Chevalier Danceny _to_ Cecilia Volanges.
Yes, certainly, we shall be very happy. My happiness is secure, since
I am beloved by you. Yours will never end, if it lasts as long as my
love. And do you love me, and no longer dread telling me so? _The
oftener you tell me so, the more happy you feel._ After having read
the enchanting _I love you,_ wrote with your hand, I heard your lovely
mouth repeat the avowal. I figured to me those charming eyes, rendered
still more so by the expression of tenderness fixed on me. I have
received your vows to live for me alone. Oh receive mine, to devote my
life to your happiness, and be assured I never will deceive you!
What a happy day was yesterday! Why has not Madame de Merteuil always
secrets to impart to your Mamma? Why must the idea of the restraint
that attends us, be mixed with the delicious remembrance that fills my
soul? Why can’t I for ever squeeze that lovely hand, that wrote _I love
you,_ imprint it with my kisses, and be thus revenged for your refusal
of a greater favour?
Tell me, then, my Cecilia, when your Mamma came back, when, by her
presence, we were constrained to behave with indifference to each
other, when you could no longer console me by assurances of love, for
the refusal of proof, did not you feel some sorrow? did not you say to
yourself, one kiss would have made him completely happy, and refused
it? Promise me, my lovely charmer, that you’ll be not so rigorous the
first opportunity. Such a promise will enable me to bear up against the
disappointments that I foresee are preparing for us, and the crosses I
shall meet, will at least be softened by the certainty that you share
them.
Adieu, my adorable Cecilia! The hour is come that I am to be with you.
It would be impossible for me to leave off, if it was not to go to you.
Adieu, once more, my dearest love!
_Aug._ 25, 17—.