# Letter 146: The Marchioness de Merteuil to the Chevalier Danceny explained — Dangerous Liaisons

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

## What happens

Merteuil writes to Danceny announcing her imminent return to Paris, teasing him about his neglect due to his love for Cecilia, and inviting him to visit her in secret, excluding Valmont from the knowledge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Seduction and Manipulation

Merteuil playfully accuses Danceny of using 'address or seduction' to gain her confidence, and she manipulates him by offering exclusive access while keeping secrets from Valmont.

### Epistolary Form and Unreliable Truth

The letter reveals Merteuil's strategic withholding of information and her playful, possibly deceptive tone, highlighting the unreliable nature of correspondence.

## Character check-ins

### Marchioness de Merteuil

Writer of the letter; announces her departure to Paris and playfully chides Danceny for his neglect.

### Chevalier Danceny

Recipient; Merteuil accuses him of being absorbed in his love for Cecilia and neglecting their correspondence.

### Cecilia Volanges

Referenced as Danceny's love interest; her illness and recovery are mentioned.

### Viscount de Valmont

Mentioned as someone Merteuil intends to keep her arrival secret from.

## Key lines

> At last I set out, my young friend; tomorrow evening I shall be in Paris.

I am finally leaving, my young friend, and I will arrive in Paris tomorrow evening.

_Merteuil announces her imminent departure and arrival._

> I shall not even inform Valmont of it.

I will not tell Valmont about my arrival.

_Merteuil intends to keep her return secret from Valmont._

> I should be inclined to think you had made use of some address, or, perhaps, seduction.

I might suspect you used some skill or even seduction to gain my trust.

_Merteuil teases Danceny about winning her confidence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-146-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-the-chevalier-danceny
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters