The lovers embraced, and I also received theirs.
I was indifferent to the Viscountess's kisses; but I own I was pleased with Vressac's.
We left her; after having received his thanks, we returned to our beds.
If the tale diverts you, I don't mean to bind you to secrecy.
Now I have had my amusement, it is right the public should also have their share.
For this time you have only the history; hereafter we shall talk of the heroine.
Adieu. My huntsman has been in waiting an hour.
I particularly recommend it to you to be on your guard against Prevan.
From the Castle of ——, Sept. 15, 17—. _____
LETTER LXXII.
CHEVALIER DANCENY to CECILIA VOLANGES. (Delivered only the 14th.) _____
Oh, my Cecilia!
How much I envy Valmont's good fortune; to-morrow he will see you.
He will deliver you this letter; whilst I, languishing far from you, will lead a wretched lingering life.
Between regret and misery, my life, my dearest life, pity me not only for my own misfortunes, but also for yours; for it is they that deprive me of my resolution.
How dreadful the reflection, to be the cause of your misery!
Had it not been for me, you would have been happy; will you forgive me?
Speak! Say you forgive me; tell me you love me; that you will love me ever, which is the only consolation that is now left me.
Not that I doubt it; but it relieves my anguish; you love me then?
Yes, you love me with your whole heart.
I do not forget it was the last word you spoke: it is treasured in mine; it is there deeply engraved.
With what transports did my heart answer it!
Alas, in that happy moment, I was far from foreseeing the dreadful fate that awaited us!
Let us seek for means to soften it.
If I am to believe my friend, it will be enough that you should have the confidence in him he deserves.
I was chagrined, I must own, at the disadvantageous idea you had of him.
I knew the bad opinion your mamma had imbibed, and in submission to that opinion, I had, for some time, neglected a truly amiable man, who now is ready to serve me; who endeavours to reunite us, whilst your mamma has cruelly torn you from me.
I conjure you, my love, to have a more favourable opinion of him; remember he is my friend, and wishes to be yours; that he can procure me the happiness of seeing you.
If those reasons do not convince you, my Cecilia, you do not love me as much as I love you; you no longer love me as you did.
Ah! if you should ever love me less,—but no, Cecilia's heart is mine: I have it for life; and if I must feel the torments of an unsuccessful passion, her constancy, at least, will insure me the inexpressible joy of a permanent affection.
Adieu, my lovely dear!
Do not forget that I suffer; it will be your fault if I am not perfectly happy; attend to the vows of my heart, and receive the tender kisses of love.
Sept. 11, 17—. _____
LETTER LXXIII.
VISCOUNT DE VALMONT to CECILIA VOLANGES. (Annexed to the foregoing.) _____
The friend who takes upon him to assist you, knows that you have not materials to write with, therefore has provided them for you.
You will find in the anti-chamber of your apartment, under the great clothes press on the left hand, paper, pens, and ink, which he will renew whenever you please, and which, he thinks, you may leave in the same place, if you cannot find a better.
He requests you will not be offended, if he seems to take little notice of you in company, and only to treat you as a child.
This behaviour appears necessary to him, to avoid suspicion, and to be able more effectually to bring about your and his friend's happiness.
He will endeavour to get opportunities to speak to you, when he has any thing to say or to give you; and hopes to be able to accomplish it, if, on your part, you will second him.
He also advises you to give him the letters you will receive, after you have read them, in order to avoid all bad consequences.
He finishes his letter by assuring you, if you confide in him, he will employ his utmost endeavours to soften the persecution that a cruel mother makes two persons undergo; one of which is his best friend, and the other seems to him to deserve his tenderest concern.
Castle of ——, Sept. 14, 17—. _____
LETTER LXXIV.
MARCHIONESS DE MERTEUIL to VISCOUNT DE VALMONT. _____
You are very soon alarmed, my dear friend: this Prevan must be formidable indeed, but what a simple modest creature am I, who have often met this haughty conqueror, and have scarce ever looked at him; nothing less than your letter would have made me pay the least attention to him.
I corrected my error yesterday; he was at the Opera, almost opposite to me; I was captivated with him.
He is not only handsome, but very handsome; fine delicate features, and must improve on a clearer inspection.
You say, he wants to have me, he certainly will do me a great deal of honour and pleasure; but seriously, I have taken a fancy to him, and tell you, in confidence, I have taken the first step towards an advance.
I do not know whether I shall succeed, but this is fact.