Oh the charming creature! … so interesting a figure! so modest an air! … a countenance all sweetness! I lay any wager you guess who I mean: – Well, yes, it is the Chevalier de Valmont. Now it will be in vain for you to deny your designs; he must be Adelaide's husband; I saw that clearly on the very first visit. I questioned him very much concerning his travels. All his answers were short, plain, and modest: and then he blushes with so much grace! without being disconcerted at blushing; he is timid, but never embarrassed. Besides, he is so like our amiable Cecilia! In short, I am quite infatuated. As to Mons. d' Aimeri, you may say what you will, my dear friend, but I feel that I can never esteem him; my memory is too faithful to poor Cecilia. He may well weep for her, but he is not the less guilty of her death. His sorrows grieve, but can never interest me: however, I desired him to look on my house as his own; and I believe he was satisfied with my manner of receiving him. He goes in a month to conduct his grandson to his garrison; but they will return hither towards the end of December; therefore you will see them this winter. I positively will be present at Adelaide's first interview with the Chevalier. I am certain, sympathy will be visible the first moment; they are made for each other; and will love one another passionately. – Remember this prediction.

Well, my dear friend, I have made an acquaintance with Madame de M— have already been with her thrice, therefore I can now satisfy your curiosity. You insist on a true and circumstantial account: – Listen then; this is what happened on my first visit. I got there at half an hour past eight in the evening; was conducted into a dismal saloon, very ill lighted, where I found a very solemn circle: – the mistress of the house seated me by her; I cast my eyes on all the company; and saw only two women, and ten or twelve men; and could not find a single face I knew, except Porphiry's, whom I call to inform me of the company.