Marchioness de Merteuil _to_ Viscount de Valmont.
At length you will be satisfied, and do me justice; no longer blend me
with the rest of womankind: I have at last put an end to my adventure
with Prevan, and you shall judge which of the two has a right to boast
The recital will not be so amusing as the action; neither would it
be just, whilst you have done nothing but argue well or ill on this
matter, you should enjoy as much pleasure as me, who employed my time
and care in this business.
But if you have any great affair in hand, any enterprise wherein this
dangerous rival is your competitor, return; he has left you a clear
stage, at least for some time; and perhaps will never recover the blow
I have given him.
What a happy man you are, to have me for a friend! I am your good
genius. You languish in absence from the beauty that possesses your
heart; I speak the word, and instantly you are with her: you wish to be
revenged of a mischievous woman: I point out the place where you are
to strike, and deliver her up to you: again, to set aside a formidable
competitor, you still invoke me, and I grant your petition. Upon my
word, if you don’t employ the remainder of your days in demonstrating
your gratitude, you are a base man: but to return to my adventure,
and its origin. The rendezvous given out so loud at coming out of the
opera[1] was heard, as I expected. Prevan was there, and when the
Marechale told him obligingly, that she was happy to see him, twice
running, on her public day, he took care to reply, that since Tuesday
he had got rid of a thousand appointments, to have it in his power to
wait upon her this evening; _a word to the wise:_ however, as I was
determined to be certain whether or not I was the true object of this
flattering eagerness, I was determined to oblige my new admirer, to
make a choice between me and his reigning passion. I declared I would
not play, and he made a thousand pretences not to play: thus my first
triumph was over Lansquenet.
I engrossed the bishop of —— for my conversation; chose him on
account of his relationship with the hero of the adventure, for whom I
wished to smooth the way to make his approaches: was, moreover, glad
to have a respectable witness, who could upon occasion answer for my
conduct and conversation: this arrangement succeeded.
After the customary vague chat, Prevan having soon made himself master
of the conversation, engaged, upon different subjects, to endeavour
to find out that which was most agreeable to me. The sentimental I
rejected, as not worthy of credit. I stopped, by my serious air, his
gaiety, which seemed too volatile for an opening: then he returned to
delicate friendship; and this was the subject that engaged us.
The bishop did not come down to supper; Prevan gave me his hand, and
consequently placed himself at table by me: I must be just; he kept up
our private conversation with great address, as if he was only taken
up with the general conversation, to which he seemed all attention. At
the dessert, a new piece was mentioned that was to be played the Monday
following at the French Comedy.—I expressed some regret at not being
provided with a box; he offered me his, which I refused, as usual: to
which he replied, with great good humour, that I did not understand
him, for, certainly, he would not offer his lodge to a person he did
not know; he only meant to inform me that Madame la Marechale had the
disposal of it; she acquiesced to this piece of humour, and I accepted
the invitation. Being returned to the saloon, he begged, as you may
suppose, a seat in this box; and as the Marechale, who treats him very
familiarly, promised it to him if he behaved himself well, he took
the opportunity of one of those double entendre conversations, for
which you so profusely praise him, and throwing himself at her knees
as a naughty child, under pretence of begging her advice and opinion,
he said a great many tender and flattering things, which it was easy
for me to apply to myself. Many of the company not having returned
to play after supper, the conversation became more general and less
interesting, but our eyes spoke a great deal—I should say his, for
mine had one language only, that of surprise; he must have imagined
that I was astonished, and amazingly taken up with the prodigious
impression he had made on me. I believe I left him pretty well
satisfied; and I was no less contented myself.
The Monday following I went to the French Comedy, as was agreed:
notwithstanding your literary curiosity, I cannot give you any
account of the representation, and can only tell you, that Prevan has
an admirable talent for flattery, and that the piece was hooted. I
was somewhat troubled to see an evening so near an end, from which
I promis’d myself so much pleasure, and, in order to prolong it, I
requested the Marechale to sup with me, which gave me an opportunity to
invite the lovely flatterer; he only begged time to disengage himself
with the Countesses de P——.[2] This name raised my indignation; I saw
plainly he was beginning to make them his confidants; I called to mind
your prudent advice, and determined——to pursue the adventure, as I
was certain it would cure him of this dangerous indiscretion.
