How we should be diverted the next day with his boasts! for boast he will: and if once you properly form this little girl, it will be astonishing if Gercourt does not become, like so many others, the standing ridicule of Paris.
The heroine of this new romance merits all your attention; she is really handsome, just turn'd of fifteen, and a perfect rose-bud; awkward as you could wish, and totally unpolished: but you men don't mind such trifles; a certain languishing air, which promises a great deal, added to my recommendation of her, leaves only to you to thank me and obey.
You will receive this letter to-morrow morning: I require to see you at seven in the evening.
I shall not be visible to any one else till eight, not even to my chevalier, who happens to be my reigning favourite for the present; he has not a head for such great affairs.
You see I am not blinded by love.
I shall set you at liberty at eight, and you'll return to sup with the charming girl at ten, for the mother and daughter sup with me. Farewell! it is past noon.
Now for other objects.
Paris, Aug.
4, 17—. _____
LETTER III.
CECILIA VOLANGES to SOPHIA CARNAY. _____
I have yet no news for my dear friend.
Mamma had a great deal of company at supper last night.
Notwithstanding the strong inclination I had to make my observations, especially among the men, I was far from being entertained.
The whole company could not keep their eyes from me; they whispered; I could observe plainly they were speaking of me, and that made me blush; I could not help it: I wish I could; for I observed when any one looked at the other ladies they did not blush, or the rouge they put on prevented their blushes from being seen. It must be very difficult not to change countenance when a man fixes his eyes on you.
What gave me the most uneasiness was, not to know what they thought of me; however, I think I heard the word pretty two or three times: but I'm sure I very distinctly heard that of awkward; and that must be very true, for she that said so is a relation, and an intimate friend of Mamma's.
She seems even to have taken a sudden liking to me.
She was the only person who took a little notice of me the whole evening.
I also heard a man after supper, who I am sure was speaking of me, say to another,
"We must let it ripen, we shall see this winter."
Perhaps he is to be my husband; but if so, I have still to wait four months!
I wish I knew how it is to be.
Here's Josephine, and she says she is in haste.
I must, however, tell you one of my awkward tricks—Oh, I believe that lady was right.
After supper, they all sat down to cards.
I sat next Mamma. I don't know how it happened, but I fell asleep immediately.
A loud laugh awoke me.
I don't know whether I was the object of it; but I believe I was.
Mamma gave me leave to retire, which pleas'd me much.
Only think, it was then past eleven!
Adieu, my dear Sophy! continue to love thy Cecilia, I assure you the world is not so pleasing as we used to think it.
Paris, Aug. 4, 17—. _____
LETTER IV.
The VISCOUNT DE VALMONT to the MARCHIONESS DE MERTEUIL. _____
Your orders are enchanting, and your manner of giving them still more delightful; you would even make one in love with despotism.
It is not the first time, you know, that I regret I am no longer your slave; and yet, monster as you style me, I recall with rapture the time when you honoured me with softer names.
I have often even wish'd again to deserve them, and to terminate, by giving along with you an example of constancy to the world.
But matters of greater moment call us forth; conquest is our destiny, and we must follow it: we may, perhaps, meet again at the end of our career; for permit me to say, without putting you out of temper, my beautiful Marchioness! you follow me with a pretty equal pace; and since, for the happiness of the world, we have separated to preach the faith, I am inclined to think, that in this mission of love, you have made more proselytes than I.
I am well convinced of your zeal and fervour; and if the God of Love judged us according to our works, you would be the patron saint of some great city, whilst your friend would be at most a common village saint.
This language no doubt will surprise you; but you must know, that for these eight days I hear and speak no other; and to make myself perfect in it, I am obliged to disobey you.
Don't be angry, and hear me.
As you are the depository of all the secrets of my heart, I will intrust you with the greatest project I ever formed.
What do you propose to me?
To seduce a young girl, who has seen nothing, knows nothing, and would in a manner give herself up without making the least defence, intoxicated with the first homage paid to her charms, and perhaps incited rather by curiosity than love; there twenty others may be as successful as I.
Not so with the enterprise that engrosses my mind; its success insures me as much glory as pleasure; and even almighty Love, who prepares my crown, hesitates between the myrtle and laurel, or will rather unite them to honour my triumph.
Even you yourself, my charming friend, will be struck with a holy respect, and in a fit of enthusiasm, will exclaim, This is the man after my own heart!
You know the Presidente Tourvel, her devout life, her conjugal love, and the austerity of her principles; that is the object I attack; that is the enemy worthy of me; that is the point I intend to carry.
I must tell you, the President is in Burgundy, prosecuting a considerable suit, (I hope to make him lose one of greater importance,) his inconsolable partner is to remain here the whole time of this afflicting widowhood.
A mass each day, a few visits to the neighbouring poor, prayers morning and evening, a few solitary walks, pious conferences with my old aunt, and sometimes a melancholy game at whist, are her only amusements: but I am preparing some of a more efficacious nature for her.
My guardian angel led me here for our mutual happiness.