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desires!

burden

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one

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make

accept

whom

of it to recall

headstrong

you

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to

of it!

that

YOU

of

be love,

any.

without

temper.

I

have

promised

I will

become let

no more

a dangerous

snare.

us be content

myself:

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refrain

It is only,

with

my

from

indulge Believe

that.

courage;

taking

then,

exact,

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am

very

sure

that,

in

I

overexacting: shall

so much

thank

although,

you

exact

Madame

de

woman,

merely

charm

alone

you

be convinced

which

you

all.

I should

until

fresh

orders

my

empire,

or

dispose

knows?

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Do

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remember

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to know

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project, know exactly

sundry

laws,

cannot

see so much

regret reflect

that that

above

I declined the

the

attorney

find

at your

me

refusal,

I

this

astounding

must

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skillful,

in

I

them.

as they I am

advocate

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to

abuse me

to

Be

that

rigorous!

you;

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should

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assuredly In

short,

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narrative

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io

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pleasures.

would

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love

require,

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instance,

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is

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a conversation,

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and

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it

no faith

sacrifice

obliged

yourself;

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The

just,

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and I

of your

myself

than

us,

put

this

an

deceive

tenor

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and

in

make

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than

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expressly,

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a grace,

reward

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exact

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dissimulate,

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capricious.

think

lawsuit my

I

I am

to

perhaps,

wishing

Vicomte,

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that

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object.

so good

is no more

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be

and I would

that

to

that

more

others

whether

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word

annoyed

you

by the whole

be obeyed;

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defending

which

will,

being

I confess,

without

fain

then

in

indulgent

feelings,

I would

true

part,

more

you

with

on the contrary,

that,

the

beloved

but

me with

on my

of your

as it may,

must

ask you,

I employ

would,

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offer

and

of it, if it be only

sacrifices

no

find

you

only

all:

in

by persuasion

cruelty!—that

the

I could

even

need

as to the

as she is: for

to

it even;

Cécile,

should

such

be,

friends,

courage

opinion

Far from

become

think

may

than

it might

to be a bad one.

moment,

my

to swear

that

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embellishes

it

my

that

do so.

should

a woman

so

make.

it is not

me,

is

’Tis

Come,

Tourvel

as

promise

Nor

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to

to my

put

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which

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you

then—observe

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words.

for

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the

question

justice

you

clearly

let us be no more

one feels

to bring

to answer

too

has sometimes

which

going

for

do

one

a course

the

me,

Only

for

in order

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at

last,

quote

me

them:

almost

inclined

reassured eloquent,

but

when and

I to I the

plaintiff

pretty.

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would

be necessary

would

become

This

ball;

his

complete

for

him,

but

THE

now

the

liberty

course

for

ancient thing

return

at least DE

often.

in part,

for

... , 11TH

no

of affairs;

retains

and

me

He

of the unemployed! to town.

The

more

worth,

what,

it then,

customs? which

by the generosity to me

to be of

costs is divided.

the regret

on my

write

CHÂTEAU

the whole

nonsuited,

am consoled

me,

were

only

it is indeed

Vicomte;

recompense AT

is

arguments

to change

is finished:

evening’s

Adieu,

three

of the respect

lawsuit

Belleroche

these

I make he finds

particulars

the tedium NOVEMBER,

this

here.

That

of

it

this

is regretting I will grievous

restore

him

sacrifice

in it. of your

I undergo. 17 --

pleasures

will

—135— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

I AM

ENDEAVORING

TO

able.

Ah

I

God!

happiness which my

DE

When

prevented

me

overwhelms

sorrows,

vanish

and

humiliations

him

that

Do

they

not

not

say

justify

to

even

avail

with

him?

’Tis

true,

then,

right

feel

pity,

you

I have try,

low

will

yesterday;

still

what

excessive

of

my

despair

enough

loved

outrages

me.

me.

to

feel

Love

All

I experience,

over

to

master

for

the

does

misfortunes

and

it is

from

judge

that and

my

what

him:

him! thy

He

having

any!

what

could

will

not

even

and

tears

reproaches

exposed

am

me

I saying?

false

even

Ah,

to fewer

which

unworthy

me,

if you and

...

I have

duties,

is founded

since

that

I soon suddenly,

he

and

to

even

lost

she is not

upon

as it may,

shortly him

regret,

let fall

relate

the

my

return

I was

of

and

which

never of

so

remorse!

me,

had

going

tone

he pretended and

went

I

affectionate,

it more

proper

to

vexed

with

him.

I will It

sup

so fond.

not

you

However,

two

change.

displeased some

without

which

He

and

a sensible have

was

abroad.

him,

to recollect

and

I suffer.

incident.

out

may

of your

nothing;

he seemed

away:

seemed

you

going

underwent which

myself

of what

cruel

remaining

something

afterward

to leave

idea

to

project

air

any

made

it can tell

that

his

have

can form

o’clock;

my

formed

I may

I perceive

courage

time

I had

lively

to

will

me,

has been

letter,

up

whether

a very

it

seen

from

of thee!

is the sorrow

it for

first

may

compelled

so far

I have

What

sacrificed

to see me at five

which

I was

matters

thinking

however

feel

to understand

be that

be

them.

he has never

together

my

strength

of expressing

me,

wretch!

She

friend;

me

not

thought

suspicion:

But

bitter

gave

know

But

has

her!

came

later,

It is the

of a doubt:

creature....

Valmont

hours

which

if I shall

redouble.

read

then,

he

how

dear

just

knowing

letter,

me only

betrays

is a mere

...

that

torments my

me,

be heaped

He is far from

as I. Oh,

Adieu,

me,

Unhappy

to despise

my

loves

the consolation

attempt....

... A

guilty

this

himself?

the

the

can

that

make

whom?

leaves

yet

ROSEMONDE

come!

suppose

I have

last

me of the power

He deceives that

my

which

DE

without

continuing!

no longer

thus.

of

from

MADAME

to you,

think

and deprives

TO

write

me now,

Valmont—Valmont not

TOURVEL

I

him;

business displaying

I then

believed

to be sincere. Being

left

alone,

first

engagement

and

entered

the Opera,

my

I judged since

I was

carriage.

and I was

at liberty

Unfortunately,

involved

not

to fulfill my

in the crowd

to excuse

myself

it. I completed

coachman of people

took leaving;

from my

toilette

me by way four

my

yards

of in

front

of

carriage.

me,

and

My

heart

only

idea

was

that,

it was

his

I instantly

at his

side,

I had

hardly

me, In

the

that

never peals

condition

of

be

impossible

for

away,

above

my

me

I

he was

of death,

him;

but

who

that

night.

for

the

I thought

return

indeed,

given

is nearly

of

from

Now,

my

from

fear;

go

forward.

and

came

astonishment

my

may

heart;

my

Instead

of of

a

courtesan

well

believe,

but

informed nor

and

alongside

to find

as you

apparently

Valmont’s

you

would

an

odious

by ceased

to stare

at

which

each

de

at home.

letters, to this

was

to

on the

and

that

point

price,

again

but

it

of

was

swooning

my

orders

telling

his master

to

him

this

to wait

for

that

not

else to do than

beg

visit

me

no

effect,

but

doubtless

they

were

presented

himself,

and

I have

letter

from

me

would

and

yet

myself,

to issue

with

I had nothing him

let

sup;

sent

returned,

him

I

tears.

I sent

that

reduced,

at any

servant

told

morning

my

Valmont,

it forever,

had

I

instant

Wishing,

my

was

where

restrain

M.

I

more.

be

the home

ask him I

have,

superfluous.

It

not

a

received

him. dear

friend,

and

afflict

tender

PARIS,

my

should

to wound

house

not

to

he has not

everything, your

this

orders

noon;

word

I could

back,

not

of the carriage,

I felt

midnight was

it was

I withdrew,

to

the

or to confirm

before

coachman,

to

not

but

perceived

laughter.

prostration

wrote

I

to retreat,

woman,

to remain; all,

own,

my

the window

driven

return,

immediately; state

quitted

was

enough

same

my

forced

as such!

quite

this

to

carriage

what

of scandalous

nevertheless,

On

seen

my

was

known

already

and,

that

which

well

next

palpitated,

advanced;

believe

with

rank

desire

own

one

confidence,

the

instantly

the

mine.

and

in

15TH

you

I have know

my

nothing heart.

friendship.

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

further My

sole

to add: hope

you is that

are

informed

I may

not

of long

—136— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT DOUBTLESS, not

expect

that

which

you

for

only

never

confidence myself

alone:

over

by

you,

and

could,

you

but

between These ones

wrongs, I shall

understand

PARIS,

15TH

I

which mention. mine.

my

to

Adieu,

to

they

may

you

had

will

desirous

intention

return

the

have

of

letters,

interested

occasioned,

and

that

rights

I had

that

can

they

Monsieur.

not

in

in that

deserved

only

sacrificing others’

own

and

by you

not

more

by

an

you

a

I accuse

to be

in

to my

who

shown

victims;

that,

discriminates,

be silent

having

been

I believed

be wrongs

17--.

for

me have

and the woman

I shall

at all

the

you

is dissipated,

blame

to be judged still

if

with

you

destroyed.

before

alone

request

yesterday,

are you

less

which,

this

contempt.

would

NOVEMBER,

have

written

infatuation

at least,

opinion woman

the

am

so many

and

and

passed

doubtless,

to

that

you

expect

whose

the frail

now

that

you

than

of

I believed,

for

is

existed,

which

nevertheless, public,

have

to insult

losing

more,

to you

of which

nor,

therefore,

no

confess

WHAT

again;

as proofs

a sentiment and

you

note,

come

be indifferent

admit

not

to

a moment,

express

the

This

should

you

AFTER

me to receive

I should!

begging

I

MONSIEUR,

handed all

for

esteem,

severely immense

than

I by

interval,

is depraved.

in the case of anybody, on those

of

love;

your

are the only heart

would

—137— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL THIS

INSTANT

shuddered to it. my

as I read

What

and

were

you

have

those

you!

Degrade

have

never

you!

You

been

you!

me:

against

them, of

with

judged

had

exposed

yourself

did

a degree

moment

of

cause

of

must

revenge;

caused

far

begged this

The

fear

when

and

you

I admit

contain mere

you

of

seemed

to

contend

it.

have

So

but

you

even

to me.

Ah,

if you

love,

I

worthy

it could

believed

madness, bounty

that

when

have

wherewithal

thought

soul

Humiliate

me

may

even

my

you;

judged

have

life,

I!

I

reply I

from

What,

they

the

my

far

as I cherish

obliterate,

which

I am myself,

long

to

I left

you

too

to meet

your

attention

and

redeem

with

Émilie,

fain now

to set her seeing

immediately of displeasing

conceive,

and

my

not,

at any

it?

forget

whom

knowing

fix

to hand

him

down

a

you

not

feared

you

consider

then,

all

that

I am

losing,

at the

or love; at her

you

in it. But

or of grieving

you.

not

visit

it was

just

to hold

is so potent

of

far

It was

for

there

not

in

equally when

carriage,

that

be

I was

was

away,

the

which

in days

her

then

your

is

this

of whom

yards

the

which

could

known

a dozen

life,

incident

without

a

self-accusation

which

I had

was

be driven you

my

whom

house,

this

the person

and

Émilie

would

of

upon

my

to seek

cause

find

of

if my

remorse.

by

all: facts

own

memory

have

business

Opera,

my

to my

I am

not

there,

the

confess

I retrace

rest

Ah,

rate,

first

important

no harm that

despair?

when

and did

the

and

me over The

I met

you

it. I will

and

will

late,

in destroying

me,

Must

humiliation

be sufficient

causes

consideration.

even

you

idea

another

I would

anger,

this

employ

quite

too

I consented,

and I felt

I should

I experience

me

how

as much

which

which

from

all

you

However,

emotion

charm

unsuccessful.

myself, But

to

doubtless,

me!

by your

believe

I hoped

Ah,

reproach

your

would

postponed.

me?

you

atrocious

who

me

of

forgive

at the

degraded

by

be my

it will

supreme

rebel mine?

I cannot

your

However,

I was

fain

error

ever

is to excite

search.

also

which

for

strength

to me;

eyes!

it, the time

I would

the

save

to it through

in repelling

which

barely

with

form

heart

of this

by the painful

restrained

me

indulgence.

pride

your

against

Oppressed

I am

of

it not

yourself

in your

your

I respect

not

me capable

to such

handed

by appearances,

did

and

been

never

which

When

complaint

only

as I shall

a moment

but

letter

do you

with

are deceived

against

is vile

them

has your

it has left

then,

faults

to cover

felt

and

idea,

such

ever

MADAME,

it,

terrible

faults,

cause

ONLY,

and and

I met

to you,

me guilty. with

me that

it

was

bound

to be, and indeed

me

try

to

and

delicacy

persuade

was

never

fatal

they

willing

to

allow

which

would

mention;

be

those

to me.

But

maintain

a like

breaking

it.

In the

confusion

is not

without

of

Penetrated

it.

penalty

I am

more

you

with or

me to say concerns

Do

not

my

guilt.

error

But

can

be

between

followed

by

born

in

profane

and

yourself

by

never

be confounded.

which

they

pangs

of a jealousy

eyes

from

objects

like

it punish

But

what

which you,

penalty

I undergo? the

rendered

Ah,

of the

in

and

a pure

in

the

same

less

worthy

only

I

ones of

love:

you

reproach

I shall

not

interest

in

deviation,

it

an

the

consent

memory

to pay

the

tenderness,

I be silent,

when

vile

and

degraded own

as it is cruel: their

feeling

impose

grieved of

Nay,

love

in their

sully

and

what

is

left

that

this

what

can

glance;

which of

thus!

confess

humiliating there

be

women

and

do you

and,

pure

be

finally,

all,

fear

which

to dread

despite,

only

which,

things

in

soon

can

Above

view

but

I

self-oblivion,

and

of

fault:

a

to can

rivalry

to know

turn

away

the your

as the Divinity,

it.

on

me

that

is more

to the regret

you, you?

iu my

admit,

point

can be compared

myself

the

eternal

esteem,

profane

without

at having

wrongs,

to recall

sentiment

by

not

might

despair

those

great

a moment’s

do

as humiliating

What

have

and

unaccountable

my

love.

senses,

be established

you

her

pain

of

too

myself

never

sustained

Leave

will

those

or palliate

I will

as a fault

and

the offense

can

to excuse

regret,

which

how

and

delicacy?

uniting

may

time,

my

a moment

be a cause

I would

for

saw

cruel

and

I have

failings,

But

confess,

upon

fruit?

my

wait

pardon.

soul

is the

feel

of

a surprise

a delicate

happiness

a sense

means

and love.

cannot

I can bring

abuse

no

she

the

guilty,

by this

by

for

of

condition,

herself;

by

in silence

induced

of the

more

shew

anybody,

them;

that

not

shame

over

her

was

could

than

I am thrown

your

looked

common

pass

to

respect

away,

of

The

it

precaution

by means

caused

of

wiped

a pretense

I do

case

those

slip.

you

unfortunate

I would

I seek

that

that

this

Émilie

affected

due to my

sorrow

my

to

she

concerning

in which

it,

only

the

in vain

for

think

in being

to bring

occasion

but

all save

of

even

herself;

like

to think

was

silence

show

make

more

itself

wrongs

them,

repentance

an

I admit

usurped,

object—was

extreme

for

ever to

wrongs,

’tis

not

Accustomed,

the

its

doubtless,

which

to

I blush

yourself

far,

girl

so splendid increase,

experienced,

noticed.

themselves

merriment—and

thought

So

love.

speedily

of an empire,

allow

embarrassment mad

the

to

to be certain

which

was,

the

You

grievous at having

overwhelming are

absorbed

idea in

than

that

displeased of

punishing

having me,

and

I ask

you

for

are necessary If,

to me,

on a sudden,

happiness, you

the

yourself

hearts;

of

always

felt

us owed perhaps What

word.

all Only

so long an eternal PARIS,

but

more

more

keenly;

of

prefer

I say

more?

by your yesterday

as it depended

of

those

you

It is for

on you!

NOVEMBER,

all,

of love

you

and

Ah,

17 -- .

or

Madame,

more

my will

love

my

sorrow, you our

again

and

which

each

alone

of

procures;

of destroying

them.

my

I

now.

fault;

I will

happiness you

on

united

born

days

it by

they

sensitive,

which

to that lost

price

to eternal

being

which

to decide

to me that

over

fortunate

of renewing

lost

swore

me

always

and

because

you!

sentiments

soul,

sweet

but

no further

indulgent

benefits

I have

setting

tender

the

despair? 15TH

more

the power

bounty.

and

them,

to me from

to hand

those

of those

all

will

love,

if,

I deserve

come

contrary,

voluptuousness

to the other;

can

our

the

strike:

that

can only

of

on

once

that

you

retrieve

wish, right;

remind

not

and they

forgetful

you

have

consolations:

was

abandon

but add quite

but

can one

secure

me today

to

—138— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I INSIST,

MY

CHARMING

fault

if circumstances

you

shall

soon

yesterday, Know business:

for

at first,

I had

promised

I felt

convince

you,

that

I made

a violent

was

but

occurs was

idea

of

calumny

therefore;

and,

tranquilly

to meet

Emilie

until

morning,

doubtless,

Opera;

we

separated,

when

on your

part.

even

and

even when

this

had,

you

so much

so

myself,

and

left

myself,

testify came

a

which

pretext,

For

she could regret

the

the pleasure

love

trivial

grieved.

no

other

demanded

to assure

some

more

it

to pass

me with;

able

under

at the

of

being

and,

any

was

I had

the

except

resolve

without

of employment

it granted,

desire

pure

of

today.

was

in reproaching

it was

proof

made

lack

or at least, that

I

ball. iv My

by

my

return;

quite

and

it is not and

condition,

hardly

and

consent,

of her

evening,

disturbed

am.

to me,

surprised

this

the

view;

myself

no other

infants’

Only I

and

in spite

V---’s

this

sincere

prude,

in love,

part.

by what

tender

to prolong

with

in ascribing

much

the

the

how

Volanges,

me

I am not

me to play

be destroyed

little

inclined

no,

yourself

at Madame

sacrifice

fair

for

with

the

slight

that

see

I was

night

persist

force

and it cannot

then

whole

friend:

I

my went

to you,

that,

trouble

our

to

pleasures. I

had,

however,

fine

indifference

saved

doors

from

away

austere left

Puritan

us for

other

that

laughter-loving

Still

this

(You

creature, piece

laughter is not

all;

orders

to wait

for

me.

Émilie,

I had

sent

back

and

fetch

found

to

return

not

there;

the messenger

will

She

my me

of love,

this

with

morning; him

utter

hardly

four

that

which

We

of

the

occurred

could

to Émilie

and

see

each

that

piece it,

until this

that

it was

of folly,

and,

and

as she

she had with

the

is

a

examined,

peals

of

such

anyone.

sent ix

as I had

my

of escape.

forgotten

obstinacy,

he told

by side.

said,

angered

carriage,

a block

be at peace

woman

soon

when

perhaps,

as she

in her

carriage,

no means

not

not

I was

and

side

had that

to confide

had not

have

jealous

As

was

head

she could

but,

mine,

remember,

iw

know

in my

beside

my

as would

I was

uneasiness,

must

Emilie

of virtue,

the

you

and there

desk).

for

of an hour

it into

night!

but

with

a quarter

the

this

for

up exactly

I took

was

ease,

it;

as at noon,

of the letter.

scandalous

from

enough

Opera,

half

all;

Émilie

at her

the

nearly

is this

woman

me

drew

as clearly

Nor

cause

to my

house

she sent

made

up

my

no other and very

as, simply

very

same

time,

with

to sleep

with

a second mind

order on

the

to the

reaching that

coachman home,

I should

not

he be

back my

that

night.

return

You

I found

can

my

well

imagine

dismissal

the effect

announced

of this

with

all

news,

the

and

dignity

that

on

proper

to

the occasion. Thus

this

adventure,

which

have

been

finished,

as you

not,

as you

first,

will

because

and again,

I did

because

I answered gave

this

lengthy

already and

believe,

reasons

is

not

resolution

is

concluded

thereby,

myself.

I have

instant,

I shall

that

there

can only

Adieu, PARIS,

my

and

eternal

the

same.

announced that

already go is only

received

rupture,

friend;

my

to

have

formula

my which

at an audience. I fly

to make

17 -- .

full

still

am the

not

to

be;

to

be

most

to win pardon carries

over

the

a general

of this

great

rigorous of

it, this

fashion. I

in

sins

absolution;

event.

I

presented and,

iy trial

I

have

again:

the porter; for

;

I

tone

seen

before

sealed:

is,

quitted;

very

irrevocable

a moment

it

of sentiment

note,

ought

is

of the sacrifice.

a second

lose

chasseur

the honor

be

acceptable.

I

in

myself

them

it

that

continuation:

let

letter

could

finished,

to make

as all,

not

to

you

on love

on its

I should

in a long

I was

be performed

that

to be determined, it is not

price

therefore,

times

one

if

for

four

myself,

NOVEMBER,

I set any

Above

sent

never

to reserve

just

the

was

morning;

it decent

relied

I have

charming

15TH

note,

view

this

because

I wished

succeeded.

however,

see,

think

severe

confirming

nature,

not

in your

in of

an this and

—139— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

How

I REPROACH

too

much

and

grieved and

too

Peace

anguish.

O joy

one

perhaps,

Yes,

all

have

with my

can

having

I am

the

pardoned;

Those

indulgence

spoken cause

from

this

me

if

you

you

are

still

of

endure;

is

offensive

he had not

all

sorrow

Valmont

serious,

to

let me say,

state

you!

bitterness

ROSEMONDE

rather

to

I express

so much

for

derive

succeeded

so well.

point,

you

is forgotten,

delight

him

sorrows!

which

loves

enter

into

even,

weakness,

have

not

that

said I do

nonetheless

when

that

of

forget

do not

details

of

would

of feeling

I would

you

greatly

the

the mind

is capable

vain,

sorrows

friend,

DE

is and

innocent;

wrongs

for

committed;

and

I not

my

was

necessary,

had

facts

or reasons

which

also

to repair? not

’Tis

passing

who

a certain

which

my

MADAME

tender

how

is guilty

injustice

my

heart,

if,

I will

those

TO

of my

I reproached

on

of

and

which

men,

soon

am happy.

redeemed.

TOURVEL

MYSELF,

at present;

I—I

no

DE

the

but

ill

them.

If,

summon

your

yourself,

infidelity

not

feel

that

wounds Valmont

our

that

has he retrieved

judgment

delicacy;

but

trivial

it is the heart

alone

were

the

aid

which

of what

more?

For

himself, error

him;

to suspect of

my

me

own.

of

With

inconstancy.

distinction,

even

you to

is not

he forgives this

them:

however,

this

suffers

believe

appreciate

justify

opinion

should

the

justifies

mine

very

by the

excess

complain,

wrong

or is consoled. of his

in

which

And

yet

love

and

I how my

happiness! Either been

my afraid

sufficient

felicity

is greater,

that

I had

strength

lost

I should

not

happiness

I

tasted

her

for

adore:

have daughter

having but,

judged

while

her joy

by sharing

PARIS,

16TH

it:

but

to support

undergone,

inconsiderate

or I know

again

deem

for

having

value

I may

tell

sorrows

I paid

since.

rashly

recognizing

what

the

too

O

you

as cruel high

my

grieved

of it better,

you

and

calumniated

him

her

imprudence,

see her

17 -- , IN

THE

EVENING.

for

much

whom

I

if I felt

as those

mother,

by too

it.

NOVEMBER,

is that,

a price

tender

since

I

had

I have

the

just

excess

of

scold

your

hastiness;

scold

she should

happy,

have

and

ever

enhance

—140— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL How

COMES

my

last

letter

received

receive you

who for

therefore,

it but

night,

the excuses

no

word

I should

some

of not

will

time

reasons

attention

exist

the

case

in

Thanks

pupil

and

negligence: our

piece and

safety;

if,

for

were

not

I

that,

unexpected

But,

not

past;

I had

and

it is I, at

occurrence

with

the task.

Madame

more

life.

never

with

take

the bolts.

habit

it

has

not not

to

her.

we

led,

leads

precautions

to

enough

an

I have

rate

could

and

Yesterday,

of which

a fright,

But

pupil,

has

attentive

and

last

at any

reasons

to overcome,

could

of

de Tourvel

as these

I shall

your

of it herself,

regular

present,

candor,

you

and

accident

escaped

reproaches

concerns

I became

behind

the

speak

no obstacles

we

even

have

not

suspected

as that

guess,

of

that

the

myself

days

days,

Yet

I could

I shall

instead

to my

Volanges,

caused

asleep,

our

but

were

to iz pleasure,

in

that

when

seized

my

common

pupil;

I advanced,

open.

soul.

I remembered, no doubt

As

we

had

then,

the

door,

sword,

a light, that

which

state

of

we heard,

I at once

was

opened

first

you?

incredible

to inform

cost

the

you;

little

girl

more.

open. of

little

from

days

I am vexed;

to tell

charged

some

three

due

at all.

comfortable

the

door

and

a

part,

succeeds

room

for

or may

we trembled

my

but

porter,

of forgetfulness

which

that

I,

during

considerably We

the

to the obliging

your

for

may

these

of fondness;

reparation

to you

for

of

effect;

proofs

and

no reply

affairs.

full

I have

you

my

one;

be in a condition

to come,

engaged

its

and

write

I receive

Indeed,

grand

fresh

this:

not

which

it still!

had forth

that

to deserve

of my

called

probably

For

friend,

to me

reconciliation

distrust,

tell

lovely

seemed

at all, the

who

MY

it, and I am awaiting

to you That

IT,

and

had

had

and

on a sudden,

as much

I made

we

repose

for

saw

my

one:

a search,

but

been

only

with

a view

our

pushed

the door

of

the

defense

as

for

own

no

forgotten

abandonment

but,

indeed,

found

ordinary

the

no

living

precautions,

to or badly

shut,

had

of itself.

On rejoining

my

timid

found

her in the bed;

wall:

she

was

movements

she had fallen,

stretched

than

embarrassment!

companion,

there

violent

in bringing

long

before

her

she felt

to, but

without

however, she had

the effects.

herself,

You

in putting hurt

herself

back

in her

I no

fall,

longer

the bed

with

may her

her,

betwixt

consciousness,

convulsions.

I succeeded,

even

or hidden

to calming

no

imagine

and other my

in the

bed,

and

and

it was

not

Pains

in the loins,

soon

enlightened

first

to tell

it. Never

her of that perhaps,

so well

time

in reflection!

to

she lost

would

all

to

be sent

for,

that

de

daughter

who my

thence

returned

condition.

two

will

before,

physician

has given

like

a thousand

But

have

lead

me

lead

me to seek

PARIS,

at noon

in

unless

we still

any

interests

to doubt

it;

lovely

21ST

the

every

I should means

friend;

NOVEMBER,

gone

as she

with abroad

no

to come to

them

the they

a promise

maid;

that

she

liked,

but

that

above

all,

on

the

what

speed

since;

but

me an account

The

maid

and this for

in common,

17--.

after

at once

under

attention

house.

you,

of

loses

time

informing

her,

that,

it be useful

I embrace

go

her waiting

hopes

of preserving

one

it was

for

he

even

had

to

awake

part

of

a

anxiety.

a name;

not

this

to them,

delicate

it, I

innocence,

truth

forbid

to give

but

the complaint

others,

my

I

Oh,

I would

confessions

have

it!

confidence, and

and

two

mistaken;

noticed

her

had

she had no suspicion

and,

ring

her mother

nor came

not

be

into

her with

and I felt

that

ambiguous,

so much

of

family,

assistance,

and my

home,

the

should

her

to cause

rid

the whole

a natural

visits

I was

nothing

take

for

preserve

then,

less

to acquaint

herself,

of

even

before;

to get

her,

on her side,

her to seek

fears

I knew

with

confide

Volanges;

I made

Adieu,

would

but,

anyone

in bewailing

surgeon

not,

send

Madame

deal

she,

did

is necessary

the

or should

she should

symptoms

she was

her,

I agreed

and

should,

whom

that

a great

of secrecy;

pains,

in which

before

a resolution.

physician

colic

me as to her condition:

doing

But

violent

if

no is

business

you

believe

and

the hope though

surgeon,

of his

patient’s

the will

occurs,

secret; be

settled

did

silence

would

not

desire

my

of it.

