"ButtoreturntotheDuchessofValentinois，youknowhernameisDianadePoitiers；herfamilyisveryillustrious，sheisdescendedfromtheancientDukesofAquitaine，hergrandmotherwasanaturaldaughterofLewistheXI，andinshortshepossesseseverythingthatisgreatinrespectofbirth。St。
　　Valier，herfather，hadtheunhappinesstobeinvolvedintheaffairoftheConstableofBourbon，whichyouhaveheardof；hewascondemnedtolosehishead，andaccordinglywasconductedtothescaffold：hisdaughter，viz。，theDuchess，whowasextremelybeautiful，andwhohadalreadycharmedthelateKing，managedsowell，Idon’tknowbywhatmeans，thatsheobtainedherfather’slife；thepardonwasbroughthimatthemomenthewasexpectingthefatalblow；butthepardonavailedlittle，forfearhadseizedhimsodeeply，thatitberefthimofhissenses，andhediedafewdaysafter。HisdaughterappearedatCourtastheKing’smistress；buttheItalianexpedition，andtheimprisonmentofthepresentPrince，wereinterruptionstohisloveaffair。
　　WhenthelateKingreturnedfromSpain，andMadamtheRegentwenttomeethimatBayonne，shebroughtallhermaidsofhonourwithher，amongwhomwasMademoiselledePisselen，whowassinceDuchessd’Etampes；theKingfellinlovewithher，thoughshewasinferiorinbirth，witandbeautytotheDuchessofValentinois，andhadnoadvantageaboveherbutthatofbeingveryyoung。I
　　haveheardhersayseveraltimes，thatshewasbornthesamedayDianadePoitierswasmarried，butshespokethisinthemaliceofherheart，andnotaswhatsheknewtobetrue；forIammuchmistaken，iftheDuchessofValentinoisdidnotmarryMonsieurdeBreze，atthesametimethattheKingfellinlovewithMadamd’Etampes。Neverwasagreaterhatredthanthatbetweenthesetwoladies；theDuchesscouldnotpardonMadamd’EtampesforhavingtakenfromherthetitleoftheKing’smistress；andMadamd’EtampeswasviolentlyjealousoftheDuchess，becausetheKingstillkeptcorrespondencewithher。ThatPrincewasbynomeansconstanttohismistresses；therewasalwaysoneamongthemthathadthetitleandhonoursofmistress，buttheladiesofthesmallband，astheywerestyled，sharedhisfavourbyturns。ThelossoftheDauphin，hisson，whodiedatTournon，andwasthoughttobepoisoned，extremelyafflictedhim；hehadnotthesameaffectionandtendernessforhissecondson，thepresentKing；heimaginedhedidnotseeinhimspiritandvivacityenough，andcomplainedofitonedaytotheDuchessofValentinois，whotoldhimshewouldendeavourtoraiseapassioninhimforher，inordertomakehimmoresprightlyandagreeable。Shesucceededinit，asyousee，andthispassionisnowofabovetwentyyears’duration，withoutbeingchangedeitherbytimeorincidents。
　　"ThelateKingatfirstopposedit；andwhetherhehadstillloveenoughleftfortheDuchessofValentinoistobejealous，orwhetherhewasurgedonbytheDuchessd’Etampes，whowasindespairuponseeingtheDauphinsomuchattachedtoherenemy，itiscertainhebeheldthispassionwithanindignationandresentment，thatshoweditselfeverydaybysomethingorother。
　　TheDauphinneithervaluedhisangerorhishatred，norcouldanythingobligehimeithertoabateorconcealhisflame，sothattheKingwasforcedtoaccustomhimselftobearitwithpatience。
　　Thisoppositionofhistohisfather’swill，withdrewhisaffectionsfromhimmoreandmore，andtransferredthemtohisthirdson，theDukeofOrleans，whowasaPrinceofafinepersonfulloffireandambition，andofayouthfulheatwhichwantedtobemoderated；however，hewouldhavemadeaverygreatPrince，hadhearrivedtoamoreripenedage。
　　"Therankofeldest，whichtheDauphinheld，andtheKing’sfavourwhichtheDukeofOrleanswaspossessedof，createdbetweenthemasortofemulation，thatgrewbydegreestohatred。
　　Thisemulationbeganfromtheirinfancy，andwasstillkeptupinitsheight。WhentheEmperorpassedthroughFrance，hegavethepreferenceentirelytotheDukeofOrleans，whichtheDauphinresentedsobitterly，thatwhiletheEmperorwasatChantilli，heendeavouredtoprevailwiththeConstabletoarresthimwithoutwaitingfortheKing’sorders，buttheConstablerefusedtodoit：however，theKingafterwardsblamedhimfornotfollowinghisson’sadvice，andwhenhebanishedhimtheCourt，thatwasoneoftheprincipalreasonsforit。