Being a stranger in my company, which was that night very small, he
paid me the usual compliments, and when we went to supper, offered me
his hand—I was wicked enough, when I accepted it, to affect a light
tremor, and, as I walked, to cast my eyes downwards, accompanied with
a difficulty of respiration—assumed the appearance of foreseeing my
defeat, and to dread my conqueror; he instantly remarked it, and the
traitor immediately changed his tone and behaviour: he was polite
before, but now became all tenderness;—not but the conversation was
pretty much the same,—the circumstances required it; but his look was
not so lively, yet more flattering; the tone of his voice was softer;
his smile was not that of art but satisfaction; and his discourse
gradually falling from his sallies, wit gave way to delicacy. Pray,
good Sir, what could you have done more?
On my side, I began to grow thoughtful to such a degree that it was
taken notice of; and when I was reproached with it, I had the address
to defend myself so awkwardly, and to cast a quick, timid, and
disconcerted glance at Prevan, to make him imagine that all my fear was
lest he should guess at the cause of my confusion.
After supper, I took the opportunity, whilst the good Marechale was
telling one of those stories she had repeated a hundred times before,
to place myself upon my sofa, in that kind of lassitude which a tender
reverie brings on. I was not sorry Prevan should see me thus; and he
really did me the honour of a most particular, attention. You may very
well imagine my timid eyes did not dare lift themselves up to my
conqueror, but being directed towards him in a more humble manner, they
soon informed me I had obtained my end: but still it was necessary to
persuade him I also shared it, and as the Marechale said it was time to
retire, I exclaimed in a soft and tender tone, “Oh, good God, I was so
happy there!” However, I rose; but before we parted, I asked her how
she intended to dispose of herself, to have an opportunity of saying,
I intended to stay at home the day after to-morrow; on which we all
parted.
Then I sat down to reflect; I had no doubt but Prevan would improve the
kind of rendezvous I had just given, that he would come time enough
to find me alone, and the attack would be carried on with spirit; but
I was certain that, reputation apart, he would not behave with that
kind of familiarity which no well-bred person ever permits himself,
only with intriguing or unexperienced women; and I did not doubt of
my success, if he once let slip the word love, or if he even made any
pretension to draw it from me.
How convenient it is to be connected with you men of principle!
Sometimes the quarrels of lovers disconcert through timidity, or
embarrass by its violent transports; it is a kind of fever which has
its hot and cold fits, and sometimes varies its symptoms; but your
regular progressions are easily seen through; the first salutation,
the deportment, the _ton_, the conversation, I knew all the evening
before: I shall not, then, give you an account of the conversation,
which you will readily conceive; only observe, that in my feigned
defence I helped him all in my power; embarrassments to give him time
to speak, bad arguments to be discussed, fears and diffidence to bring
on protestations, the perpetual requisition from him, _I beg but one
word,_ that silence on my part which only seemed to make him wish for
it more; and besides all this a hand often squeezed, always drawn back,
and never refused; thus a whole day would have passed, and we should
have passed another in this frivolity, perhaps would have been still
engaged in the same, if we had not heard a coach coming into my court.
This happy mischance made his solicitations more pressing, and when I
found myself safe from all surprise, after having breathed a long sigh,
I granted the precious word. Soon after company came in.
Prevan requested to visit me the morning following, to which I
consented; being careful of myself, I ordered my waiting maid to stay
during the whole time of this visit in my bed chamber, from whence you
know, one may see every thing that passes in my dressing room. Our
conversation was easy, and both having the same desires, we were soon
agreed; it was necessary to get rid of this troublesome spectator; that
was where I waited for him.
