Where is the woman who would not fly the first advances of a seducer?
What mother would not tremble to see any other but herself speak to her daughter?
But those cool reflections never occur until after the event.
And one of the most important and generally acknowledged truths, is stifled and useless in the vortex of our absurd manners.
Farewell, my dear and worthy friend!
I now feel, our reason, which is inadequate to prevent misfortunes, is still less to administer consolation.
We cannot at this time give the reader neither the continuation of M. de Volanges' adventures, nor the sinister events which fulfilled the miseries or ended M. de Merteuil's Punishment.
We shall be permitted, perhaps, some time or other, to complete this work, but we cannot pledge ourselves to this: even if we could, we should first think ourselves obliged to consult the taste of the public, who have not the same reasons we have to be concerned in this publication.