Madame de Volanges _to_ Chevalier Danceny.
You will certainly not be surprised, Sir, after having so grossly
abused the confidence of a mother, and the innocence of a child, to be
no longer admitted into a house where you have repaid the sincerest
friendship with the blackest ingratitude. I prefer desiring you
never more to appear here, rather than giving orders to my servants
to refuse you admittance, which would affect us all, by the remarks
that would infallibly be made. I have a right to expect you will
not put me under the necessity of taking this step. I must also
acquaint you, that if you should hereafter make the least attempt to
keep up a correspondence with my daughter, a severe and everlasting
confinement shall withdraw her from your solicitations. I leave it
then to yourself, Sir, to determine whether you will be the cause of
her misery, as you have attempted to be that of her dishonour. As to
myself, my resolution is fixed, and she’s informed of it.
I send you, enclosed, all your letters; and I expect you will send me
back those of my daughter; and that you will concur in leaving no mark
of an event, the remembrance of which fills me with indignation; her
with shame, as it should you with remorse.
I have the honour, &c.
_Sept._ 7, 17—.