　　"ThediscordbetweenthetwobrothersputMadamd’EtampesuponthethoughtofstrengtheningherselfwiththeDukeofOrleans，inordertosupportherpowerwiththeKingagainsttheDuchessofValentinois；accordinglyshesucceededinit，andthatyoungPrince，thoughhefeltnoemotionsofloveforher，enterednolessintoherinterest，thantheDauphinwasinthatofMadamdeValentinois。HencerosetwofactionsatCourt，ofsuchanatureasyoumayimagine，buttheintriguesofthemwerenotconfinedtothequarrelsofwomen。
　　TheEmperor，whocontinuedtohaveagreatfriendshipfortheDukeofOrleans，hadofferedseveraltimestomakeovertohimtheDuchyofMilan。Inthepropositionswhichweresincemadeforthepeace，hegavehopesofassigninghimtheseventeenprovinces，withhisdaughterinmarriage。TheDauphinneitherapprovedofthepeaceorthemarriage，andinordertodefeatbothhemadeuseoftheConstable，forwhomhealwayshadanaffection，toremonstratetotheKingofwhatimportanceitwasnottogivehissuccessorabrothersopowerfulastheDukeofOrleanswouldbewiththeallianceoftheEmperorandthosecountries；theConstablecamethemoreeasilyintotheDauphin’ssentiments，astheywereoppositetothoseofMadamd’Etampes，whowashisdeclaredenemy，andwhovehementlywishedforthepromotionoftheDukeofOrleans。
　　"TheDauphincommandedatthattimetheKing’sArmyinChampaign，andhadreducedthatoftheEmperortosuchextremities，thatitmusthaveentirelyperished，hadnottheDuchessd’Etampes，forfeartoogreatsuccessesshouldmakeusrefusepeace，andtheEmperor’sallianceinfavouroftheDukeofOrleans，secretlyadvisedtheenemytosurpriseEspemaiandCheteau-Thieni，inwhichplacesweregreatmagazinesofprovisions；theysucceededintheattempt，andbythatmeanssavedtheirwholearmy。
　　"ThisDuchessdidnotlongenjoythesuccessofhertreason。A
　　littleaftertheDukeofOrleansdiedatFarmontiersofakindofcontagiousdistemper：hewasinlovewithoneofthefinestwomenoftheCourt，andwasbelovedbyher。Iwillnotmentionhername，becauseshehassincelivedwithsomuchdiscretion，andhassocarefullyconcealedthepassionshehadforthatPrince，thatoneoughttobetenderofherreputation。Ithappenedshereceivedthenewsofherhusband’sdeathatthesametimeassheheardoftheDuke’s，sothatshehadthatpretexttoenablehertoconcealherrealsorrow，withoutbeingatthetroubleofputtinganyconstraintuponherself。
　　"TheKingdidnotlongsurvivethePrincehisson；hediedtwoyearsafter；herecommendedtotheDauphintomakeuseoftheCardinaldeTournonandtheAdmirald’Annebault，butsaidnothingatalloftheConstable，whowastheninbanishmentatChantilli。
　　NeverthelessthefirstthingtheKinghissondidwastorecallhim，andmakehimhisPrimeMinister。
　　"Madamd’Etampeswasdiscarded，andreceivedalltheilltreatmentshecouldpossiblyexpectfromanenemysoverypowerful；theDuchessofValentinoisamplyrevengedherselfbothofthatlady，andallthosewhohaddisobligedher；sheseemedtoreignmoreabsoluteintheKing’sheartthanshedidevenwhenhewasDauphin。Duringthetwelveyears’reignofthisPrinceshehasbeenabsoluteineverything；shedisposesofallgovernmentsandofficesoftrustandpower；shehasdisgracedtheCardinaldeTournon，theChancellor，andVilleroy；thosewhohaveendeavouredtoopentheKing’smindwithrespecttoherconduct，havebeenundoneintheattempt；theCountdeTaix，greatMasteroftheOrdnance，whohadnokindnessforher，couldnotforbearspeakingofhergallantries，andparticularlyofthatwiththeCountdeBrissac，ofwhomtheKingwasalreadyveryjealous。Neverthelessshecontrivedthingssowell，thattheCountdeTaixwasdisgraced，andhisemploymenttakenfromhim；andwhatisalmostincredible，sheprocuredittobegiventotheCountdeBrissac，andafterwardsmadehimaMareschalofFrance。Notwithstanding，theKing’sjealousyincreasedtosuchaheight，thatliecouldnolongersufferhimtocontinueatCourt：thispassionofjealousy，whichisfierceandviolentinothermen，isgentleandmoderateinhimthroughthegreatrespecthehasforhismistress，andthereforehedidnotgoabouttoremovehisrival，butunderthepretextofgivinghimtheGovernmentofPiemont。Hehaslivedthereseveralyears；lastwinterhereturnedtoParis，underpretenceofdemandingtroopsandothernecessariesfortheArmyhecommands；thedesireofseeingtheDuchessofValentinoisagain，andthefearofbeingforgottenbyher，wasperhapstheprincipalmotiveofthisjourney。TheKingreceivedhimverycoldly；MessieursdeGuise，whohavenokindnessforhim，butdarenotshowitonaccountoftheDuchess，madeuseofMonsieurtheViscount，herdeclaredenemy，topreventhisobtainingwhathecametodemand。Itwasnodifficultmattertodohimhurt。
