atfirstIpretendedanindispositioninordertoconcealmysorrow，butafterwardsIreallyfellintoone，norcouldaconstitutiondelicatelikeminesupportsoviolentashock。WhenIbegantobebetter，Istillcounterfeitedsickness，thatImighthaveanexcusefornotseeingandfornotwritingtoyou；besidesIwaswillingtohavetimetocometoaresolutioninwhatmannertodealwithyou；Itookandquittedthesameresolutiontwentytimes；butatlastIconcludedyoudeservednottoseemygrief，andIresolvednottoshowyoutheleastmarkofit。Ihadadesiretobringdownyourpride，bylettingyousee，thatmypassionforyoudeclinedofitself：IthoughtIshouldbythislessenthevalueofthesacrificeyouhadmadeofme，andwaslothyoushouldhavethepleasureofappearingmoreamiableintheeyesofanother，byshowingherhowmuchIlovedyou；I
resolvedtowritetoyouinacoldandlanguishingmanner，thatshe，towhomyougavemyletters，mightperceivemylovewasatanend：IwasunwillingsheshouldhavethesatisfactionofknowingIwassensiblethatshetriumphedoverme，orthatsheshouldincreasehertriumphbymydespairandcomplaints。I
thoughtIshouldpunishyoutoolittlebymerelybreakingwithyou，andthatmyceasingtoloveyouwouldgiveyoubutaslightconcern，afteryouhadfirstforsakenme；Ifounditwasnecessaryyoushouldloveme，tofeelthesmartofnotbeingloved，whichIsoseverelyexperiencedmyself；Iwasofopinionthatifanythingcouldrekindlethatflame，itwouldbetoletyouseethatminewasextinguished，buttoletyouseeitthroughanendeavourtoconcealitfromyou，asifIwantedthepowertoacknowledgeittoyou：thisresolutionIadheredto；Ifounditdifficulttotake，andwhenIsawyouagainIthoughtitimpossibletoexecute。Iwasreadyahundredtimestobreakoutintotearsandcomplaints；myillstateofhealth，whichstillcontinued，servedasadisguisetohidefromyoutheafflictionandtroubleIwasin；afterwardIwassupportedbythepleasureofdissemblingwithyou，asyouhaddonewithme；howeveritwasdoingsoapparentaviolencetomyselftotellyouortowritetoyouthatIlovedyou，thatyouimmediatelyperceivedIhadnomindtoletyouseemyaffectionwasaltered；youwastouchedwiththis，youcomplainedofit；Iendeavouredtoremoveyourfears，butitwasdoneinsoforcedamanner，thatyouwerestillmoreconvincedbyit，Inolongerlovedyou；inshort，IdidallIintendedtodo。Thefantasticalnessofyourheartwassuch，thatyouadvancedtowardsmeinproportionasyousawIretreatedfromyou。Ihaveenjoyedallthepleasurewhichcanarisefromrevenge；Iplainlysaw，thatyoulovedmemorethanyouhadeverdone，andIshowedyouIhadnolongeranyloveforyou。Ihadevenreasontobelievethatyouhadentirelyabandonedher，forwhomyouhadforsakenme；Ihadgroundtootobesatisfiedyouhadneverspokentoherconcerningme；butneitheryourdiscretioninthatparticular，northereturnofyouraffectioncanmakeamendsforyourinconstancy；yourhearthasbeendividedbetweenmeandanother，andyouhavedeceivedme；thisissufficientwhollytotakefrommethepleasureIfoundinbeinglovedbyyou，asIthoughtIdeservedtobe，andtoconfirmmeintheresolutionIhavetakennevertoseeyoumore，whichyouaresomuchsurprisedat。
MadamdeClevesreadthisletter，andreaditoveragainseveraltimes，withoutknowingatthesametimewhatshehadread；shesawonlythattheDukedeNemoursdidnotloveherassheimaginedandthathelovedotherswhowerenolessdeceivedbyhimthanshe。Whatadiscoverywasthisforapersoninhercondition，whohadaviolentpassion，whohadjustgivenmarksofittoamanwhomshejudgedunworthyofit，andtoanotherwhomsheusedillforhissake！Neverwasafflictionsocuttingashers；sheimputedthepiercingnessofittowhathadhappenedthatday，andbelievedthatiftheDukedeNemourshadnothadgroundtobelieveshelovedhimsheshouldnothavecaredwhetherhelovedanotherornot；butshedeceivedherself，andthisevilwhichshefoundsoinsupportablewasjealousywithallthehorrorsitcanbeaccompaniedwith。ThisletterdiscoveredtoherapieceofgallantrytheDukedeNemourshadbeenlongengagedin；shesawtheladywhowroteitwasapersonofwitandmerit，anddeservedtobeloved；shefoundshehadmorecouragethanherself，andenviedherthepowershehadhadofconcealinghersentimentsfromtheDukedeNemours；bythecloseoftheletter，shesawthisladythoughtherselfbeloved，andpresentlysuspectedthatthediscretiontheDukehadshowedinhisaddressestoher，andwhichshehadbeensomuchtakenwith，wasonlyaneffectofhispassionforthisothermistress，whomhewasafraidofdisobliging；inshort，shethoughtofeverythingthatcouldaddtohergriefanddespair。Whatreflectionsdidshenotmakeonherself，andontheadviceshermotherhadgivenherIhowdidsherepent，thatshehadnotpersistedinherresolutionofretiring，thoughagainstthewillofMonsieurdeCleves，orthatshehadnotpursuedherintentionsofacknowledgingtohimtheinclinationshehadfortheDukeofNemours！Shewasconvinced，shewouldhavedonebettertodiscoverittoahusband，whosegoodnessshewassensibleof，andwhoseinterestitwouldhavebeentoconcealit，thantoletitappeartoamanwhowasunworthyofit，whodeceivedher，whoperhapsmadeasacrificeofher，andwhohadnoviewinbeinglovedbyherbuttogratifyhisprideandvanity；inaword，shefound，thatallthecalamitiesthatcouldbefallher，andalltheextremitiesshecouldbereducedto，werelessthanthatsingleoneofhavingdiscoveredtotheDukedeNemoursthatshelovedhim，andofknowingthathelovedanother：allhercomfortwastothink，thataftertheknowledgeofthisshehadnothingmoretofearfromherself，andthatsheshouldbeentirelyeasedoftheinclinationshehadfortheDuke。
