Viscount de Valmont _to_ Father Anselmus,
(_Of the Feuillant Convent, St. Honoré Street._)
Not having the honour of being known to you, Sir, but thoroughly
acquainted with the well-placed confidence Madame the Presidente de
Tourvel reposes in you, I think I may address myself to you without
being guilty of indiscretion, to obtain an essential piece of service,
truly worthy your holy ministry, wherein Madame de Tourvel’s advantage
is equally concerned with mine.
Having in my possession some papers of consequence that concern her
nearly, and should not be entrusted to any person, which I neither
ought or will deliver but into her own hands. Being deprived of the
means of informing her of this resolution, for reasons which you may
probably have learned from her, but which I do not think myself at
liberty to acquaint you with, she determined to refuse corresponding
with me; a determination which I do not now in the least blame, as
she could not foresee events, so unexpected, and which required the
supernatural power, that one is forced to acknowledge for their
completion. Therefore I request, Sir, you will be so good to inform her
of my new resolves, and ask, in my name, a particular interview, where
I may in some measure repair the injuries I have been guilty of by my
apologies; and, as the last sacrifice, annihilate, in her presence, the
only remaining impressions of an error or crime, which made me culpable
towards her.
It cannot be until after this preliminary expiation, I shall dare, at
your knees, make the humiliating, avowal of my long bad conduct, and
implore your mediation, for a still more important, and, unhappily,
a much more difficult reconciliation. May I hope, Sir, you will not
refuse me your assistance in a business so necessary and so important;
and that you will vouchsafe to aid my weakness, and guide my steps in
this new path, which I ardently wish to follow, and to which, with
shame, I own myself an utter stranger.
I wait your answer with the impatience of repentance that wishes to
reform; and beg you will believe me to be, with as much gratitude as
veneration,
Your most humble, &c.
P. S. I authorise you, Sir, if you think proper, to communicate this
letter entirely to Madame de Tourvel, who I shall make it my duty to
respect during the rest of my days, and whom I shall never cease to
revere, as the instrument heaven has been pleased to use to bring me
back to virtue, by the striking example of her own.
_Castle of_ ——, _Oct._ 22, 17—.