I bear

the

of it hereafter.

I? Your

it at all,

and

the

accident

in

us to speak

I could,

you

a grudge.

—141— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT GOOD

GOD,

does for

my

VICOMTE,

silence

lack

of

matter

reasons

that

it is painful

Tell

me

truly:

me

me?

no

Pray,

The

choice what

You

appear

but,

pray,

to make what

said

does

that

to seize

you

every

another,

with

could

have

mind

which

you

all,

would

what

you

that

the espèces? and that

I have

you

are nonetheless pure

qualities puts

all

even for often

women

you

her

abased

yourself

only arrived

too

which

odalisque. him,

always

not

tyrant

happy to obtain

you or

jb My

slave.

rank;

not

you

Truly

not

seems

lovely

from to me

sure

creature’s as you

me for

this

Who of to

a romantic

think, with

are

;

think grand

is

that

a love

that

capable;

that

attractions

you

or friend

quite

from

the rascal

her in a class

as I conceive

as soon leave

I still

keeps

I am

succeeded,

what

him

of

you.

a woman

prevent

to

she alone

once

for

in

which

you

the custom

from

find

Thus, this

and

passes

places

to

opportunity.

you

the lover

at having

from

which

which

I

done

of

either

to regain

pardon,

and

comparison

mightily,

your

to

in short,

are never her

that

possess;

does

have

I reproach

certainly

licentiousness

belong,

Présidente.

you

such,

you

;

or agreeable:

which

you

know

or

desires the

one?

her,

same

of the world,

thought,

enables

is

leaves

not

to deceive

the

times

which

with

it

to

true

I

much

it, nowadays,

your

but

her;

sultana,

like

with

in the second

outrage

a simple

because,

which

with

is

Présidente

easy

you,

class

from

I have

tender,

she does

other

a favorite

what

in love

instance,

when

the fault

said,

or very

which

to whatever abstains

I think,

what

for

are,

the mine?

not

in

do

do

to you

that,

way

with

enough

a thousand

you

I myself

the same

to deny

done

it

trying

is the

or against

surprised

is the simple

ja Whoever

But

kind,

this

you

is not,

is very

have

which

be very

comer,

be wrong

no;

you

what

scene

seem

would

not

But

are

and

when

last

well

might

the first

What

it, that

it were!

or

say

system,

woman

I am

you

to you,

your

it

to God

yourself,

of your

which that

and

one

whoever

this

obstinacy!

if I maintain

sentiments:

say

your

them.

two

me

occasion

with

know

what

for

satisfy

not

between

it prove

but

does

illusion

merit

doubted

would

an

these

me with

suppose,

under

loved

raised;

Ah,

a great

even

you

you

have

never

deliberation

it?

between you

Do

trouble

me to tell

disparity

would

to think?

not

you

but

what

never

for

are

you

to you?

to justify

only

deceive

HOW

apart,

attached

a sultan

to may

preferring all

to

and her feel her

more

just

of a woman,

but

you good

the

or

humbled

and

graces!

And

the moment event.

has

In your

last

letter,

is because to

you

you

to you

proofs

of

whether

your

it, or to give

your

affair.

At

of my

little

later, had

this not

in that was by

and

aware

she

was

of frenzy,

generous make

than

one

last

position

to say,

without

any

application “One

tires

“If,

I

exclusively “If,

for

saying

for

the other. “Hence your

his

life

pitiless

friend:

a woman

It is not

my

but,

if

that,

be useful

thousand

me

calmly

to be afraid I am

If

I

to give

it

resolved,

will

not

with

to

it right?

That

is

never

to give

him

was

This

sooner

or

for

all

the

free;

man

and

other

happened, She

letter,

that

he

follies, a

friend,

public

motive,

he

increased

had

however,

it,

greater

to commit

up to the

my fault.

did

it is always

indelible:

following

that,

who

he blushed

ceasing

some

a woman

entirely

fault.

It is not

time

to feel

although

whatever

the

you,

my

for

have

in

this

being

more

she wished

she

might

sent

him,

be

to in

a

therefore,

as a remedy

whose

to his disease: my

angel:

today

mortal

my

subject

Vicomte!

much.

ridicule,

his ridicule

explanation,

of

it is a law an

months,

just

that

of nature;

adventure

it is not

as much

surprising

love one

which

my

it is not has

my

fault.

occupied

me

fault.

as you should

had

finish

virtue,

and

at the same

that

is

time

as

fault.

that

fondness

“Today,

jc

render

like

it is not

too

he was

thus,

or, perhaps,

I had

and

the wit

with

moment

so

it follows

am very

at one

four

care,

embarrassment

It is not

attempt,

It is not

“I

afterward:

tired

Take

seem

this

ask

it

wasted.

that

passed

instance, much,

friends

He

am

you

be you

but

His

meets

of everything,

then,

it off.

one

might

that

like

harm:

when

other

these

at intervals,

do him

to his

her

it is after

May

entangled,

indeed,

malicious,

And

said

be a story

was

thus

they

on

to it as to understand

that,

and

affairs;

maintain

common!

a story.

only

to break

tempted

woman,

you

be irrevocable:

attention

it will

to say

grand

another

to have

of this

of it. you

would

me.

in

already

no more

boasted

ceasing

state

will

He had

self-defense.

never

answer

acquaintance

he had

well

for

my

courage

which

preference interests

adventure the

silence

exclusively

of your

for

so much

honor.

anything

any

worst

speak

punishment

do is to tell

read

me

the

is perhaps

I can

do not

have

to speak

A man

tell

that

you,

moment

that

him

not

decided

still

answer

therefore,

if you

sufficient

we

at this

All

will

so important

seems

once

again,

for

some

in some

whom

time

measure

I love

past

I have

forced

to distraction

deceived

me to it! demands

you:

It is not that

but my

I sacrifice

then

fault. you.

fault. sensible

nature

has

that only

here

is a fine

gifted

men

opportunity with

for

constancy,

calling while

me perjured: it

has

given

women

obstinacy,

“Believe advice

me,

take

is good,

“Adieu,

my

perhaps

I shall

It is not what

You

will

propose. the

article marriage.

if you

I took

return.

then,

quite

I thank

you for

In the meantime night,

AT

CHÂTEAU

is the way

my

you

for

the

you

effect

of

know

renewal

details

gazette

I send

you

jd my

as to the of

little

scandal

on

condolences

Vicomte. DE

This

fault. without

It is not

to let you as to the

mistress.

my

this

regret:

fault.”

last

in my of the

attempt,

next

letter.

treaty

you

adieu....

your

the

my

I leave

of the world.

ultimatum

simply,

another

it is not

pleasure,

I promise

Until

Good

with

taken

it bad,

it: but

from

keep

think

to tell

also

will

as I have

Vicomte,

there

that

you

This

moment,

progeny. THE

good;

find

way,

fault.

lover,

very

resulted

my

another

angel;

the

and

By

it is not

.. , 24TH

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

Volanges; the

day

on the loss

it is after of

an her

your

—142— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL UPON or

MY

WORD,

misunderstood

little

epistle

and,

and

quite

preferred

it thus,

again,

the

and

reproach I hoped

meditate

nearly

noon,

o‘clock;

and

and,

for

in matters

At

present,

knowing

at need

not

my

curious,

make

my

the hope

At two

Still this

all,

nothing; time,

PARIS,

will 25TH

your

know there

friend; able

I am most

it,

morning;

I

for

wait

her

should

but

it

until

enquire

is

five

myself;

is difficult.

to hear

the end

suspected

he not

a

yesterday;

you

that

lose

evening.

though

so vehemently

ultimatum,

if

you

is, and

will

not

as you find

much

amend?

of

of

not

And

from

seal

this

the expected

so politically

love

of it!

everything

I shall

to enclose

copied

long

anxious

Did

to

be too

go and step

seemed

not

to her

I shall

model

did

her pardon?

and I expect

charming

o’clock

to

I did

this

I shall

a woman.

him

even

the first

acquaintance,

give

no doubt,

of being

believe,

to receive

no pretensions,

Adieu,

well

not

nothing.

only

last

I simply

to write

misread

the

yesterday

reply

of her,

’tis

to sacrifice

friend

Ah,

all,

of your

how

above

proceeding.

above

may

I am no less anxious am

no news

and

this

Présidente.

beloved’s

received

I have

me,

so that

event,

you

man

his generous

grand

to send

I have

is that

would

the expression.

of form,

of this

night

with

as yet

you

dispatched

time

if then

the story

this

told

promised

a whole

upon

I have

as you

I had

whether

you

celestial

was

first,

not

an effect:

it to the

I thought

story

I can tell

missive

because,

to be able

the

All

sent

tender

me a second

I know

to produce

again,

because

reflect

and

it contained.

simply for

friend,

letter,

calculated

moment,

and

lovely

your

which

me original

to

MY

again

But your

letter

for

in

whom?

say! this

I

last

Still,

I

charity.

until

two

o’clock,

in

reply.

in the afternoon.

I am you

in a mighty still

refuse

NOVEMBER,

hurry;

I have

the tenderest 17 -- .

not

kisses

time

to add

of love?

a word:

but

—143— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

DE

THE

VEIL

Madame,

IS RENT,

happiness. speedy will

death,

follow

I send on

Grim

left

but

the

the

augments

our

succor

despair.

Nothing

will

bury

for

since

furnishes

my

pity

one

fate,

shame.

yesterday

befit There I have

yesterday; has

passed

but

strength.

that

I shall

to forget

is a stage cannot

inhuman.

can

if they

time

me

emotion

now

save

I will not

weep shed

and

cut short

for

utter,

When

profound

nothing

grant

even

wounds to

me

my

faults,

a tear.

My

withered

is

my

last

me

no

friendship are

save

darkness

over

I

reflections

to consider

in which

and

existence.

no

and

my

remorse.

my

add

of

a sure

complaint;

is foreign the

but

shame

me utterly,

them.

All

the illusion

I will

of misery

heal

ROSEMONDE

me naught

torments,

farewell

and

shows

DE

painted

between

I need,

There

sufferings

becomes

The

was

is traced

my

me to my

the earth.

and

I received

all.

It is not

Madame,

upon

PARIS,

them

it is to leave

longer

letter

which

MADAME

which

me,

to which cherish

letter

to suffer.

prayer;

Adieu,

road

it contains

Receive,

all

the

TO

upon

enlightens

it, ... I will

you

it,

truth

TOURVEL

mortal, that

of

in which

if I can

still

weep;

heart

no

longer

upon

that

any. Madame.

never

Do

to receive

27TH

not

answer

me.

another.

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

I have

made

a vow

cruel

I

—144— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL YESTERDAY,

AT

THREE

being

out

house

of the deserted

in

this

nor

of patience

phrase

my

was

dying

in

chasseur

Madame

o’clock

saying

that

according

At

that

rule.

The

I told

you

reappear

her that

some upon

themselves,

yield

him

ago

any

pains,

ever course

that

she should me.

There

own

formation!

happiness?

better,

dare

of them

they

will

obtains

all

other

she

I should éclat.

only

Let

them

ruptures: the

the

course

the

least

that,

This

if

assume.

brilliant

discover

triumphs

acting

as consolers,

to attempt

is ineffaceable.

all my

more

themselves

servants,

me of a romantic

I

success,

I

when

as nothing,

way

which

I am

at

will

be

one I am sure

if in this

case

rival. flatters

my

self-love,

I admit;

but

sufficient

strength

to separate

be no

obstacles

between

us, then,

I

to

What!

supreme

or

at

obligations

will

accused

quicker

if one

I leave

who

with

and,

other

new

that

that,

and

uneasiness, with

person

certainly

the

I

me

asylum;

found

will

What

critics,

only

But

a favored

unwilling?

that

them

your

prepared,

... ; and

is

right

brilliant

present

and,

upon

of

make

them

let

she has taken

from

be

let

spite

severe

of honor.

have

This

widow’s

world

them

to end;

look

to have

The

friend,

let

in

the

these

the impression

so; and I should I was

that, of

Well,

the place

home.

found

I

had

forenoon

carriage

adventure

then,

end

her

but

informed

of

this

do better,

from

her

is the

Convent

back

I

sensitive

in the

which

let

run

sent

he

so

desire

not

the

at eleven

to the

expect

if

returned,

out

The

I was

of the celebrity

nay,

have

which

vexed

induce

o’clock,

to all

stage

them.

nine

add

passion;

for

about

the

more

neither

would

of reply.

I shall

unhappy

is clear

to

step

at

nothing

I was

this

friend,

myself

I saw

a resolution,

and

them

she

out.

a word

I had

driven

convent

time the

that

lovely

I presented

to discover

gone

was

not

in so laudable I owe

when

my

at which

for

and

evening,

were

hope

silence,

indeed,

she

the

they

which

last,

had,

me,

on purpose

at this

evening,

she was

at least

information,

dead.

in

to

persists

show

for

maid;

seven

me with

me home

de Tourvel

waiting

the

the

no news, that

I retired,

Astonished

or

told

and

to honor

there.

sent

I was

to receive

it brought

nothing

her

fair;

received

a refusal

a woman

to receive

at having

in

than

surprised;

polite

O‘CLOCK

If

wished

am I saying?

She would

Is it thus

I ought

to suffer

endeavor

to

that

one

it? Could

bring

this

renew not

loves? I not, woman

with

desire And for to

I am

herself save

her,

instance, the

point

so

those she

it, deem do you

annoyed much of

might

be

it no more

think, and of

my would seeing

my

her

lovely it

not the

possibility hope?

of a reconciliation,

I could

try

consequently

experiment

should

succeed, wished

Now,

my

are

That

one,

the

various

not

salon,

looking

only

would

This

one,

in truth,

you

that

I have

to tell

sentimental

Cécile

was

Three

times

to

You

a day

can

himself; to go and

object,

and

Madame

young

man

established

which

It is from time

himself

with

him,

visit

has had

with

my

fondness

head,

Indeed, my

for him

and with

Adieu,

that

having my

all

but her

uttered lovely

old

first

friend;

situation,

long

live

our

like

to have

today

save

for

these

details,

His

calamity. omitted

asked

convalescence

days,

a

on no occasion

so much

turned

it is joy.

at such

he

was

mamma’s

of so dear

so that

an

I found

a certain

the

familiarity

can have

days,

I left

at the

no notion

impossible

completed few

for

same

of the

effect

to describe.

I,

the

work

of

turning

his

I would

put

him

in the

way

quarters. her

pupil

over myself

should

husband?

the word

had

and

transports

in a very

lover!

already

to see if the recovery

epistle,

You

desires,

to consecrate

her

my

convalescence,

faith,

reels

her,

my

himself.

to hand

your

your

pupil

in a like

my

brain

on the

emotions,

that,

prayers

among

your

women,

grief;

consented:

chatter.

Joy,

grand

I wish

nobody

above

him

you.

Yesterday,

in full

it was

noble

learned

one at closer

it be worthwhile deceive

I have

determined

experiment.

after a

the

but

accident

the

her

permit

on him.

his fair I am

not

that

by assuring

of seeing

as in

and made

this

to enquire

de Volanges

I

lover,

I called,

I found

chair:

first

well.

place,

You

girl’s

congratulate

as yet he dares

one

me a desire

how

in

if

to

my

your

a

when

agreeable all

be

even

repeating,

and

amazing

long

At

imagine

and,

recover

an invalid,

gave

finally,

permission

out in

your

head.

been

and

it would

of

reward,

to

interesting.

the little

he sent

more

de Volanges. of

on

Danceny’s

ill!

present

more

a month

one!

your

and

to it,

of adventure.

remain

costume

lain

a complete still

to

the

as one has

importance

concert;

have

then

turned

Madame

in the

fresher

demoiselles!

me

in

to

as long

the contrary,

the

to receive

has

upon

still

have

seems

and the current

allowing

On

means

quickly

Volanges

excursions,

in the

which

any

perform

be one

Come

friends

little

uneasiness

would

but

desires,

attaching

umbrage.

I am waiting

return.

your

of

we

a sacrifice

one always

without

taking

it would

your

pleasures,

your which

it, fair

for

course

without

simple

you

this

which

The

As for

also

to him to you be my

masterpiece

myself,

I have

as soon

as I have

wholly;

and then,

scholar,

would

if she were

is to deceive not

made

to reproach

her

to

lover, myself

love.

return

soon,

then,

to enjoy

your

empire

over

me,

to receive PARIS,

its homage, 28TH

and to pay

NOVEMBER,

me its reward.

17 -- .

—145— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT SERIOUSLY, her

the

you

VICOMTE,

letter

have

triumph

Vicomte,

you

are madly

you

ashamed

thousand

Where

If

than

all

all

those

it

not

you:

that

loved

The

is

with

her:

wise

sacrificed

submit

man

much,

her.

right,

je To

indeed,

what

when

I the

part

of it.

her still;

by

have

will

gained

love

myself

would

this

recently

delicious you

and

You

I have

and

You

; that

whom

I amused

to raillery.

was

woman, that

sent

charming

obtained.

and really

because

you

I confess

hitherto

her

de Tourvel but,

bravely than

over

Have

are

faith,

on this

is the amusing

Madame

rather

us!

but

you

good

I have

at

all:

the Présidente? Really,

In

not

of it, you

making

sacrificed

lengths

he said

a

will that

not

it

was

of happiness. you

am incapable

my

expectations!

in love

would

in my

her?

value

of her,

the enemy

for

high

you

carry

you

left

I set a very

it is over

Yes,

YOU

that

disparaged;

advantage;

my

me more

perhaps,

vanity

I wrote

surpassed gratifies

think, so

which

HAVE

turn

be now,

of deceit,

if I had

as you

to the convent

only

well

and

wished

know;

to play

and,

you

should

despair,

I will

run

really

mere

frailty:

you

the risk,

a trick? even

But

I

reduce

me

and

surrender

to

if

liked,

victor. I

capitulate,

quibbles for

however,

I might

instance,

propose would without

the

you

I wish

believe

herself

myself

on being

you

would

you

should

By

a pity

have

so little

it not?

pleasures

be no

this

for have

such

their

execution;

one

for

admire, sweetly

of this

you

prude while

rupture,

then,

offer

It

as

this

to repeat

it

would

always

I should

plume

of us be deceived,

but

the rest matter?

a genius

for

and an

both

I

the Présidente.

And

heart,

what

you

the merit

celestial

of your

them!

with

you,

we should

does

put

all

I

which

enjoyment?

the

choice rival;

with

deserve

to renew

of

longer

for,

with

To take

arrangement,

and what

yourself

would

awkwardness,

would the

you

be allowed

the preferred

that,

should

the

to be the single

be happy;

’Tis

you

or

would

it!

perhaps

skill,

thereby

sacrifice

is

And

mightily,

losing

apparent when

set up!

to me that suit

it

conceiving

that,

by

invincible

projects,

you

should

a single

ill-considered

step,

obstacle

to

most

what

you

desire. What! must

have

woman the

You

had thought

strikes

wound

an idea

of renewing,

me clumsy

at another’s

is incurable.

indeed!

heart, When

and Ah,

you

write

believe

me,

fails

to find

she rarely I was

could

striking

this

one,

my

letter

Vicomte, the vital or

rather

!

You

when

one

spot,

and

guiding

your for

blows, one

I had

moment,

below

her.

blame.

Thus

you

do

to

should about For

If

it. Let instance,

After

that,

be for

you

definite

you

very

step long,

day;

but

until for you

may

rival,

that

you

consent

I

every

vexed

subject

to judge

at your

that

that

you

had,

had

rated

me

to

bear

the

means:

I will

Volanges.

You

I shall

be very

whether

to become

you

talked

be in

Paris

be sure

that

it will

once

the name

have

I shall

be

not?

in leaving

we

try

my

I even

success,

trouble

invite if

no

you

further

else.

you

under

; and,

deceived,

to

on the

or to endeavor

diverting

not

was

in short,

should

of the little will

of the Valmonts,

any

you

you

and,

been

of something

return,

it will

her to her lover

as rather

that

of the health

of it on my

to me,

so easy

us speak

the woman

has

promise

I am

news

precise

her

satisfied

and it.

that

vengeance

I am so,

forgotten

preferred my

attain

branch

not

more

of

choice,

you

will

me

you

This

best

idea

to restore

be the first

of a new

not

does

I cannot

some.

strikes

I ask you This

definite

to have

the founder

it together.

immediately.

give

glad

suit

of Gercourt. your

will

to

not

tell

informed

me take delay

you of

the my

arrival. Adieu,

Vicomte;

reproaches, to you. AT

THE

I have

Au revoir, CHÂTEAU

in still my

spite much

of

my

love

peevishness,

for

you,

and

my I am

preparing

friend. DE

... , 29TH

NOVEMBER,

malice,

17 -- .

and to prove

my it

—146— THE

MARQUISE

AT

LAST

be back

DE

I AM again

leaving,

in Paris.

residence

involves,

pressing

confidence

general

rule:

the secret

Had

anyone

mine.

you

me,

perhaps

even

some

For

rest,

it

occupations!

taken

of the confidant. you

successes. hear

When

your

had

not

been

me again to

tell

them.

and your

friends

show

but

you;

Cécile

was

that

that

whom

you

never

he could wisdom

that

sorrows?

has

skill

them

is little

and notice

your

new

enough

ill,

you

someone in

see her,

least!

to

to the echoes,

she was

is

end,

other

long

love

attracted

really

not

wanted

my

to this

of

twenty

young

Paris,

if I

honored to

whom

that

she is

they

dispense he,

are

with and

years.

people

Happiness

I am ready

when

than

have

me

you

of your

know

confiding.

to me

to

acquaint

when

sometimes

therefore,

there

made

you

the

she

is

all-sufficing,

of you.

it is the fault

their

then,

from

scene,

were

very

to say the

have

of

of it.

yours

wrong,

the days have

you

would

some

you

to

anxieties;

she

you

shall

some

be informed

brought

be very

time

have

you,

it. But

is on the

Since

of your

not soon

now;

would

them.

all,

in

have

absent,

You

will

would

found

I beg

I

a change

to except

believed

heroine

even

do we not

to come

less

the

if you

willing

that

be dangerous

see no more

save

philosopher,

not

now

to yourself,

friends

That

above

blame

indiscreet,

seduction.

to hear

But

and,

friendship,

you

the recital

recovered,

down

that

complaints.

with

I do not

to believe

which

However,

ago,

have

not

there

time

evening

the confusion

even

not

your

tender

Valmont

DANCENY

tomorrow

exception;

I should

When

have

sole

CHEVALIER

and

I am quite

be the

a short

would

better

friend;

no one.

me,

arrival.

THE

of all

receive

will

of my

I am tempted

Indeed,

young

to make

told

TO

In the midst

confidence,

the

my

I shall

but

keep

exclusive

MERTEUIL

I felt

when your

Alcibiades

sometimes

jf

silence

in

did

his

not

with

with

makes

Socrates:

But,

they

4

are unacquainted

to say with

unhappy.

them

From

them

I love quality

come. all

a

my of

a

In that

I

woman’s

weakness. Do

not,

however,

think

me

exacting:

sentiment

which

makes

me

notice

them

with

happiness. insofar make

when

they

I do

count

on

as love the least

Adieu, AT

courage,

THE

not may

leave

sacrifice

Chevalier; CHÂTEAU

it will DE

these

are the you,

you

for

I am

far

being

privations proof,

therefore,

free

from

and

enables

or the for

cause,

tomorrow

disengaged,

and

that! me of

The to my

same support

friends’

evening, I forbid

save you

me.

be a real ... , 29TH

festival

to see you

NOVEMBER,

again:

17 -- .

will

you

come?

to

—147— MADAME I AM

DE

SURE

the

VOLANGES

YOU

condition

will

in

which

Madame

her

disorder

symptoms,

that

I am really

A burning

fever,

thirst:

is all

diagnosis the

as yet;

patient

refuses

necessary to

be followed

delirium

two

who

have

conceive

that

slightest

four

am

afraid

out

of her mind.

What

yesterday.

forenoon, in that

with

received hours

later,

was

vacant,

she declared she,

never At

over,

it

moment her room. in

the

servants

from

were

dismissed

since grave

make

difficult,

no

because that

and

hold

it

was

course

had

which

in

quiet,

cannot

that

her

and

she had

back

to take left,

those

were

to say: her

her

when her

without

reasons,

made

not

should

pass

gone

the

o’clock

day

in

the

visiting

it, she was

health.

occupied

which,

I

as a

schoolgirl

she asked nuns.

to go

and

then

that

It was

in that

About

room,

she

added,

first

astonishment

which,

she

would

her words.

but

that

occurred

in good

other

part,

educated

her abode

and

my

the

As she was

in the affirmative, some

at

she is really

eleven

of....

and

For

which

about

calm

her;

fury!

of sometimes

her with

; and

to

at the Convent

of the discussion,

she

timid

and

arrived

last,

that

can

bandage,

is a thing

refused,

evening,

they

and the same

her

delirium,

the habit

receiving other

tie

to everyone

to

weary

of

unquenchable

obstinacy

indescribable

she

to have

what

her;

enough

obstinately

At

ill

such

an

more

such

fragile,

if the room

death:

a thousand she

day,

come

never

so

subject

answered

she had

not

to

into

maid,

represented

them

nor

that

seemed

her

to bleed

than

on this

and

knew

was

flies

continued

ought

been

exhibits

say

the

with

barely

accompanied

until

they

prevented this,

she

leave

first

she

on being

that

remedy

are

had

see it: the Prioress

has

to learn

off.

she enquired

and,

doctors

be all

occasions

worse

Upon

as usual,

two

said

jg

fear

and

delirium,

as I have,

her waiting

house,

constant The

by force

persons

my

friend,

she and

will

of

other

it is something

increases

before

kind

her,

expostulation

worthy

suddenly,

almost

in tearing

seen

lies;

so

treatment

her down on

Tourvel

be remarked.

the

she persists

You,

and

every

to hold

my

ROSEMONDE

alarmed.

can

and

DE

as I am,

de

appeared

a violent that

MADAME

be as grieved

yesterday:

that

TO

only

their

position a special any

night

a married

the

consented, there.

they

awaited

the

next

the

evening,

her

air

woman

permission.

impression;

to leave they

the

as

was

day

and convent,

Neither from

that

but

even

at seven Her

o’clock

carriage

to come

and

to

some

far

from

decision. I am

assured

that,

all

through

and

bearing,

being

wild,

times

into

composed

a reverie

speaking her

were

to her;

two

so

and,

hands

which,

one

of

pained

her,

she gazed

“The

hurt

begged Everyone sleep

her

expressed began gestures. dared

say

to go

who

to bed: down

to

her,

de Tourvel

had

the time

to run

nor

allow

any

help

her and ordered The

girl

that,

during

declares

she says who

was

the

Madame

interrupting leave

her

At

length,

assistance: which The

daylight.

Madame

de “Ah,

looked

fixedly

gloomy

twice

at

last, and

obliged to this

quite

in

into

and

would

had

undressed,

she

and

nearly

fell

frequent the

an

day,

hour.

At

succession;

her arms, not

some

girl’s then

during

quick

to

She

action

for

let

“I

until

o’clock

she

saying,

take

water

“I

anything,

placed

near

by

morning,

and

a complaint.