SheneverthoughtoftheorderstheQueen-Dauphinhadgivenher，tocometoherwhenshewenttorest：shewenttobedherself，andpretendedtobeill；sothatwhenMonsieurdeClevescamehomefromtheKing，theytoldhimshewasasleep。Butshewasfarfromthattranquillitywhichinclinestosleep；allthenightshedidnothingbuttormentherself，andreadoverandovertheletterinherhand。
MadamdeCleveswasnottheonlypersonwhomthisletterdisturbed。TheViscountdeChartres，whohadlostitandnottheDukedeNemours，wasintheutmostinquietudeaboutit。HehadbeenthateveningwiththeDukeofGuise，whohadgivenagreatentertainmenttotheDukeofFerrarahisbrother-in-law，andtoalltheyoungpeopleoftheCourt：ithappenedthatthediscourseturneduponingeniousletters；andtheViscountdeChartressaidhehadoneabouthimthefinestthateverwaswrit：theyurgedhimtoshowit，andonhisexcusinghimself，theDukedeNemoursinsistedhehadnosuchletter，andthatwhathesaidwasonlyoutofvanity；theViscountmadehimanswer，thatheurgedhisdiscretiontotheutmost，thatneverthelesshewouldnotshowtheletter；buthewouldreadsomepartsofit，whichwouldmakeitappearfewmenreceivedthelike。Havingsaidthis，hewouldhavetakenouttheletter，butcouldnotfindit；hesearchedforittonopurpose。Thecompanyralliedhimaboutit；butheseemedsodisturbed，thattheyforboretospeakfurtherofit；hewithdrewsoonerthantheothers，andwenthomewithgreatimpatience，toseeifhehadnotlefttheletterthere。Whilehewaslookingforit，oneoftheQueen’spagescametotellhim，thattheViscountessd’Usezhadthoughtitnecessarytogivehimspeedyadvice，thatitwassaidattheQueen’sCourt，thathehaddroppedaletterofgallantryoutofhispocketwhilehewasplayingattennis；thatgreatpartofwhatthelettercontainedhadbeenrelated，thattheQueenhadexpressedagreatcuriositytoseeit，andhadsenttooneofhergentlemenforit，butthatheanswered，hehadgivenittoChatelart。
ThepageaddedmanyotherparticularswhichheightenedtheViscount’sconcern；hewentoutthatminutetogotoagentlemanwhowasanintimatefriendofChatelart’s；andthoughitwasaveryunseasonablehour，madehimgetoutofbedtogoandfetchtheletter，withoutlettinghimknowwhoitwashadsentforit，orwhohadlostit。Chatelart，whowasprepossessedwithanopinionthatitbelongedtotheDukeofNemours，andthattheDukewasinlovewiththeQueen-Dauphin，didnotdoubtbutitwashewhohadsenttoredemandit，andsoansweredwithamalicioussortofjoy，thathehadputtheletterintotheQueen-Dauphin’shands。ThegentlemanbroughtthisanswerbacktotheViscountdeChartres，whichincreasedtheuneasinesshewasunderalready，andaddednewvexationstoit：afterhavingcontinuedsometimeinanirresolutionwhattodo，hefoundthattheDukedeNemourswastheonlypersonwhoseassistancecoulddrawhimoutofthisintricateaffair。
AccordinglyhewenttotheDuke’shouse，andenteredhisroomaboutbreakofday。WhattheDukehaddiscoveredthedaybeforewithrespecttothePrincessofCleveshadgivenhimsuchagreeableideas，thathesleptverysweetly；hewasverymuchsurprisedtofindhimselfwakedbytheViscountdeChartres，andaskedhimifhecametodisturbhisrestsoearly，toberevengedofhimforwhathehadsaidlastnightatsupper。TheViscount’slookssoonconvincedhim，thathecameuponaseriousbusiness；
\"Iamcome，\"saidhe，\"toentrustyouwiththemostimportantaffairofmylife；Iknowverywell，youarenotobligedtomefortheconfidenceIplaceinyou，becauseIdoitatatimewhenIstandinneedofyourassistance；butIknowlikewise，thatI
shouldhavelostyouresteem，ifIhadacquaintedyouwithallI
amnowgoingtotellyou，withouthavingbeenforcedtoitbyabsolutenecessity：IhavedroppedtheletterIspokeoflastnight；itisofthegreatestconsequencetome，thatnobodyshouldknowitisaddressedtome；ithasbeenseenbyabundanceofpeople，whowereatthetenniscourtyesterdaywhenIdroppedit；youwastheretoo，andthefavourIhavetoaskyou，is，tosayitwasyouwholostit。\"\"Sureyouthink，\"repliedtheDukedeNemourssmiling，\"thatIhavenomistress，bymakingsuchaproposal，andthatIhavenoquarrelsorinconveniencestoapprehendbyleavingittobebelievedthatIreceivesuchletters。\"\"Ibegyou，\"saidtheViscount，\"tohearmeseriously；ifyouhaveamistress，asIdoubtnotyouhave，thoughIdonotknowwhosheis，itwillbeeasyforyoutojustifyyourself，andI’llputyouintoaninfalliblewayofdoingit。Asforyou，thoughyoushouldfailinjustifyingyourself，itcancostyounothingbutashortfallingout；butformypart，thisaccidentaffectsmeinaverydifferentmanner，Ishalldishonourapersonwhohaspassionatelylovedme，andisoneofthemostdeservingwomenintheworld；ontheotherside，Ishalldrawuponmyselfanimplacablehatredthatwillruinmyfortune，andperhapsproceedsomewhatfurther。\"\"Idonotcomprehendwhatyousay，\"repliedtheDukedeNemours，\"butI
begintoseethatthereportswehavehadofyourinterestinagreatPrincessarenotwhollywithoutground。\"\"Theyarenot，\"repliedtheViscount，\"butIwouldtoGodtheywere：youwouldnotseemeintheperplexityIamin；butImustrelatethewholeaffairtoyou，toconvinceyouhowmuchIhavetofear。
\"EversinceIcametoCourt，theQueenhastreatedmewithagreatdealoffavouranddistinction，andIhadgroundstobelievethatshewasverykindlydisposedtowardsme：therewasnothing，however，particularinallthis，andIneverpresumedtoentertainanythoughtsofherbutwhatwerefullofrespect；sofarfromit，thatIwasdeeplyinlovewithMadamdeThemines；
