When evening came, I had a good deal of company; Prevan was announced; I received him with singular politeness, a proof of my slender acquaintance with him; I placed him with the Marechale's party, as it was in her company I had first been acquainted with him: the evening produced nothing but a little note which the discreet lover found means to convey to me, and was burned, according to custom: he informed me, I might depend upon him; it was embellished with all the parasitical phrases of love, happiness, &c., which are never wanting upon such occasions.
At midnight, the parties being all finished, I proposed a short macedoine.[Several persons, perhaps, do not know that a macedoine is a collection of games at hazard, in which each person who cuts the cards has a right to choose when he holds the hand: it is one of the inventions of the age] In this project I first had in view to favour Prevan's evasion, and at the same time to make it remarkable, which could not fail to happen, considering his reputation as a gamester; I was also glad, if there should hereafter be occasion, it might be remembered I was left alone.
The game lasted longer than I had imagined; the devil tempted me; I gave way to my desire, to console the impatient prisoner.
I was thus proceeding to my ruin, when I reflected, if I once surrendered, I should abandon the power of keeping him within the necessary bounds of decency for my projects: I had strength enough to resist, and returned not in a very good humour to my place at this abominable game; at last it was finished, and every one departed: I rung for my women, undressed myself expeditiously, and sent them away.
Only think now, Viscount, you see me in my light robe, approaching with a circumspect timid pace, and trembling hand, opening the door to my conqueror.
The moment he perceived me, he flew like lightning.
What shall I say?
I was overcome, totally overcome, before I could speak a word to stop him or defend myself.
Afterwards he wanted to take a more commodious situation, and more adapted to our circumstances.
He cursed his dress as an obstacle to his complete bliss.
He would engage with equal arms; but my extreme timidity opposed his desire, and my tender caresses did not give him time.
He was employed in other matters.
His rights were doubled; his pretensions revived: then "Harkee," said I, "so far you have a tolerable pretty story for the two Countesses de P——, and a thousand others: but I have a great curiosity to know how you will relate the end of this adventure."
Then ringing with all my strength, I had my turn, my action was quicker than his speech.
He scarcely stammered out a few words, when I heard Victoire calling all my people that she had kept together in her apartment, as I had ordered her; then assuming the tone of a queen, and raising my voice,
"Walk out, Sir," said I, "and never dare appear again in my presence."
On which all my servants crowded in.
Poor Prevan was distracted, and imagined murder was intended, when in reality it was nothing but a joke, seized his sword; he was mistaken, for my valet-de-chambre, a resolute lusty fellow, grasped him round the body, and soon brought him down.
I own, I was very much terrified, ordered them not to use him ill, but let him retire quietly, only to take care he was put out of the house.
My servants obeyed my orders: there was a great bustle among them; they were enraged to the highest degree, any one should dare to insult their virtuous mistress; they all accompanied the unfortunate Chevalier, with all the noise and scandal I could wish.
Victoire alone remained with me, and we repaired the disorder the bed had suffered.
My people returned tumultuously; and I, still in great emotion, desired to know by what good fortune they happened to be all up. Victoire said, she had given a supper to two of her friends; that they had sat up in her apartment; and, in short, every thing as had been agreed on.
I thanked then all, desired them to retire, directing one of them to go immediately for my physician.
I thought I was authorised to guard against the effects of this dreadful shock; this was the surest means to give it currency, as well as celebrity.
He came, pitied me much, and prescribed repose.
I moreover ordered Victoire to go about the neighbourhood in the morning early to spread the news.
Every thing succeeded so well, that before noon, as soon as my doors were open, my devout neighbour was at my bed's head, to know the truth and the circumstances of this horrible adventure.
I was obliged to lament with her a whole hour the corruption of the age.
Soon after, I received the enclosed note from the Marechale, and before five, to my great astonishment, M——[The commandant of the corps in which Prevan served] waited on me, to make his excuses, as he said, that an officer of his corps should be guilty of such an offence.
He was informed of it at dinner at the Marechale's, and immediately sent an order to Prevan, putting him under arrest.
I requested he might be forgiven, which he refused.
I thought, as an accomplice, I should also be punished, and kept within doors; I ordered my gate to be shut, and to let every one know I was indisposed.
It is to this solitude you are indebted for so long a letter.
I shall write one to Madame de Volanges, which she will certainly read publicly, where you will see this transaction as it must be related.
I forgot to tell you, that Belleroche is outrageous, and absolutely determined to fight Prevan.
Poor fellow!
But I shall have time to cool his brain.
In the mean time, I will go to repose my own, which is much fatigued by writing.
Adieu, Viscount!
Sept. 25, 17—. _____
LETTER LXXXVI.
The Marechale DE —— to the MARCHIONESS DE MERTEUIL. (Enclosed in the former.) _____
My good God! what is this I learn, my dear Madam?
Is it possible that little Prevan should be guilty of such an abominable action to you!
What is one not exposed to!
We can be no longer safe in our own houses!
Upon my word, these events are a consolation to age; I shall never forgive myself, as I have been partly the cause of your receiving such a monster into your house; I assure you, if what I hear is true, he shall never more set foot in mine: it is what every one must do that has any sentiments of honour, if they act properly.
I have been informed you was very ill, and have been very uneasy about your state of health; I beg you will let me hear from you; or if you are not able to write, pray let one of your women inform me how you are.
A word will be sufficient to relieve my anxiety.
I should have been with you this morning; but my doctor will not allow me to miss a day from my bath. I must go this morning to Versailles on my nephew's business.