But

at seven

her took

and

that,

she took

of her

having the light

recognize

her,

cried

out

excitedly,

“Leave

that

this

kind

becomes

mistress,

enquired

if

and

to

but

me.”

went suddenly

me I

alone,

remarked

phrase.

of

order

to

it,

with

refused

threw

the

o’clock

at once.

come

am dying

nor

not

appeared

my

the

go

out

the

and

fury

seek

and

other

delirium

since.

this

there

in

did

repeats

this

two

by the talk

voice;

it is the darkness

she

at me,

who

so often

me

Tourvel,

voice,

her

no reply,

remarks,

which

for

yes,

head

alone,

o’clock.

a movement

high

de Tourvel

I hastened

replied,

but

into

to send

silence

awake

obtaining

she often

Madame

confusion

and

de Tourvel,

she has displayed

Prioress yet

and

profited

but

said

According

had passed

merely

at five

a loud

that

Julie

and

upon her

fortunately

much

in

neither

awakened

incoherent

myself

She

if

to be left

was

with

to bed,

remained

me in the darkness;

yesterday

for.

she heard

in

anything,

of

she

she was

speaking

she

her mistress

be led

her

by

carried

vigorously:

eleven

of what

to

it

to lie down.

time,

she needed bed

up, when

that

that

that

called

to be sent

Julie

before

waited

She let herself

room.

chamber,

five

from

it, she

asked

was

until

a witness

and

Madame

am exhausted.”

her

had been

naught

of other

but,

or

to her.

who

quiet

from

asked

four

her

replying,

she

maid:

pretty

rouse

having

be put

fell

to clasp

before

later,

lack

not

seemed

time

she

she issued

her

should

for

length, but

with

waiting

was

up and

Julie,

were a long

her

mistress

to walk

she

that

could

before

moment

chamber,

a wish

time

question

except

in the same

account,

A

only

they

which

at her

no further

retired

that

who

there!”

deliberate;

each

brow,

nuns

is not

that

deep

that,

to her the

and

hand

When

my

recover

But,

excitedly,

because

convent

yesterday

to

in.”

whole

I did

when

morning.... name her

was

believe

It was announced

consciousness,

I reached

gripped not

induced

her

it, and said you.”

the not to and

bed,

she

in a loud

Immediately

afterward, “Leave

hiding me alone,”

This

phrase

fear

her

lest

and

this

us respect

etc., some

cruel

whole

fits

of

ones

when

nine

o’clock

day

there.

others

takes

or

heartrending

will part

the bulletin

as you

will

see, is anything

Adieu, who

frequent

remark:

in her

which

of

any

I did

rest.

not

abandon

night,

to pity and

my

not

which

consoling.

I will

depression, leave

her

let

only

bedside

until

to pass the

friend:

but

the

and succor.

received,

be careful

between the

morning

all attention just

But

divided

unfortunate

I have

still.

me

her misfortune.

was

to it this

in refusing

make

is crueler

lethargic

return

delirium

and

to forward

which, them

punctually.

my

respected

is fortunately

PARIS,

her

tempestuous,

I shall

but

most

and be content

and

of last

her

a cause

of it is her obstinacy

you

from

moments

gives

certainly

I send

all to you

have

equally

in the evening, I

fell

friend,

and

to

all consciousness.

which

was

delirium

she

returned

may

of our

of yesterday

alarming

she

and lost

affliction

the secrets

The

eyes,

29th

friend, almost

November,

I am

recovered, 17 -- .

going

back

sends

you

to the

patient.

her respects.

My

daughter,

—148— THE

CHEVALIER

O YOU my

DANCENY

WHOM

I love!

happiness!

mistress, charm

must

which

implores Nay,

I

you.

what

misled

there

me,

delicacy.

kindled.

have later

which, methods,

our

itself

is in

impossible Thus,

return

heart,

I was

myself,

my

charm

which

and

neither

been

very

false

we were we

did

not

justifies

of

with

unjust

reproaches,

freed,

you

will

senses,

to you had

contrary, and

does

our

its

not

thus

thoughts

by

it is unknown

bonds

which

; and it

happiness

participate intoxication

to it. it

is

it

alike

O my

in

from my of

sweet

my

abused but

still

you,

by

calm

sentiments or their

of

cause.

that

had

my Like

imperious

of

issued

procured

us;

how fear,

us.

we only from

friend,

soul;

soft

your

be concerned

desires,

guided

of

at seeing

impressions

we

far

every

I felt

the idea

affection; from

the

us.

Ah,

has

let us only

security!

not

which

origin

condemning

feelings;

birth

and

until

of

I have

of our

henceforward,

the

the

love

unconsciously,

had plunged instead

and

to give

think

Yes,

two

they

progress

emotion

their

to the

Love,

the god

ignorant

and

its

to the

to unravel

souls

recognized

only

of constancy

if

on

pleasure

wholly

our

of

the

us

to yield

pure,

true

us in

it

by all the fires

when

called

experienced,

over

us

be

you

handed

seek

between

us from

of the lively

to

concerned

to friendship, both

entangles

abandoned

friend,

fact

than

of the extreme

myself

little

in which

that

it

in spite

or rather,

tender

intoxication But

me,

very

stronger

in spite

thought

only:

it distracts

are

of which

then,

be less

But

you

or to break.

caused

friendship

that

that

regulate

events.

the which

me,

the injuries

seduction,

can

reflect:

Believe

no longer,

’Tis

trouble

of love.

feels

hearts

no. plan,

is never

as yesterday,

nevertheless

our

to

tender

friendship

be penetrated

foresee

and

silence

to notice

as late

your I

and

by

a distance,

to meditate

shadow

would

heart

commenced

friend,

‘tis

you,

Dread

to let yourself

except

its sway

my

love.

? Doubtless,

from

sentiments;

it causes

but

What!

never

and,

permit

inspire,

calm,

to yourself?

and

seducer

illuminated

acting

regrets

have

come

the prayer

to make

imaginary;

no other

yourself

you

sorrow

be

’tis

who

MERTEUIL

Compassionate

thy

Madame,

DE

0 you

it!

of

be happy,

The

are equally

you

crowned

Ah,

have

MARQUISE

I adore!

recollection

friend,

the sentiments

THE

whom

hast

undergo?

reproaches

has been

been

who the

O my

by your

accuses

0 thou

0 thou

why

TO

No,

you

confidence. underwent

of

without

to enhance my

and

heart given

my

transports,

and

every

the

moment

true,

illusion, it,

let

us

troubling

it

it by the charm

dotes over

not

’Tis this

complaining and,

have

on this wholly

delirium of

our

hope!

to of

love, my

fortunate

days

shall

Adieu, thee

be marked

thou alone?

PARIS,

1ST

whom I dare

by a new I adore!

not

hope

DECEMBER,

enjoyment.

I shall it. Nay! 17 -- .

see thee, you

this

do not

evening,

desire

but

it as much

shall

I

find

as I do!

—149— MADAME

DE

I HAD

VOLANGES

HOPED

able

to give

you

dear

invalid:

but

only

left

with

importance, our

invalid

yesterday

did

conceal

misfortunes,

had and

recognized

it

have

me,

was

a new

perceived

questioned

she

had

been

answered

her

much

sick,

her

sleep

not

very

convent,

at that

tired.

closed

by

bed.

the

She

were

to these for

change,

made

had I not

acquainted

with

and

informed

her

that

it was

the

curtains

when

I rose

As

she

all

her

that

the

slumber

of

bed.

She

to go to her,

she

near.

me

She

left

we were

than

In fact,

so

Shortly

her

I thought,

kind

was

lethargic.

what

at home.

as to all

her,

her

jh

that

she

time

in my but

her

curtains,

did

doing

at first,

the

last;

she had

that but

I

recovered

turn,

was

have

how

that

to her

remember

might

she

and half

given felt,

suggested,

I

her

she

too

replied

greatly

to talk

open,

since

coming.

she had suffered

them

broth

happened

not

to be quiet

leaving

some

had

what

moment,

I persuaded

same

thus

remember

for

to thank

thanks

some

friend,

of

in

little;

after

sat

down

and which

she

took

time

her

only

good.

remained

words

am

scant

it has not

I was

answers.

suppressing

in pain

I partly

and found

only

I asked

felt

At

I

of her sad situation.

tranquil

my

our

the condition

friend.

she was,

not

a more

whither

when

which, her

of

of

me to draw

me where

minutely

correctly,

not

begged

she was

seemingly

unhappy

hours;

; and

be

of

and

indeed,

convent,

back

to

evening,

sudden

also

friend,

her memory.

at the

and

why

understood

and

she was

and

asked

she fully

me

alarm;

that

but

and

only

but

She

her,

if,

reserve,

of surprise name,

event,

of our

were

drew

last

has rendered

a moment

herself

revered

as to the health

of this

three

for

delirium,

that

her reason,

afraid

my

An

before,

the

last

my

since

it.

without

the

an air

to question if she was

for

and

spoke

you

I reached

I was

with

lost

ROSEMONDE

morning

confidence

to you,

asleep

this

no whit

that

when

day,

it caused,

understood

me

all

as it was

the complete

that

at us all

I have

as grievous

DE

destroyed

in the results

she awoke,

no time

that

from

deep

has been

regret

been

afterward,

there,

hope

morning,

invalid

favorable

I can speak

Yesterday

gazed

news

at least

received

calm

more

cruel

I should

not

almost

the

it worse.

MADAME

YESTERDAY,

this

but

TO

time

that

an absolute

friend,

as I advanced

me for grace

coming my

about

here.” pity

toward

me; her,

half

an

hour,

the attention

and charm silence, And my

I had

which which

a moment miseries

she seized

during

you

are all my

given

hand,

her;

know.

she only later,

which

she

She then

broke she

to say,

cried

coming and

and

back

resting

brought

maintained “Ah

pitifully, to me.” her

head

yes, “My Then upon

I

it:

“Dear

God!”

than

these

and

said

words to

I believe

was

to

perhaps, first,

be harmful

to her

the pretext

instances.

heard

from

you.

Finally,

while

speaking

for

and my

shame.”

I tried

to

arms

of

“I

it; but

vanquish

that

confined

myself

what

not

it greatly.

He

did,

patient,

sent

and

he thought

for

and

said,

the ceremony on the following

It was

about

three

letter

was

answered

brought first

from

that

asked

whence

one

knew.

She

then

that

From kept

However, the letter cast but

talk

for

only

told

another

which

had

been

immediately, immediately

“Take and

that,

had

not

repeat

she

had

her;

I

with but

and even

seemed for

physicians

had

misfortune

the

I

soon

functions,

stayed

to been

and

whom

might

you

not

Anselme,

He

that

despair,

over

at

I yielded

all

my

august

if the

and

I

I know

to

to desire

a long

time

judged

as

be deferred;

that

he he

quiet

it back,

him! take

to

portress

at last

be given

her.

God!”

it back.”

return

it

a

her,

she

it.

But

afterward,

had

brought

had

not

she it? No

been

to speak;

she requested

told. but

her

that

As soon

as she

and

in a strong

She had

come to

was

delirious.

until

to

friend

pressed

she began

again

Good

anybody

no one

who

which

she was

should

“From

compelled

after

given

Shortly

no postmark:

interval,

brought

and

our

Unfortunately,

have

agitation.

The

five

hope.

would any,

sent?

time,

until

regained

greater

us that

forbade

all

receive

it been

and

they

It had

on it, she cried, voice,

at once.

When

some

was

oppressed

almost

had

there

her eyes

shut

her.

came.

whom

these

to this,

afternoon,

we

shewed

letter

silence

her wandering

to

she

this

came

in the

she would

moment

for

of the sacraments

so that

up

power

the

might,

death,

this

to

day.

o’clock

so much

such

in the Père

on leaving,

return

quiet;

rather

enough

to call

which

be my

or

She agreed

would

fairly

it would

as

that

and

I will

in

you

I refused

me

to me is to survive

had

strength

told

reason,

fashion

certain

hitherto,

in her confidence.

the

cruel

tell

sorrowful, friend,

she

then,

I will

she insisted,

than

and

fearing

and

but

that

discouragement,

be entirely

with

for

very

to a proposal

was

unhappy

voice,

already

and,

our

which,

and

more

in my

...”

suspicions

long

alone

them

alone,

my

rest;

is impossible

which, I had

of

the

expression,

know

be

sooner

of

felt

this

religion,

perceived

her,

but

confidence;

would

no

already

the courage

this

condition

were

she added,

of

you

I had

she required

have

sacrificed,

we can be left

foresaw

that

We

did

you,

Her

she perceived

that

subject

to the

then?”

Ah,

informed

I

die

me!

“Arrange

the

I not

me to tears;

pity

which

under

“can

moved

I have

be

conversation,

on,

“You

herself:

As

what

went

even,

me,

interrupting all.”

she

near side.

then

her bed

her; The

but

had

curtains we

were

frenzy

had

returned to

it.

more These

bulletin state not

violent attacks

informs is such

hide

that

from this

still

write

reflection: who

was

PARIS,

but

had

not

that

the

that

and

to

letter

her?

Forgive

it is cruel,

indeed,

DECEMBER,

by has

terrible the

not

little

was me,

from my

M.

and

less

already

were this

stormy.

joined

morning’s

In

succumbed,

short,

her

and I will

left. de Valmont:

dear

friend;

to see a woman

make

happy.

17 -- .

hope

convulsions

evening,

been

she has not

very

so deservedly

really

ceased night

I have

unfortunate

hitherto 2ND

ever,

I am astonished

you

I suppose dare

me

than

but

what

I refrain so wretched

can from

he all

an end,

—150— THE

CHEVALIER

WHILE

DANCENY

I WAIT

tender

friend,

myself

with

sentiments

to you

for

is thus

that

precious reply

FOR

from

have

no need.

wish

that

being

wholly

you,

to

you,

and

that

I dispel

my

regret

for

your

absence.

to recall a time

your

of

However, very

I am

Assuredly,

I will

to

me

believe

my

own

wish,

will

you

not

danger,

you

must

is by

permit

me

very

and

it

obtain

refrain

and

of

for

what

reason?

to discuss

my

benefits

I shall

insist:

that

retrace heart;

and we must

if you

for

To

you,

my

occupying

a thousand

is dangerous,

you,

myself,

to my

still

to believe

you,

it

delight

is to be the last,

according

resolved,

offers

if

letter

become

is a real

privation

which,

not

own,

MERTEUIL

I abandon

writing

this

does

of seeing

DE

of

love.

correspondence

happiness

MARQUISE

pleasure

even

you:

THE

the

you,

to my

the

TO

from

a

which

we

can

you

But,

the

no

before

matter

with

you? Of

the

question

nothing, I can

of

and I confine have

myself

no peace

two

who

are but

our

wants:

here

can

only

while

one,

lack

is what

I feel.

No

a letter

seems

not

freely. say

What

of our

soul;

it troubled

or a veil;

wishing

I do but

But,

since

this

thought

then,

that

we

of our

I to myself, away,

thrust

this one

are

privation

we

talking

is meant

for,

by

your

side,

enjoyment.

But

separation;

and

one

pass

reads

it not,

at a letter

without

at then

last,

however

at least reading

is all one

wound

I will

long ’Tis

at it....

it, as, methinks,

time

then Ah!

we

pleasure,

repose

the

that,

at

easily

with

no

the crept as

it

a riband

be,

a letter

do not

doubt,

still

one

that, waste

find

here,

Why,

because

full

may

longer

me.

my

are

that

I should

would

It is even,

are

assume

must

for

each

of an obstacle.

is it a reason,

together;

then,

silence

I meet

to torture

to say?

it

This,

it.

bosom,

with

differs,

the idea

back

of

same

so true

has come

alone!

gazes

to me

you

moments

we

the

or even

no feeling

Yes,

it is not

we can see

that

pleasure?

the

when

not

your

Nay,

for

opinion

now

day

even

one

did

and,

safety;

misunderstanding.

to correspond,

upon

no more

for

if our

calculate

your

purpose,

a glance,

and have

a whole

and

seems

but

the more?

have

circumstance, which

ceasing

separated;

over

this

indispensable,

This

correspondence

should

thought;

still?

it aside,

to watch

I can

of us. It is not

a word,

a kiss

judge:

are both

it perhaps,

to press

sole

For

by no means

spoke

into

you

or from

better

you

the

uneasy.

one

times

when

when,

but

it say that

moment

were,

who

could

a hundred

my

are

of explanation

methinks,

other

you

we can have

be for

doubt

to begging you

but

be

is

far

favored the

a

one

by

time

tender of

say

in

friend; delicious ends

by

is precious!

If

one some

may

look

pleasure

in touching Your

your

portrait,

like

to

enjoyment,

our

rob

me of a means

Are

you

sure,

solitude,

if your

through

your

heart

will

you

bosom

of your

share?

Will

... my

tender

my

endeavor

would above Adieu,

have all, my

if

an

and

not

I should charming I take

to grieve; to have

but,

more

friend; leave

I will

me:

3RD

DECEMBER,

from

not,

love;

it

feels

to me!

for

Will

your

sorrow,

in solitary

which

dreams

avail.

If you

make

an effort

in all

would

in hearing

it

he does

not

My I did

but dare

therefore,

myself better

I

love

what

I you

than

I;

and,

I shall

be

able

find

you

it.

is drawing

nigh

haste,

I may

that

the

reasons,

persist,

to tell say

upon

sentence.

of more

thrills it:

apart?

you

In

troubles

except

a sentiment

you?

of joy

a moment,

to pronounce

you

torment

if a movement

give

the hour

17 -- .

It has

animated,

never

I do but

pleasure

of you

is

you;

ah,

the sooner. PARIS,

have

privilege

been

it

to me will

or

to be lost

to beguile had

soul.

are so precious

sadness,

then,

it is your

the

them?

gladness

yourself

prayers

turns

sentiments

to write

you,

of

is so remote

or is depressed,

your

Will

not

by

involuntary

ji

But

written

to see you:

expands

allow

to discuss, that

the need

depose

love!

your

portrait

which

movement:

of cherishing

friend?

you

is the

stagnation

All

that

soul,

where

will

that

is in repose....

pray,

a letter

every

you

believe

But

resemblance,

itself

wish

in the night....

do I say?

a cold

lends

portrait

when come

and

—151— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I DO

NOT

SUPPOSE,

have

failed

to set its

this

evening,

your

nor

house!

that

served

believed

as

suspicion, caused such

well

I should you

by that

great

yourself, forming

you

blush

and be put

themselves how

to

themselves

that

in

look

clumsily

that

appearances,

blush;

promise But,

and

have

let

of

chosen

would

with

the

to

easy

to will

too

be avenged!

What

how

far

it would

surpass

that

of

Yes,

it is, indeed,

in your

case alone

and

do

uncertainty; You

have

I know

all.

been

Danceny, closed;

that

and and

in Paris you

your

have

porter

I

for

am

only

him failed

only.

promised

must

begin

not

by

Oh,

new

any

by

days; Even

to prevent

the

and

them

in

other

least

every

your to

celebrity,

woman

make had

of

your

you how

it!

And

robbed

me!

to revenge;

doubt,

day

reaching

so

instructress

reparation

today, my

confound

be I whom

she

I can prefer

disguise

college.

I should

believed

to gaze

to

in your

it should

on

deeming

how

sage

deny

them,

them

they

to

they

Teach

permit

a hand

that

to

without

their

not

which

others.

to exhibit

of this

she

against

which

to have

back

four

lavish

you

pleasantry;

beforehand

putting

that

least

not

pupils

if you

a pleasure

which

held

the last

seen

and,

astonished

I would

itself

vexation

your

the

be able

a schoolboy.

you

mistress,

the programs

I confess,

think

all

recognize,

happy

speedily

not

of

know

then

docile

the

would

teach

their

conduct

and publish

sought,

the things

her;

at least,

their

like

case

for

retaining

of

care.

only,

of

your

to make

success

at the slightest

the

You

you

nor

lips

the extreme

the

educations,

woman

only

treat

obtain

know

the

that

if you

to

serenity,

how

or

But,

greater

praises

so

love.

I am,

party.

the illusion

them,

I myself,

then,

you

in

without

to compose

until

jj third

feebly

possession,

with

public the

of

a moment

to do the honors

company,

known

for

of one

to

but

you

not

which also,

suspected

of countenance

listen

I admit,

if it had

to undertake

so

bound

fall.

and

phrases

to

Danceny

did

calm

feeling

of a lover

in the case

of

as

I found

brought

countenance

from

in short,

out

which

those

let

in which

far

if

are beginning

so earnestly,

at you

vain,

novice

Since

again,

have

produce,

your

defend

in

of

and,

importunate

talents and

any

understood,

not

tête-à-tête

practiced

sometimes

as

the

me so inexperienced

an expression

by

to perfection;

deem

chance

your

yourself

you

upon

to assume

or repentance

you

remarkable

that

how

that

value

the

not

betrayed

confusion gaze

is

well

you

due

upon

It

marvelously

Marquise,

the

least

you

have

seen

door

was

still

you,

for

want

of

an

assurance

wrote

equal

to me,

that

arrival

that

to excuse

contain

myself

really

you

going

you

will

out;

return

betwixt

then

reciprocal Your

naughty

frenzy but

of your

for

hope

should

cost

example,

who,

worth

at

neither nor

that

was

will

this

least

nor

I shall

not

be too

the

other

you

of wrote

or will

and

dominion:

you

yet

I

but

We

you

arrival;

facts,

both

still

believe

know

that,

one

not

as a young intelligence,

I have

and

moment,

is dying

who,

and

more

Danceny. of

moment,

that

them

from

But,

set you

who

was I

was you.

even

a fine

who

that

what

think

you.

of

as yet,

of

be jealous

beauty,

schoolboy, but

to

the time

numerous

I do not

one

rate

our

to receive

seem

at any

then,

no

this

are

me know

that

from

to me that

But

if you

Let

I cannot

expect

sensibility

very

long.

preference.

will

good,

reconciliation,

all,

and

and

know.

place,

Above

idea,

it seems

at this

these

Well

will

and I do not

of

day?

difficult

a marked

a woman

your

impossible;

our

reflect

sacrifice

as much looks

for

his

: but

doubt,

although

it no more.

that

to be made. of

of

of your

all

imagine

or in

full

anything,

perhaps,

be out

and,

become

that

knowledge

Adieu,

are

to

to suffice.

morning

humiliations,

you

good

ought

jk

would

and

alone,

word

imagination

such

I even

it, abuse

house,

head

a fantasy

made

tried

may

deny

is alike

having

and the next

expiations

you

course

in the evening;

it is to be at your

Will

the force

you

not

me the date,

behold

you

I was

to be informed

yet tell

departure.

me,

and

first

not

Either

that told

Nonetheless,

be the

you

with

Marquise:

Tomorrow,

if

! There

own.

could

them?

satisfied

another,

you

of your

attempt

rest

your

I should

of which

to me on the eve

me,

to

and

lacks,

if

has neither

it

enough

lived

love

if

for

me

regret, you

is will,

constancy

of the world!

Marquise;

I say nothing

do, at this

moment,

when

you

make

forget

the

offense

is not

it, reflect you

part,

a simple

PARIS,

3RD

DECEMBER,

sentiments

to search

my

carefully

that

have

on your

of my

given

me,

postponement 17 -- , IN

heart.

toward

I wait

the easier the

more

for

you. your

it is for indelibly

even,

engrave

THE

EVENING.

it upon

All

that

reply.

you

Reflect,

to make

would my

I can

a

heart.

me

refusal

—152— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT PRAY,

HAVE

timidity! of

A CARE,

How

do you

incurring

fear

your

of your

blacken

what

And

it your

would

you

were

all

wrath,

have

left

considered,

whatever

one the

coolness

by these

Do

know,

you

assuredly, should

by

anyone

doing

short,

necessity.

And

possible side,

to

the

whom

us consider:

and

it displeased

drawn will,

from

second,

Either in order order

you

injustice.

no whit?

Either not

avoid why, no

sure But

of

this

You

result

of chance,

it was

therefore, know

does

indeed not

or you

if

In

successes? that;

not.

both

torment how

worth

you

what

case,

reason.

have

to him; one.

first

to

be

Come

it is that,

to

lacking

that is,

in

not

from

that

it

injuries

on to

is my

one

can

as I told letter

with

to

cases

the

you

you

must

same

Above

eyes,

in

the

But

you

all,

for

must

still

why

you.

please,

please,

conduct

amiable?

Vicomte,

my

of writing!

one,

have

or of

is unjust;

have

me,

you

you,

If you

your

have

it

letter

let me reason

now,

afraid

me,

them;

well,

not,

in

I was

Very

most

not,

nobody

Danceny

the trouble

have

the

be

is

always

conclusion

your

yourself?

your

It

and

the

found

the

the

of

it.

it was

In

but one

but

you.

of

marital

about?

be a case

a burden

most

can

at

that

I should

the

pray,

here?

restore

that

pleasure,

to conceive

ado

even

my

nothing

as

if

in peace

again?

for

good:

tell

it is not

how,

you

to

complain

of

In fact,

to leave,

in order

been

and

having

your

me

to

to business.

for

Well

a rival

longer

to

were

calm.

merely

married

to

the

speak,

as well

attempted

have

to

I might

left

it would

wishes,

merely

if you

and

of France

It is not

me

know,

abroad

actions.

I am unable

is all

live

thought

be obliged

it is solely

writing

But

not

deceive

speak

yours!

to be preferred to

longer

are,

you?

have

observed: Do

here

would

offers;

would

extreme

to succumb

brilliant

never

my

to my

retaliate.

you

abode,

have

it

to

and jealousy

you

that

You

to

let us return

out

only

you

I fail

as you

Having

my

I wished

it is ridiculous:

are jealous,

I

right

what

as I did

your

to carry

had

on

it?

for

the

favors

Let

Court

why

but

receive!

one owes

the

considerations,

able

have

because

that

to dictate

that;

should

one

of advantageous

being

can

me

can

triumphs.

Vicomte,

the right

of no longer

for

respect

the overwhelming

be nonetheless

it. But

your

moral

how

To be sure,

chosen

of

lack

have

ended

had

scene

for

for

more

so in that,

would

provided

you

shifting

more

to fear?

you

all,

impossible

existence

show

I can endure

above

The be

and

that

and,

would

but

the time

suppose

vengeance?

me,

indeed,

Vicomte,

is

to

torment

And

are

you

you

do

yourself

I am

not

worth

in be me? no an your

putting

yourself

than

you

are

enough this

of

deserve

your

suspicions, as of

mighty

well

just

to inform I hope

you,

it has not

interfered

power

to

disposed In

than

truth,

lover;

accept

a real

I have

not

Valmont

whom

Warn

pledged

my

taught

me

word.

You

that

it

than

as another?

love dread

should

regret,

is not

would

Vicomte;

better

than

PARIS,

to

return,

therefore,

You well!

for

have Are

of pleasure;

you

any

I can

tell

in reply

to please

taken

to

me,

I could

not

today

would

your

nor

the

be

less

matter must

old

one

by no means

worth

the

old.

even

and

you,

alone,

who,

in

sacrificed

you

I

have

letter

has

breaks

it matter

one

short,

have

one

once

more.

You

soon

as

put

you?

to your as

good

be tender

and

should

to the first

one’s to

woman

should

haste,

like,

do no worse

would

find

His

much

your one

does

is not who

if you

you

when

even

never

in too

He will

all,

I have

or tomorrow.

And

what

The

received!

days!

rival.

She

well

if

But

myself.

Vicomte,

today

you,

after

that

perhaps,

two

with

and,

admit

if I were

or,

on your

you

so deceive

it be for

wait.

to

my

be always

those

be

with

I should

will

be, nonetheless,

pray, find

to give 4TH

you

be a renewal

let me beg

principles.

ridicule;

longer,

not

him; 5 and,

do to his;

for

little

is

die

fantasy,

from to the

oneself

about?

fair!

Adieu,

undertake

you

live

yourself

he will

for

yourself

are your

show

a mistake;

joking

that

will

of a moment’s that

no

avenge you

who

and

is

Such

sensitive,

Danceny

moment,

That

punish

then,

the

I will

Ah,

injured

to

Very

the fortune

that

in no case

making

not?

say,

and

charming.

of

see, then,

can always

mistress

Ah,

word

first

to see me;

that

nothing.

I can

favors

deserve!

To

you

deal

would

one,

amiable.

him

be afraid

you It

the

has somewhat

I should

as

you.

was

for

do not

of my

a great

All

a very

you

my

request.

a fresh

more

however,

Menæchmus

You

I loved

to bring

him,

to

forgotten

a man

again,

such

be to take

so far

encountered him

you

infidelity

it would

you

of

an ingrate.

myself.

tell

you

mine.

your

are

of the time

have

that,

you

justify

I shall

and

desirous

that

it has had neither

me;

less

to continue

but

them:

it has given

I am to grant

to

commit

retain

is that

intimidate

There,

I should

with

are

if I were

yourself,

advanced?

letter,

and

Danceny,

more

threatening

empire.

that

shall of

You

to tenderness:

as little

visits

pains

your

turn

you

the

trouble.

methinks,

might

You

so much

abusing

sentiment,

letter

just

to

you

become you

amiable

charming;

the proof.