anyonethatseeshermayeasilyjudge，’tisverypossibleforonetobegreatlyinlovewithher，whenoneisbelovedbyher，andsoIwas。Abouttwoyearsago，theCourtbeingatFontainebleau，IwastwoorthreetimesinconversationwiththeQueen，athourswhentherewereveryfewpeopleinherapartment：itappearedtome，thatmyturnofwitwasagreeabletoher，andIobservedshealwaysapprovedwhatIsaid。Onedayamongothersshefellintoadiscourseconcerningconfidence。IsaidtherewasnobodyinwhomIentirelyconfided，thatIfoundpeoplealwaysrepentedofhavingdoneso，andthatIknewagreatmanythingsofwhichI
hadneverspoke：theQueentoldme，sheesteemedmethemoreforit，thatshehadnotfoundinFranceanyonethatcouldkeepasecret，andthatthiswaswhathadembarrassedhermorethananythingelse，becauseithaddeprivedherofthepleasureofhavingaconfidant；thatnothingwassonecessaryinlifeastohavesomebodyonecouldopenone’smindtowithsafety，especiallyforpeopleofherrank。Afterwardsshefrequentlyresumedthesamediscourse，andacquaintedmewithveryparticularcircumstances；atlastIimaginedshewasdesiroustolearnmysecrets，andtoentrustmewithherown；thisthoughtengagedmestrictlytoher。IwassopleasedwiththisdistinctionthatImademycourttoherwithgreaterassiduitythanusual。OneeveningtheKingandtheladiesoftheCourtrodeouttotaketheairintheforest，buttheQueen，beingalittleindisposeddidnotgo；Istayedtowaituponher，andshewalkeddowntothepond-side，anddismissedhergentlemenushers，thatshemightbemoreatliberty。Aftershehadtakenafewturnsshecameuptome，andbidmefollowher；`Iwouldspeakwithyou，’saysshe，`andbywhatIshallsayyouwillseeIamyourfriend。’Shestoppedhere，andlookingearnestlyatme；
`Youareinlove，’continuedshe，`andbecauseperhapsyouhavemadenobodyyourconfidant，youthinkthatyourloveisnotknown；butitisknown，andevenbypersonswhoareinterestedinit：youareobserved，theplacewhereyouseeyourmistressisdiscovered，andthere’sadesigntosurpriseyou；Idon’tknowwhosheis，nordoIaskyoutotellme，Iwouldonlysecureyoufromthemisfortunesintowhichyoumayfall。’See，Ibeseechyou，whatasnaretheQueenlaidforme，andhowdifficultitwasformenottofallintoit；shehadamindtoknowifIwasinlove，andasshedidnotaskmewhoIwasinlovewith，butletmeseeherintentionwasonlytoserveme，Ihadnosuspicionthatshespokeeitheroutofcuriosityorbydesign。
\"Nevertheless，contrarytoallprobability，Isawintothebottomofthematter；IwasinlovewithMadamdeThemines，butthoughshelovedmeagain，Iwasnothappyenoughtohaveprivateplacestoseeherinwithoutdangerofbeingdiscoveredthere，andsoIwassatisfiedshecouldnotbethepersontheQueenmeant；Iknewalso，thatIhadanintriguewithanotherwomanlesshandsomeandlessreservedthanMadamdeThemines，andthatitwasnotimpossiblebuttheplacewhereIsawhermightbediscovered；butasthiswasabusinessIlittlecaredfor，itwaseasyformetoguardagainstallsortsofdangerbyforbearingtoseeher；IresolvedthereforetoacknowledgenothingofittotheQueen，buttoassureheronthecontrarythatIhadalongtimelaidasidethedesireofgainingwomen’saffections，evenwhereI
mighthopeforsuccess，becauseIfoundthemallinsomemeasureunworthyofengagingtheheartofanhonourableman，andthatitmustbesomethingverymuchabovethemwhichcouldtouchme。
`Youdonotanswermeingenuously，’repliedtheQueen；`Iamsatisfiedofthecontrary；thefreemannerinwhichIspeaktoyououghttoobligeyoutoconcealnothingfromme；Iwouldhaveyou，’continuedshe，`beofthenumberofmyfriends；butIwouldnot，afterhavingadmittedyouintothatrank，beignorantofyourengagements；consider，whetheryouthinkmyfriendshipwillbetoodearatthepriceofmakingmeyourconfidant；Igiveyoutwodaystothinkonit；butthen，considerwelloftheansweryoushallmakeme，andrememberthatifeverIfindhereafteryouhavedeceivedme，IshallneverforgiveyouaslongasIlive。’
\"Havingsaidthis，theQueenleftmewithoutwaitingformyanswer；youmayimaginehowfullmythoughtswereofwhatshehadsaidtome；thetwodaysshehadgivenmetoconsiderofitIdidnotthinktoolongatimetocometoaresolution；IfoundshehadamindtoknowifIwasinlove，andthatherdesirewasI
shouldnotbeso；IforesawtheconsequencesofwhatIwasgoingtodo，myvanitywasflatteredwiththethoughtofhavingaparticularinterestwiththeQueen，andaQueenwhosepersonisstillextremelyamiable；ontheotherhand，IwasinlovewithMadamdeThemines，andthoughIhadcommittedapettytreasonagainstherbymyengagementwiththeotherwomanItoldyouof，Icouldnotfindinmyhearttobreakwithher；IforesawalsothedangerIshouldexposemyselfto，ifIdeceivedtheQueen，andhowharditwouldbetodoit；neverthelessIcouldnotresolvetorefusewhatfortuneofferedme，andwaswillingtorunthehazardofanythingmyillconductmightdrawuponme；IbrokewithherwithwhomIkeptacorrespondencethatmightbediscovered，andwasinhopesofconcealingthatIhadwithMadamdeThemines。
\"Atthetwodays’end，asIenteredtheroomwheretheQueenwaswithalltheladiesabouther，shesaidaloudtome，andwithagraveairthatwassurprisingenough，`HaveyouthoughtofthebusinessIchargedyouwith，anddoyouknowthetruthofit？’
`Yes，Madam，’answeredI，`and’tisasItoldyourMajesty。’
`Comeintheevening，whenIamwriting，’repliedshe，`andyoushallhavefurtherorders。’Imadearespectfulbowwithoutansweringanything，anddidnotfailtoattendatthehourshehadappointedme。Ifoundherinthegallery，withhersecretaryandoneofherwomen。Assoonasshesawmeshecametome，andtookmetotheotherendofthegallery；`Well，’saysshe，`afterhavingconsideredthoroughlyofthismatter，haveyounothingtosaytome，andastomymanneroftreatingyou，doesnotitdeservethatyoushoulddealsincerelywithme？’`Itis，Madam，’answeredI，`becauseIdealsincerely，thatIhavenothingmoretosay，andIsweartoyourMajestywithalltherespectIoweyou，thatIhavenoengagementwithanywomanoftheCourt。’`Iwillbelieveit，’repliedtheQueen，`becauseI
