Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 156: Cecilia Volanges to the Chevalier Danceny explained
Cecilia writes to Danceny, expressing sorrow that he has not visited her despite her mother's frequent absences.
What happens
Cecilia writes to Danceny, expressing sorrow that he has not visited her despite her mother's frequent absences. She reveals she has arranged with the porter for Danceny to enter the house at night, providing detailed instructions to avoid detection. She implores him to come, confessing her love and arranging for Valmont to deliver the letter.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Experience
Cecilia's naive trust in the porter and her maid, and her detailed plan for a clandestine meeting, highlight her innocence and inexperience in navigating love and secrecy.
Characters to notice
- Cecilia Volanges
Writes a desperate, loving letter to Danceny, arranging a secret nighttime meeting.
- Chevalier Danceny
The recipient of Cecilia's letter; she reproaches him for not visiting and urges him to come.
- Viscount de Valmont
Mentioned as the friend who will deliver Cecilia's letter to Danceny.
- Madame de Volanges
Cecilia's mother, who is frequently out and goes to bed at eleven, enabling the planned meeting.
Key passages
“How happens it, my dear friend, I no longer see you; although I never cease wishing for it?”
Why is it, my dear friend, that I never see you, even though I constantly long to?
Cecilia opens the letter with a lament about Danceny's absence.
“I have secured the porter, and he has promised every time you come no one shall see you; and we may confide in him, for he is a very honest man.”
I have arranged with the porter, who has promised that whenever you come, no one will see you; we can trust him because he is an honest man.
Cecilia reveals her plan to use the porter to facilitate a secret meeting.
“Come, then, my dear, dear friend, that I may a thousand times repeat I love you—I adore you, and never will love any but you.”
Come, then, my dearest friend, so that I can tell you a thousand times that I love you—I adore you and will never love anyone else.
Cecilia passionately urges Danceny to visit her.