Madame de Volanges _to_ Madame de Rosemonde.
I write this from the chamber of your unhappy friend, whose state
is pretty much the same: there is to be a consultation held this
afternoon, of four physicians—I need not tell you this resource is
oftener a proof of the danger than the means of relief.
However, it seems her head is something better since last night—her
waiting maid told me this morning, her mistress ordered her to be
called about twelve: she desired they should be left alone, and
dictated a pretty long letter—Julie adds, while she was folding it,
Madame Tourvel was attacked with her delirium, so that the girl did
not know who to direct it to. I was at first surprised the letter
itself was not sufficient to inform her; but telling me she was afraid
of committing a mistake, and that her mistress had ordered her to send
it away immediately, I took it upon me to open it.
There I found the enclosed writing, which is certainly not addressed
to any body, being addressed to too many—Yet, I believe, our
unhappy friend at first intended it for M. de Valmont, but gave way
imperceptibly, to her disordered ideas. However, I thought it ought not
to be sent to any one—I send it you, as you will see better than I can
tell you, the thoughts that engage the head of our patient. Whilst she
continues so intensely affected, I shall have very little hopes—the
body seldom recovers when the mind is so agitated.
Adieu, my dear and worthy friend! I am happy you are far from the
dismal spectacle I have incessantly before my eyes.
_Paris, Dec._ 6, 17—.