wishit；andIwishit，becauseIdesiretohaveyouentirelymine，andbecauseitwouldbeimpossibleformetobesatisfiedwithyourfriendship，ifyouwereinlove；onecannotconfideinthosewhoare；onecannotbesecureoftheirsecrecy；theyaretoomuchdivided，andtheirmistresseshavealwaysthefirstplaceintheirthoughts，whichdoesnotsuitatallwiththemannerinwhichIwouldhaveyoulivewithme：rememberthen，itisuponyourgivingmeyourwordthatyouhavenoengagement，thatIchooseyouformyconfidant；remember，Iinsistonhavingyouentirelytomyself，andthatyoushallhavenofriendofeithersexbutsuchasIshallapprove，andthatyouabandoneverycarebutthatofpleasingme；I’llnotdesireyoutoneglectanyopportunityforadvancingyourfortune；I’llconductyourinterestswithmoreapplicationthanyoucanyourself，andwhateverIdoforyou，Ishallthinkmyselfmorethanrecompensed，ifyouanswermyexpectations；Imakechoiceofyou，toopenmyheart’sgriefstoyou，andtohaveyourassistanceinsofteningthem；youmayimaginetheyarenotsmall；IbearinappearancewithoutmuchconcerntheKing’sengagementwiththeDuchessofValentinois，butitisinsupportabletome；shegovernstheKing，sheimposesuponhim，sheslightsme，allmypeopleareatherbeck。TheQueen，mydaughter-in-law，proudofherbeauty，andtheauthorityofheruncles，paysmenorespect。
TheConstableMontmorencyismasteroftheKingandkingdom；hehatesme，andhasgivenproofsofhishatred，whichIshallneverforget。TheMareschaldeSt。Andreisaboldyoungfavourite，whousesmenobetterthantheothers。Thedetailofmymisfortuneswouldmoveyourpity；hithertoIhavenotdaredtoconfideinanybody，Iconfideinyou，takecarethatIneverrepentit，andbemyonlyconsolation。’TheQueenblushed，whenshehadendedthisdiscourse，andIwassotrulytouchedwiththegoodnessshehadexpressedtome，thatIwasgoingtothrowmyselfatherfeet：fromthatdayshehasplacedanentireconfidenceinme，shehasdonenothingwithoutadvisingwithme，andtheintimacyandunionbetweenusstillsubsists。
III
\"Inthemeantime，howeverbusyandfullIwasofmynewengagementwiththeQueen，IstillkeptfairwithMadamdeTheminesbyanaturalinclinationwhichitwasnotinmypowertoconquer；Ithoughtshecooledinherlovetome，andwhereas，hadIbeenprudent，IshouldhavemadeuseofthechangeIobservedinherformycure，myloveredoubleduponit，andImanagedsoillthattheQueengotsomeknowledgeofthisintrigue。Jealousyisnaturaltopersonsofhernation，andperhapsshehadagreateraffectionformethansheevenimaginedherself；atleastthereportofmybeinginlovegavehersomuchuneasiness，thatIthoughtmyselfentirelyruinedwithher；howeverIcameintofavouragainbyvirtueofsubmissions，falseoaths，andassiduity；butIshouldnothavebeenabletohavedeceivedherlong，hadnotMadamdeThemines’schangedisengagedmefromheragainstmywill；sheconvincedmeshenolongerlovedme，andI
wassothoroughlysatisfiedofit，thatIwasobligedtogivehernofurtheruneasiness，buttoletherbequiet。SometimeaftershewrotemethisletterwhichIhavelost；Ilearnedfromit，shehadheardofthecorrespondenceIhadwiththeotherwomanI
toldyouof，andthatthatwasthereasonofherchange。AsI
hadthennothingfurtherlefttodivideme，theQueenwaswellenoughsatisfiedwithme；butthesentimentsIhaveforhernotbeingofanaturetorendermeincapableofotherengagements，andlovenotbeingathingthatdependsonourwill，IfellinlovewithMadamdeMartigues，ofwhomIwasformerlyagreatadmirer，whileshewaswithVillemontais，maidofhonourtotheQueen-Dauphin；Ihavereasontobelieveshedoesnothateme；thediscretionIobservetowardsher，andwhichshedoesnotwhollyknowthereasonsof，isveryagreeabletoher；theQueenhasnottheleastsuspiciononheraccount，butshehasanotherjealousywhichisnotlesstroublesome；asMadamdeMartiguesisconstantlywiththeQueen-Dauphin，Igotheremuchoftenerthanusual；theQueenimaginesthat’tisthisPrincessIaminlovewith；theQueen-Dauphin’srank，whichisequaltoherown，andthesuperiorityofheryouthandbeauty，createajealousythatriseseventofury，andfillsherwithahatredagainstherdaughter-in-lawthatcannotbeconcealed。TheCardinalofLoraine，who，IbelievehasbeenlongaspiringtotheQueen’sfavour，andwouldbegladtofilltheplaceIpossess，is，underpretenceofreconcilingthetwoQueens，becomemasterofthedifferencesbetweenthem；IdoubtnotbuthehasdiscoveredthetruecauseoftheQueen’sanger，andIbelievehedoesmeallmannerofilloffices，withoutlettingherseethathedesignsit。Thisistheconditionmyaffairsareinatpresent；judgewhateffectmaybeproducedbytheletterwhichIhavelost，andwhichIunfortunatelyputinmypocketwithdesigntorestoreittoMadamdeThemines：iftheQueenseesthisletter，shewillknowIhavedeceivedher；andthatalmostattheverysametimethatIdeceivedherforMadamdeThemines，IdeceivedMadamdeTheminesforanother；judgewhatanideathiswillgiveherofme，andwhethershewillevertrustmeagain。Ifshedoesnotseetheletter，whatshallIsaytoher？SheknowsithasbeengiventotheQueen-Dauphin；shewillthinkChatelartknewthatQueen’shand，andthattheletterisfromher；shewillfancythepersonofwhomtheletterexpressesajealousy，isperhapsherself；inshort，thereisnothingwhichshemaynotthink，andthereisnothingwhichIoughtnottofearfromherthoughts；addtothis，thatIamdesperatelyinlovewithMadamdeMartigues，andthattheQueen-Dauphinwillcertainlyshowherthisletter，whichshewillconcludetohavebeenlatelywrit。ThusshallI
