CÉCILE VOLANGES TO THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL
MAMMA IS INDISPOSED, MADAME; she cannot leave the house, and I must keep her company: I shall not, therefore, have the honor of accompanying you to the Opera. I assure you that I do not regretav the performance nearly so much as not to be with you. I pray that you will be convinced of this. I love you so much! Would you kindly tell M. le Chevalier Danceny that I have not the selection of which he spoke to me, and that if he can bring it to me tomorrow, it will give me great pleasure? If he comes today, he will be told that we are not at home; but this is because Mamma cannot receive anybody. I hope that she will be better tomorrow.
I have the honor to be, etc.
PARIS, 13TH AUGUST, 17—.