Presidente de Tourvel _to_ Madame de Volanges.
Permit me, Madam, to assure you, no one can be more sensible of
the confidence you repose in me, nor have more at heart the happy
establishment of Mademoiselle de Volanges than I have. With my whole
soul I wish her that felicity which I am confident she merits, and
which I have no doubt she will obtain through your prudence. I have not
the honour of knowing Count Gercourt, but conceive the most favourable
opinion of him, as he is your choice. I limit my good wishes to the
hope that this match may be as happy as mine, which was also one of
your making, and which gratitude daily calls to my remembrance. May
the happiness of Mademoiselle de Volanges be the reward of that I
enjoy, and may the best of friends be also the happiest of mothers!
I am really mortified that I am not at present able, personally, to
assure you of the grateful sentiments of my heart, and to accomplish
what I wish for much, an acquaintance with Mademoiselle de Volanges.
After having experienced your maternal fondness, I think I am entitled
to the tender friendship of a sister from her. I entreat you, Madam, to
claim it for me, until I have it in my power to deserve it. I propose
residing in the country during Mr. de Tourvel’s absence. I now enjoy
and improve in the respectable company of Madame Rosemonde. This lady
is ever delightful; her great age has not the least impaired her
gaiety or memory; her body may be eighty-four, but her understanding
is only twenty. Our retirement is enlivened by the Viscount Valmont,
her nephew, who has condescended to spend a few days with us. I only
knew him by character, which gave me an unfavourable opinion of him,
that now I don’t think he deserves. Here, where the bustle of the
world does not affect him, he is very agreeable, and owns his failings
with great candour. He converses with me very confidentially, and I
sometimes sermonize him with asperity; you, who know him well, will, I
dare say, think such a conversion worth attempting: but I am afraid,
notwithstanding all his promises, eight days in Paris will destroy all
my labours; however, his residence here will be so much gained from his
general course of life, and I am clear, that the best thing he can do
will be to remain in inactivity. He knows that I am now writing to you,
and begs leave to present his most respectful compliments. I beg you’ll
also accept mine with that condescension you have ever had for me, and
be assured of the sincerity of the sentiments with which I have the
honour to be, &c.
_From the Castle of_ ——,
_Aug._ 9, 17—.