beequallyembroiledbothwiththepersonIlovemost，andwiththepersonIhavemostcausetofear。Judge，afterthis，ifI
havenotreasontoconjureyoutosaytheletterisyours，andtobegofyoutogetitoutoftheQueen-Dauphin’shands。\"
\"Iamverywellsatisfied，\"answeredtheDukedeNemours，\"thatonecannotbeinagreaterembarrassmentthanthatyouarein，anditmustbeconfessedyoudeserveit；Ihavebeenaccusedofbeinginconstantinmyamours，andofhavinghadseveralintriguesatthesametime，butyouout-gomesofar，thatI
shouldnotsomuchashavedaredtoimaginewhatyouhaveundertaken；couldyoupretendtokeepMadamdeThemines，andbeatthesameengagedwiththeQueen？didyouhopetohaveanengagementwiththeQueen，andbeabletodeceiveher？sheisbothanItalianandaQueen，andbyconsequencefullofjealousy，suspicion，andpride。Assoonasyourgoodfortune，ratherthanyourgoodconduct，hadsetyouatlibertyfromanengagementyouwasentangledin，youinvolvedyourselfinnewones，andyoufanciedthatinthemidstoftheCourtyoucouldbeinlovewithMadamdeMartigueswithouttheQueen’sperceivingit：youcouldnothavebeentoocarefultotakefromhertheshameofhavingmadethefirstadvances；shehasaviolentpassionforyou；youhavemorediscretionthantotellitme，andIthantoaskyoutotellit；itiscertainsheisjealousofyou，andhastruthonherside。\"\"Anddoesitbelongtoyou，\"interruptedtheViscount，\"toloadmewithreprimands，andoughtnotyourownexperiencetomakeyouindulgenttomyfaults？
HoweverIgrantIamtoblame；butthink，Iconjureyou，howtodrawmeoutofthisdifficulty\"；\"IthinkyoumustgototheQueen-Dauphinassoonassheisawake，andaskherfortheletter，asifyouhadlostit。\"\"Ihavetoldyoualready，\"
repliedtheDukedeNemours，\"thatwhatyouproposeissomewhatextraordinary，andthattherearedifficultiesinitwhichmayaffectmyownparticularinterest；butbesides，ifthisletterhasbeenseentodropoutofyourpocket，Ishouldthinkitwouldbehardtopersuadepeoplethatitdroppedoutofmine。\"\"I
thoughtIhadtoldyou，\"repliedtheViscount，\"thattheQueen-Dauphinhadbeeninformedthatyoudroppedit。\"\"How，\"
saidtheDukedeNemourshastily，apprehendingtheillconsequencethismistakemightbeoftohimwithMadamdeCleves，\"hastheQueen-DauphinbeentoldIdroppedtheletter？\"
\"Yes，\"repliedtheViscount，\"shehasbeentoldso；andwhatoccasionedthemistakewas，thattherewereseveralgentlemenofthetwoQueensinaroombelongingtothetenniscourt，whereourclotheswereputup，whenyourservantsandminewenttogethertofetchthem；thenitwastheletterfelloutofthepocket；thosegentlementookitup，andreaditaloud；somebelieveditbelongedtoyou，andotherstome；Chatelart，whotookit，andtowhomIhavejustsentforit，says，hegaveittotheQueen-Dauphinasaletterofyours；andthosewhohavespokenofittotheQueenhaveunfortunatelytoldheritwasmine；sothatyoumayeasilydowhatIdesireofyou，andfreemefromthisperplexity。\"
TheDukedeNemourshadalwayshadagreatfriendshipfortheViscountdeChartres，andtherelationheboretoMadamdeClevesstillmadehimmoredeartohim；neverthelesshecouldnotprevailwithhimselftoruntheriskofherhavingheardofthisletter，asofathinginwhichhewasconcerned；hefellintoadeepmusing，andtheViscountguessedprettynearwhatwasthesubjectofhismeditations；\"Iplainlysee，\"saidhe，\"thatyouareafraidofembroilingyourselfwithyourmistress，andI
shouldalmostfancytheQueen-Dauphinwasshe，ifthelittlejealousyyouseemtohaveofMonsieurd’Anvilledidnottakemeofffromthatthought；butbethatasitwill，itisnotreasonableyoushouldsacrificeyourreposetomine，andI’llputyouinawayofconvincingheryoulove，thatthisletterisdirectedtome，andnottoyou；hereisabilletfromMadamd’Amboise，whoisafriendofMadamdeThemines，andwasherconfidantintheamourbetweenherandme；inthisshedesiresmetosendherMadamdeThemines’sletter，whichIhavelost；mynameisonthesuperscription，andthecontentsofthebilletprove，withoutquestion，thatthelettershedesiresisthesamewiththatwhichhasbeenfound；I’llleavethisbilletinyourhands，andagreethatyoumayshowittoyourmistressinyourjustification；Iconjureyounottoloseamoment，buttogothismorningtotheQueen-Dauphin。\"
TheDukedeNemourspromisedtheViscounthewould，andtookMadamd’Amboise’sbillet；neverthelesshisdesignwasnottoseetheQueen-Dauphin；hethoughtmorepressingbusinessrequiredhiscare；hemadenoquestion，butshehadalreadyspokeofthelettertoMadamdeCleves，andcouldnotbearthatapersonhelovedsodesperately，shouldhavegroundtobelievehehadengagementswithanyother。
HewenttothePrincessofClevesassoonashethoughtshemightbeawake；andorderedhertobetold，that，ifhehadnotbusinessofthelastconsequence，hewouldnothavedesiredthehonourtoseeheratsoextraordinaryanhour。MadamdeCleveswasinbed，andhermindwastossedtoandfrobyathousandmelancholythoughtsthatshehadhadduringthenight；shewasextremelysurprisedtoheartheDukedeNemoursaskedforher；
theanxietyshewasinmadeherpresentlyanswer，thatshewasill，andcouldnotspeakwithhim。