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

Truly,

and

as

I am too

kind.

see, I ask I

am

sure

nothing of

it,

I

—153— THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL I ANSWER

YOUR

which

easy

is not

LETTER with

at once,

you,

when

and

once

I will

you

have

try

to be clear;

made

up your

a

thing

mind

not

to

of

us

understand. Long

phrases

possesses mutual

all

that

not

required

there

course

remaining our

thousand

others

it to repeat,

old

as

liaison;

from

the

the fact other,

is no question, one

we

have

been,

not

day

forward

this

and

of

these

It was

we

that,

when

each

have

a like

interest

therefore,

another,

between

to adopt.

that

to ruin

of destroying

united

resuming

to establish

is necessary

consideration:

the violent of

were

of that.

that,

doubtless

becoming

two

even

courses,

ridiculous,

better,

more

your

so

by

there

are

a

you,

nor

is

to tell

be either

between the

I say,

therefore,

I will

But,

in

lover

or

your

enemy. I am admirably suit

you

never feel

conscious

better

loved that

to beat

that

about

to be placed let you

of being

tricked;

and

It is for

you

to decide:

remain

in uncertainty.

I warn

you

they

good

only or bad;

cajoleries

with

time

for

you

the

and

union:

that that

which

frankness example;

you

will

neither you

has and

but,

if both

then,

that

seek

able

impose

will

you

I ask

I declare

circle that

to leave

not

with

have

you

must

also

not

the

by

me

your

but

more

and that,

pleasure,

that. not

that

those

at least, to

I prefer and

to

be

of

to be able

the right

risk

arguments,

any

than

the

endure

choice,

by

better

I believe

you

I would

refusals;

nothing

but

it would

that

running

me

seduce

are to be broken,

aware

that

without

you

on

your

to you

you;

yes or no:

foreseen

to adorn

arrived.

I am quite

narrow

have

I am

embarrass

a plain

of this

may

will

and

betwixt

out

you

choice

the bush;

thus

I cannot

now

this

the set

peace

the

means

are mine. I will me

add,

as a veritable

from PARIS,

you

requires 4TH

the

least

declaration neither

DECEMBER,

obstacle of war:

long

nor

17 -- .

fine

presented you

will

phrases.

by

you

see that Two

will

the

words

be taken

answer will

I

suffice.

by exact

REPLY

OF

THE

FOOT

OF THE

VERY

WELL!

MARQUISE

ABOVE

WAR!

LETTER)

DE

MERTEUIL

(WRITTEN

AT

THE

—154— MADAME THE

DE

VOLANGES

BULLETINS

friend,

WILL

of the grievous

care

of her,

I only

any

incidents

to

which M.

I was

The

latter

could

not

been

willing,

me.

of M.

to deceive well

he will this

Adieu, even my

my more

5TH

to

de Valmont?

dear

so from toward

with

scant

hope

17 -- .

for

whom

with

his

have

I feel

of

for

sad task,

from or

has

also

to the other. myself, Even

that

I

had

I

in a condition think

that

to

of

he but he

misfortune.

against

seeing

is one,

he is sincere,

I confess

and more

are

he

in it, or does

of his own

there

confidant,

do you

once,

my

like

been

the cause

to resume

in my

request.

what

but

as I am,

and replied

for

answer;

dear

received

as his

judge,

But

my

Here

me

will

not

do,

when

I have

end? jl If,

me more

you.

DECEMBER,

the one,

you

would

my

I am going

the

which

is one to believe

himself

excites

friend;

back

is continuous.

to the very

pleased

malady.

Tourvel,

complied

friend

First,

he has been

the

to you,

to choose de

I can

absorbed,

to write of

I think

have

delirium

adventure

sentiments

PARIS,

Her

sent

and

unfortunate

be hardly

unhappy

I have

not

everybody,

say that

those

Madame

to you,

ought

time

pleased

than

Utterly

It is a letter

been

with

in mine.

our

understand despair

has

I forward and

than

ROSEMONDE

better

patient.

it the

other

mediator

a letter

of our from

DE

you

unprepared.

who

as his

enclosed

snatch

certainly

MADAME

INFORM

state

relate,

de Valmont,

rather

TO

this wish may

I expect all

I see

of

its author. which

it succeed.

becomes You

know

—155— THE

VICOMTE

I HAVE have

DE

CALLED the

you

however,

to await

quite

well

that

costume, very

and

well,

evening, one

half

other,

and

then

not

but

you

would

object

If I had possessed part

of your

informed

in

would are.

not

another You

which

time,

and

impede

Whatever

whole

your

course

whom

adore?

for

the

first

to adorn

voluptuousness

arranged;

then,

yet

’Tis

for you

this

do

but

with

to read

letter.

since,

my

the It

on the contrary,

it

of them.

have

today.

suitable

acquainted

from

me to divine,

would

understood

perhaps,

if I had heard

left

had

progress.

As

you

pleasures,

to take,

you

are

with

that,

what

you

do not

know,

return

to Paris,

very

last

your

replies,

your

happiness.

although

your

yourself

that

have

been

I should

been

less

let

us start

But

rejected

inopportune from

would

young

mistress. in

after

and

where

always

we make

happiness

not

Her

love

been

told only

me

this

depends

must

the

of

of liberty to

no word to tell

in

on yourself.

enhance

your

only

for

you,

is

All

is

of mystery.

the means

there! Now,

We

here

that

I left

the

and

is

has

to

which

I was

the

on

the from

promoting by

zeal

my

succeeded. was

you

to judge

enterprise rest

obstacle

this;

reason

in this

resources she

of bringing

you

I had

difficult

every

adore,

of it to me.

this

that

not

yourself

I promised

discovered

misfortune

and

woman,

you.

over

transports,

does

taken

betake

it to you,

means,

evening,

scene

has been

busy

succeed the

it is your

I have

your

has

of

burn

said

a charming one

together;

say from

preparing

short,

as she

I have

I spoke

I could

you

With

is the woman

charms

have

and what

when

I might

but,

who

not?

which

and

you

you

setting

the

de Volanges

occasion

alone:

The

expected,

Mademoiselle

age,

petite-maison,

know

my

have

at your

both

your

were

but,

he

on the

victorious

time,

gallant

; that

to put

it;

of

plans,

direction.

a choice

have

zeal

week!

A delicious

since,

you

tonight,

For,

pleasures.

lacked:

your

movements

a rendezvous

you

at least

and

your

make

the

man

you

happy.

have

Since

I must Take

you

you

your

confidence,

my

with

for

since

valet-de-chambre,

evening

a moment,

you

the

this

applaud

to offer

your

secrets

for

but,

Your

your

from

of

invisible.

to change

you

that

recommence

decide.

than

up

DANCENY

Chevalier:

return

enter

occupations;

shall

take

would

only

be tempted

you

dear

am acquainted

but

to distract

has no other

you

cannot

to

CHEVALIER

my

become

I, who

of your

tend

lover

promptly

I

will

know

that

you:

would

you

of

THE

twice,

naturally

me

and

TO

you

rôle

have

assured

orders

will

UPON

abandoned

conquests,

VALMONT

myself of

your

experience Two

surmounted,

days and

For

two

this

news

been the

days,

also,

herself,

received: truth,

but

letter

it, I would

tender

my

word.

Now,

wager

ago,

Danceny

to the

who

only

attractions

led

principles,

it is one

the fruit

be

especially

in the

case

needs

one

prevent a straw;

and,

three

his

behavior

admit,

her

to

to cull

frailty:

when

humor,

one

triumph.

escaped,

and

it keeps

upon

even

in some

of

If

a

heart:

I

week

but

the and

shy young

love,

with

to

again

for,

on that does

such

jealous

your

degree

and

it

Drowning

choice?

her

the younger

it;

break

coquetry

a very

and

that,

also

the novelty,

not

it

the

worn?

me

for

have

adventures,

he prefer

well

should will

his

after

innocence

very

missed,

of a first

handsome

once

then

ill

will

as

even

of

running

are shared

opportunity

of

as I was

women,

seems

nay,

the

Be that

be your

ago,

a

upon

between

will

months

of a rake,

it

Placed

me

she laid

you and

to

forward

tonight.

I cannot

you

she found

to

that

which

of

the

for

have

to tell

last,

the emphasis

to be?

happiness,

by neglecting

moment

the most

conduct

the circumstances,

labor an

and

At

you

would

seemed

promise

friendship

of today,

is certainly

and

me

From

my

beauty,

friend,

the more,

really

but

who

under

of your

and

person part.

of a rendezvous

by

her

I quite

decide,

would

away

dear

which,

I should with,

my

of

little

made

as possible.

and

him

the

on your

and

is, somewhat

offers

part,

And,

her,

Danceny

of a woman

my

yourself!

is your

be as certain

as the usage

girl,

presented

honor

pleasure

of today,

grown,

even

course

what

between

I should

For

in the

man,

speaking

my

to give

you

of eagerness to

be able

absence,

or caprice,

as soon

upon

she would

Mamma’s

not

lack

that

of her

it is a question

missive

love,

were

have

me

to you

young

and

you

at this

I promised

the

in spite

summoning

enclosed

herself

it be reason

vexed of

may,

and,

whether

somewhat means

she flattered

by

myself,

flame.

To

begin

the fear

of

losing

side,

not

in short,

always

suspicion,

its guard

often

less

sometimes

and

it

return,

are in question,

virtue

new

it

even,

to

clings

to

is no longer

easily

surprised. On the other quarrel the

side,

at the most,

pleasure

of

who

has

gain

by severity?

If,

on the contrary,

given The you

of reason,

I should

rendezvous;

let

reason,

there

will

you

a reconciliation.

already

as I assume,

whereby

save

the

consider

perhaps

purchase, other that

path

it prudent be

course

of

with

to send

be a temptation

Not

quite

even

remains

simply: to verify

if

for

a

woman

would

she

to her glory.

seems

no excuses

a

attentions,

What

no profit

which

a rupture;

of a few

indulgence?

of love,

expected

risk?

at the cost

of her pleasures,

choose

yourself

do you

What

herself, loss

what

to me also

that

to the abandoned you

it. Women

risk are

giving curious

a

and

obstinate;

an example vanity,

it

of will

information: obstacle

all

then,

necessary,

For

rest,

have I

despair the

well.

one

thing

at being

privilege

one’s PARIS,

only

if

lost

have

leave

until

long

after

will

be able

you detained

else

a hope,

you;

which

will

know,

have

as it

the

you

I am myself will

proper

to select will

the

you

now

be sustained

by

hour

have

caused

just

for

seeking

insurmountable

been

ill,

equal

dead

despair;

if and

again. course

no interest Adieu, more,

dear

that

separated

you

I

I only

ask

you

I shall

in any

to inform

me

case think

that

of you

friend. regret

from

her;

the

happiness! DECEMBER,

adopt,

in the matter,

my

of consecrating

5TH

as you

you

tomorrow,

whichever

as I have

done

add

be

or anything

be right

be discovered;

But,

will

all will

it; and,

this. not

which

the

might

17 -- .

Madame that

other

de

I would

half

to her.

Tourvel;

pay Ah,

with

that half

believe

I

am

my

life

me,

love

in for is

—156— CÉCILE

VOLANGES

(ENCLOSED How

IN

is IT,

desire am

very

The

dear

you

sad

pain

THE

MY

it? Do

TO

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

PRECEDING) friend,

that

I see you

no longer

care

so much

indeed!

I once

THE

Sadder

even

had through

about

than

others

no longer,

I never

it as I do?

when

comes

when

we

now

were

from

Ah,

to

nowadays

entirely

you,

cease

I

separated.

and that

hurts

far

more. You

know

from

home,

but

you

that

my

proof. am

quite

deserts,

you

had

that

have

really

managed

so

me

not

man.

that,

It is only

that

is very

For

instance,

every The

open

since

told

gate,

ajar,

will

which

to make maid’s, very

not

be able

will

always

noise,

that good

girl,

see if you God,

will

come.

why

does

misfortune troubles

me

much,

and

friend,

my

going

to

like

this?

have dear

only

friend,

reunite

us.

well,

And

of

and

here

If

is

indeed: you

the for

had

that,

then,

freedom:

me so often

me

for

away

told

and I wish

of keeping

out

I

your

and

of

the

so much

to

see

I shall

soon

see

interests,

and

has

come

a little

longed

be just

me,

or

the

I may

is it

much be able

is that to

not

the

I have you

of

knocking he

door

of

take

great

same.

to

to you

and,

As

room

care

not

for

my

she

is

a

Now

we

shall

you?

Is

some

seeing never

would

my

door.

so.

bed

of time.

to awake;

of

fear.

to

staircase;

hope

to repeat

she goes

the back

back

and

to

and

I write

tell

house;

window,

the

he

obliging

at all

instead

must

me

while

most

that,

You

so fast

so

plenty

Mamma’s

it will

in the

have

leave

beat

I feel

he is a very

day,

find

promised

as though

is nothing

at his

light.

in,

every

like

I will

you

of sight

we should

in passing

to

let for

out

a light,

to leave,

that

going

easily

has

our

there

to knock

as she

What

when

will

you

heart

in

him,

you

to have

is

he would

should

then,

come

never

seen

upon

have

give

my

have

you.

came,

so that

if you

And

too

You

done

been

time

contrary,

I have

porter

has been

matter,

too!

all

at night,

especially

is no

will

the

then,

and

the

what

depend

o’clock;

to you;

any

can

Mamma

would

unhappy!

would

telling

you

come

me that,

you

at once

as you

if you

by this

you

that

a question,

at eleven

porter

on the

we

profit

has

me!

well,

and

easy,

night

love

and

you

of

from

whenever

see you;

of

I love

refrain

Mamma

I knew

anything but

since

I am very

yours!

think

days

try

to see me,

say

if you

would

than

me:

I cannot

promised

Ah

not

is some

of me;

I only

it has given

afterward

did

think

come

you;

it

you

less

I would

trouble

I

even was

like

that

I hoped

love

If

you

and

do not

not

well

you loved

Come

which you

then,

a hundred

so my

times

that

I love

I have to

you,

found

say

to

tomorrow,

that

I adore

the means

him; and

and, I will

shall

expect

would

not

make

your

Adieu,

my

dear

friend;

PARIS,

you

4TH

you,

that

I shall

of informing as

beg

he him

tomorrow Cécile

DECEMBER,

is

M.

a very

to give

night, very

I embrace

love

de Valmont good

you

and

never

you

that

friend,

this

letter

will

anyone

he

17 -- , IN

with

come

THE

all my EVENING.

I had is

heart.

without

you.

something

sure

immediately.

unhappy. you

but

to

come

So that fail,

if

you

I

—157— THE

CHEVALIER

Do

NOT

DOUBT,

MY

How

could

proceedings! indeed

DANCENY

she,

she

ingenuousness, been

weak

ever

efface.

midst

often sweetest

However,

my

from

not

happiness

I feel

I have

will

at this

error,

has

the

most

accuse

tender

resembles to

friend;

is as noble

she will

friendship will

; often

enhances Adieu,

that

divide

my

dear

of your Does

not

to trouble

hide

I

have

nothing

will

so to speak,

having

me,

my

give

frame;

upon

I say

in

the

rendered to

her.

wrongdoings

her

pain.

would

Cécile’s

never

I will

herself

those

forgive

The

to her,

by

of

“Read

she

of

will

reproached

fears

idea

love.

which

that

I

my

heart;

it

desire

so

though

I know than

Wiser

my

pardon betraying

than

sought

that

it.

of

with

I rashly

as to you

am

cause

but,

more

herself

at her

I

the

faith.”

do

new

them

to

deceived;

a breach

my

to prove

united

been

I am better,

gratitude.

call

has been

friendship

alarm

useful

you

it is not

who

have

often

took

that

say

you; us

what

I am determined

is indulgent;

it to her that my

which

is Her

I may

unfaithful

to

woman

capable

delicacy

her health

and

the prayers

Vicomte. sorrows,

Madame

she is very

I should

Both

as she

soul

I

which

was

and

it

love!

has never

delicacy as not

Ah,

heart I

my

I, to

she stifle

I am happier.

I owe

my

happiness

does

not

prevent

to

O you

its value.

thinking to you!

owe

in it;

of

her

but

moment

very

...

She

in my

I shall

friends,

to the

I am

me from

my

tomorrow

for

approve.

strengthen

in hers. my

error,

for

come

when

friendship

love!

always

remarks

me

from

myself

susceptible

me,

and

shall

that

jesting

has participated

most

she

vow

believe

moment;

I

of

her a tear.

your

can

whom

Cécile

so

or

Cécile’s?

of

her

heart

dear

without,

very

VALMONT

my

perhaps,

but

ardent

had cost

you

who

the

her,

my

adventure

and,

us spare

surprise

which

but

my

let

of

to be distracted,

memory

at

deserved

go and

greatly

to the

a fault

principles:

than

DE

of

a charm

another

the

either

love,

myself

pleasures;

friend,

is

myself

guided

has

homage

her;

I have

upon

VICOMTE

a desire

whom

Embarked it,

truer

I resist

to allow

THE

Vicomte,

her tenderness

of my

her

dear

alone

enough

perceived

TO

ill.

Cécile

already

PARIS,

5TH

excess

and

from

de Tourvel

God,

how

her indulgence,

of friendship

like

The

to talk awaits

with

I pity

you!

and

forever

hope you;

me.

DECEMBER,

sharing remain

; I dare

longer

of my

17 -- .

that but

joy them.

Why

inexorable May

then?

she regain

make they

can I not

your will

the hour

I am

me be of

from use

told

also

at the same

time

happiness! be heard

approaches,

These

are

by Love. and

perhaps

—158— THE

VICOMTE

MERTEUIL

DE

(UPON

WELL,

WELL,

night?

Are

him,

am

I not

all,

what

to be loved

by

proved

to you

may

rob

you

see, to dispel

this

You

will

need

ever

my

as

experience

for

Perhaps,

word thus

would

by dint

from you

justice;

the

have

of

not

good Ah,

have

only

Danceny

expect

it

But, ever

to fear:

he

another

woman

refuse

enticing

suffices,

to be that

to

were

no rivals

object

of

deserved

if you

can hardly

beloved

last

qualities!

of coquetry,

man

that

I richly

delicacy!

a young

did

of

object

as

you

in order

to

happy.

that. it

no

is, you

a moment;

a single

no mistake

However,

is

night.

thanks;

there;

on

It is the

it

you

have

the friendship

recognized

of last

you,

night.

make

fear

DE

pleasures now,

You

he is full what

the

Admit

youth!

Seriously,

Cécile

illusion;

surely

part

pray

last

perfectly

MARQUISE

after

do myself

constancy,

as his

of him : but

become

a rival.

you

this

I will

what

him

provocations

THE

by them?

prodigies,

Indeed,

love,

are

fatigued

performs

to such

that

HOW

somewhat

right?

be sacrificed above

not

He

TO

AWAKING)

MARQUISE,

you

is charming!

VALMONT

is not

which

yours, work

the

sure

unites

made

of my

worth

too

me

zeal;

pains:

a tact

that

you

us, as sincere

desire

for

you

the

it has succeeded:

nothing

on

but

I

could

have

been

skill.

I consented

easier. In fact,

what

to share

but

to

right

which it was

added

it cost

the favors

as much letter

did

to them

as I;

the young only

new

must

Moreover,

in his

candor,

and

assuredly

“Read

my heart”;

everything. perhaps better Adieu, PARIS,

the

I hope read

to have

that

6TH

this that, such

because

we

next

choice:

will

hesitate

while

you me:

reading lovers than

the next

and

have

you

for

an enemy.

them!

dangers;

The

by

me;

one

I

reflections

they

were

not

an instant.

He quite

he has

it. The

friendly

to tell

he would

their

of

dictated

honor,

mightily!

what

occasion.

17 -- .

today,

all,

use for

a few my

after

account

a better

upon not

but,

of course,

to nothing;

he did

he has told

scant

had

but,

please

man:

was,

he is to go to you

a friend

DECEMBER,

such

time,

young

until

I took

nothing,

and a little

the young

to him

be told,

story

me for

Marquise;

and

lover’s

the truth

with

wrote

was

required;

sacrifice,

person

to gain

the

A slight

of his mistress

to it, oh, that

guide

me?

you

everything

will

say

see that have,

to

that

you

and again,

; you:

repairs

will that

also it is

—159— THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT I DO

NOT

neither

in my

against

people nor

to my

I

not

quiz

satisfied that

it would and

which

escaped

yourself PARIS,

do with

premature, had

upon 6TH

to follow

manner

people,

However forget

LIKE

quite

not

yourself

taste. them; you

be the first

alone, you

jm

I

may time

at the very

17 -- .

conduct

When

with

I have do

sorry

ground

better,

I

be at the present if you

in applauding

it. Adieu. DECEMBER,

up sorry

moment

were

yourself when

to find

of

were

it

is

complaint

avenge

myself.

moment,

do

that

in the hope you

jests;

you

not were

of a triumph congratulating

—160— MADAME

DE

I WRITE

TO

YOU

has remained

It

this

than

maid

that

informed

called

her;

dictated

to her

a fairly

making

the envelope

the

did

girl

first, she

that

answered

upon I

not

for

itself that

addressed

the

that

gave

way,

may,

I judged

will

have

PARIS,

from 6TH

letter.

know,

state of

more

Julie

be

just

alone

added

been

that,

four

often

feared

to

make

her to have

night.

a

her;

and

delirium

returned:

I was

to inform

it dispatched

she

busy

in

so that

astonished,

her;

a mistake;

her

that

she was

it.

The

midnight

while

to address

sufficient

last

before with

de Tourvel’s

she was

had not

restored

that

to

it, Madame

and

which

to nobody.

unhappy

learn

I shall

distance

as you

somewhat

wished

friend

should

affected,

my

she

the letter

fill

Adieu,

whose

is to be a consultation

morning

it,

which

is so ill

this

was

perceiving

thoughts

mind

There

friend,

upon

that

her

at which

mistress,

immediately.

I

took

the packet.

our

that

unhappy

unhappily,

communication

without

you

me

she

to everybody

de Valmont

mind

charged

to open

there

her

to whom

had greatly

found

is,

ROSEMONDE

of relief.

long

know

me

myself

because

that

the letter

however,

That

DE

of your

the same.

a means

mistress

MADAME

the chamber

always

however,

waiting

TO

afternoon.

of danger

seems,

from

almost

physicians proof

VOLANGES

from

our

meant

not

it, better

The

revered

friend.

which,

however,

at first

to anybody. can

long

recovers

as she with

but

ideas.

from

fact,

it was

to write;

be given you

in

that

of her

As

body

you,

disorder

than

head.

no hope.

send

I think,

to the

patient’s

I

to

that it

what

are

difficulty,

so

she as

I send

remains

M.

that

Be

me,

is

it

you, the

keenly

when

the

at ease.

dear

and

the sad spectacle DECEMBER,

which

17 -- .

I congratulate

you

is continually

before

upon my

being eyes.

at

a

—161— THE

PRÉSIDENTE

AND

WRITTEN

CRUEL Does

BY

AND it not

ravish

suffice

where

be without which

ignominy

cessation,

I do not

memory

In of

no more

peace:

Where

has terrified leave

me

which

sorrow,

take

away

you,

I lost

who

the guilty

right me,

Pity

near

dying,

has plunged.

me. and

stops

short

from

on the

She is torn

the

me,

jn

and I

My

at

became

misfortune

down,

and

over

of

by remorse

cruel

them?

weeps

brink

if

torments

to you

borne

one

mercy,

innocent

are they?

no

for

it from

to punish

I am

to

me

listening

where

sorrows

my

I was

you

of

render

image.

have

abode

be content

ravished

by

you

I shall

have

repose;

come

I am

me.

one

my

what

dares

you

desolating

cherished

succor!

is refused

When

its

faults,

None

without

consolation

my

this

implore

complaining,

me?

Would

are my

I do not

me

lost.

In

myself,

do not

friends

them.

me to bury

But

eyes

HER

persecute me?

What!

strength.

of my

are the

grave?

without

to

vilified

my

my

I saw

Author

the

to be unknown?

I have

before

because

criminal.

not

good

cease

exceed

leaving

the

never

degraded,

of

to suffer

do not

unbearable.

peace

is hope

you

tortured,

has forced

deserve:

sufferings

trace

the

BY

MAID) will

to have

even

TO ——(DICTATED

WAITING BEING,

you

me

TOURVEL

HER

WICKED

from

shadow,

my

DE

the

and

they

me.

All

abyss

into

her cries

are

heeded!

And

you,

whom

punishment;

you,

me,

what

wife.

me

submitted

of

shame. tell

you

for

and

retained

wished have

me.

my

different

not

it

contempt.

His round

the

’Tis

feared

lest

It has withdrawn

deserved.

it was

know.

to avenge

the courage

Heaven

has

taken

you

yourself an

Let

on

unfaithful

this

part;

have

remit

your

indulgence,

at

avenges

my

a fault

you

letter, it

has tied

should

me from

my

me to tell

your

which

to

I should

failed

respect.

Heaven

adds

and punish

I have

but

esteem

right

Come

torments

dissimulation,

do not

words;

tongue which

it

which

would

who

ruined

its justice.

for

follows he

the

whose

me?

vengeance:

in its vengeance,

he

have

from

repentance.

you

It is at once

thrown

my

a wrong

infringed

vain;

fury?

of

to punish.

Pitiless

at last,

to your

you,

would

far away

It was

you

outraged;

alone

doing

suffer,

already your

have

who

are you

Let

least,

I

is

him

me; from lips me

it has abandoned and through he

is

there;

himself! proffer

to

destroy

His

only me.

him he eyes

insults Who

me to the that assails

I suffer. me

express

very

one

I seek

to flee

unceasingly. naught

and

reproach.

will

save

me

but

him

in

But

how

hatred

and

His

arms

from

his

are

only

barbarous

But

what!

my

It is he....

beloved,

take

is indeed have Let it

you!

soft

caresses?

emotion your

trying

to break?

What

can

shudder! who

God!

more

Where

least,

answer

Leave

me

gentle

you

force

corrodes can

It is that

listen

you

this

letter:

then,

cruel

me

to

to

have you

getting

again!

My

him,

help me

gone?

should you.

distills

5TH

fresh

my

what it!

you

as to

you?

Expect

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

not

seizes

nothing

my

tender

You

death? I

and

you,

Do

come

to

my

again,

at

you

fear

my

torments;

thing

is hatred!

persecute

me?

What

it as impossible

for

of

me:

him;

redouble

more

are

You,

pains,

you?

you

me.

me.

made

longer,

desert

still

soul?

no

Leave

against

love

I

again.

for

to see you

do you

Have

answer

do not

How

bonds

allowed

a grievous

Why

from

doing?

of my

you fury

to say to me?

farewell. PARIS,

that

penetrate Oh,

you

a diminution

it

part

preparations

friends,

If I am not

What

away

me to struggle

let me know

which

are

it is you,

fear

are those

those

O

let us never

turn

ready

more.

you?

it is with

What

monster

both

hate

me!

What

one!

sentiment

upon

Ah,

you

thus?

promised

have

do

yes,

misunderstand

it throbs!

Why

I see once

bosom:

no more,

features

from

who

the heart

you

your

you

me

us part

how

glance

me in your

made

Let

love!

are

me to fly

side.

any

of

Why

indulgent,

heart,

sweet

change

urged

my

it is he whom

hide

illusion

absence!

Feel

Cast

mistaken; arms;

dread

in your

me breathe. the

me in your

What

suffered

is

I am not

me.

lest

How

it

more me

Monsieur,

to

—162— THE

CHEVALIER

I AM

DANCENY

ACQUAINTED,

also

that,

feared

not

and

treachery

written

that

a certain

I felt

abuse this

you

ready morning,

meet at

Saint-Mandé. explanations THE PARIS,

me

the

which

hand.

blind

I over

assisted

me.

I shall

know

have

the

Bois

this

eight de

if, and

Vincennes

to have

there

all

to obtain

from

you.

17 -- , IN

THE

EVENING.

that

me. you

the

I

was

myself

know

have

proof

heart

learn

DANCENY.

DECEMBER,

my

I do not, to

to

seen

that

VALMONT

me,

somewhat

curious

to

behavior

I have

confidence:

between

DE

tricked

I confess

only

be careful I still

it.

am

tomorrow,

entrance

I will

CHEVALIER 6TH

of my

all alike

for

at having

advantage;

them to

shame

your

unworthily

yourself

own

VICOMTE

with

having

applaud

made

shameful

preserve

with

in your

have

THE

MONSIEUR,

content

to vaunt

TO

of sick,

not your and

at the odious

however,

envy

you

whether

you

will

as I hope, nine by

you

will

be

in

the

village

of

o’clock the

is necessary

for

the

—163— M.

