_The_ Chevalier Danceny _to the_ Viscount de Valmont.
Doubt neither the emotions of my heart, or my proceedings, my dear
Viscount—Is it possible I could resist a wish of my Cecilia’s? Ah! it
is she, and she alone, I will ever love! Her openness, her tenderness,
have fixed such a spell over me, that nothing can ever efface, although
I have been weak enough to suffer a distraction. Imperceptibly, I may
say, engaged in another adventure, the remembrance of Cecilia has
disturbed me in the tenderest moments; and perhaps my heart never
rendered her a more faithful homage, than at the instant I was
unfaithful to her. However, my dear friend, let us spare her delicacy,
and hide my fault; not to deceive, but only not to afflict her.
Cecilia’s happiness is the most ardent wish of my heart; and I should
never forgive myself a fault which should cost her a tear.
I feel I deserved the banter you pass upon me, relative to what you
call my new system: but I beg you will be assured, I am not led by them
at this time; I am resolved to prove it to-morrow—I will go and accuse
myself even to her who has been the cause and partner of my error—I
will tell her; “read my heart; there you will see the tenderest
friendship; friendship united to desire so much resembles love! We
have both been deceived; but although liable to error, I am incapable
of deceit.” I know my friend well; she has probity, and is gentle; she
will do more than pardon, she will approve my conduct; she has often
reproached herself for having betrayed friendship: her delicacy has
often alarmed her love: more considerate than me, she will strengthen
my mind with those useful apprehensions which I rashly endeavoured to
stifle in hers—I shall owe my reformation to her, and my felicity to
you. O, my friends! partake my gratitude: the idea of being indebted to
you for my happiness, augments its value.
Adieu, my dear Viscount! the excess of my joy does not prevent me from
thinking and sharing your troubles. Why can I not serve you? M. de
Tourvel still remains inexorable then! It is said she is very ill—May
she at once recover health and condescension, and for ever make you
happy! They are the vows of friendship; and I dare hope will be granted
by love.
I would write some time longer, but time presses, and perhaps Cecilia
already expects me.
_Paris, Dec._ 5, 17—.