TheDukewasnotatallshockedatthisrefusal；hethoughtitpresagedhimnoill，thatsheexpressedalittlecoldnessatatimewhenshemightbetouchedwithjealousy。HewenttothePrinceofCleves’sapartment，andtoldhimhecamefromthatofhislady，andthathewasverysorryhecouldnotseeher，becausehehadanaffairtocommunicatetoherofgreatconsequencetotheViscountdeChartres；heexplainedinfewwordstothePrincetheimportanceofthisbusiness，andthePrinceimmediatelyintroducedhimintohislady’schamber。Hadshenotbeeninthedark，shewouldhavefoundithardtohaveconcealedthetroubleandastonishmentshewasintoseetheDukedeNemoursintroducedbyherhusband。MonsieurdeClevestoldherthebusinesswasaboutaletter，whereinherassistancewaswantingfortheinterestoftheViscount，thatshewastoconsultwithMonsieurdeNemourswhatwastobedone；andthatasforhimhewasgoingtotheKing，whohadjustsentforhim。
TheDukedeNemourshadhisheart’sdesire，inbeingalonewithMadamdeCleves；\"Iamcometoaskyou，Madam，\"saidhe，\"iftheQueen-DauphinhasnotspoketoyouofaletterwhichChatelartgaveheryesterday。\"\"Shesaidsomethingtomeofit，\"repliedMadamdeCleves，\"butIdon’tseewhatrelationthisletterhistotheinterestsofmyuncle，andIcanassureyouthatheisnotnamedinit。\"\"Itistrue，Madam，\"repliedtheDukedeNemours，\"heisnotnamedinitbutyetitisaddressedtohim，anditverymuchimportshimthatyoushouldgetitoutoftheQueen-Dauphin’shands。\"\"Icannotcomprehend，\"repliedthePrincess，\"howitshouldbeofanyconsequencetohim，ifthislettershouldbeseen，norwhatreasonthereistoredemanditinhisname。\"\"Ifyoupleasetobeatleisuretohearme，Madam，\"saidMonsieurdeNemours，\"I’llpresentlymakeyouacquaintedwiththetruestateofthething，andinformyouofmattersofsogreatimportancetotheViscount，thatIwouldnotevenhavetrustedthePrinceofCleveswiththem，hadInotstoodinneedofhisassistancetohavethehonourtoseeyou。\"\"Ibelieve，\"saidMadamdeClevesinaveryunconcernedmanner，\"thatanythingyoumaygiveyourselfthetroubleoftellingme，willbetolittlepurpose；youhadbettergototheQueen-Dauphin，andplainlytellher，withoutusingtheseroundaboutways，theinterestyouhaveinthatletter，sinceshehasbeentold，aswellasI，thatitbelongstoyou。\"
TheuneasinessofmindwhichMonsieurdeNemoursobservedinMadamdeClevesgavehimthemostsensiblepleasureheeverknew，andlessenedhisimpatiencetojustifyhimself：\"Idon’tknow，Madam，\"repliedhe，\"whattheQueen-Dauphinmayhavebeentold；
butIamnotatallconcernedinthatletter；itisaddressedtotheViscount。\"\"Ibelieveso，\"repliedMadamdeCleves，\"buttheQueen-Dauphinhasheardtothecontrary，andshewon’tthinkitveryprobablethattheViscount’slettersshouldfalloutofyourpocket；youmustthereforehavesomereason，thatIdon’tknowof，forconcealingthetruthofthismatterfromtheQueen-Dauphin；Iadviseyoutoconfessittoher。\"\"Ihavenothingtoconfesstoher，\"sayshe，\"theletterisnotdirectedtome，andiftherebeanyonethatIwouldhavesatisfiedofit，itisnottheQueen-Dauphin；but，Madam，sincetheViscount’sinterestisnearlyconcernedinthis，bepleasedtoletmeacquaintyouwithsomemattersthatareworthyofyourcuriosity。\"MadamdeClevesbyhersilenceshowedherreadinesstohearhim，andheassuccinctlyaspossiblerelatedtoherallhehadjustheardfromtheViscount。Thoughthecircumstanceswerenaturallysurprising，andpropertocreateattention，yetMadamdeClevesheardthemwithsuchcoldness，thatsheseemedeithernottobelievethemtrue，ortothinkthemindifferenttoher；shecontinuedinthistemperuntiltheDukedeNemoursspokeofMadamd’Amboise’sbillet，whichwasdirectedtotheViscount，andwasaproofofallhehadbeensaying；asMadamdeClevesknewthatthisladywasafriendofMadamdeThemines，shefoundsomeprobabilityinwhattheDukedeNemourshadsaid，whichmadeherthink，thattheletterperhapswasnotaddressedtohim；thisthoughtsuddenly，andinspiteofherself，drewheroutofthecoldnessandindifferencyshehaduntilthenbeenin。TheDukehavingreadthebillet，whichfullyjustifiedhim，presentedittohertoread，andtoldhershemightpossiblyknowthehand。
Shecouldnotforbeartakingit，andexaminingthesuperscriptiontoseeifitwasaddressedtotheViscountdeChartres，andreadingitallover，thatshemightthebetterjudge，iftheletterwhichwasredemandedwasthesamewiththatshehadinherhand。TheDukedeNemoursaddedwhateverhethoughtpropertopersuadeherofit；andasoneiseasilypersuadedofthetruthofwhatonewishes，hesoonconvincedMadamdeClevesthathehadnoconcernintheletter。
ShebegannowtoreasonwithhimconcerningtheembarrassmentanddangertheViscountwasin，toblamehisillconduct，andtothinkofmeanstohelphim：shewasastonishedattheQueen’sproceedings，andconfessedtotheDukethatshehadtheletter；
inshort，shenosoonerbelievedhiminnocent，butshediscoursedwithhimwithgreatereaseandfreedom，concerningwhatshewouldscarcebeforevouchsafetohear；theyagreedthatthelettershouldnotberestoredtotheQueen-Dauphin，forfearsheshouldshowittoMadamdeMartigues，whoknewMadamdeThemines’shand，andwouldeasilyguess，bytheinterestshehadintheViscount，thatitwasaddressedtohim；theyagreedalso，thattheyoughtnottoentrusttheQueen-DauphinwithallthatconcernedtheQueenhermother-in-law。MadamdeCleves，underpretenceofservingheruncle，waspleasedtobetheDukedeNemours’sconfidantinthesecretshehadimpartedtoher。
TheDukewouldnothaveconfinedhisdiscoursetotheViscount’sconcerns，butfromthelibertyhehadoffreeconversationwithher，wouldhaveassumedaboldnesshehadneveryetdone，hadnotamessagebeenbroughtintoMadamdeCleves，thattheQueen-Dauphinhadsentforher。TheDukewasforcedtowithdraw；
hewenttotheViscounttoinformhim，thatafterhehadlefthim，hethoughtitmorepropertoapplytoMadamdeCleves，hisniece，thantogodirectlytotheQueen-Dauphin；hedidnotwantreasonstomakehimapprovewhathehaddone，andtogivehimhopesofgoodsuccess。