BERTRAND

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

MADAME, It is with news

great

which

will

recommend admired our

regret

to

life

lady!

Your

nephew

this

morning

with

the

you;

he whom I had

M.

of

it appears,

to wait

by two

of his

thrusts

through

his

As

and

time

for

condition, that

M.

and, his

He

desired

that

Meanwhile,

Vicomte

but, lost

of

God!

arms death

that

my truly

ignorant

of

the

I found to

it needs

him

to

who

the

well

leave

the ill

was

was

hardly

a house,

still

forward must

be

over,

and

little that

so unfortunate!

but

of

my

I am

not

of succor,

both

Less

than

he rendered

arms,

at his

did

I foresee have tears

birth, that

gallant

He a

a

then

moment.

spiritual

and

later,

his last

M.

le

unction;

breath.

precious

it was

to

with

extreme

this

him

acquainted

an hour

to weep flow

and

importance.

to receive

silent;

you

presence,

half

then

he called command

my

vast

able

it was

to a brave

in

it is

humble

me to be

to us, “I

was

misfortune!

kind

My

sword

to weep:

for

I should

two

was

Danceny

together

when

nephew

He ordered

he attached

only

your

But

which

of every

he

of thinking.

presented,

alone

was

M.

his murderer,

of

when

He had

spite

is due

them

in my

how

expire,

that

incurable!

He

in

said

contents

aware

in search

was

and

be

I saw

weak.

and,

great.

the consideration

papers,

and

Yet

a had

an irreparable

fashion

us all

I received

he would

so premature

which

he

honor

he has reason

myself;

him

before

consciousness.

When

the

blood.

very

one has caused

him

sent

alas,

so illustrious

with

which

when

in his

certainly,

himself

should

jp and the ceremony Great

much

which

at the hour

terror,

already

man

I am

we

Ah,

told

all

I have

precisely

of the very

of

I had

temporal:

so

to

so venerable

entirely

aggressor.

bathed

contain

caused

to which

the

my

was

when

not

with

mass

but

you

first,

all

the ills

the missive

which

not

and

and

showed

further

voluminous

have

in a duel

I am

from

Imagine

wept.

could

embraced

man.”

to

me,

so greatly

to fall

Danceny.

and

servants,

tears,

the hand

Monsieur

Allow we

I afflict

le Vicomte,

hôtel.

body,

le Vicomte

treat

announcing

to fall!

jo I nonetheless

friend,

sorrow.

misfortune

he was

M.

he even

I

taking

with,

the

to shed

me,

that

upon

to

the

it appears,

allowed

carried

a fine

but

I say,

back

also,

of

us to support

Must

le Vicomte,

brought

there

task

which

enables

le Chevalier

M.

Heaven

been

cruel

Heaven!

has had

quarrel;

pocket

sad

resignation

alone

... Gracious

of this

such

pious

which

the

is strewn.

nephew

in

you

that

and

Your

motive

I undertake

cause

you

in you,

wretched

that

prop

to be in

jq my

for

his death!

A

in spite

of myself.

I

ask

your

own:

pardon,

but,

Madame,

in every

condition,

be ungrateful,

indeed,

me so much

kindness,

Tomorrow,

after

everything,

and

Madame,

that

disposition

you this

thus we

if I did

can

not

event

enough

to convey

zeal

in their with

punctual the most

DECEMBER,

cuts free.

and my

for

so great

on off If

my

and

a lord

your

I

who

should showed

the seals jr placed

care.

I can

with

confidence.

have

the

to me your

grief

sensibility;

life

I will

my

You

will

js

and

entail,

be of any orders:

I will

be

on

aware,

leaves

the

use to you, employ

I all

fulfillment. profound

BERTRAND. 7TH

entirely

entirely

my

all

me with

property

to be good

PARIS,

weep

of your

you

to mingle

hearts

of the body,

depend

unhappy

daring

have

and honored

the removal

beg

I remain,

for

17 -- .

respect,

Madame,

your

most

humble,

etc.

—164— MADAME

DE

I HAVE

THIS

ROSEMONDE MOMENT

from

it the fearful

Yes,

I shall

them

that

The

letter

proof

that

should

M.

it was

satisfied

but

it

this

he who

One

to

cannot

remnant

of

believe

that

expect

you,

which

I know

avenge, be too

to

you

with

be

you,

sent

and

with

and

our

which

mortal

My

convincing that

nephew and

his

humanity

death,

jt and

you

zeal owe

may

and against

I do

not

injuries.

and to

you

murderer;

of the law

to pardon

the

of

affliction.

his enemy

manners;

learn

victim.

intention

name.

required all

and

on account

is a very

the severity

are

matter

capable,

time,

stains

we

my

it is my

in my

to invoke

which

it is only

me,

and

same

Bertrand, the unhappy

else than

have

still

this

and

in pardoning

which

dear

has been

the duel,

eager

pursue to

you

at the

in

my

nephew

anything

generosity

is a case

then,

letter,

a complaint,

barbarism,

this

BERTRAND

to give

provoked

lodge

duty

my

which

his natural

is my

religion.

myself

M. your

orders

Danceny,

immediately

have

of which

have

I can occupy of

received

event

doubtless

TO

my

I

activity

of

nephew’s

memory. You

will

be sure,

confer

with

be left

quite

communicate Adieu, and am, AT

THE

my for

before

him

with

this

letter

life,

to see M.

on the subject.

alone

dear

all,

Bertrand; entirely

CHÂTEAU

DE

my

le President

de --- on my

behalf,

not

to him,

as I am

I have

sorrow.

You

written

will

convey

eager

him

my

your

kind

excuses,

and to and

to him. I praise

and

thank

you

for

yours. ... , 8TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

sentiments,

—165— MADAME

DE

I KNOW

YOU

the loss and

VOLANGES

you

ARE

have

truly

already:

but,

alas!

unhappy

friend.

We

fatality

which

human

prudence,

not

attended

to inform

to succumb

them

was

You

of course,

consciousness;

arrived,

and

could

it

we

not

returned

her

reason,

whether

may

her for

However

that out,

to make had

may

wrong:

but

far

dead

he not

Our

unhappy

afterward,

friend

once

subsequently

M.

our By

de

a

of

all

Valmont

to enable

her

the measure

for

him

me

of

we bed, and

with

no

had

we

to

the

sad

me

woman

this

and

hardly

recovered

revolution,

M.

de Valmont

to

the

patient

the

only

threw

saying?

back M.

mistaken, letting

ideas

and

or

that

and

death,

which

have

of

bed,

curtains

upon

necessary,

be

with

her that

to

tranquil

and,

the care

she

therefore,

“Enough,

closed;

I hoped

I know when

she

required

endeavoring wish

a fairly

saying,

to

himself

“Why

with

assured

my

her

is dead!”

be persuaded,

whispered,

at first,

curtains

and at first

and,

It was

the

de Valmont

herself

story,

she similarly

left

and

the unfortunate

of us,

again

deceive

to me?

to yield. air:

but

soon

enough.”

She

the

of her condition,

physician she never

her.

left,

were

Well,

relating

produced

physician

neither

her.

was

absolutely

her

words,

the story,

to busy

as he had

when

the

to me?”

her

near

she was

of

the cruel

listened,

tried

have

silence,

from

she interrupted

at

her

upon

a mock

until

am you

at night.

said,

days

from

had

hurriedly

she was

already

Was

when

alone

that

called

her,

physician

are you

she

upon

bestow

she recognized

the

What

dissuade

when

to

morning,

or sign

back

she

to repeat

and

trying

I

time.

the physician

As soon

are

to make

two

yesterday

repetition

be,

“What?

heard

would

which

she survived

than

bedside,

nature

a long

more

death,

brought

her believe

asked

feel.

as she herself

word

and

that the

have

occupied

crying

the least

de Valmont’s

by

for

her

chimney,

caused

which

Valmont,

must

of her misfortunes

even

approached

the

of M.

that

and

extract

to

was

de

with

full.

are aware,

episode

the weight

M.

o’clock

seemed

friend,

you

now

at eleven

and,

for

which

by which

death;

revered

affection

tears

which

interval

of his

beneath

and

and

to those

your

yesterday,

lot,

short

your

regret

only

her her

her

without

we

have

lost

the

a fresh

ROSEMONDE

dear

in the affliction

to add

you

DE

my

I knew

sincerely

to have

MADAME

acquainted,

sustained;

most

grieved

sufficed

already

just

I participate

TO

alone,

support other

dismissed

she her

begged

so.

expression

There than

her nurse

me

and

to help

her

she

stayed

for

that

which

was

waiting

maid;

to kneel

down

some given

time

in

by

her

tears,

which

them

flowed

to Heaven:

submit

myself

which

I admit

Thy

into

aggravate

details

your

grief,

had

hardly

which

long,

had

regained

as she Anselme, that

and

my

spoke

ills

A short

but

time

she charged spoke

to

permitted,

The

Père

Anselme

for

nearly

tears.

This

spectacle, so

He

in my

friend,

to

renew

and

of

Madame

soul.

arms; by

After

and

she

weakness, As

soon

send

the

Père

for

whom

much

bless

remedies. to

physician

but

I need;

I

feel

of oppression,

and

remainder

by

eleven

o’clock

suffer

more.

I put

to

discern

any

take

it,

easy assist

the

and the

of her

spent

and

her death. ju

She

her,

my

hand

and

she

placed

and,

indeed,

dear

friend,

the

Père

so far

alone

as

her

sick

ceremonies

so sorrowful,

was

had the

of

shed

Church.

the

who

and

was

rendered

confessor,

general;

her

woman

of

resignation

venerable

with

Anselme

even sufferer

burst

she,

into

for

whom

to weep. in the customary

sufferer’s she

of

the

last

became

out

movement;

face

tranquil

one not

at night,

the

at the

emotion

was

for

a casket

of hers,

and remained

to see that

which

of the day

interrupted

returned,

the only

papers

after

friendship

o’clock,

so imposing

The

me contains

maid,

emotion.

we

grief

her waiting

immediately

your

four

to

contrast

was

of

about

it was

remained

side.

wept,

she tells

much

When

about

friend

me

through

to you

and

the profound

her

enough

you,

arrived

me,

which

and with

the

with

only

of

always

by

everybody The

must

prayer

ordinary

asked

only

and I will

overcome

She complained

me to convey

serene;

many

at

was

to the

the

she handed

an hour.

and

tears

is now

to you,

me

situation

formed

way she

be ended.”

afterward,

which

more

gave

she

misfortunes,

to your

back

“I

difficulty.

I am sending

calm

when

that

raising voice,

respected

consolation

she fell

my

aware

that

and

fervent

not

and

I am well

words,

bed,

which

“He

soon

which

next

her

but

to him,

dear

no doubt

consciousness,

added,

will

with

in

my

be a great

brief

hands,

Let

of reproach

which

I have

these

replaced

Valmont.

myself,

because

her

she, in a weak

be a cause

on a subject

uttered

clasping

forgive

nevertheless,

lasted

last, said

but

permitted

these

friend

was

justice;

I have

will,

At

God,”

are deserved,

de Tourvel’s our

“Almighty to Thy

mercy!”

enter

copiously.

prayers,

frequent

fits

appeared

to be more

to

seek it

her

of

weakness.

arm;

upon

her

at that

very

which

oppressed

she

heart.

At

had

still

I could

moment,

our

on your

last

here,

persons

whose

were last,

at

and

to

strength no

longer

unfortunate

expired.

You

will

ago,

when

to us more

remember, we

talked

my

together

or less assured,

of

that,

certain

we dwelt

complacently

visit

upon

not

happiness the lot

a year seemed

of this

very

woman,

whose

misfortunes

virtues,

laudable

qualities

whom

she loved,

husband pleased

her,

many

and

of

combined

Providence,

my you,

heard

me

acquaintance, this

yet

habituated

Such

slight

this

to

sensibility

we

we

lament

a character

whom the

she was delight;

lost

through

must

worship

I stop

myself;

daughter,

morning

of

taken

ill,

today.

so sweet

adored; a face,

a

Thy

I fear

So and

many easy;

a society youth,

single

a

which

fortune;

so

imprudence!

decrees;

to add

sorrow,

Adieu,

my

dear

see teach

and

is a little

so sudden

a death

and

I had

have its

no ill

a praiseworthy

friend. 17 -- .

her sent

impression

us to dread

and venerable

DECEMBER,

who

will

is, doubtless,

we daily

9TH

was

indisposition

all that

PARIS,

she

to my

she was

that

by

are!

death

O

but

to your

how

sorrow

by

When

she

own. to return

from

and

which

they

whose

attractions;

advantages

incomprehensible

I leave

and

doubtless

indulging

and

it!

results.

indisposed. of

two

to bed.

I hope,

At

age,

her

is keener quality;

persons

but

and how

of

her

however, one

more greatly

is

not

potent. does

—166— M.

BERTRAND

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

MADAME, In

consequence

sending

me,

of I have

communicated wishes,

your

I should

me to point

against

M.

by

the

taking

of

this

noise.

These

observations

further when

orders you

you

will

I am, PARIS,

pardon

with

from

upon this

respect,

10TH

that

the

court,

you.

liberty Madame,

DECEMBER,

de

him

that,

in pursuance

The

honorable

would

you

what

prevent

the

of

had

has

to beg

you,

as to add

a word

as to the

troubles

in consideration your, 17 -- .

etc.

to lodge

I greatly

to

better

great

abstain do,

on

from

already

dread.

attachment

the

taking

made

too

to wait

for

to be so of

the be

be a

carefully

state

your

inevitably

course,

Madame,

of my

have

of

intend

and I resolved

me

of

magistrate

Government

which

honor

--- , and

also

should

you

of wisdom,

of so many

you

the

compromising

would,

that

that

to

which

honor

adventure,

Allow

which

President

which

to me full

them,

le

be equally

his

is

and

unfortunate

me

advice.

would

endeavor

done

the complaint

therefore,

seemed

dispatch

the sad effect

to

his

and

proceedings; be

much

that

have

M.

informing

without

of

you

seeing

Danceny

opinion,

would

cognizance

of

to you

decree

any

which

to him,

nephew,

His

contrary,

that

letter

out

your

misfortune. from

had

le Chevalier

of

tarnished

orders

do nothing

desires

memory

the

your

good, health,

I hope

that

and my

zeal.

—167— ANONYMOUS

TO

M.

LE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

MONSIEUR, I have

the

Court,

there

a few that

days the

being

would

will

few

indulgence,

Private

officers if you reasons

has dictated I have PARIS,

10TH

not

were

able

it, because

the honor

all

to

the

give

you

of

the

which

you

had

it is to be I thought

you

to

results;

put

you

less

often

a piece

feared

that

seek

this

out

what

or, in the event

in

a position

refuse

her

to

of take

will

not

you

know

done

of

this

sort

are

render

to be, etc. 17 -- .

not

in that

who,

with

less from

during

the

treated

it has come

I am told,

requisition.

this

you

with

due to the law.

against

signing

I think

have

necessary

to communicate

advice,

you

continues

more

of

than

affairs

a complaint

me from

DECEMBER,

that

you.

enable

to

de Rosemonde,

to lodge

you

this,

nevertheless

could

that

in

and

vexatious

ordinarily,

Madame

prevent

these

corridors

safety. me

becomes

wished

off

to

the

of the affair

against

either

yourself

respect

officers

in

de Valmont,

you,

succeed

permit

a certain

consideration

to

Although,

precaution

perhaps,

to

morning,

proceedings

to ward

to show

this

de Valmont,

take

use

this

the King’s

personal

even

days.

ears that

of

that

le Vicomte

will

have,

do well

public

M.

be

your

you

among

with

unable for

you

This

talk

ago

you

measures

last

was

might

protection

If

to inform

Government

warning

your

honor

you, jv

this letter.

justice whom

It

is an aunt

in which would

to

not

of M.

event be

my

the

amiss,

lady. But

I am acting

to the it comes.

sentiment

on

the

which

—168— MADAME

DE

VOLANGES

MOST

SURPRISING

friend,

are

am,

being

assuredly,

is nothing with

which

with

alarmed above

all,

farther. they

were

I only

de Merteuil,

woman, left

whom

notion

return,

to

these

odious

death;

you

stays

stories

do.

This

is what

certainly is

said

was

alike;

that,

only

arrived

work

at

which

to spend Her

her

two

second

mistress next;

had

and

none

I

have

person

of

her

now

and

her

her:

for

For

myself,

any

the

informed

scandalous

use

M.

to

de

if they

Valmont’s

are true;

which

or,

I beg

at

you

at present;

to

but

it

farther: de

Valmont

the two

in also by

rivals

began

Chevalier them

both

by fighting

and

explanations

order

to

to justify a heap

about

the

deceived

these

maintained

anecdotes

and

who

that

that,

he had

of

whispered,

de Merteuil,

and

of

information,

M.

revelations

which

be

of them,

it spreads

Danceny,

will

or rather,

and

between

circumstances

afterward;

reconciliation;

I hope,

which

always,

explanations

the most

spread

to Madame

gone.

more.

the

wish,

horrors

on Thursday any

of

have

morning

that

it

ease

I should

these

recollect

able,

Madame

his

me

the

and

they

had

that

to be greatly

she was

she

told

know

between

almost

correspondence

me,

to obtain

before

of

supported

this

cannot

published,

to the Chevalier

she relates

on

you

quarrel

as happens

Valmont

regular

the

a sincere

Merteuil de

the

I sent

be

been

for

be long

of

I

in the country.

based

is being

not that

Danceny

about

be easy

hour,

to whom

of

not

them.

at a late

information

to have

is effaced,

where

well

credit,

before

revered

de Merteuil.

aware

time,

with

I

will

with are

are likely it will

It

me

well

acquire

leave

and

wager

in good

here

be;

you

too

to be expected

so late

be,

furnish

rate,

she was

may

I am

slanders

me

she has left

who

any

will

to speak

she

to Madame

the country,

for

that

may

for

to tell

whom

that

left

dear

and I would

and when

able

where

acquaintance However

not

save

of the servants no

yesterday,

just

my

it to be to refute

knew

I sent

no orders

but

they

be stopped

to retail;

ROSEMONDE

rumors, relation

improbable

as I believe

beginning

were

jw

could

she had

They

calumny:

easy

DE

them,

the impression

they

just

in

believing

most

which

that

But

days.

the

at these,

here

far from

a hideous

MADAME

DISTRESSING

disseminated

even

difficulty

AND

very

but

TO

brought

expose

Madame

de

himself

entirely,

M.

of

letters,

with

her,

herself,

forming and

in

a

which

and in the freest

of

styles. People

further

say

showed

these

making

the round

letters

that to all

of Paris.

Danceny, who Two

in

wished of them,

the

first

heat

to see them, in particular,

of

and

his that

indignation, they

are quoted:

are

now

jx one

in

which

she relates

said

to attain

Prévan, did

height

story

to yield

Merteuil,

happily,

as false

as they

assuredly

you

will

thereby,

occupied

with

Madame

proved

can have

had,

making

a

which

and

remarkable

who, that

Prévan’s

scene

and

that

are

she can fail

aware

without

could

enemy

of

time,

had

numerous

adventure

not

from

his

de

are

Valmont

I have

every

in her:

what

interest

thus

with

M.

voice

its

she made,

in part

of

However, has been

there

de

by

since

master

nor

Madame

disagreeable

to her,

it

motive

in concert

partisans.

side

he

de

the

was

a single

own

M.

neither

be

who

all

Madame

and

been

dangerous

a man

de

imputations

interest

been

only

M.

that

of

that

de Merteuil,

have

most

part

these

to understand

which

even

both

is

her.

that

her to have

become

that

to believe

equally

assuming

that

since

favor,

that

might

at

was

I equally

an irreconcilable

secret,

with

which

justifies

it contains

arranged

we

of the quarrel.

and

reasons

and

entirely

on the

was

Danceny

which

advances

First,

to me clearly

publicity,

marked

odious.

that

principles,

by the proof

are

seems

in

remember,

most

and

other

strongest

to believe

Prévan,

the

the

not

de Merteuil

of her life

the rendezvous

cause

the author

history

of horror;

to the

and that

I have,

was

the

whose

was

the whole

has been

her it

is

raised no

in

protest

made. These

reflections

are abroad and

would

today,

and

vengeance

such

of

a means,

diversion. most

urgent

were

to be shown,

thing

no communication

In my

who,

to

these

establish

is to destroy

a doubt,

them.

They

that

be

perhaps

and

cause

a

and

that

by

useful

arise,

of themselves,

de Valmont

affair,

hopes,

reports

cease

which

of the hatred

ruined,

malicious

would

MM.

unfortunate

to

and

these

of the rumors

as the work

himself

source

as is probable, their

slanders

knowing

whatever

after

impatience

in

to verify

in Paris

the

the place

night,

’Tis

be informed

so necessary them

P.S. My

daughter’s

respects

to you.

PARIS,

11TH

facts,

His

owing

to a warning was

through

you

of the

details

to Madame

me with

these

either.

of his sojourn

of his duel. can

upon

the author

if

Danceny

no papers

the it

had passed

them.

he is not left

a man

from

me to suspect

to look

at least

But,

between

lead

as soon

people

a secret. alone, which

de Merteuil.

I sent

told

my

this

to M.

valet-de-chambre

he had

received

Apparently then,

morning

that

yesterday,

he is afraid

my

dear

interest

me,

and

I renew

my

prayer

Danceny;

and

of the

and revered which

he

to you

that

results

friend, may

had

that

I

become

to acquaint

as possible.

indisposition

DECEMBER,

has had no consequences;

17 -- .

she presents

her

—169— THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

MADAME, Perhaps

you

entreat

will

you

temerity, injury

to hear

where I have

I could even

only

for

persuaded, so from

which

I have

for

to render

honor

Meanwhile,

absorbed

that

in this

obliged But

this;

astray

means first,

by

that

that

letters,

just

himself. letters

one’s

vanish

from

which

of

which

I have

The

the

cause

at

fear

that,

gratifying

it,

out

to

you,

since

my and

you

efforts buried

would

count

on

I may

be

in silence.

and

the

to remove

esteem

let yours

guilty

you

of persons

be taken

is allowed, betrayed

your

original

I have

desiring

to

I can

innocent

confidence;

of

as I have

while

been

the courage,

those

in any

the

the

which

remain

suffice

de Valmont,

that

befits

judge.

vengeance

in

quantity

may

to

from

as

a

whom

me without

the means.

has

have

to

I should

one

all,

will

The

as my

I possess

when

above

delicacy:

you

admit

event

part,

those

having

sorrow,

Madame,

not

In order

to point

of M.

Be

you.

of

your

that

on your

which

my

precious

if you

two

me,

then,

unhappy

complicity,

I demand

duty,

I believe

this

for

read,

de Valmont

extracted

of

you

these

led

on obstacles,

so that

against

authenticity

M.

than

will

and,

lend

received

me.

it, and I believe

jy

Allow

out

condemnation

is too

hands.

seek

in the

sufficient

your

are

led

be involved

bounden

but

you

been

himself

to the suit,

wrongs

of the laws.

have

if

it.

that

without

been

with

party

friendship,

would

life,

it will

has

I

deny

I am

I feel.

which

at one

is not

one’s

you

here

against

if you

misfortunes,

the

of knowing

is essentially

alike,

In fact,

fatality

not

sincerity,

that,

that

nor

it, all my

you,

I

boldness

reproach,

which

to reflect

but

me to avoid

to assure

however,

the

for

equal

in those

and

for

from

with

I venture

I have,

my

exempt

much

I do

myself

possible

add,

to yourself,

over

is meant.

been

unusual:

to see neither

pardon

I am

of which

and

and

very

matter

resource

defending

if

for

vengeance,

to make,

we respect

not

I may

to you,

today

confidence

it had

count

I groan

rather

this

you

that

provoked

assistance,

and

the severity

he would

have

that,

justice

subject,

interest

Madame,

your

through this

that

grief

in

and

taking

me,

and I should

known

your

I am

judge

a moment

while

of

even

you;

sentiments

of being

once

respect

caused

in these

step you

regrets;

believe you

the

before

done

think

equally

on

think

eyes.

in

one’s

if

you not

the correspondence letters only

which copies

the honor

added

Do

or say rather,

to forward

nothing

permitted

to

myself

love, admit

take

my

which

it contains exist.

them,

that

For

in

it

is

one’s

this,

my

word

for

I place

in

seems

to

the

rest,

them

to you,

from

and

I have

only

to publish.

I

One

of

these

and

of

myself;

charged

feeling

of

justification

redoubtable since,

also

You

will

only

I owe

it to myself

surer

hands

as

as

if

I

embarrassment informed

of

remain I

of

I

ought

correspondence which

M.

the

two

of to

expressly a service

cause

the but

de

of all

that

for

the

second,

who

had

nor

in no way

the still

more

which

he has been

groaning,

letters,

the originals

of

I do not which

abuse.

I am serving to

is

me,

doubtless

perhaps,

I

them,

me

all

in

them

knowing

desire

my

that, in

spare

in

to

interested

of

which

remit

Madame,

and and

I can

not,

I believe,

themselves;

they

believe

the persons

from

which

between

the

adopt,

forms

part

the

seals,

have

of my If you

the

the to

be

world

to

retreat,

which

is kept

honor

me with

that

I have

12TH

cover

DECEMBER,

more

voluminous

it in my

presence,

I

absence

a reply,

the honor

of a far

the

whatever

which my

P ... , under

subject,

title,

the

the your

adjoined

collection,

and which

which

and course

that

you

will

of

“Account

de

Valmont.”

I saw, Vicomte

from

prudence

may

find,

suggest.

etc.

decided

de ... by

this

de Merteuil

matter,

Madame,

on

under

Marquise

information

friends,

you,

extracted

in this

respect,

Certain

PARIS,

warn

de Valmont

I am with

house

only

of

will

P.S.

to

removal

opened You

veritable

know,

the rest,

them

of

been

ignorant.

think

on

of these

them

adventures

Valmont

rendering

he has experienced,

blush

receiving

de

as is Madame

publish

beneath

all

to you,

remitted

to

I hardly

destruction

I should

had

I was

and

M.

of defense.

For

the

papers

me

public,

then,

to keep.

which

these

well

copies,

I

dangerous

the sole

which

the

that

so really

whom

means

a deposit

but

confiding

any

find

moreover,

and

of

and myself.

treatment of

vengeance

a right,

induced

de Prévan,

without

both

see, was

justice

judgment

ever

interest,

will

de Valmont

the rigorous

common

a woman

M.

of M.

merited

had

I thought,

as you

between

to the

we

unmasking

who,

passed

this

it by him. in

Merteuil,

necessary

to

with

to society,

A

was

a secret

have from for

I beg you to M. to write 17 -- .

received, Paris

and

for

some

everybody,

will

to address

le Commandeur to you.

the

advice

time:

but

not

of the

be one for

it to the Commanderie de --- . It

is from

my place you. jz his

—170— MADAME

DE

I MOVE,

MY

sorrow. all

VOLANGES DEAR

One

must

the morning:

still

remains

alarmed

me

especial:

that,

upon

that

writing exception

the

by

informing

there

but

I found

in which

heard

is greatly

attached

naught

but

all

weep

Madame

had

wished

But

the

time

which

Each

information, to a proceeding

letter My

Never

it

was

from

my

daughter’s

vocation, speak

not

which

she

without

of,

she added,

not

to enquire.

The

Superior

at first

refused

my

could

had

left.

She

not

seen

her

the

in

there. in

me

no

give

room.

her

not

her

porter

The only

presses,

her wardrobe, had

and

apparently

I searched all

yet have

was

daughter’s

was

in the

and

even

had

been her

my

no steps

her

with

the

taken

the

life

past

two

and

one

felt,

to

become

her;

the

that idea

she

did

did

not

that

she

she was

as to go back

burning

fear

alone. all

my

as I was

of giving

perhaps,

for

publicity

to be able

feared

that,

lest

and

I would

seeing

of

which

a young having

the

to

hide

she

for

time

a

Convent

of

...

oppose

had

not

the course

assuredly she begged

person

same

I should

that

of excuses

into

at the

Superior

a nun,

which

but

and,

I received

she had

motives,

that

brought

it, for wish,

consisted

permission,

to me that,

trouble,

Merteuil;

I so suffered.

from

that

first

returning

o’clock,

said

also,

my

de

indeed,

so imprudent

to obtain

have

her

of Madame

a degree,

country,

without

only

is said

as I remembered,

only

to receive

and

and

such

in my

until

if I knew

wrote

to

I might

to me of it: the rest

adopted

her,

afterward,

daughter letter

had

augmented

take

clue.

not and

she

not

alarmed,

people,

that

there

could

highly

to my

me

I had

what

had

nothing,

of all that

friend,

which,

everybody.