Then giving him an account of my domestic life, I easily persuaded him
we should never find a favourable opportunity, and he must look upon it
a kind of miracle that which he had yesterday, and was attended with
such dangerous consequences as might expose me, as there was every
instant company coming into the saloon. I did not fail to add, those
were long established customs in my family, which, until then, had
never been varied, and at the same time insisted on the impossibility
of altering them, as they would expose me to the reflections of my
servants. He endeavoured to affect grief, to be out of humour, to tell
me I had very little love: you may guess what an impression that made
on me. Being determined to strike the decisive blow, I called tears to
my assistance. It was the real scene in Zara, _You weep_. The ascendant
he thought he had gained over me, and the hope he conceived of ruining
me in his own way, supplied him with all the love of Orosmane.
This theatrical scene being over, we returned to the settling our
measures. No probability of success in the day, our thoughts were
taken up with the night; but my porter was an insurmountable obstacle,
and I could not agree to any attempt to corrupt him: he then proposed
the small door of my garden; that I had foreseen. I pretended a dog
there, that was quiet and silent in the day-time, but a mere devil at
night. The facility with which I gave into all his schemes served to
encourage him, and he soon proposed the most ridiculous expedient,
which was the one I accepted.
First, he assured me his domestic was as secret as himself; there he
did not deceive me, for one was as secret as the other: I was to give
a public supper, he would be of the party, would take his opportunity
to slip out alone, his dextrous confidant would call his carriage,
open the door, and he, instead of getting in, would slip aside; thus,
having disappeared to every body, yet being in my house, the question
was, how he should get into my apartment? I must own, that at first my
embarrassment was to find out reasons against the project, to have the
appearance of destroying it. He answered them by proofs; nothing was
more common than this method, he had often made use of it; it was even
the one he practised most, as being the least dangerous.
Being convinced by those unanswerable authorities, I candidly owned
I had a back-stairs that led very near to my private closet; I could
leave the key in the door, and he possibly might shut himself up in
it, to wait there without any danger till my women were retired;
then, to give more probability to my consent, the moment afterwards I
refused, then again consented, only upon condition of the most perfect
submission and good behaviour. To sum up all, I wanted to prove my
affection, but not to satisfy his.
His departure in the morning, which I had forgot to mention, was
settled to be through the little gate in the garden; as he was to go
off by day-light, the Cerberus would not speak a word; not a soul
passed at that hour, and my people were all to be in a profound sleep.
If you are astonished at this heap of nonsense, you must forget our
situation: what business had we for better arguments? All that he
required was, that the business should be known, and I was very certain
it never should: the day after was fixed for the execution.
Observe, here is an affair settled, and no one has ever yet seen
Prevan in my company; he offers his box for a new piece, I accept of
a place in it; I invite this woman to supper during the performance,
in Prevan’s presence; I can scarcely dispense proposing to him
to make one; he accepts my offer; two days afterwards makes me a
ceremonial visit;—he comes, it is true, to visit me the day following,
in the morning; but besides, as the morning visits are no longer
exceptionable, it belongs to me to judge of this, and I account it
trifling.
The fatal day being come, the day on which I was to lose my virtue and
reputation, I gave my instructions to my faithful Victoire, and she
executed them to admiration.
When evening came, I had a good deal of company; Prevan was announced;
I received him with singular politeness, a proof of my slender
acquaintance with him; I placed him with the Marechale’s party, as it
was in her company I had first been acquainted with him: the evening
produced nothing but a little note which the discreet lover found means
to convey to me, and was burned, according to custom: he informed me,
I might depend upon him; it was embellished with all the parasitical
phrases of love, happiness, &c., which are never wanting upon such
occasions.
At midnight, the parties being all finished, I proposed a short
macedoine.[3] In this project I first had in view to favour Prevan’s
evasion, and at the same time to make it remarkable, which could not
fail to happen, considering his reputation as a gamester; I was also
glad, if there should hereafter be occasion, it might be remembered
I was left alone. The game lasted longer than I had imagined; the
devil tempted me; I gave way to my desire, to console the impatient
prisoner. I was thus proceeding to my ruin, when I reflected, if I
once surrendered, I should abandon the power of keeping him within the
necessary bounds of decency for my projects: I had strength enough
to resist, and returned not in a very good humour to my place at this
abominable game; at last it was finished, and every one departed: I
rung for my women, undressed myself expeditiously, and sent them away.
