# Letter 140: The 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, annoyed by her silence, and recounts a recent mishap with Cecilia Volanges. After neglecting Tourvel, he has been regularly visiting Cecilia, but one night they forgot to secure the door, leading to a scare. Cecilia fell from the bed in fright, suffered convulsions, and later experienced symptoms indicating a pregnancy. Valmont arranged for a physician and surgeon under secrecy, and the affair has been covered up as a common illness. He questions whether he and Merteuil still share mutual interests.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont's calculated seduction of Cecilia and his strategic management of the resulting crisis highlight his manipulative nature.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

The cover-up of Cecilia's pregnancy as a common illness underscores the theme of maintaining appearances despite underlying reality.

## Character check-ins

### Viscount de Valmont

Narrates the letter, expressing frustration at Merteuil's silence and detailing the accident with Cecilia.

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Recipient of the letter; Valmont is annoyed by her lack of response and questions their alliance.

### Cecilia Volanges

Valmont's pupil; she suffers a fall and subsequent symptoms indicating pregnancy after a careless encounter.

### Madame de Tourvel

Mentioned as having not engaged Valmont's attention for some days.

## Key lines

> How comes it, my charming friend, I receive no answers from you?

Why haven't you replied to my letters, my dear friend?

_Valmont expresses frustration at Merteuil's silence._

> I really am vexed, and shall not relate a syllable of my grand affairs.

I'm so annoyed that I won't tell you anything about my important matters.

_Valmont threatens to withhold information due to his irritation._

> never anyone before her, perhaps, went to work so innocently to get rid of it

No one has ever been so naive in trying to end a pregnancy.

_Valmont comments on Cecilia's ignorance about her condition._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters