# Letter 138: Viscount de Valmont to the Marchioness de Merteuil explained — Dangerous Liaisons

> Chapter companion for Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

## What happens

Valmont writes to Merteuil insisting he is not in love with Madame de Tourvel, despite her accusations. He describes a calculated test of his indifference: he abruptly left Tourvel to spend the night with the courtesan Emily, even encountering Tourvel's carriage while with Emily. Tourvel, having sent messengers to his home, discovers his absence and writes a severe letter breaking off relations. Valmont, however, interprets her tone as an opportunity to reconcile and plans to present himself to her immediately.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont manipulates Tourvel's emotions by feigning indifference and planning a strategic reconciliation after provoking her jealousy.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Valmont maintains the appearance of a lover while secretly testing his own indifference, and Tourvel's severe letter masks her continued attachment.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Narrates the letter; defends his lack of love for Tourvel by recounting his night with Emily and his plan to reconcile with Tourvel.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

The recipient of the letter; Valmont addresses her accusations of his being in love.

### Madame de Tourvel

The 'tender prude' and 'austere devotee' who sends Valmont a severe rupture note after discovering his night with Emily.

### Emily

The courtesan with whom Valmont spends the night; she is amused by the encounter with Tourvel's carriage.

### Cecilia Volanges

Mentioned as the 'little Volanges' who is absent at a ball, leaving Valmont with free time.

## Key lines

> I insist on it, my charming friend, I am not in love; and it is not my fault, if circumstances oblige me to play the character of a lover.

Valmont firmly denies being in love, claiming that his actions are merely a role forced by circumstance.

_This opening sets up Valmont's defense against Merteuil's accusations and his self-justification._

> I took a violent resolution; on a very slight pretence, I took leave, and left my fair one quite surprised, and doubtless more afflicted, while I quietly went to meet Emily at the opera.

Valmont abruptly left Tourvel on a flimsy excuse to spend the night with Emily, testing his own indifference.

_This action is the core of Valmont's 'proof' that he is not in love._

> I have already succeeded—I have received a second note, still very rigorous, and which confirms an everlasting rupture, as it ought to be—but the ton is not the same; I must not be seen again; this resolution is announced four times in the most irrevocable manner.

Tourvel's second note insists on a permanent break, but its tone suggests she is not fully resolved, prompting Valmont to plan a personal visit.

_Valmont reads between the lines of Tourvel's letter to find an opportunity for reconciliation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-138-viscount-de-valmont-to-the-marchioness-de-merteuil
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