Dangerous Liaisons

03 December: Valmont writes to Merteuil. He is angry at having found her with Danceny. She behaved as she should have, but he (Danceny) did not, which made it all too clear for him to discern the truth. Furthermore, he knows she has been lying to him. He will not accept such a humiliation. He expects a quick reply—anything else will only damage her more.

04 December: Merteuil writes to Valmont. She asks him to be careful with his threats. She stands to lose more than he. She does not want to be attached to anyone, which is why she never remarried. His (Valmont’s) last letter was very “marital” in tone. She owes him nothing. His jealousy lessens his worth in her eyes, which is unacceptable. She is neither hurt nor intimidated by his letter.

04 December: Valmont writes to Merteuil. He admits that both of them have the power to ruin the other; thus, it would be best to remain friends by renewing their first liaison. He tells her it is either this or “war.”

The editor provides Merteuil’s answer in a single sentence: “Very well, then. War!” (369).