Madame de Rosemonde _to_ Madame de Volanges.
If I had been obliged to send to Paris, my dear friend, and wait for
an answer to the eclaircissements you require concerning Madame de
Merteuil, it would not have been possible to give them to you yet; and
even then they would be, doubtless, vague and uncertain: but I received
some I did not expect, that I had not the least reason to expect, and
they are indubitable. O, my dear friend! how greatly you have been
deceived in this woman!
I have great reluctance to enter into the particulars of this heap of
shocking abominations; but let what will be given out, be assured
it will not exceed the truth. I think, my dear friend, you know me
sufficiently to take my word, and that you will not require from me any
proof. Let it suffice to tell you, there is a multitude of them, which
I have now in my possession.
It is not without the greatest trouble I must also make you the same
request, not to oblige me to give my motives for the advice you require
concerning Mademoiselle de Volanges. I entreat you not to oppose the
vocation she shows.
Certainly, no reason whatever should authorise the forcing a person
into that state, when there is no call: but it is sometimes a great
happiness when there is; and you see your daughter even tells you, if
you knew her motives you would not disapprove them. He who inspires us
with sentiments, knows better than our vain wisdom can direct, what is
suitable to every one; and what is often taken for an act of severity,
is an act of his clemency.
Upon the whole, my advice, which I know will afflict you, for which
reason you must believe I have reflected well on it, is, that you
should leave Mademoiselle de Volanges in the convent, since it is
her choice; and that you should rather encourage than counteract
the project she has formed; and in expectation of its being put in
execution, not to hesitate in breaking off the intended match.
Now that I have fulfilled those painful duties of friendship, and
incapable as I am of adding any consolation, the only favour I have to
request, my dear friend, is, not to put me any interrogatories on any
subject relative to those melancholy events: let us leave them in the
oblivion suitable to them; and without seeking useless or afflicting
knowledge, submit to the decrees of Providence, confiding in the wisdom
of its views whenever it does not permit us to comprehend them. Adieu,
my dear friend!
_Castle of_ ——, _Dec._ 15, 17—.