Only think now, Viscount, you see me in my light robe, approaching with
a circumspect timid pace, and trembling hand, opening the door to my
conqueror. The moment he perceived me, he flew like lightning. What
shall I say? I was overcome, totally overcome, before I could speak a
word to stop him or defend myself. Afterwards he wanted to take a more
commodious situation, and more adapted to our circumstances. He cursed
his dress as an obstacle to his complete bliss. He would engage with
equal arms; but my extreme timidity opposed his desire, and my tender
caresses did not give him time. He was employed in other matters.
His rights were doubled; his pretensions revived: then “Harkee,” said
I, “so far you have a tolerable pretty story for the two Countesses
de P——, and a thousand others: but I have a great curiosity to know
how you will relate the end of this adventure.” Then ringing with all
my strength, I had my turn, my action was quicker than his speech. He
scarcely stammered out a few words, when I heard Victoire calling all
my people that she had kept together in her apartment, as I had ordered
her; then assuming the tone of a queen, and raising my voice, “Walk
out, Sir,” said I, “and never dare appear again in my presence.” On
which all my servants crowded in.
Poor Prevan was distracted, and imagined murder was intended, when in
reality it was nothing but a joke, seized his sword; he was mistaken,
for my valet-de-chambre, a resolute lusty fellow, grasped him round
the body, and soon brought him down. I own, I was very much terrified,
ordered them not to use him ill, but let him retire quietly, only to
take care he was put out of the house. My servants obeyed my orders:
there was a great bustle among them; they were enraged to the highest
degree, any one should dare to insult _their virtuous mistress;_ they
all accompanied the unfortunate Chevalier, with all the noise and
scandal I could wish. Victoire alone remained with me, and we repaired
the disorder the bed had suffered.
My people returned tumultuously; and I, _still in great emotion,_
desired to know by what good fortune they happened to be all up.
Victoire said, she had given a supper to two of her friends; that they
had sat up in her apartment; and, in short, every thing as had been
agreed on. I thanked then all, desired them to retire, directing one of
them to go immediately for my physician. I thought I was authorised to
guard against the effects of this _dreadful shock;_ this was the surest
means to give it currency, as well as celebrity.
He came, pitied me much, and prescribed repose. I moreover ordered
Victoire to go about the neighbourhood in the morning early to spread
the news.
Every thing succeeded so well, that before noon, as soon as my doors
were open, my devout neighbour was at my bed’s head, to know the truth
and the circumstances of this horrible adventure. I was obliged to
lament with her a whole hour the corruption of the age. Soon after, I
received the enclosed note from the Marechale, and before five, to my
great astonishment, M——[4] waited on me, to make his excuses, as he
said, that an officer of his corps should be guilty of such an offence.
He was informed of it at dinner at the Marechale’s, and immediately
sent an order to Prevan, putting him under arrest. I requested he might
be forgiven, which he refused. I thought, as an accomplice, I should
also be punished, and kept within doors; I ordered my gate to be shut,
and to let every one know I was indisposed.
It is to this solitude you are indebted for so long a letter. I
shall write one to Madame de Volanges, which she will certainly read
publicly, where you will see this transaction as it must be related.
I forgot to tell you, that Belleroche is outrageous, and absolutely
determined to fight Prevan. Poor fellow! But I shall have time to cool
his brain. In the mean time, I will go to repose my own, which is much
fatigued by writing. Adieu, Viscount!
_Sept._ 25, 17—.
[1] See Letter the 74th.
[2] See Letter the 70th.
[3] Several persons, perhaps, do not know that a macedoine is a
collection of games at hazard, in which each person who cuts the
cards has a right to choose when he holds the hand: it is one of the
inventions of the age.
[4] The commandant of the corps in which Prevan served.