Madame de Rosemonde _to the_ Chevalier Danceny.
The information you have given me, Sir, leaves me no room for any
thing but sorrow and silence. One regrets to live, when they hear such
horrible actions; one must be ashamed of their sex, when they see a
woman capable of such abominations.
I will willingly assist all in my power, Sir, as far as I am concerned,
to bury in silence and forgetfulness every thing that could leave any
trace or consequence to those melancholy events. I even wish they may
never give you any other uneasiness than those inseparable from the
unhappy advantage you gained over my nephew. Notwithstanding his
faults, which I am forced to confess, I feel I shall never be consoled
for his loss: but my everlasting affliction will be the only revenge
I shall ever take on you; I leave it to your own heart to value its
extent.
Will you permit my age to make a reflection which seldom occurs to
yours? which is, if rightly understood what is solid happiness, we
should never seek it beyond the bounds prescribed by religion and the
laws.
You may be very certain I will faithfully and willingly keep the
deposit you have confided to me: but I must require of you to authorise
me not to deliver it to any one, not even to yourself, Sir, unless it
should be necessary for your justification. I dare believe you will
not refuse me this request, and that it is now unnecessary to make you
sensible we often sigh for having given way to the most just revenge.
I have not yet done with my requisitions, persuaded as I am of your
generosity and delicacy: it would be an act worthy both, to give me
up also Mademoiselle de Volanges’s letters, which you probably may
have preserved, and which, no doubt, are no longer interesting. I know
this young creature has used you badly; but I do not think you mean to
punish her; and was it only out of respect to yourself, you will not
debase an object you loved so much. I have, therefore, no occasion to
add, the respect the girl is unworthy of, is well due to the mother,
to that respectable woman, who may lay some claim to a reparation from
you; for, indeed, whatever colour one may seek to put on a pretended
sentimental delicacy, he who first attempts to seduce a virtuous and
innocent heart, by that measure becomes the first abettor of its
corruption, and should be for ever accountable for the excesses and
disorders that are the consequence.
Do not be surprised, Sir, at so much severity from me; it is the
strongest proof I can give you of my perfect esteem. You will still
acquire an additional right to it, if you acquiesce, as I wish, to the
concealing a secret, the publication of which would prejudice yourself,
and give a mortal stab to a maternal heart you have already wounded. In
a word, Sir, I wish to render this service to my friend; and if I had
the least apprehension you would refuse me this consolation, I would
desire you to think first, it is the only one you had left me.
I have the honour to be, &c.
_Castle of_ ——, _Dec._ 15, 17—.