Finally,

to

elapsed

I dared

my

in its place

evening;

moment

all

since, foresee.

that

daughter

maid

to

she possessed.

de Merteuil

to see her

uneasiness.

from

the

her

at once

she

calmed

know

my

sorrow yesterday

I cannot

later,

that

no further

yesterday

as she

me

assured

which

to

from

I suffered

astonished

maid

knew

everything

dress

has been

a moment

I went

obtained

anxiety

morning,

they

event.

of what

morning,

summoned

me

and

an idea

waiting

the

ROSEMONDE

the end of which

in the

I

of money

As she had only

cruel

affliction,

since

I found

of

stock

know

most

returned

to

morning:

desk;

to surprise

She

this

which

surprise

my

more

swore

information

from

sent

situation!

all

disorder

I

even

my

DE

to form

o’clock

delay.

and

of

small

ten

her

apartment,

gone

if my

daughter,

occasioned

Judge

and,

about

my

MADAME

be a mother

to me a keen

Yesterday, seen

friend,

TO

arrive

questioned

not

dared

she

had

disapprove

me,

alone, her

the

and

however,

she had learned

who

she was,

she had

shelter,

in

seemed

resolved.

restore

my

condition, told

order

daughter

also

everyone

our

I went

daughter;

I spoke

to her

extract

from

convent; rank

argue

immediately

see my

and

Whatever

M.

my

embrace

tears,

her

remain

Valmont for

return;

must

a religious

at her age that

this

are we

to make

our

and

devote

all

our

what

you

would

cares

terrible

of bringing

to be firm;

she

owing

as her

plan

to was thing

my

than

to this

the

without

the

what

nearness

will

the

of

greatly

severity

fix

Madame

de

young

another’s

daughter we

ones;

de

and,

off?

Gercourt’s How,

sufficient

upon

head.

Methinks

M.

oblige

the

us.

be broken

if it is not

in

the

fresh

befits

could

entering

see my

creating

know

to decide

occasion

her

alarm.

I cannot

to have

of

without

even

I

be happy

deaths

to

state.

that

as yet

affected

marriage

place;

only

without

that

all

and

is

You

alone:

not

happiness,

to it?

in

but

asked

tremulous

I could

advantageous

children’s

do

her

event,

vocation,

we best

embarrassment

most

to

obeying

It is a cruel

in a very

she could

unduly

to perform,

my

that

have

enough

enhances

she

course,

the Superior,

to her

I fear

duties

What

this

to me,

seeing and

there,

sorrow,

it is hardly

me,

of her retreat.

after

was

without

again,

afraid

de

of

write

I spoke

career

already

more

and

as she desired.

respect

that

nothing

kb

urges

which

of

declares

earlier

reluctantly,

nuns,

many

to let

and,

came

the

amid

postulants,

Tourvel

have

her,

she

of the place

upon

daughter

so ill!

she only before

her,

daughter

to the convent;

I decided

of

my

my

as a matter

which me

giving

journeys,

to demand

inform

in making

by

offering,

a vocation not

a service further

while

in ignorance

children

to

if I were

could

she had

her

Superior,

to oppose she

to do me

expose

to me,

that

the difficulty to leave

to

The

ka not

me

when

not

thought

to desire

me any lot,

of a judge

then,

by

telling

course: and

it me

I

find

I am equally

or the

weakness

of a mother. I reproach you

of

give

myself

my

to

own;

others

unceasingly but would

for

I know

augmenting

your

become

to

your

sorrows

heart:

the

consolation

you

the

greatest

by speaking which

you

you

could

to could

yourself

receive. Adieu,

my

dear

and

revered

friend;

impatience. PARIS,

13TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

I await

your

two

replies

with

much

—171— MADAME

DE

AFTER

WHAT

is left

for

after

ROSEMONDE YOU

me but

learning

I will

in

even

silence

inseparable nephew. shall

In

never

sole

of

vengeance

heart

will

is that,

I shall

the bounds

You

may

assured

you

have

one,

not

and

confided

in even

I do not

pause

and

here

hands

interest

you to you.

I do not

think

of respect loved.

I

daughter

but

does

not

requests:

not

in

events. than

I that

over I feel

affliction

my that

will

I leave

worthy

letters

that

I

be the

it to

you

need

to

of

your

all,

delicacy

virtuous

of

will

of its corruption,

is

would

willingly

the

me to give

become

will

not

often

which,

it

never

refuse one

me

deposit

it up to

necessary

for

this

laments

no

your

request,

for

due

makes

at

if you

de

having

are

of

no

you

further

greatly; it only

the object

you

have

so

consideration to

are not may

he who

the

seek

to impose

first

attempts

from

that

responsible

to

having

fact

alone, for

the

out

the that

much

on to

but

greatly

which

mother,

without

to

which,

were

rate

be, forever,

also

and,

any

himself,

were

her;

the

you

generosity

Volanges,

has wronged

that

one

of your

of these

person

then,

must

as I am

doubtless,

degrade

sentiment,

and

and

of punishing

not

add,

and simple

one

at yours,

and the laws.

Mademoiselle

young

thought

deserve

made

happiness,

of both

and

that

have

is rarely

convinced

illusion

Do

sad

grief

you;

to authorize

how

whatever

which

finds

revenge.

retained,

yourself, no

just

the

you

have

realized

after

and errors

one

concerned,

recognize,

from

true

you

repair:

abettor

lives,

obtained

eternal

it should

that

to whom

still

my

faithfully

unless

in regard

heart

you

which

I ask you

be very

I know

a pretended

but

keep

woman,

by

other

but

to obtain

meritorious for,

any

by religion

to believe

have

that

for

I will

in my

in

apparently,

to these

which

as to one’s

the most

it would

my

myself

already

delicacy,

place

his loss:

Monsieur,

have

indulged

still

when

relate

I cannot

prescribed

to me,

to you,

you

one

as I am

you

age a reflection

that

I venture

that

for

enlightened

it outside

justification.

cause

which

permit

seek

even

that

so far

may

advantage

errors,

to my

one

rest

regrets

nothing

its extent.

permit

were

One

Monsieur,

to be a woman,

that

never

myself

to appreciate

If you

DANCENY

knowledge,

Monsieur, all

unhappy

his

console

you,

may

the

spite

blushes

oblivion

they

from

to my

to weep.

one

with

and

that

and

CHEVALIER

excesses.

concur

hope

THE

brought

horrors;

of such

willingly

leaving

HAVE

to be silent

such

one capable

TO

to

oneself

seduce the

a first

excesses

ensue.

be surprised,

Monsieur,

at so much

severity

on

my

part:

it is

the

greatest

proof

fresh

rights

secret

the

would that

you

to it still,

by

lending

heart

to do this refuse

me

the honor

THE

of

which

you

service

my

would have

to my

have

do yourself

a wrong

you

me.

DE

... , 15TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

acquire

security

and

be afraid

to reflect

to be, etc.

CHÂTEAU

will

In a word,

if I could ask

You to the

wounded.

and,

I would left

esteem.

as I desire,

already

friend;

consolation,

one you

complete

yourself,

of which

this

it is the only

I have AT

give

publication

to a mother’s I desire

I can

deal

of

a

death

Monsieur, that

you

beforehand

—172— MADAME HAD

DE

I BEEN

ROSEMONDE OBLIGED,

the enlightenment it would that

have

which

reached and

my

which been

is only

for

would

been

O my

VOLANGES

to await

and

concerning

and

as yet;

nor

how

from de

doubtless

but

there

had reason

that

woman

Paris

Merteuil,

and

uncertain:

expected

friend,

receive

Madame

it you

vague

I neither

certain.

DE

me to give

have

which

too

friend,

ask me for

impossible

I received

MADAME

dear

you

me information

this

TO

to

has

expect;

has

deceived

you! I

shrink

from

whatever

may

hope, for

my

it,

dear

friend, you

you

that

there

are in my

give

I

Assuredly,

no

one

it should would

is not

often,

know

that me

no

a mass

of

this

mass

it still

well

falls

from

horrors;

short

enough

proofs

of

of the truth.

to believe

me.

of them,

and

that,

I beseech

you

also

Let

but,

my

the

at this

I

word

knowledge

very

moment,

that

advice

you

you can

you

not

see that you

what

seems

advice,

which

in

respecting the

forcing

to compel

me

knew

her

vain

tells

she

He

what

severity

de

displays.

a condition

of

life

happiness

you

motives.

wisdom

an act of His

vocation

it is a great

daughter

to

Mademoiselle

such

sometimes

your

our

me,

oppose

one

to it: but

than

of

to

justify

if

better

ask

not

herself who

is right

that

that

you

inspires for

our

each

one of

is, on the contrary,

one

of

clemency.

In short, from

my

that

greatly

fact

alone,

reflected

Volanges

you

upon

at the

I am quite must

it,

convent,

encourage,

instead

formed;

and that,

in awaiting

off

the marriage

you

fulfilling

these

After which

I am to add

you,

way them; submit

my

upon and,

dear these

of

painful

any

even

I would

you

this

step

thwarting,

afflict

not

should

the

her

you

should

and

which,

unless

I

Mademoiselle

own

project

you

you,

give

leave

is of

its execution,

is to ask

seeking to the where

duties

consolation,

sad events:

without

that

will

choice;

de

that

she

seems

not

hesitate

had

to

you have

to break

had arranged.

friend,

ourselves

of its views,

is

sensible

believe

since

should

of

you

called

and

knows

us, and,

assured

pain

disapprove,

sentiments

His

the

reason

be so; not

rest

exists

recommend

who

details

require

extreme for

Volanges.

will

any

hands.

without

a reason

upon

that

that

It is not

into

be reported,

and

suffice they

entering

let

we

and

the one

it remains

me

no

us leave

to throw

decrees

of friendship,

further them

useless

of Providence,

are not

favor

permitted

in the

questions

in the and

for

me to

bearing

oblivion

painful and

impotence

which

lights

believe

to understand

upon

in

in beg any befits them,

in the

wisdom

them.

Adieu,

my

dear

AT

THE

friend. CHÂTEAU

DE

... , 15TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

—173— MADAME O MY And

DE FRIEND,

you

which

the more

all,

to escape

with

to

and

might

me

have

the point My

letters in

and

from

I have

him,

preventing

consequences: have

been

that

my

fear.

Valmont’s thought she

shed

so

Merteuil, effect

of

latest It often

for

However,

or

duty

that

against

the rigorous

to try

on

is

you

If

to leave

you

already,

and

run all

to be the

to me,

her

men.

Finally,

supposing

be so, while

you

you

me.

blaming

my her

was

dangerous that

lover

have

daughter, the

it

and

weight news

may I

fear

to

this

of

M.

de

due

to

her

Afterward,

said

of

when

Madame

of friendship

these

from

any

merely

combat.

called

may

gave

to save

at

was

but

to be unfaithful.

be explained

oneself

them,

the

grief

at finding

believes

of

ill

was

succeeded

her wrongdoing. lend

that

receive

I had

deceived;

which

in this

Chevalier

as to

conceive

been

taken

one

means

it

maternal

the

so far

I can

sensitiveness

learning

it seems

counsel

every

to

to repair.

for

set a seal upon

had

regret

informed

I ask;

that

I know

having

to have

was

this

I thought

again,

from

circumstances

Danceny

of

I

some

what

I consent

I believed

everything,

daughter

tears

time

me

me what

all

know

me not

leaves

inclination

but

child

have

perhaps

jealousy, may

may

my

M.

still

she has gone

surveillance

several

that

many

if this

a certain

a

I dread

my

again,

risks

been

she had

of

daughter

happens

have

justify

my

when

what

has revolted you

today,

made

I

extend.

to them;

error

you

is what

have

each

be impossible

then

to reply

perhaps

course

here

and

know

indeed,

and even

misfortune; of the

alone;

that

this

you

then,

which

indulgence,

understood

me

not

that

mind,

told

it may

informed

possible

to

I

fears

to let

to

to let me

reserve;

extent,

conceal

yesterday,

you

to refuse

a certain

measure,

since

lot!

can it

of your

which

not

been

misguided

I recall

this

has shown

without

daughter’s

suspicions

to beg

a course

which

dire

the prayer

to be afraid

and

my

to

pray,

times, and

friendship

by silence

to which

Danceny,

not

exceed

daughter

upon

What,

the

twenty

and

my

friendship,

I remembered

I have,

me;

yourself

of your

ROSEMONDE

envelop

it!

than

uncertainty,

your

forgive,

misfortunes

to raise

feelings

when

whether

can

to explain

my

upon

to tell

indulgence my

cruel

DE

do you

more

I think

I decide

I depend

answer

I seek

redoubled:

this

Finally,

veil

heart

more

dread,

you.

lest

torments

from

MADAME

a fearful

considering

shuddered

hope;

The

are my

question

what

a mother’s

me?

without

TO

to dread

affect

abandon

tried

IN

seemed

can

you

VOLANGES

by the same

to God, facts

only

found

them

I should torments

motive.

and

sufficient

still and

the Her

because

to be true,

de

believe dangers

one that to

it of

an illusory

and

sentiment sole

transient

of honor,

author,

and

vocation.

he will

I am entitled

is sufficiently

advantageous

This,

and

to

my

dear

confirm

it,

should

reply

I was to

see

days,

that

as well

a terrible

blow

your

related

the

cruel

the day

before

yesterday. adventure;

which

here

my

the

daughter

to me;

you

inflict.

kd

acquaintance

Madame

seen

hasten

that

would

of my

As I have

every

he is

I am

silence

a gentleman scene

to

as his family.

desirous

how

and

with

remaining

judge

lost

of which

hope

may

when

of this

a wrong a marriage

is the one

letter,

nothing

him,

is not

came

de

nobody

for

is the relation

Merteuil

the last

few

of it, as I

have

an eyewitness:

Madame

de Merteuil,

at the

Italian

what

have

acquaintance entered

on her return

Comedy,

must

where

seemed

presented

was

the

object

went

and

rose,

as if

general

raised

sat there; in

himself

during

room,

as was

but

indignation

amounted,

That

nothing

the

and

had

and

carried,

crowd,

which

Merteuil

made

preserved

she

did

not

that

as it may,

announced;

this

and,

truly

reception

the same and

there

she was

who

round

face

I was and

I think

situation

a woman.

from but

all

and

before

marked

her

sign

of

which

M.

he will

soon

and

hearing

he

applauded

was him;

by

the

Madame

nothing,

de

and

that

fact

exaggerated.

Be

until

her carriage

was

hooting de Prévan of his shortly

as

that

M.

should

de Merteuil

assured

this

had it that

adventure,

As

lasted

the officers

that

she

benches,

luck

his

Madame

the scandalous

to such

is no doubt

since

of

of seeing

ignominious

that

the murmurs,

surrounded

But

she

crowded;

there

This

her ill

moment.

them.

expression!

were

her

close,

aware

the

and,

redoubled.

same

in

the

not

and

it, of

already

of

alone.

the men,

women,

speak,

At

one

in

gentleman

it was

on

alighted

alone

performance.

nowhere

that and

evening

no

women

were

himself

at her departure,

to be related

her,

to her humiliation,

a circle

is fearful

present,

to hooting,

men

her

to

place

by all

an appearance

change

was

absolutely

applauded

so to

she

her custom;

the

her

room

everybody,

the

on Thursday,

box;

apparently

all

left

shown

recognized,

her

a vacant

be lacking

withdrawing

he was

saw

it is said,

who

but

at once

was

might

de Prévan,

She

concert,

even

enter

it.

had

the country

extraordinary

immediately,

of

from

she

most

the withdrawing

a hum was

to believe

You

and what

Danceny

to repair

friend,

can.

M.

refuse

my

I knew

it from

you

to close

me,

underwent

if

If

to gratify

revered

to me,

about

not

kc

was

redoubled.

met

with

regiment regain

a

who his

It great were

rank

and

Madame

de

employment. The

same

Merteuil

person was

seized

who

gave

me

the following

these

details

night

with

told a violent

me

that

fever,

which

was

at

first

thought

placed;

but

declared good

it

fortune

of for

will

which

they

Adieu,

my

I find

PARIS,

became

itself,

adventure

but

to be the effect

dear

known

a very

dangerous

her case,

that and

revered

DECEMBER,

that

kind.

in which

confluent

Truly,

it

of it. They

which

is on the point

of much

friend.

in it for

situation

to die

she had need

no consolation 18TH

yesterday

her if she were

damage

assert

of the terrible

their

17 -- .

I see the

smallpox

would

say,

she had

be

been

ke

a piece

further,

that

of being

tried,

all

had of this

and in

favor. wicked

unfortunate

punished

victims.

in all

this;

—174— THE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

TO

MADAME

DE

YOU

ARE

MADAME,

and

certainly

I will

within

my

RIGHT, power

to which

the honor

to forward

you

you

them,

will

read

wealth

you

of perfidy

struck

and

me most,

Above

all,

on my

can

one

when

all her pains

to bear

my

and

it

love is

that

have evil?

always

happens

I say,

delicacy

the

to me,

de Volanges, any

ideas

love

of her!

I needed should

then,

the fulfillment motive

from

troubled was

craving

this

condescension

I was

proud

enough,

them.

I hope

you

of the veneration your

most

part;

which

and,

confess,

pardon you

what

this

were

convent,

the

and

world,

evil;

resistance upon

what

to

such

how

many

between You

of

however,

the

rendered

Mademoiselle

inspire

me

with

to renounce

my

her.

If

and could

I have

I think

unfortunate

seemed

that

I was

not

At

I had

and

the value

to

some

of my

to be left

my

which

I

right it

by

motives,

in no doubt

susceptible,

be

when

of buying

of the purity

too

a time

her delay

conceal

the appearance

perhaps

to

not

believe

you

harm

I need

duel.

dared

convinced

in me,

they a

alternative

beforehand,

delicacy,

inspire

more

de

and pliable

into

depends.

world.

to wish

brought

betrayed;

from

of good

concerns

much

she

than

to be obliged

I even too

even

to reflect

not,

matter,

of my

on my

a

Madame

gentle

the wrongs

to hate

be sure,

to have

I will

that did

that

bringing

terrible

all which

in this

when

and

sentiments

to the

feared

will

the

much

unknown

to

what

and candor?

similarly

to offer

enough

that

desires

If

Mademoiselle

easily

it suffices

keenly,

me too

have

letters.

so basely

justify

ignorance

able

our

quite

indulgence,

have

more

in deeming

consequences

your

to it, I should

of

I wished

the

been

control

to desire

of your

with

good

an equal

pleasure

heart,

ideas,

’Tis

ever

you;

simple

without

cost

no reflection for

that

almost

I felt

I

is, at least,

innocence

to

issuing

vengeance.

remain

seek

person,

Madame,

It would

me

for

depravation

which of

not

own

which

against

a sentiment

young

our

nothing

perhaps,

That

a hideous

of

to be indulgent

beyond

and

justice

Ah,

packet

indignation

of so much

nothing

have

you

de Volanges’

be united.

what

makes

would

The

astonishment

liveliest

with

then,

refuse

of them. the

influenced

and

circumstances

from

reflects

What

artifices?

perusal

would

been

person,

culpable

can

experience

as almost young

ingenuousness

which

character,

without

without

I retain

value.

all Mademoiselle

on the corruption

Nevertheless,

to

any

not

one

Volanges.

seduced

see,

last

is dead.

not

attach

contains

refrain

de Merteuil,

No,

you

ROSEMONDE

of

in view I attach

to

esteem.

It is the same

sentiment

which

bids

me ask of you,

as a last

favor,

to be

so

good

as to let me know

which

have

I was

placed.

Malta;

I will

will

been

such

good

an alien could

I am with PARIS,

me

reason

respect, 26TH

upon

to make

from

judgment,

to complain;

Madame,

DECEMBER,

respect,

gladly, of

I shall

my your

my

go,

while

still

in short,

accumulated

17 -- .

humble,

the

I leave

the vows

so young, to seek

duties

in which

is fixed;

horrors,

etc.

all

circumstances

religiously,

soul. most

fulfilled

intention

and keep

which,

of so many

and wither

I have

me by the unhappy

a world

the thought

sadden

in your

at ease in this

go there

sky,

only

imposed

Once

separate

if,

which

I have

to lose, whose

for

had

beneath memory

—175— MADAME

DE

THE

OF MADAME

to

FATE

be

at

divided

VOLANGES

length

indeed,

and

in saying has

disfigured;

and,

in particular,

The

seen her;

Marquis

malicious,

said

transformed Unhappily,

and

everyone

A further

event

Her

was

case

tried

her unanimously.

all

adjudged

which

was

absorbed,

not

that

and none

road

to Holland.

This

departure carried

have

livres

family

not

you

not

no other

to

Malta

left where

to recall will

at night,

are

her

has

to die

been

will

I

was

of

her

fearfully

imagine

that

I

hideous.

was

for

saying

that

to

the

be

something disease

seen

in

had

her

face.

just. disgrace

and

and

the

restitution the

is

to her

prejudice.

verdict

was

of the funds

small

remnant

of

absorbed,

she

to

given

received,

her

and

motive

fortune

more

than

dear

for

feeling

him!

forgive

Her

rest,

her

the

servants

say

fact

value,

plate,

leaves

her

she has taken

from

great

she made

which

jewels;

behind

that

she

should in

her

the

short,

nearly

fifty

make I have

having

takes

friend,

the

that,

arrangements offered

to assist habit

of

to contribute,

this

sadder

to it than

I

great

the

the but

at an even a postulant.

in making

compelled

with

hope

sacrifice,

silence

which

me.

nearly

is his

posting.

of

to

assembly,

my

sick,

bankruptcy.

relation,

daughter

toward

the

she

tomorrow

at this

forget,

it

that

a distant

my

all

estate;

and

still

It is believed

a possession

assemble

Paris

than

It is a real

only

and

her.

husband’s

could;

although alone

follow

noise

her

maintained

Danceny

You

seems

she inspires.

You

her,

case

off

to

Tomorrow,

M.

...

this

intelligence,

more

be present

will

have

perhaps,

of

yesterday,

this

diamonds,

Although

ceremony.

you

enemies

she

an eye.

to her

so that

would

of debts.

is

creditors.

I have

but

soul

minors:

her

that

thousand

that

makes off

everything

I shall

before

in

greatest

for

an occasion

damages,

started

of them

returned

The

true,

Costs,

she received

arrangements,

has

her

compromised

friend,

by the costs.

Immediately

today

to the

revered

the pity

she is really

to add

day

her

and

the expression

come

the

that

speaking

now

found

against was

that

has just

is

misses

in

and

be a happiness

that

never

ROSEMONDE

dear

such

she has lost

yesterday,

her,

is

it

I am told

de --- , who

my

it would

recovered,

but

DE

she merits

that

She

not

it

the indignation

smallpox.

have

MADAME

de Merteuil,

complete;

between

right,

TO

a fortnight

intention

... My a mother,

friend! no

to

ago.

It is said

that

remain.

There

would

... My doubt,

daughter for

only

he is on his way

is guilty yielding

be

still

time,

indeed,

then?

to

this

awful

certainty What

with

difficulty.

a fatality

dearest

to me!

Who

is

My

there

misfortunes what

has fallen

troubles

woman

may

not

not!

But

these

the

most

inconsequent

manners.

which

is

PARIS, We

cannot,

Mademoiselle events

which

Madame

and

revered

so

by first

us for

this

void

in the

objects

to her

use

after

in

at this

avert

more

our

the

the

the

mother

and

tremble

and one of

most

generally

whirlpool

moment

that

misfortunes,

What

What

the event; of

And

often!

daughter,

one

upon

acquaintance!

of a seducer!

until

I feel

reflect

on this

perhaps, of

to

of

our

is

our

reason,

even

more

them. kf 17 -- .

moment,

culminated

come

to

dangerous

speak

as it is,

insufficient

me

were

proposal

never

friend;

he

reflecting

herself

and

de Volanges’

give

our

reader

adventures,

nor

acquaint

the misfortunes,

the

continuation

him

with

or completed

the

of sinister

the punishment,

of

de Merteuil.

Perhaps

someday

give

undertaking

no

than

JANUARY, at

the

truths,

to console 14TH

avert

before

stifled

already

inadequate

one

of

lies

dear

by even

reflections

recognized,

Adieu,my

be caused not

stricken

friend! if

person

important

and

shudder,

one

tardy

of late,

not

fly

see another

me

and my

would

would

would

could

daughter

who

that

upon

should

still

deem

has not

our

reasons

it will in

be in our this

it our

duty

for

taking

power

to complete

matter:

and,

first

to consult

an interest

even

were the

in this

taste

this we

work; able

of the

narration

but to do

public,

[Laclos’s

we can so,

we

which note].

Appendix The

following

were

not

letter

two

included

was

were

in

edition

any

removed

authorleditor) second,

letters

from

and

as a piece

of correspondence

I.

VICOMTE

THE

DE

I AM

MADAME,

AWARE,

that

you

have

Madame same;

merely

to

you

that

you

to

place

which

reads

it;

to

dispose

seem

and

to you

of any great

and

thrust

and

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Madame

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to her.

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become thrust steel it that her!

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she needs

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PARIS,

5TH

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in

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by

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p. 378).

of the

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manuscript

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hands to beg

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you

myself;

Madame

you

death,

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fear,

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sure

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Tourvel

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kg

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success.

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154

at the end

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VALMONT

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repentance,

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request

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appeared

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been

de Tourvel,

Nevertheless,

during

note

letter

original

VOLANGES

always

I agree

the

DE

MADAME

Laclos’s

work

by

unfinished

of

published

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apparently

part

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know

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how

none

it may

if I can be of use to her? not

your 17 -- .

vengeance.

who done

deserves her

Madame, from save

the

sole

fear

lest

you

them.

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your

my

are

repairing

be healed. Save

all

What friend!

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matters save

II.

THE

PRESIDENTE

VICOMTE O MY

DE

FRIEND,

moment

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pain,

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order

to write

aid.

causes

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so precious love,

on

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other

which,

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indeed,

THE

When

calm

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believe

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to collect

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to myself,

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you

for

me,

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are happy;

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promised

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idea,

calmative

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me

to

snatch

myself

fall

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this

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even even

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ferment,

myself

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earnestly

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how

it becomes

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so

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to me,

strength

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become

strong

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you

since

is so necessary

terror?

hand

I ought

of which

so great

meditation,

which

TO

up to an agitation

I repeat

delicious

anguishes,

me!

I need

heart,

the

a felicity

from

real

myself,

to my

has

under

me

distress

from

given

to you

I tell

is this

parting

I am

TOURVEL

VALMONT

WHAT

of your

comes

DE

of

succumb away

once

more

into

cruel

to

avoid,

and

from

you

so carefully,

since

they

you;

teach

lessen

our

happiness. My

friend,

live

when

rather

you

have

I am

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not

far

Abandoned

suffering;

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have

occupy a mortal

shudder

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still.

most

violent

conceive my

need on

what

of

it, I yet

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sleep,

feel

turn

me;

nonetheless

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far

this

to

be happy

me; fire

less

to

a crowd

to be able

in

neither me

and

cannot

throes

of

the

or

even

only

feelings,

wholly

to me;

yet I

arises

of

my

explain

of suffering

my

nor

devours me,

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forget

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in the

able

say,

happiness

wearies

being

direct

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state

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from

suffer

my

to

is impossible

movement

without

contain

fled

me now

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at least

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by turn

every

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and,

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for

is not

live,

and

sleep

assuredly

to

not

only

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idle,

shall

fevers,

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of repose,

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powerlessness

charm

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annihilates

Well,

No,

to myself,

I called nor

me to live

you....

you,

the

myself

taught

with

from

existence.

vain

easily

to

to deliver

from whose up

my

soul. At

the

agitation

actual

when

was

mingled

indeed

impatience moment,

moment

caused and

to

be

alone;

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presence

I that left

went

with

service,

always

a thousand doubted I must me

find

susceptible.

of my

more

women, for

than

usual.

surrounded

solitude How

but

dilatory

when in

I was

regrets,

too

times not,

out,

my

me by the presence

whose

me to be prolonged

you

could

the

only

I have

less

tormented;

some

I attributed who my

it

came taste,

Above with happiness foreseen

to

the

in at

that

seemed

to

all,

I

such

wished sweet

of

which

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strong

as I was rapidly soon

when

most

you

a single

only

I claim share;

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not

of

Here,

am

I not

my

thoughts?

indulgence as my

custom

the shock support

undeceived....

