_The_ Marchioness de Merteuil _to the_ Viscount de Valmont.
Now seriously, Viscount, have you left the Presidente? Did you send
her the letter I wrote you for her? You are a charming fellow, indeed,
and have surpassed my expectations! I must own, this triumph flatters
me more than all those I ever obtained. You will think, perhaps, I
estimate this woman very highly, who I depreciated very lately; not in
the least: but it is not over her this advantage is gained; it is over
you; there lies the jest, and it is really delightful.
Yes, Viscount, you loved Madame de Tourvel much, and you still love
her; you love her to distraction: but because I made you ashamed, by
way of amusement, you nobly sacrifice her. You would have sacrificed
a thousand women rather than be laughed at. To what lengths will not
vanity lead us! The wise man was right when he said it was the foe to
happiness.
What would become of you now, if it had been only a trick I put upon
you? But I am incapable of deceit, and you know it well; and should you
even in my turn reduce me to despair and a convent, I will risk it, and
surrender to my conqueror. Still, if I do capitulate, upon my word it
is from mere frailty; for were I inclined, how many cavils could I not
start! and, perhaps, you would deserve them!
I admire, for example, with how much address, or awkwardness rather,
you soothingly propose I should let you renew with your Presidente.
It would be very convenient, would it not? to take all the merit of
this rapture without losing the pleasure of enjoyment! And then this
proffered sacrifice, which would no longer be one to you, is offered to
be renewed at my pleasure! By this arrangement, the celestial devotee
would always think herself the only choice of your heart, whilst I
should wrap myself up in the pride of being the preferred rival; we
should both be deceived; you would be satisfied: all the rest is of no
consequence.
It is much to be lamented, that with such extraordinary talents for
projects, you have so few for execution; and that by one inconsiderate
step, you put an insurmountable obstacle to what you so much wished.
What! you had, then, an idea of renewing your connection, and yet you
copied my letter! You must, then, have thought me awkward indeed!
Believe me, Viscount, when a woman strikes at the heart of another,
she seldom misses her blow, and the wound is incurable. When I struck
this one, or rather directed the blow, I did not forget she was my
rival, that you had for a moment preferred her to me, placed me beneath
her. If I am deceived in my revenge, I consent to bear the blame;
therefore, I agree you may attempt every means; even I invite you to
it, and promise you I shall not be angry at your success. I am so easy
on this matter, I shall say no more of it: let us talk of something
else.
As to the health of the little Volanges, you will be able to give me
some positive news at my return. I shall be glad to have some. After
that, you will be the best judge whether it will be most convenient to
give the little girl up to her lover, or endeavour to be the founder of
a new branch of the Valmonts, under the name of Gercourt. This idea
pleases me much: but in leaving the choice to yourself, I must yet
require you will not come to a definitive resolution until we talk the
matter over. It is not putting you off for a long time, for I shall be
in Paris immediately. I can’t positively say the day; but be assured,
as soon as I arrive, you shall be the first informed of it.
Adieu, Viscount! notwithstanding my quarrels, my mischievousness, and
my reproaches, I always love you much, and am preparing to prove it.
Adieu, till our next meeting.
_Castle of_ ——, _Nov._ 29, 17—.