As she consoled me, one hand remained in mine, the lovely body rested on my arm, and we were exceeding close together.
You must have certainly remarked, how much in such a situation, as the defence abates, the demands and refusals draw nearer; how the head turns aside, the looks cast down, whilst the conversation, always pronounced in a weak tone, becomes scarce and interrupted.
Those precious symptoms announce, in an unequivocal manner, the consent of the mind, but rarely has it reached the senses.
I even think it always dangerous to attempt any enterprise of consequence; because this state of abandonment being always accompanied with the softest pleasure, cannot be disturbed without ruffling the temper, which infallibly decides in favour of the defence.
But in the present case, prudence was so much more necessary, as I had every thing to dread from the forgetfulness of the danger this abandonment would occasion to my tender pensive devotee; and the avowal I solicited I did not even require to be pronounced; a look would suffice; a single glance would crown my happiness.
My charming friend, those lovely eyes then were raised on me, that celestial mouth even pronounced—"Well; yes, I—" in an instant the look was extinct, the voice failed, and this adorable woman dropped in my arms.
I had scarcely time to receive her, when disengaging herself with a convulsive force and wild look, her hands raised to heaven, she exclaimed,
"God—Oh, my God, save me!" and instantly, as quick as lightning, was on her knees ten paces from me.
I could hear her almost suffocating.
I came forward to assist her: but seizing my hands, which she bathed with her tears, sometimes embracing my knees,
"Yes it is you," said she, "it is you will save me; you do not wish my death; leave me; save me; leave me; for God's sake! leave me:" and those incoherent expressions were brought out with most affecting sobs; yet still she held me so strong I could not get from her; however, making an effort, I rais'd her in my arms: instantly her tears ceas'd; she could not speak, her joints stiffened, and violent convulsions succeeded this storm.
I must own, I was exceedingly moved, and believe I should have complied with her request, if the circumstances had not even obliged me to it.
But this much is certain; after having given her some assistance, I left her, as she desired; and I am well pleased with myself for it.
I have already received almost my reward.
I expected, as on the first day of my declaration, I should not see her any more for the evening; but she came down to the saloon about eight, and only told the company she had been much indisposed: her countenance was dejected, her voice weak, her deportment composed, but her look mild, and often fixed on me.—As she declined playing, I was obliged to take her seat, and she placed herself beside me.
During supper she remained alone in the saloon.
At our return, I thought I perceived she had been crying: to be satisfied, I told her I was afraid she still felt some uneasiness from her disorder, to which she obligingly answered,
"Her disorder would not go so quickly as it came."
At last, when we retired, I gave her my hand, and at the door of her apartment, she very forcibly squeez'd mine: it is true, this motion seemed to me to be involuntary; so much the better; it is a stronger proof of my power.
I am confident she is now happy to have gone such a length; all expences are paid; nothing now remains but enjoyment.
Perhaps now, whilst I am writing to you, she is possessed with the soft idea; but, if she should even be engaged in a new scheme of defence, you and I know how such projects end.
Now let me ask you, can things be put off longer than our next interview?
I expect there will be some forms to be settled; but, the first difficulties surmounted, do those austere prudes know where to stop?
Their affections are real explosions; resistance gives them strength; my untractable devotee would run after me, if I ceas'd running after her.
At length, my lovely friend, I shall soon call on you for the performance of your promise; you undoubtedly remember our agreement after my success; this trifling infidelity to your Chevalier.—Are you ready?
I wish for it as passionately as if I had never known you.
However, knowing you is, perhaps, a stronger motive for wishing for it.
I am just, and no galant.[Voltaire's comedy of Nanine].
It shall be the first infidelity I shall commit against my solemn conquest; and, I promise you, I will embrace the first pretence to be absent from her four and twenty hours: that shall be her punishment for having kept me so long distant from her: It is now more than two months I have been taken up with this adventure: ay, two months and three days, including to-morrow, as it will not be really consummated until then.
This brings to my memory, that Mademoiselle B—— held out three complete months.
I am pleased to find sheer coquetry can make a longer defence than austere virtue.
Adieu, charmer!
I must leave off, for it is very late.
This letter has led me farther than I intended; but, as I send to Paris to-morrow, I would not miss the opportunity of letting you partake a day sooner of your friend's good success.
Oct. 2, 17—, at Night.
LETTER C.
The VISCOUNT DE VALMONT to the MARCHIONESS DE MERTEUIL.
My dear friend! I am betrayed, bubbled, ruined; I am enraged beyond expression: Madame de Tourvel is gone off.
She is gone, and I knew nothing of it!
I was not in the way to oppose her, to reproach her with her base treachery!
Do not imagine I should have let her go quietly; she should have staid, had I been even obliged to have used force.
Fool as I was!
I slept peaceably, wrapped in a credulous security! I slept whilst the thunder struck me!
I cannot conceive the meaning of this abrupt departure; I will for ever renounce the knowledge of women.
When I recall the transactions of yesterday!—or rather the evening—the melting look, the tender voice, the squeezing the hand—all the while planning her flight.—Oh! woman, woman! complain, then, if you are deceived!
Yes, every kind of treachery that is employed against you is a robbery committed on you.
With what rapture shall I be revenged!
I shall again meet this perfidious woman; I will resume my power over her.
If love has been sufficient to furnish the means, what is it not capable of when assisted with revenge?
I shall again see her at my knees, trembling, and bath'd in tears! calling on me for pity with her deceitful voice; and I will have none for her.