Viscount de Valmont _to_ Cecilia Volanges.
(_Annexed to the foregoing._)
The friend who takes upon him to assist you, knows that you have not
materials to write with, therefore has provided them for you. You will
find in the anti-chamber of your apartment, under the great clothes
press on the left hand, paper, pens, and ink, which he will renew
whenever you please, and which, he thinks, you may leave in the same
place, if you cannot find a better.
He requests you will not be offended, if he seems to take little notice
of you in company, and only to treat you as a child. This behaviour
appears necessary to him, to avoid suspicion, and to be able more
effectually to bring about your and his friend’s happiness. He will
endeavour to get opportunities to speak to you, when he has any thing
to say or to give you; and hopes to be able to accomplish it, if, on
your part, you will second him.
He also advises you to give him the letters you will receive, after you
have read them, in order to avoid all bad consequences.
He finishes his letter by assuring you, if you confide in him, he will
employ his utmost endeavours to soften the persecution that a cruel
mother makes two persons undergo; one of which is his best friend, and
the other seems to him to deserve his tenderest concern.
_Castle of ——, Sept._ 14, 17—.