However, one

to sustain

I could

cruelly

all....

bed....

you

experienced,

you

not

with

yours,

for

the memory my

wholly Ah!

that

involuntary is, sent

of so many

away

tender

varied

of them friend, and

would

be indeed

my

must

which

woman

alone?

I hesitate

yours,

thoughts

feelings,

so

I

was

to

tell

I hide

from

impossible; my

before

heart retiring

does to

Endnotes 1 .(p.

1 ) Les Liaisons

circulate

under

“liaisons” (and

(in

have

“liaison

its

into

usually

opted

“bad

2 .(p.

vu

1) J‘ai

as “I

these

society’s

moral

Rousseau’s Lettres

de

Deux

Recueillies defies of Two

to

1761

over

Europe; 1800.

English

times

before

1800.

whom

Peter

Abélard

Since

the

affection buried

love

in

Julie

have

a love

after

marriage to

influenced (1740-1741) the comic and

the

heroine

Rousseau,

we

sentiment,

and

both

must

Richardson

Notre

au

they

Pied

title,

like

of the

and

separated

Letters Collected

a best-seller between

was

with

in

Abélard’s

who

ten

woman fell

love.

student.

expressed

died

in

all 1761

reprinted

the

and

Héloïse,

Laclos’s,

Alps.

novel

is

Alpes.

Eloise.

was

and

Héloïse. des

theologian,

Dame

particular

Nouvelle

title

medieval

letters.

marriage

and

Clarissa

after

and

their

1164,

the

birth

morality

in

and

threatened

seduced of

the

and

but

was

but

a woman

was

or,

Pamela

may

her,

while

abused.

In

focuses

setting. on

looked strongly

be said

to rape

both

wins

in the Richardson

interest Laclos aristocratic

that

Rewarded

the heroine

novel’s

but

also

Virtue

in may

Rousseau

In the first,

modern

madly

character,

he

Pamela;

a middle-class

Rousseau

her

husband.

(1747-1748).

are

is that

retain

Abélard, novels

They

point

to her

the tragic:

who

being

still

faithful

Harlowe

man

Saint-Preux.

Rousseau’s

Richardson’s

and

see

and

Wolmar.

remain

Clarissa

the

Julie

Héloïse

Samuel

dies

are

marry

medieval

marries

of

famous

before

version

day

Rousseau’s the

canon

couple

she

and

in

Jean-Jacques

the New

in 1761

have

from la

the

I

a

Héloïse of

and

The

tomb.

affair

by

appeared

impossible, of

must

the

the

Foot

editions

Héloïse

was

tragic

but

back

of

at the Nouvelle

seventy-two

(1079-1142),

in Abélard’s

love,

The

or,

usage.

mores,

Ville

Julie;

times,

of

sexual

ces Lettres:

Rousseau’s

rendered:

presence

to our

ou,

Petite

of a Village

The

a series

Rousseau’s

d‘une

usage

closer

to

Julie;

common

to illicit

of my

refers

word

refers

derives

novel

translation

niece

their

here

English

the

publié

the manners

quotation

by J. J. Rousseau.

An

was

is usually

were

et j’ai

J. J. Rousseau.

Inhabitants

there

temps,

Habitans par

and

Lovers,

Published

She

his

et Publiées

and

and

The

in French

translation

English-speaking

Despite

be a translation

“Manners”

the

in the

title.

in

from

publishers

observed

a work

disappeared

liaisons

attitudes.

does

because

French

de mon

have

Amans,

translation

the

would

letters.”

preface

has

military,

company”

rarely

Perhaps

bargain),

for

les moeurs

translates

published

title.

the

in the

relationships;

Only

liaisons”)

to spell

officers”

French

original

“dangerous

is hard

world

Dangereuses:

in

to be the

second and

character,

capitalizes characters,

on

perhaps 3 .(p.

to indict

the hypocrisy

3) Publisher’s

Note:

novelist but

Miguel

a kind

editor

that

of

infuses

decide

if

point,

Laclos

must

divide:

It may

be fiction,

5)

another

device

reading

letters;

enhances

to

the

volume

contains

any

case,

5 .(p. been

5)

is

I had

of the letters

a

of the characters

and

To

Laclos

the

death.

moral

editor

creates

speakers

Laclos

point

but further

out

that

this

“correspondence

whence

it

of the (imaginary)

whole;

in

has

not

been

changed.

considerable

... which

a pedant,

suggested

them

thematically

but

imaginary

his

here

to

editor,

unifying

an

fiction/nonfiction

listening

have

more

with publisher

make

the

sense,

of the

text

author

real.

not

a fragment

imaginary

equally

in

portion”

alterations

The

are

the

imaginary

Cervantes,

by having

sees only

proposed me:

but,

text

a “small

names

15)

The

Marquise

eighteenth-century king-queen, duke), heir

de

French

duc

(duke),

“improving”

was

not

allowed

owners.

15)

knighthood

(p.

18)

chivalric seek

4 (p.

19)

myrtle

Vicomte:

as follows

a prince

The

(in

baron,

of

descending

of the blood

vicomte,

ranks

royal

seigneur,

the

order):

was

above

chevalier.

a

The

Merteuil

to

inspire

ironically Valmont

to

employs

the

language

commit

crimes

of

an

use

of

nature. we

began

to

preach:

compares

to make

sexual

prepares

the

laurel:

The

the

myrtle

La

Fontaine

following

adventures

to

Merteuil’s

religious

evangelizing:

converts.

who

with

Valmont,

their

Love,

and

Valmont

the

the dauphin.

chivalry

language,

They

to are

(but

of a hero:

and

ungentlemanly

nobility

comte,

was

It is worthy

Merteuil

prince

marquis-marquise, to the throne

2 (p.

3

of his

the

is all too

they

life

his

Spanish

I

1 (p.

of

not

reader

to do so by their Part

readers

the “real”

permitted

the style

remind

to

surrounds

straddles

echoing

back

he is not

a fiction.

that

its moral Again

only

The

work

harks

insists

Even

or merely

Preface:

this

Laclos

ambiguity:

a

but

ambiguity

is extracted.”

with

that

who

Quixote.

create

classes.

uses a device

it is “legitimate”

Editor’s

ruling

(1547-1616),

Don it

cannot

4 .(p.

Laclos

de Cervantes

of

apparatus

of France’s

god

wreath

my of

crown, love

of

the

hesitates, cannot priest

himself,

decide or

the

betwixt

whether laurel

to

crown

the crown of

the

conqueror. 5 (p.

19)

poet

Jean

de La Fontaine

[Laclos’s

note]

(1621-1695);

: The

author’s

the quotation

note

refers

is from

to

French

his dedicatory

epistle

to Fables

6 (p.

21)

That

in

the

is, even

7 (p. 24)

(1668-1694). most

when

One

tender

making

sees here

love

you

fashion,

The

author

is referring

to a pun

defined

as “make

a leap”—a

“doing

the

deed”

unexpressed 8 (p. 26)

which

but

has

or

true

It is a great

pity

of

Saint

John

1530

the

Holy

Roman

and

probably

the

9 (p.

33)

first Jolyot

who

Le Sopha,

de

Héloïse Fontaine wit,

(see

10 (p. his

34)

engages 11

(p.

two:

in

was

becoming

[Laclos’s

the ditch,” the

way

we

where

of

note]

:

which

can

might

say

sex

Knights

and

is

the

this

one

knights.

them

the

Malta.

family

of

Danceny

is

fortune,

so

of La Fontaine:

Tales name

is

of

is

work

another

Merteuil

him

as a sultan

The

Claude-Prosper La

ribald.

he

celibate.

Rousseau’s

third

In

island

two (pen

the

of the

thinks,

second

1);

crusading

of

the

Knights

as Cécile

fils

the

The

granted

to inherit

page

Nouvelle by

mixes

La

sexiness,

of love.

my pleasure is,

V,

Crébillon

for

expressions

an order

as the

of Héloïse by

of Malta!:

necessarily,

5, above),

as

successors

of

III,

to look

an

upon

Oriental

potentate

intact.

12

41)

valet

a real

servant

(valet);

Mozart’s

opera

13 (p. 71) The

dangereuse

; this

the text.

14 (p.

95)

included

in

(see endnote

make

him

dangerous

any

p. 134.

for in

his

I have

anything:

his

in the heart harem.

4 to part

not

called II).

B.C.)

in

of

Merteuil

Alexander could

not

theater

composer

the

keep

is the

Wolfgang

the

witty

Amadeus

is an example. less a dangerous

the

in

Here training

French

is

the novel’s

of a thief....

jokingly Laclos

acquaintance

the

where

talents

Valmont

for

followed

figure

instances

education.

of education

stock

acquaintance”

See also that

A

(1787),

who

356-323

Austrian

of several

thought

philosophy

in

is one

I regret

theft

of comedy:

Giovanni

that “a

within

no

Don

Those

of Macedonia,

Leporello,

would

phrase

Alexander:

king

he created

have

was

1707-1777);

empire

?:

which

business,”

Charles

not

endnote

(Alexander

(p.

always

in role-playing. 41)

Great

were

novel

That

are

progress

joke, to

unlikely

2

it was

seraglio:

and

endnote

and earnest

puns,

“cross

he is a Knight

known

a letter

Crébillon,

(see

sexual

Emperor,

son

is a licentious

on the phrase

Jerusalem

became

a younger

the knights,

for

so much

down

that

of

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joins

taste

made

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you

subject.

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Malta,

since

tête-à-têtes

are separate.

the deplorable

the

be

and

of conjugal

wishes mocks

in manual

himself une

title

appears

But

our

parents

his

parents

Rousseau, trades

liaison

for

all

had whose classes

15

(p.

98)

Piron,

Piron’s

comedy

Damis,

who

mad 16

La Métromanie

vindicates

99)

of

(c.234-c.183 given

a young

17 (p.

Furies

(p.

later

French 1738)

playwright is about

as a normal

person

would

done

Alexis

a

character,

rather

than

a

general,

do you

did

have

general

city

of

When

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New

to

Africanus

Carthage

he learned

honor

in

Spain,

she was

to be

the

Major he

was

married,

to her fiancé. suppose

are winged

paragraph),

102)

the

as a prize.

Fury

which

Roman

conquered

What

Only

the same

When

woman

The

crimes.

:

her unharmed

101)

scheme?:

they

is vile

women

acquire

Alecto,

Maréchale’s

enough

of Greek

names,

to plot

mythology

as Megæra

such

a

who

avenged

(mentioned

black

here

in

and Tisiphone.

: The

Maréchale

is

the

wife

of

a Maréchal,

or

in the army.

19 (p. 107)

the Italiens:

Theatre

The

Français)

Theatergoers

would

the

refer

to

Traditionally,

characters

and improvisation.

Part

Comédie-Italienne

were

Français.

the

two

and the

major

French

them,

respectively,

Italiens

tended

Comédie-Française

theatrical as the

toward

corporations. Italiens

satire,

and

using

the stock

II

1 (p. 116)

the young

L‘Astrée,

by

shepherd

in

infidelity,

love

3 (p.

(p.

129)

Tourvel

into

read

Rousseau’s

Émile

a romance

about

physical Romantics’ adults.

book

(see endnote

was

; ou, Traité

fascination

at the royal

Rousseau note ]:

in

is

a

him

after

of

myriad

In manual

childhood a major

Émile

not

I).

: ...

of

had

author’s

work trades,

by declaring

influence

he need

: Because

( Emile the

explains

his

rank,

court.

The

de l‘Éducation

learning

was

accuses

and,

8 to part

to Versailles

upbringing.

with

romance

Celadon

she

survives

of Malta

[ Laclos’s

and

he

a monk : Danceny

Danceny

a boy’s

When

he is not

tomorrow

it

Émile?

exercise

The

him

believe

(1568-1625),

Astrée.

a river;

: In the pastoral

her.

that

to present

We

d’Urfé

himself

taking

is able

Honoré

shepherdess

as a knight

I am

of a Céladon

the

with

he explains

120)

Valmont

with

throws

celibate

is so much

novelist

is reunited

2 (p. 116) remain

man

French

he

adventures,

from

of the poet

a coolness

Scipio

B.C.)

he delivered

4

note ]:

(Meter-mania;

the idea

I preserved

continence

(or

[ Laclos’s

eccentric. (p.

18

Métromanie

; or,

note

and children

de

refers

Education

Rousseau

on educational

Madame

to

, 1762), emphasizes

announces

the

to be different theory.

5 (p.

130)

style

in opera

that

imitates

speech

piece

of music

for

a single

instrument;

a single

recitato

Gresset

1747),

by

: Le Méchant French

on contemporary 7 (p. 144)

expression

published of Arc

is a

is a short

aria,

Agnès

Sorel,

hands

and

to take

the

Voltaire

poem

La

singing complex

a song

(the

of

for

the

lover

of

satire

with

Cécile

Racine

: Britannicus

[ Laclos’s

Jean

the

is loved

by his

use

Junia

of

Voltaire

the

memory

(and

later

a

saint)

In Voltaire’s VII,

falls

Monrose.

of

poem,

into

English

Valmont

playing

the part

note ]: In

Britannicus

plans

of Agnès

and

VII.

half-brother

murdered. his

Charles

Racine,

Charles

de

François-Marie

mock

heroine

an Englishman,

of Monrose,

dramatist

to

of

of Orleans).

king

into

in

Spiteful

is a

by M.

name

national

Maid

French

in a poem

(1755)

French

transformed

Britannicus

(The

Gresset,

(assumed

Pucelle

the

mistress

becomes

154)

French

to a passage

d’Orléans

on the role

Danceny

note ]: Le Méchant

Jean-Baptiste-Louis

refers

(c.1412-1431),

as La Pucelle

ironic

is a

an obbligato

an arietta

[ Laclos’s

writer

the

known

who

(“recitative”)

or dialogue;

playwright

note ]: French

Arouet)

8 (p.

Recitato

manners.

This

[ Laclos’s

Joan

or arietta:

voice.

6 (p. 136) Man,

obbligato

emperor

Nero

Britannicus. becomes

quotations:

Failing

a vestal

The

falls

in

is

interests

him

by

love

with

to seduce

her,

Valmont,

as usual,

virgin.

Vicomtesse

(1669),

not

exactly

Junia, he

a

has is

vestal

virgin. 9 (p.

160)

remember

is, “Nothing

that

ironically

with

B.C.),

Self-Castigator am a man: 10

(p.

Valmont god

him a

nothing I

or a royal

is a matter from

appears Homo

human

dropped

compares

which

line

which

; 1.1.25):

165)

nothing

involves

plays

(c.190-159

that

is alien from

himself

personage

sum:

is alien

of indifference

to me:

to me.”

Roman

comic

in

Heautontimorumenos

his

humani

nihil

That

Merteuil

playwright

Terence (The

a me alienum

puto

(“I

to me”).

the

clouds,

to a deus to save

like

a

ex machina

the day.

His

divinity , the

at

the

theatrical

intervention

opera use

:

of

is intended

a

to do

the opposite. 11

(p.

discord, and

173)

apple

tossed

Peleus.

Hera, Paris’s

12 (p. 174) a world

it

and

decision

was

“For all

the apple and

but

Greek

among

written:

to give

itself,

In

apple

Aphrodite

the Court

unto

discord:

a golden

On

Athena,

of

terms

the

thought

guests most they

to Aphrodite

the Town: in

the

mythology,

The of

art

royal and

Eris, at the

the

of

Thetis

goddesses

rightful

resided

intellectual

of

The

recipients.

led to the Trojan court

goddess

wedding

beautiful.” were

the

War. at

matters

Versailles, (to

say

nothing

of amusement

center 13

of French

(p.

176)

western Arc

cultural

Bois

side

of

180)

15

(p.

power

in

Judges

Like this

16),

for

rendering

lies

him

to have

gained

Orosmane

: The

disastrous

Christian

princess.

ironically,

substituting

17 (p. 204) dog

18 (p. 205) a comic

Part

2,000

Town),

acres

the

on

the

to

the

Champs-Elysées

distance

I have In

judge

the

and

gets

him

always

Old

that

varies

employed

Testament

warrior,

takes

to confess

he sleeps,

the Zaïre, over

the

a Philistine

is

to

my

book

of

Delilah,

secret cuts

are weeping. him

the

intends

to

it the control

a

that

off

his

his hair,

treat

mythology,

empire

stead

tragedy

Sultan

Prévan

The

in good

Voltaire’s

Orosmane

: In classical

feels

for

the

(1732),

a

captured

for

tragic

he has over

Cerberus

all

Zaire

Orosmane’s thinks

which

was

love

her.

a three-headed

of the underworld.

: She is one

by

you

me ... stood

reference

for

the gate

opera

French

of light

opera.

park : This

part

of the main

playwright

characters

in Annette

Charles-Simon

Favart

et Lubin

,

(1710-1792),

III

1 (p. 218) than

a garden,

was

a place

2 (p.

239)

remedy the

the

Delilah,

a

Merteuil

Annette

the inventor

about

is an ill-defined

While

love

Cerberus

guarding

(the

helpless.

he thought

the

of

secret:

finally

in his hair.

precisely

about

league

a new

She

It was

of

park following

important

16 (p. 203)

love

by

Samson,

a lover.

strength

to Paris

2.5 to 4.5 miles.

surprising

Philistine,

linked

west.

The

Samson....

(chapter

great

is reached

leagues:

from

189)

: This

and continuing

Ten

considerably,

Boulogne

Paris

it was

life.

de

de Triomphe

14 (p.

and pleasure),

though

darts

the ills

Trojan

not

of temptation the

for

of the estate

War;

his

and some

of

they

as entirely

love, cause:

lance,

like

is, metaphorically, natural

as a forest.

place

Traditionally

it

danger. the

lance

Achilles

known

a “wilder”

of

Achilles,

is a legendary

as the

Pelian

bear

hero

spear,

their

own

of the Greeks

could

both

kill

at and

cure. 3

(p.

242)

Prejudice “What 4 (p. Italy

Voltaire Defeated

:

Nanine

(1749)

I do, I do in justice, 262) was

crossed crossed

the

is a minor not

Rubicon

by Julius

[ Laclos’s

out

Caesar

comedy.

of being

: This

note ]:

Voltaire’s

The

quoted

Nanine phrase

;

or,

means,

polite.”

river

in 49 B.C.

separating in his

ancient march

Gaul

on Rome;

from here

the phrase 5 (p.

means

268)

Azolan

they

I would

reveals

had taken

not

wear

a definitive

a livery,

his snobbery

and

in refusing

household.

She is not

a high

royal

magistrate.

See the footnote

6

276)

“L‘amour

Laclos’s

y

note ]: Laclos

playwright

Jean-François

comedy

Regnard

the

robe

no

less:

of the servants

of blood

on page Regnard

a 1704

of

the uniform

of the nobility

pourvoira.”

cites

a livery

to wear

in Tourvel’s

(p.

step.

but

only

that

of

3.

:

Les

Folies

(Love’s

(1655-1709),

amoureuses

Madness) a

by

secondary

[

French

author

of

comedies. 7 (p. 281)

From

]: Laclos

the comedy,

is probably

Tales

in Verse,

8 (p.

288)

river

Lethe

“On

referring

1664),

waters

ne s’avise

to Contes

jamais

de tout!”

et Nouvelles

[ Laclos’s

en Vers

note

(Sto ries

and

from

the

or her

past

by Jean de La Fontaine.

of

oblivion:

in Hades

was

In

classical

supposed

mythology,

to cause

drinking

one

to forget

his

will

be in future

life. 9 (p. 290) of that

the head

of Valmont

she marries (and,

10

290)

dangereuses come.

See also

11 (p.

305):

father

than

the

between living, him

two

and ends open

his brother Part

(Luke sons,

lost

when

to part

very

with

a

his

child.

Gercourt’s

he would

actually

I. Valmont

does

cadet If

first-born be a

cadet

absence

on his never

pigs.

which

return

been

is a sign

obtained

absent: When

leaves

the

a

connect

of

things

favor

reference

man

to

his

his

the

his

fortune

money

and his father

son;

from

is to a New

divides

wastes

home

elder

more

The

home,

He returns

angers

is now

here

not

and 377.

the younger

but

be considered

15:11-32).

up tending arms,

was

330,

had

13

its

son

the son who

his

with

326,

is pregnant

only

of Valmont.

but

prodigal

parable

would

endnote

word,

pages

Cécile

of the house),

See

to the

Testament

child

of the house

liaison:

of Gercourt

believes

this

the head

branch

(p.

: Valmont

Gercourt,

if a male,

(junior)

of the house

father

on

fast

welcomes

explains

that

found.

IV

1 (p. 317)

Judge

Frederick

II

of

me then Prussia

transformed

Prussia

de

d‘Auvergne

La

hero 2 (p.

Tour

of the Thirty 317)

like

into

Years Hannibal,

as though

I had

(1712-1786), a powerful

been known

nation;

(1611-1675),

Frederic as

Frederick

the Vicomte

supreme

or Turenne:

general

King

the

Great,

de Turenne,

Henri

of

France,

was

War. I may

be enervated

by

the

delights

of

Capua:

a

After

defeating

the Romans

general

Hannibal

famous

for

3 (p.

336)

tragedy (The

(247-182

“Plus

Siege

of

(pseudonym

je vis

politician

and

Symposium.

by

a lesser

B.C.,

the great

winter

in

the

Carthaginian

city

of

Capua,

Merteuil Tales;

of twins

(c.254-184

B.C.). much

like

on

of

a husband.

to

quote

of prose

has somewhat

in a comedy Merteuil

patrie.”

Du

is citing

tragedian,

(c.450-404

Jean-François

and writer

Menæchmus

ma

note ]: Laclos

French

is a character,

goes

1761)

historian, His

He

j’aimai

Belloi’s

a 1765

Dormont

de

work Belloy

Buyrette).

: Alcibiades

general.

of a pair

one too

the

plus

[ Laclos’s

of Pierre-Laurent Alcibiades

5 (p. 376)

spent

d’étrangers,

de Calais

Calais)

4 (p. 361)

playwright,

B.C.)

in 216

its luxuries.

of Le Siège

(Moral

at Cannae

by Roman

asserts

there

B.C.) along

from

was with

one

a brilliant Socrates,

of

the

Marmontel

Athenian in

Contes

Plato’s moraux

(1723-1799),

a

fiction. injured playwright are two

him:

Menæchmus

Titus Valmonts:

Maccius one

is

one

Plautus charming,

Inspired

by Les

Pierre

Choderlos

dance

and

Conrad

Susa

Laclos’s

The

first

and

adaptation

film

Dangereuses and

at a posh Monk’s

Jeanne

Vicomte

Valmont Swiss

most

and

Valmont,

accompanied

Dangerous

Liaisons

and

Les

by

film

a modernized Liaisons

as Juliette

diplomats

played

by

portrayed.

Philipe

married

both

an opera

era, with

Gerard

by

into

of feature

Vadim.

Tourvel,

resort,

way

memorably

Roger

Marianne

its

Nixon

of the free-sex

Moreau

de

woos

ski

been

writer-director

stars

found

it is in the world

have

on the cusp

has

by David

However,

characters

French

the

novel

of a ballet

Littell.

came

(1959)

relationship.

in

an

Annette

a soundtrack

of

de open

Vadim,

Thelonious

jazz.

The

screenplay

was

adapted

in 1985

for from

and

elegant

the stage

a four-year

stars

a masterfully

drama

Close

snake-like

de

de Tourvel,

Cecile

de

polished for

Forman,

Amadeus

(1989),

hot

on the heels dandyish

sugary

slightly

Jean-Claude

teensploitation

the

world

of

Kathryn in

her

cross

Selma

Seventeen

Blair.

prude the

author

Slick

and

and one

agrees,

Hargrove, of

an

than

played

by

a

novel

to

Sarah

stepbrother spoonful

have

sex

with

of her

entertainingly

sets

his

Reese

the movie

is

features

a tiny

praise

plays

the book.

Laclos’s

Caldwell, also

Firth

the

as her

to

Valmont

rendering

Phillippe snorts

Nest

by

It

in

Awards;

screenplay

students.

but

article

melodramatic,

The

brings

Cecile

with

Benning

novel,

promises

the sniveling

as

shot

Colin

and humanity

scene

group

adaptation,

Annette

Laclos’s

Ryan

as

the Cuckoo’s

Merteuil.

school

in

film

(1999)

necklace)

Sebastian

Annette

recent

magazine.

prep

(who

played

is

Intentions

Merteuil

if he can deflower

Annette

lightness

Manhattan

stepbrother

self-righteous

more

the

screenplay.

and

de

adapts

and

production.

Valmont,

the

Academy

Over

milder

loosely

Cruel

Flew

as purity

out

seven

and adapted

Marquise

with

for

sharp,

Marquise

radiates

chateaus

his

Frears’s

Malkovich

French

acclaimed

de

John

Frears,

premiered

as the sinister

rounds

of One

released

only

flick

Valmont.

by

design,

End.

Pfeiffer

nominated

director

as Kathryn

hidden

was

which

Thurman

stunning

emotional

jaded

Gellar

cocaine

in

Uma

of Frears’s

characters

The

Sebastian

Michelle

Vicomte

Carrière

main

Michelle

Valmont.

(1984),

a strangely

devilish

with

the legendary

and

West

chemistry

a young

by Stephen

Hampton,

in London’s

evil

costume

(1975)

and

run

the film

art direction,

by Christopher

brilliant

Set

camerawork,

directed

Close

and

Volanges.

(1988),

Glenn

shares

Vicomte

Madame

play

enjoyed

de Merteuil.

Milos

Philip

by

salacious

the form

diabolical

such

Merteuil

Dangereuses

de Laclos’s

music—in

that

it won

Liaisons

of by

eye

on

the

Witherspoon. virginity writer-director

for

Roger The by

Kumble

is an innovative

three-hour Josée

1960s. Marquise Kinski It was

television

Dayan

The

from

production

de Merteuil as Madame filmed

miniseries a script stars

and

French

by

on Laclos’s

story.

Dangerous

Liaisons

Eric-Emmanuel

Catherine

the Vicomte

de Tourvel

in both

twist

and

Deneuve

and English.

Schmitt, and

de Valmont,

Leelee

Sobieski

(2003),

Rupert and

is

set

Everett

features

as Cecile

directed

de

in

the

as

the

Nastassja Volanges.

Comments In this on

&

Questions

section,

we aim

the

text,

as well

commentary

has

of

work’s

history.

filter variety

work,

the

Choderlos

and

those as

written

commentary,

bring

about

The

as

reviews

author,

written

Liaisons

perspectives

perspectives.

the

a series

Les

of

diverse

by

appreciations

de Laclos’s

of view

an array

sources

letters

and

with

challenge

from

generations,

of points

enduring

the

Following

Pierre

that

culled

with later

the reader

as questions been

contemporaneous criticism

to provide

literary

throughout

of questions

the

seeks

Dangereuses

to

through

a

a richer

understanding

of

this

] is conducted

with

art

and

pretence

of

work.

Comments SAMUEL

BADCOCK

The

[of

story

address;

Les

but

it

‘instruction’ itself

is

in this

their

almost

seduction

fall,

and

He

who

intricate secret

intrigue

time

to their

paying

this

compliment

so

censure

attended

in their

villanies,

will

admit

only

in

whose decorum. exposed

atrocious

not

a

with

we

know,

France,

nature

formation

such

and

darkness

to

which

Author’s

abilities

But

the scenes for

one

be corrupted

actions heart,

of who

by

the

through

all

their

unfold

its

most

and

tendency

penetration,

are

here

of

the

present

we

at the

same

delineated;—devised

by a contexture description. at such

characters

the

scene

customs let

eye

of

of dark When

complicated

and

by disguised

we read

them,

crimes;

but

it

we

is are

horror.