InthemeantimeMadamdeClevesdressedherselfinallhastetogototheQueen-Dauphin；shewasnosoonerenteredherchamber，butshecalledhertoher，andwhisperedher，\"Ihavebeenwaitingforyouthesetwohours，andwasneversoperplexedaboutdisguisingatruthasIhavebeenthismorning：theQueenhasheardoftheletterIgaveyouyesterday，andbelievesitwastheViscountdeChartresthatdroppedit；youknow，shehassomeinteresttobesatisfiedinit；shehasbeeninsearchfortheletter，andhascausedChatelarttobeaskedforit；whosaidhehadgivenittome；theyhavebeentoaskmeforit，underpretenceitwasaningeniousletterwhichtheQueenhadacuriositytosee；Idurstnotsaythatyouhadit，forfearsheshouldthinkIhadgivenityouonyouruncletheViscount’saccount，andthattherewasacorrespondencebetweenhimandme。
Iwasalreadysatisfiedthathisseeingmesooftengaveheruneasiness，sothatIsaidtheletterwasintheclothesIhadonyesterday，andthatthosewhohadtheminkeepingweregoneabroad；givemetheletterimmediately，\"addedshe，\"thatImaysendither，andthatImayreaditbeforeIsendittoseeifI
knowthehand。\"
MadamdeCleveswasharderputtoitthansheexpected；\"Idon’tknow，Madam，whatyouwilldo，\"answeredshe，\"forMonsieurdeCleves，towhomIgaveittoread，returnedittotheDukeofNemours，whocameearlythismorningtobeghimtogetitofyou。
MonsieurdeCleveshadtheimprudencetotellhimhehadit，andtheweaknesstoyieldtotheentreatiestheDukedeNemoursmadethathewouldrestoreithim。\"\"YouthrowmeintothegreatestembarrassmentIcanpossiblybein，\"repliedtheQueen-Dauphin；
\"andyouhavegiventhislettertotheDukedeNemours。SinceitwasIthatgaveityou，yououghtnottohaverestoreditwithoutmyleave；whatwouldyouhavemesaytotheQueen，andwhatcansheimagine？Shewillthink，andnotwithoutreason，thatthisletterconcernsmyself，andthatthereissomethingbetweentheViscountandme；shewillneverbepersuadedtheletterbelongedtotheDukedeNemours。\"\"Iamverymuchconcerned，\"repliedMadamdeCleves，\"forthemisfortuneIhaveoccasioned，andIbelievethedifficultyIhavebroughtyouintoisverygreat；but’twasMonsieurdeCleves’sfault，andnotmine。\"\"Youareinfault，\"repliedtheQueen-Dauphin，\"forhavinggivenhimtheletter；andIbelieveyouaretheonlywomanintheworldthatacquaintsherhusbandwithallsheknows。\"
\"Iacknowledgemyselfinfault，Madam，\"repliedthePrincessofCleves，\"butletusratherthinkofpreventingtheconsequencesofwhatIhavedone，thaninsistonthefaultitself。\"\"Doyouremember，prettynear，whatthelettercontains？\"saystheQueen-Dauphin。\"Yes，Madam，Ido，\"repliedshe，\"forIhavereaditovermorethanonce。\"\"Ifso，\"saidtheQueen-Dauphin，\"youmustimmediatelygetitwrittenoutinanunknownhand，andI’llsendittotheQueen；she’llnotshowitthosewhohaveseenitalready；andthoughsheshould，I’llstandinit，thatitisthesameChatelartgaveme；andhe’llnotdaretosayotherwise。\"
MadamdeClevesapprovedofthisexpedient，andthemorebecauseitgaveheranopportunityofsendingfortheDukedeNemours，tohavetheletteritselfagain，inordertohaveitcopiedwordforword，imitatingasnearasmaybethehanditwaswrittenin，andshethoughtthiswouldeffectuallydeceivetheQueen。Assoonasshewasgothome，sheinformedherhusbandofwhathadpassedbetweenherandtheQueen-Dauphin，andbeggedhimtosendfortheDukedeNemours。TheDukewassentfor，andcameimmediately；
MadamdeClevestoldhimallshehadtoldherhusband，andaskedfortheletter；buttheDukeanswered，thathehadalreadyreturnedittotheViscountdeChartres，whowassooverjoyeduponhavingitagain，andbeingfreedfromthedangerhewasin，thathesentitimmediatelytoMadamdeThemines’sfriend。MadamdeCleveswasinanewembarrassmentonthisoccasion：inshort，afterhavingconsultedtogether，theyresolvedtoformtheletterbymemory；and，inordertogoaboutit，theylockedthemselvesup，andleftordersthatnobodyshouldbeadmitted，andthatalltheDukedeNemours’sattendantsshouldbesentaway。SuchanappearanceofsecretconfidencewasnosmallcharmtoMonsieurdeNemours，andeventoMadamdeCleves；herhusband’spresence，andtheinterestsofheruncletheViscountdeChartres，wereconsiderationswhichingreatmeasureremovedherscruples，andmadethisopportunityofseeingandbeingwiththeDukedeNemourssoagreeabletoher，thatsheneverbeforeexperiencedajoysopureandfreefromallay；thisthrewherintoafreedomandgaietyofspiritwhichtheDukehadneverobservedinhertillnow，andwhichmadehimstillmorepassionatelyinlovewithher：ashehadneverknownsuchagreeablemoments，hisvivacitywasmuchheightened；andwheneverMadamdeCleveswasbeginningtorecollectandwritetheletter，insteadofassistingherseriously，didnothingbutinterruptherwithwitandpleasantry。
MadamdeCleveswasasgayashe，sothattheyhadbeenlockedupaconsiderabletime，andtwomessageshadcomefromtheQueen-DauphintohastenMadamdeCleves，beforetheyhadhalffinishedtheletter。
TheDukedeNemourswasgladtoprolongthetimethatwassoagreeabletohim，andneglectedtheconcernsofhisfriend；MadamdeCleveswasnotatalltired，andneglectedalsotheconcernsofheruncle：atlast，withmuchado，aboutfouro’clocktheletterwasfinished，andwassoilldone，andthecopysounliketheoriginal，astothehandwriting，thatthequeenmusthavetakenverylittlecaretocomeatthetruthofthematter，ifshehadbeenimposedonbysoillacounterfeit。Accordinglyshewasnotdeceived；andhoweverindustrioustheyweretopersuadeher，thatthisletterwasaddressedtotheDukedeNemours，sheremainedsatisfiednotonlythatitwasaddressedtotheViscountdeChartres，butthattheQueen-Dauphinwasconcernedinit，andthattherewasacorrespondencebetweenthem；thisheightenedherhatredagainstthatPrincesstosuchadegree，thatsheneverforgaveher，andneverceasedpersecutinghertillshehaddrivenheroutofFrance。
