Castle de B—

Do not regret leaving the Castle so much, my dear child; you have quitted us, and it is no longer the same; we have lost the most agreeable part of our company. Since your departure, the weather has been so extremely hot, that it has been impossible, particularly for Parisian Ladies, to stir out of doors before eight o'clock in the evening. The Viscountess has established a reading party, where we all assemble, though not compelled to it; it lasts about three quarters of an hour; and it is Adelaide, who reads aloud The Theatre de la Chausèe. As she has a very sweet tone of voice, acts well, and reads Poetry with great propriety, she even attracts the attention of Madame de Valcy, who piques herself greatly on having a very particular affection for Adelaide; which proves to me, that it is impossible for those who are possessed of native innocence and mildness, not to please even the most envious or censorious persons in the world. In three weeks we shall be left in solitude; I shall remain here only one month after the Viscountess goes; so that I shall certainly be at Paris by the beginning of November. We expect every day Mons. d’ Aimeri and the Chevalier de Valmont; the first has had a fit of the gout, which confined him a month to his bed, and retarded his departure from de *** ; but he is now recovered, and his last letter informs us of his speedy return. I own I am not sorry that the Viscountess will be gone before his arrival, because the interview between Adelaide and the Chevalier de Valmont will be very interesting; and I fear the penetration of the Viscountess, as well as the malignity of Madame de Valcy. Adelaide will be fifteen in less than two months … I am very certain that the Chevalier will not see her without surprize and emotion; and witnesses at such a time would be very troublesome. Adieu, my dear child; I will write to you again, when Mons. d’ Aimeri arrives; and will acquaint you with all the particulars which your friendship has a right to expect.