However, to the

up the measure

that

will

work the

freedom,

the

to his

as

of particular

where

religion

as the It is true,

guilt.

human

of

Public,

on his principles.

to say we are disgusted

chilled

own

in the

ignorant

The

filled

a thousand of

great

and decorum.

such

source

be

the

having

with

current

hidden

realized. of

to their

open

not

cunning;

aught

drama,

could

of

For

the

be

of virtue

as victims

trace

pass the severest

actually

law

by the catastrophe,

springs,

enough

to

understanding

disgusting

Actions

not

the

are laid

could

In

diabolical

on every

at length,

channels

publication.

on

and

be ‘instructed’

plot.

too

outrage

horrid

crimes,

will

Dangereuses

is an insult

is a daring

actors

Liaisons

of they

more

of may

them

the

may action be

exist

Public,

they

employed.

as are

is laid, more

where

belong.—We happily

exist

but

in

described, other

favourable they

should shall

here

will,

to

be consigned be

glad

to

see

countries, virtue

instead

not

and

of

being

to that

outer

this

unknown

—from

an unsigned

GEORGE unable

except

that

rupture

to find some

de Valmont

in

(like But

very

elementary

print

(August

on

disgusting.

Their

property

mischief,

in

order

whom

1784)

malice,

somebody.” it—anything

has

that

black

splendour,

“Fleur

du Mal”

this.

this

the

viret

suburban. humour,

natures,

and

“getting

merely

substance,

compact the

of

better

impressive said,

Nor,

again,

is neither wit,

of about

been

fashion.

even

this above

are

are

of

from pair

appeal,

There

always pages

The

or

else,

green-eyed

hundred

as has

nor

merely

as apart

grand

glows,

being

[“will

the sum

of

fairly

the

nothing.

and

or Websterian

nor

six

whole

desire

and

of the Baudelairian passion

semper

anything

greatly”

in Marlowesque

neither

lives

diabolism

“intends

that

the

Vicomte

everything

words,

find

le

by a

though

idea and

is accidental:

and

this,

amusement,

can

hangs

their

M.

Even

to read

Of

voluptuousness

treachery,

Nor

while

]

the dénouement

shame,

“Ver”)

I at least

of

Dangereuses

in idea—that

love,

one’s

to learn

business

Liaisons

about

other

practically

very

and

enough

unlike

worth

[ Les

de Merteuil.

scoundrelism—in and

in

the villainess-heroine,

survives

instruction,

mentioned,

comedy,

sexes,

it is scarcely

small

and

is banal

“Vernon”

very

the

Review

in bringing

la Marquise

both in

point

is shown

Mme.

community

monster

redeeming

in treatment,

jealousy,

live”].

in the Monthly

the villain-hero

and

craftsmanlike

any

ingenuity

between

even

printed

SAINTSBURY

I am

that

article

with

a

is it

tragedy

a

nor

except

a

little

do nothing

to

atone

horseplay.... The for

victims

and comparses

the principals.

de Tourvel

The

is merely

de Merteuil

says,

she

be

should

Valmont’s

rival,

Danceny,

is not

[“walkers-on”]

lacrimose a bore;

a petite with and

mother

Valmont’s

as stupid

points,

as well

(adding

clumsy

exhibits

most

merits.

as owls

respectable are not.

as in the notes

to explain

of the faults

Valmont,

for

general

a

aunt

Finally,

are not

merely

book,

letter-scheme, the

letters,

is that

be, and

with

which follows

lover,

Chevalier

nearly

as much

her respectable as owls

in many

hardly

any creature,

their of that

are,

particular

Richardson for

intolerable

le

as blind

apologise

than

her

M.

in the feminine;

the

of its original

instance,

he should

Mme.

no better

strumpet;

plaything,

as Cécile

is, as

becomes

predestined

than

Mme.

de Volanges and

Merteuil’s

better way

Cécile

throughout, of

de

much

in the masculine

but

ingénue

facility

an imbecile and

the

Mme.

so very

stoop-to-folly-and-wring-his-bosom

imbecile

the

of the story

closely

style,

etc.),

original’s

a pattern

Bad

Man—a

Grandison-Lovelace—a

interest

can

be taken

of tacenda has read

[things

up to and but

crisply

quite

to

apologists manners)

that

to hold

am not

disposed

diatribes

from

avenging

duel

the

between

between

Valmont

done

all.

at

dull

Some,

was,

and

of

or

of

gutter]

is

more

than

impure

and complex.

—from

A History

Only,

To the

Dangereuses

there

is a keen

(and

mild

to take the

of

it,

in

subject

pure

The

done;

that

not

finely

are

made

Close

of the

either

lieu

and

I

moral

artist.

and

de mauvais

in

work,

has no seasoning

not

Novel:

and

is finely

passages

French

Sharp,

says

I prefer

copy

is

ironic

is a worthy

Morden

a nuisance,

the

Becky

from

which

some;

letter-form

in morals

delectation

in led

have

anybody

myself,

Colonel

who

I can find

with

if

a Richardson

is

I think,

excludes

love

any

background

The

detestation

for

riskiest

Now,

a bore—it

of the

in

it

proper

particularity

excitement.

its

might

them.

course,

to mere

the

see how

if artistically

pages,

as used,

Of

and

to above,

is an obvious

by a Richardsonian

humour

no one,

no use for

aesthetic

Danceny

again,

though

as a man,

Lovelace

and

and

to fall

Wild.

the point.

clergy

from

to fifty

almost

up the wicked

to argue

derived

at least

one

Laclos

that

referred

are, I have

Jonathan

do say that

I cannot

of twenty

because,

permits

Indeed,

me of squeamishness,

situations

as they

enjoy

except

accuse

in a story

out

which

will

final

unfortunate,

presentation

simply

The

told

of vice.

to be mentioned];

volume

at all.

particularly

of

not

ditch-watered

and

in the book,

the present

it no interest

prig

[of

the

simple,

19th

but

Century

(1917-1919)

RICHARD Behind

ALDINGTON the Liaisons

wonderful

observation.

precision,

the

developed

with

The

precision

of

to neglect

—from

introduction

is

constructed

a mathematician;

the forethought

accustomed the

novel

and

if limited with

the

care

intrigue

of a man

skilled

intelligence almost and

and

faultless

situation

in tactics,

are a

man

no possibility. to

his

translation

of

Dangerous

Acquaintances

(1924) ANDRÉ

GIDE

[ Dangerous every without

work

of

profound

the author’s

well-intentioned —from

Acquaintances

desire,

], diabolical

as its inspiration

observation

and

much

more

exact

instruction

expression,

to

on morals

than

treatise.

his preface

to Dangerous

Acquaintances

is, turns

(1940)

out,

like

contain, many

a

Questions 1.

Would

it

cautionary

tale?

punished

faithful

world

merely

3. Does

Laclos,

4. How

is sex

irresistible

saying,

so far as you looked

upon A paltry

that

comes

lead

to new

life,

but

5. If

you

from

a good

a chance

immoral

change

in this of

to

things

and

read

it

you

as

a

will

be

the

can tell by

Is it an operative

setting?

the

from

various

pleasure? violating that

novel.

Is it

at work

force?

behind

the

of the characters? this

novel,

characters

A means respectability?

believe

in love?

in this

novel?

to power?

A sin?

A good,

As

an

A source

in that

it

can

can be perverted?

to sit down

a philosophically

he should

Dangereuses

“Do

of religion a product

of the thrill

formulate

Liaisons

the consciousness

instinct?

had

Les

”?

vestigial,

beneath

of why

book

the presence

scenes,

you

to

Is the

in this

2. Describe Is it

be

with

sound,

his ways?

Vicomte logically

de Valmont, self-consistent

how

would

explanation

For

Further

Other

Reading Editions

Dangerous

Acquaintances.

Dowson,

with

Les Liaisons Stone. Les

a preface

by André

Dangereuses.

London:

foreword

by

Classics,

1962.

Dangereuses.

Gide.

Translated

Penguin

Liaisons

Oeuvres

Les Liaisons

Books,

Harry

New

Edited

by Ernest

Press,

an introduction

1940.

by P. W.

K.

1961. Translated

Complètes.

Nonesuch

and with

Dangereuses. Levin.

London:

Translated

by

York:

by Maurice

Richard

New

Aldington,

American

Allem.

Paris:

with

a

Library/Signet

Gallimard,

1951.

Biography Poisson,

Georges.

Grasset,

Choderlos

de

Laclos;

ou,

l’Obstination.

Baroque

and

Rococo

Architecture

Paris:

B.

1985.

Criticism Blunt,

Anthony,

Icon

Editions.

Byrne,

Patrick

Moral.

Glasgow:

Conroy,

Diaconoff,

Age

York:

Harper

W.

Les

Liaisons

University V.

vol.

Intimate,

Geneva:

Eros

Droz,

Michael.

Levey,

Michael.

History

of Art.

UK:

Penguin

Painting New

Painting.

New

Malraux,

André.

Le Triangle

Mullady,

Eileen

Patricia.

et le Noir.

York:

in Clarissa, Ph.D.

Theatricality:

Motive

and

Readers in

in

the

Romance

1987. Dangereuses:

Style

A

Study

Roxana,

Paris:

Les

Columbia

Beholder

in the

1980.

Civilization

and

France, Yale

Trends

A. Praeger,

Seduction

dissertation,

in

Major

Noir.

Press, and

and London:

Revolution:

and

series.

1968.

Sculpture

CT,

Frederick

Painting

of California

Books,

and

Haven, to

of

Monographs

in Les Liaisons

Neo-Classicism.

Rococo

Victim

Power

Study

Triumphant:

J. Benjamins,

University

———.

and

and

University

and

Berkeley:

Hugh.

A

1979.

Absorption

of Diderot.

Harmondsworth,

and

Decoration.

1989.

Intrusive, Purdue

and

1978.

Dangereuses:

23. Philadelphia:

Suellen.

Honour,

and Row,

of Glasgow,

Dangereuses.

Languages,

Fried,

New

Peter

Liaisons

in Evil.

ed.

1700-1789.

University in

Pelican

Press,

1993.

Eighteenth-Century

1966. Gallimard,

1970.

the

of Fiction:

Liaisons

Design

Dangereuses,

University,

microform,

and

Seduction Le 1982.

Rouge

Rosbottom,

Ronald

Rosenblum,

Robert.

Princeton,

NJ:

Roulston,

Christine.

Century

Fiction:

University Roussel, Selected

Roy.

Winnett, Goethe,

of Florida,

and

Twayne,

1978.

Eighteenth

Century

Art.

1989. the

Authentic

Rousseau,

and

Self Laclos.

in

EighteenthGainesville:

1998.

Conversation

Press,

Late

Press,

Gender,

Richardson,

Boston:

in

University

Virtue,

Seventeenth-

Thelander,

de Laclos.

Transformations

Princeton

Press

University

Droz,

C. Choderlos

of

and

the

Sexes:

Seduction

Eighteenth-Century

and

Texts.

New

Equality York:

Oxford

1986.

Dorothy

Ramona.

Laclos

and

the

Epistolary

Novel.

Geneva:

1963. Susan. and

Terrible

James.

Stanford,

Sociability: CA:

The

Stanford

Text

of

University

Manners Press,

in 1993.

Laclos,

in

a In the original,

roman,

French

for

“novel.”

b Wives

of high-ranking

referred

members

to as présidentes,

There

is an important

ennobled

of the royal

as is,

in

distinction

by profession

while

this

in

bureaucracy

work,

rank

the

Présidente

implicit

in

Valmont

and Merteuil

suppressed

or altered

(présídents)

the

de

title:

are noble

were Tourvel.

Tourvel

is

by birth.

c I must

also

which

occur

them,

any

from

error

state

that

in

I have

these

letters;

is to be found on

my

[Laclos’s

note].

Laclos’s

editorial

which

part,

All

and

no

those

to a real

conclusion

footnotes

apparatus

among

belongs

and

the

if,

all

is

labeled

and appear

the names I have

person, to

be

“Laclos’s

of

persons

substituted this

arises

drawn note”

for solely

therefrom are

part

of

in the original.

d When

it contains

them.

e False

or hidden.

f Since

the sentiments

deceptive,

they

only

sympathy

for

errors

author

stir

the

our

(feelings) arouse

the author,

expressed our

curiosity.

and this

commits

keep

in the letters Curiosity

allows him

are all either

is inferior

to feeling

us to see his errors.

from

achieving

his

false

Thus

goal,

the

which

or very is

feelings.

g Anything. h The

more

prudish.

i Cécile’s nuns,

friend

Sophie

a teaching

order,

Carnay where

is at the convent both

were

school

students.

j A pupil

at the same

convent

[Laclos’s

note].

k In grand

style

(Italian).

l Hatmakers;

by extension,

seamstresses.

m The

portress

[doorkeeper]

of the convent

[Laclos’s

note].

run

by the

or

Ursuline

to

n Knight. o The

words

roué

which

are

now

vogue

at the time

[a man

devoted

happily

to a life

falling

when

these

of sensual

into

disuse

Letters

were

in

pleasure]

good

written

and

society,

were

[Laclos’s

rouerie, much

in

note].

p Wife

of the

Intendant,

or Quartermaster

General,

a high

official

in

charge

of supply. q To

understand

this

passage,

deserted

the

Gercourt

had

who

sacrificed

the

had

Marquise

for

and

long

anterior

right

to suppress

the

it

Marquise

him

the

Vicomte

to the events all that

must

be

de Merteuil

Vicomte formed

which

mentioned for

that the

de Valmont, an attachment.

are in question

correspondence

[Laclos’s

in these

Comte

Intendante

and As

the

it was this

de

de --- , then

that

adventure

Letters,

it seemed

note].

r That

of spousal

infidelity.

s Beginning

(French);

that

is, if his

wife

were

not

a virgin

night. t Awkward. u Weak-seeming;

in need

of aid.

v That

is, at cards.

w La Fontaine

[Laclos’s

note].

5

x Card

game

with

two

sets of partners.

y Parish

priest.

z Triangular

scarves

fastened

to cover

low

necklines.

aa Took

in monetary

contributions

ab Every

time

she bowed.

from

parishioners

at mass.

on their

is

wedding

ac Staunch

believer.

ad In the original

French,

espèce , meaning

“a nullity.”

ae Time

being.

af Dishabille,

casual

costume

(French).

ag Cotton

fabric.

ah One

sees

fashion,

here

the

and which

deplorable has since

taste made

for

puns,

so much

which

progress

was

becoming

[Laclos’s

the

note].

7

ai Not

to

abuse

the

correspondence, been For

given the

the other

from

which

same

Reader’s

have

reason

actors

day

all

in these

patience,

to day,

been

found

the

replies

many

have

been

adventures

for

Sophie

have

the

letters

suppressed;

necessary of

of

been

only

in those

the elucidation

Carnay

and

omitted

[Laclos’s

of

many

this have

events.

letters

of

note].

aj I get bored. ak Marriage. al Dissolute

person.

am Precise

degree.

an The

error,

criminals,

into

which

Valmont

Madame did

not

de Volanges

betray

falls,

his accomplices

ao Luck

or chance.

ap Take

pride.

aq Payment,

compensation.

ar Small, as

usually

suburban

house;

love

nest

(French).

shows [Laclos’s

us that, note].

like

other

Imagine. at An

ingenious

but

[translator’s

very

gallant

romance

by

Monsieur

de

Crébillon

fils

note].

au Fear-inspiring. av Feel

sorry

to miss.

aw This

is the same

Merteuil

gentleman

[Laclos’s

who

is mentioned

in the letters

of Madame

de

note].

ax Card

game,

usually

for

two

players.

ay Flusters

me.

az Literally,

a hunter

(French);

here,

personal

servant.

ba The

letter

been of

in

found.

which There

Madame

Cécile

de

Volanges

this seems

soírée reason

Merteuil,

and

[Laclos’s

note].

[evening

gathering]

to believe also

it is that

mentioned

in

is spoken

of

suggested

in the

the

preceding

has

not note

letter

of

bb Make

fun.

bc Sign,

token.

bd Price

reduction.

be Blessings. bf Literally, where

the untying plot

(French);

entanglements

in a drama

or narrative,

the final

outcome,

are clarified.

bg Haste. bh Madame

de Tourvel

[Laclos’s

note].

bi

then

does

not

dare

to

say

that

it

was

by

her

order!

Trying

not

to talk

about

it.

bj Formal

speech

or poem

of praise.

bk Literally,

head-to-head

(French);

all alone.

bl Covering

up.

bm Clever

tricks

like

any

woman.

bn Depravity. bo Rather. bp Contradict

oneself.

bq On that

account.

br Clever

or witty

women

(French).

bs Lawyer. bt Self

possession.

bu Offering

box

in a church.

bv Tease

or goad.

bw Up

to date;

well-informed.

bx Parcel. by During

which

time.

bz We

continue

Danceny,

to omit

these

being

the

letters

of little

of

interest

Cécile

Volanges

and

containing

note]. ca See Letter

the Thirty-Fifth

[Laclos’s

note].

and

of

the

Chevalier

no incidents

[Laclos’s

cb Indeed. cc Miniature

portraits

were

often

the ironic

sense:

concealed

in lockets.

cd Evil

(in

Valmont

calls

the truths

told

about

him

“evil”).

heat,

but

ce Piron,

Métromanie

[Laclos’s

note].

15

cf She

is

naked,

which

is

not

had

logical

because

of

the

summer

also

immoral. cg Spare

any

of.

ch Those

who

have

an expression, [Laclos’s

consecrated

occasion by

sometimes

love

will

find

to feel no

the

meaning

value in

of a

this

word,

sentence

note].

ci Former;

of another

time.

cj Lavish

party.

ck Mayor’s;

Valmont

uses a term

derived

from

a Dutch

word.

cl Out

of combat;

a casualty.

cm Drunkard. cn Stay

in the country.

co Willingness

to please.

cp Prostitute. cq That

is, a simple

cr Lead. cs Raptures;

ecstasies.

anonymous

seal;

nothing

to indicate

this

is a love

letter.

ct Tedium;

boredom.

cu Noticed. cv This

letter

has not

been

recovered

must

have

guessed

[Laclos’s

note].

cw The

reader

Merteuil, been not

how

little

suppressed, to neglect

respect

only

she had

it was

to make

already, for

thought

the causes

by

the

conduct

religion.

that,

known

This

while

of

passage

showing

[Laclos’s

Madame

de

would

results,

have

one

ought

note].

cx Slander,

malign.

cy Illusions;

chimeras

were

female

monsters

of Greek

mythology.

cz Therefore. da We

believe

the

application

Madame

it was

Rousseau

which

de Tourvel

in Émile:

Valmont read

but

makes

Émile?

the

of

it

[Laclos’s

quotation

entirely

note].

is not

exact,

and

then,

had

false;

and

appear

on the head

4

db Miss;

feel

nostalgia

for.

dc The

original

a man

French,

whose

wife

bois,

also

means

“horns,”

which

of

is unfaithful.

dd Game

set.

de We

have

suppressed

contained

merely

That

to the

will

appear

Vicomte

the

the same

Chevalier in

facts

Danceny

letter

[Laclos’s

letter

the

of

Cécile

as the preceding has not

sixty-third,

dg Trust. dh

Le Mechant

note].

[Laclos’s

note].

been from

df Gresset:

Volanges

6

to the letter,

but

recovered: Madame

Marquise, with

the de

it

less detail.

reason

Merteuil

as

of

this

to

the

Concern. di M.

Danceny

confidence

does to M.

[Laclos’s

not

confess

de Valmont

the

before

truth. this

event.

He

had

already

See letter

the

given

his

fifty-seventh

note].

dj Naive

young

woman.

dk compliant. dl This

expression

note].

refers

to a passage

in a poem

context,

a rekindling

of an old

by M.

de Voltaire

7

dm Decency. dn Quips. do Exhaustion. dp Belief. dq Amazing

things.

dr Sweet

talk.

ds Rehash;

in this

dt Deceives

with

flattery.

du Racine:

Brítannicus

[Laclos’s

dv Large

armoire

or cupboard.

dw Safer. dx Eagerness

to help.

dy Scandal dz

(French).

note].

8

relationship.

[Laclos’s

Mademoiselle

de Volanges

as will

in the subsequent

of

appear

those

would

which

teach

she

having

letters,

continued

the Reader

shortly this

to write

nothing

that

afterward collection

to her

he did

changed

not

will

her confidant, include

friend

at the

know

[Laclos’s

convent: note].

ea High-ranking

military

officer;

commander

of a garrison.

eb Sitting

room.

ec This

letter

has not

been

recovered

[Laclos’s

note].

ed Jumbled. ee Libertines. ef Costume

ball

celebrated

before

Lent.

eg That

is, they

had lovers

in name

only.

eh Habit. ei That

is, all of the husbands

were

rarely

present.

ej The

lovers

the three

already

had.

the lover

would

ek the moment

when

visit.

el He pretended

to be angry

in order

to make

em That

is, they

challenged

Prévan

to a duel.

en Physical

proof

eo Gambler. ep Enthusiasm. eq Gift, er

or kindness.

and verbal

statement.

her angry,

no more

and succeeded.

they

Stand,

endure.

es Boast. et Disconcerted. eu Double

talk.

ev We

are unaware

my slaves,” her

as well

heart

prose

whether as that

is shut,”

are

of Madame

the number

of faults

quotations

of this

Those

it easier

“These

above,

from What

nature

for

occupied

unthroned

occurs

would

which

to avoid

the

hundred

“Her

lead

this

fault

that are

in all form

are open

or part

us to believe

Danceny with

arms works,

are found

himself

him

tyrants

little-known

of the Chevalier

as he sometimes

ear rendered

line,

which

de Merteuil.

correspondence. perhaps,

this

the

the letters

the only

now still;

of

the

latter of

is this

exception:

poetry,

his more

[Laclos’s

note].

practiced

ew Profess

to have

feelings.

ex Anything. ey Actress. ez Improprieties. fa Chaperones. fb It

will

appear,

Valmont’s

in

secret

Reader

will

subject

[Laclos’s

letter was,

see that

but

we have

note].

fc Tale. fd And

here

I was

so impatient.

fe Angry. ff Since

we can’t

have

this

key.

more not

or been

and less able

fifty-second, of

what

nature

to enlighten

not it him

what was; further

M.

de

and

the

on

the

fg Roster

of official

competitors.

fh See letter

the seventy-fourth

[Laclos’s

note].

fi Appeared. fj Times

during

the week

when

she received

visitors.

fk A word

to the wise

is sufficient!

(French).

fl Card

game.

fm Conversation

partner.

fn First

encounter

(French).

fo Play. fp See letter

the seventieth

[Laclos’s

note].

fq Doorman. fr Small

gate

close

to or part

of a larger

one.

fs Solid

arguments.

ft Private

sitting

room

persons

may

or dressing

room.

fu Some

not,

perhaps,

succession

of sundry

different

has a right

to choose

when

of the century

[Laclos’s

be aware games

that

a medley

of chance,

it is his turn

to deal.

among It is one

(macédoine) which of the

each

is player

inventions

note].

fv Personal

male

servant.

fw The

commanding

[Laclos’s fx

note].

officer

of

the

regiment

to

which

Prévan

belonged

a

Honorable. fy Bad

luck.

fz Wait

too

long

without

reminding

her of you.

ga As madly

in love.

gb Trick. gc Danceny

is ignorant

expression

[Laclos’s

of what

this

means

was;

he merely

repeats

Valmont’s

note].

gd Rights

that

cannot

be taken

away.

ge Agreeably

spicy.

gf Highly

indignant.

gg On loan. gh Nothing

at all.

gi Makes

through

calculation

or premeditation

rather

than

true

feelings.

gj On neutral

subjects.

gk Malady. gl Voltaire:

Nanine

[Laclos’s

note].

3

gm Deception. gn Supply

or stock

(of

deceit).

go Demanding. gp A

village

Rosemonde

halfway

between

[Laclos’s

note].

Paris

and

the

château

of

Madame

de

gq Petty

crimes.

gr Deprives. gs Predict

good

things.

gt Masterpiece. gu Insist

on testing.

gv Angry. gw Ability

for

your

role

in life.

gx Since

you

did

me a favor

in undertaking

it.

gy junior

officer.

gz Medicine. ha Whore. hb The

aforementioned

village,

halfway

on the road

[Laclos’s

note].

hc Christian

thoughts

(French).

hd Church

run

by the Cistercian

monks,

an austere

monastic

order.

he An

inn.

hf Pity;

be sympathetic

toward.

hg La Nouvelle

Héloïse

[Laclos’s

note].

Héloïse

[Laclos’s

note].

hh La Nouvelle hi Literally, lovemaking.

between

acts

(French),

a

theatrical

term;

here,

interludes

in

hj That

is, the arts of lovemaking.

hk Depression. hl “L’amour

y pourvoira.”

Regnard:

Les Folies

amoureuses

[Laclos’s

note].

hm Corsica. hn This

letter

has not

been

recovered

[Laclos’s

ne s’avise

jamais

note].

ho Excessively. hp Bragged

about

seducing.

hq From

the comedy,

“On

de tout!”

hr Elegant. hs Forgivingness. ht Affability. hu See letter

the hundred

and ninth

[Laclos’s

note].

hv Imagination. hw That

is, well-trained

hx Overfeed. hy Willingly. hz Condescend. ia On their

honor.

ib Empty ic

chatter.

but

not

stellar

at lovemaking.

[Laclos’s

note].

7

6

Complaint. id Cowardly. ie Letters

the

[Laclos’s

hundred

and

twentieth

and

hundred

and

twenty-second

note].

if Father. ig Full

of anxiety.

ih Delay. ii Relief

from

pain.

ij Be a part. ik Badge

of victory.

il Noticeable. im Fickleness. in “Plus

je vis

Le Siège

d‘étrangers,

de Calais

plus

[Laclos’s

j’aimai note].

ma

patrie.”

Du

Belloi’s

tragedy

of

3

io Past legal

decisions

or opinions.

ip Settlement

out

of court.

iq Prosecuting

attorney.

ir Her

lawyer.

is Costs able

incurred to establish

in

a case—that

it Sorry iu

a judgment

to be missing.

brought

against

is, Belleroche

the

plaintiff

for

has no case against

not Merteuil.

being

Lessen. iv Ball

given

early

in the season.

iw Letters

the forty-sixth

and forty-seventh

[Laclos’s

note].

ix Sent

a messenger.

iy In person. iz Comes

after.

ja From

the scoundrel

to the slut.

jb Harem

slave.

jc A liar. jd An

official

newsletter.

je Mockery. jf Marmontel:

Conte

moral

d’Alcibiade

[Laclos’s

note].

See part

IV,

endnote

4. jg Attempts

to reason

with

her.

jh To which

place.

ji Express. jj Troublesome. jk Penances. jl It is because which Valmont’s jm

can

we have solve letter

discovered

this [Laclos’s

doubt note].

nothing that

we

in the subsequent have

decided

to

correspondence suppress

M.

de

Mock

them

with

sarcasm.

jn Now

that

you

have

torn

it from

me.

jo Rank

in society.

jp Sacrament

in which

a priest

anoints

a dying

individual

from

being

removed.

had

willed

and prays

for

his

or

her salvation. jq Support. jr Legal

seals

to keep

any

property

js EitherRosemonde so his death

or her husband

eliminates

that

all

their

property

to

Valmont,

decision.

jt Customs;

she refers

to dueling.

ju This

casket

Valmont

contained

[Laclos’s

all

the

letters

relating

to her

adventure

with

M.

de

note].

jv Demand. jw Defamation. jx Letters

the eighty-first

and eighty-fifth

of this

collection

[Laclos’s

note].

jy It is from

this

the

of

death

correspondence, Madame

Madame

de

collection

has been

Madame

from

de Tourvel,

Rosemonde

by

formed,

de Rosemonde’s

and

handed from

Madame

the heirs

that

originals [Laclos’s

de

the

over letters

Volanges,

of which

remain

note].

jz Headquarters. ka Under

her obligations

as the head

of an order

kb Candidates kc

for

entry

into

a religious

order.

in the

of nuns.

same

way

alike

confided

that

the

in the

on to

present hands

of

Calling;

in this

case,

her desire

to be a nun.

kd This

letter

was

left

unanswered

[Laclos’s

note].

ke Violent

case of smallpox

in which

the sores

join

together.

kf Private

reasons

respect,

force

kg Wronged.

and

considerations,

us to halt

here.

which

we

shall

ever

make

it a duty

to