AsfortheViscountdeChartres，hiscreditwasentirelyruinedwithher；andwhethertheCardinalofLorainehadalreadyinsinuatedhimselfsofarintoheresteemastogovernher，orwhethertheaccidentofthisletter，whichmadeitappearthattheViscounthaddeceivedher，enabledhertodiscovertheothertrickshehadplayedher，itiscertainhecouldneverafterentirelyreconcilehimselftoher；theircorrespondencewasbrokeoff，andatlengthsheruinedhimbymeansoftheconspiracyofAmboise，inwhichhewasinvolved。
AftertheletterwassenttotheQueen-Dauphin，MonsieurdeClevesandMonsieurdeNemourswentaway；MadamdeClevescontinuedalone，andbeingnolongersupportedbythejoywhichthepresenceofwhatonelovesgivesone，sheseemedlikeonenewlywakedfromadream；shebeheld，withastonishment，thedifferencebetweentheconditionshewasinthenightbefore，andthatshewasinatthistime：shecalledtomind，howcoldandsullenshewastotheDukedeNemours，whileshethoughtMadamdeThemines’sletterwasaddressedtohim，andhowcalmandsweetasituationofmindsucceededthatuneasiness，assoonashewassatisfiedhewasnotconcernedinthatletter；whenshereflected，thatshereproachedherselfasguiltyforhavinggivenhimtheforegoingdayonlysomemarksofsensibility，whichmerecompassionmighthaveproduced，andthatbyherpeevishhumourthismorning，shehadexpressedsuchajealousyaswasacertainproofofpassion，shethoughtshewasnotherself；whenshereflectedfurther，thattheDukedeNemourssawplainlythatsheknewhewasinlovewithher，andthat，notwithstandingherknowingit，shedidnotusehimtheworseforit，eveninherhusband’spresence；butthat，onthecontrary，shehadneverbehavedsofavourablytohim；whensheconsidered，shewasthecauseofMonsieurdeCleves’ssendingforhim，andthatshehadjustpassedanafternooninprivatewithhim；whensheconsideredallthis，shefound，therewassomethingwithinherthatheldintelligencewiththeDukedeNemours，andthatshedeceivedahusbandwholeastdeservedit；andshewasashamedtoappearsolittleworthyofesteem，evenintheeyesofherlover；butwhatshewasabletosupportlessthanalltherestwas，theremembranceoftheconditioninwhichshespentthelastnight，andtheprickinggriefsshefeltfromasuspicionthattheDukedeNemourswasinlovewithanother，andthatshewasdeceivedbyhim。
Nevertillthenwassheacquaintedwiththedreadfulinquietudesthatflowfromjealousyanddistrust；shehadappliedallhercarestopreventherselffromfallinginlovewiththeDukedeNemours，andhadnotbeforehadanyfearofhisbeinginlovewithanother：thoughthesuspicionswhichthisletterhadgivenherwereeffaced，yettheylefthersensibleofthehazardtherewasofbeingdeceived，andgaveherimpressionsofdistrustandjealousywhichshehadneverfelttillthattime；shewassurprisedthatshehadneveryetreflectedhowimprobableitwasthatamanoftheDukedeNemours’sturn，whohadshowedsomuchinconstancytowardswomen，shouldbecapableofalastingandsincerepassion；shethoughtitnexttoimpossibleforhertobeconvincedofthetruthofhislove；\"ButthoughIcouldbeconvincedofit，\"saysshe，\"whathaveItodoinit？ShallI
permitit？ShallImakeareturn？ShallIengageingallantry，befalsetoMonsieurdeCleves，andbefalsetomyself？Inaword，shallIgotoexposemyselftothecruelremorsesanddeadlygriefsthatrisefromlove？Iamsubduedandvanquishedbyapassion，whichhurriesmeawayinspiteofmyself；allmyresolutionsarevain；IhadthesamethoughtsyesterdaythatI
havetoday，andIacttodaycontrarytowhatIresolvedyesterday；ImustconveymyselfoutofthesightoftheDukedeNemours；Imustgointothecountry，howeverfantasticalmyjourneymayappear；andifMonseurdeClevesisobstinatelybenttohinderme，ortoknowmyreasonsforit，perhapsIshalldohimandmyselftheinjurytoacquainthimwiththem。\"Shecontinuedinthisresolution，andspentthewholeeveningathome，withoutgoingtotheQueen-Dauphintoenquirewhathadhappenedwithrespecttothecounterfeitedletter。
WhenthePrinceofClevesreturnedhome，shetoldhimshewasresolvedtogointothecountry；thatshewasnotverywell，andhadoccasiontotaketheair。MonsieurdeCleves，towhomsheappearedsobeautifulthathecouldnotthinkherindispositionveryconsiderable，atfirstmadeajestofherdesign，andansweredthatshehadforgotthatthenuptialsofthePrincessesandthetournamentwereverynear，andthatshehadnottoomuchtimetopreparematterssoastoappearthereasmagnificentlyasotherladies。Whatherhusbandsaiddidnotmakeherchangeherresolution，andshebeggedhewouldagree，thatwhilehewasatCompiegnewiththeKing，shemightgotoColomiers，aprettyhousethenbuilding，withinaday’sjourneyofParis。MonsieurdeClevesconsentedtoit；shewentthitherwithadesignofnotreturningsosoon，andtheKingsetoutforCompiegne，wherehewastostaybutfewdays。
TheDukedeNemourswasmightilyconcernedhehadnotseenMadamdeClevessincethatafternoonwhichhehadspentsoagreeablywithher，andwhichhadincreasedhishopes；hewassoimpatienttoseeheragainthathecouldnotrest；sothatwhentheKingreturnedtoParis，theDukeresolvedtogotoseehissistertheDuchessdeMercoeur，whowasatacountryseatofhersverynearColomiers；heaskedtheViscounttogowithhim，whoreadilyconsentedtoit。TheDukedeNemoursdidthisinhopesofvisitingMadamdeCleves，incompanyoftheViscount。