THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO CECILE VOLANGES
I AM MOST GRIEVED, my pretty one, both at being deprived of the pleasure of seeing you, and at the cause of this privation. I hope that the opportunity will recur. I will acquit myself of your commission with the Chevalier Danceny, who will certainly be distressed to hear of your Mamma’s sickness. If she can receive me tomorrow, I will come and keep her company. She and I will assault the Chevalier de Bellerocheaw at piquet,ax and while we win his money, we shall have the additional pleasure of hearing you sing with your amiable master, to whom I will suggest it. If this is convenient to your Mamma and to you, I can answer for myself and my two cavaliers. Adieu, my pretty one; my compliments to dear Madame de Volanges. I kiss you most tenderly.
PARIS, 13TH AUGUST, 17–.