　　TheKinghatedhim，andwasuneasyathispresence，sothathewasobligedtoreturntoPiemontwithoutanybenefitfromhisjourney，exceptperhapsthatofrekindlingintheheartoftheDuchesstheflamewhichabsencebegantoextinguish。
　　TheKinghashadagreatmanyothersubjectsofjealousy，buteitherhehasnotbeeninformedofthem，orhasnotdaredtocomplainofthem。
　　"Idon’tknow，daughter，"addedMadamdeChartres，"ifIhavenotalreadytoldyoumoreofthesethings，thanyoudesiredtoknow。""Iamfar，Madam，fromcomplainingofthat，"repliedthePrincessofCleves，"andifitwasnotforfearofbeingimportunate，IshouldyetdesiretobeinformedofseveralcircumstancesIamignorantof。"
　　TheDukedeNemours’passionforMadamdeCleveswasatfirstsoviolent，thathehadnorelishleftforanyoftheladieshepaidhisaddressestobefore，andwithwhomhekeptacorrespondenceduringhisabsence；heevenlostallremembranceofhisengagementswiththem，andnotonlymadeithisbusinesstofindoutexcusestobreakwiththem，buthadnotthepatiencetoheartheircomplaints，ormakeanyanswertothereproachestheylaiduponhim。TheQueen-Dauphinherself，forwhomhisregardshadbeenverytender，couldnolongerpreserveaplaceinthatheartwhichwasnowdevotedtothePrincessofCleves。HisimpatienceofmakingatourtoEnglandbegantoabate，andheshowednoearnestnessinhasteninghisequipage。HefrequentlywenttotheQueen-Dauphin’sCourt，becausethePrincessofCleveswasoftenthere，andhewasveryeasyinleavingpeopleintheopiniontheyhadofhispassionforthatQueen；heputsogreatavalueonMadamdeCleves，thatheresolvedtoberatherwantingingivingproofsofhislove，thantohazarditsbeingpubliclyknown；hedidnotsomuchasspeakofittotheViscountdeChartres，whowashisintimatefriend，andfromwhomheconcealednothing；thetruthis，heconductedthisaffairwithsomuchdiscretion，thatnobodysuspectedhewasinlovewithMadamdeCleves，excepttheChevalierdeGuise；andshewouldscarcelyhaveperceiveditherself，iftheinclinationshehadforhimhadnotledherintoaparticularattentiontoallhisactions，butwhichshewasconvincedofit。
　　ShenolongercontinuedtohavethesamedispositiontocommunicatetohermotherwhatshethoughtconcerningtheDukedeNemours，asshehadtotalktoheraboutherotherlovers；thoughshehadnosettleddesignofconcealingitfromher，yetshedidnotspeakofit。MadamdeChartres，however，plainlyperceivedtheDuke’sattachmenttoherdaughter，aswellasherdaughter’sinclinationforhim；theknowledgeofthiscouldnotbutsensiblyafflicther，norcouldshebeignorantofthedangerthisyoungladywasin，inbeingbelovedby，andlovingsoaccomplishedapersonastheDukedeNemours：shewasentirelyconfirmedinthesuspicionshehadofthisbusiness，byanincidentwhichfelloutafewdaysafter。
　　TheMareschaldeSt。Andre，whotookallopportunitiestoshowhismagnificence，desiredtheKing，underpretenceofshowinghimhishousewhichwasjustfinished，todohimthehonourtosuptherewiththetwoQueens。TheMareschalwasalsoverygladtodisplay，inthesightofthePrincessofCleves，thatsplendidandexpensivemanneroflife，whichhecarriedtosogreataprofusion。
　　Somedaysbeforethatappointedfortheentertainment，theDauphin，whohadanillstateofhealth，foundhimselfindisposed，andsawnobody；theQueen-Dauphinhadspentallthatdaywithhim；andintheevening，uponhisgrowingbetter，allthepersonsofqualitythatwereintheanti-chamberwereadmitted；theQueen-Dauphinreturnedtoherownapartment，whereshefoundMadamdeClevesandsomeotherladies，withwhomshelivedinfamiliarity。
　　Itbeingalreadyverylate，andnotbeingdressed，shedidnotwaitupontheQueen，butgaveoutthatshewasnottobeseen，andorderedherjewelstobebrought，inordertochooseoutsomefortheMareschaldeSt。Andre’sBall，andpresentthePrincessofCleveswithsome，asshehadpromisedher。Whiletheywerethusemployed，thePrinceofCondeentered；hisgreatqualitygavehimfreeaccesseverywhere。"Doubtless，"saidtheQueen-Dauphin，"youcomefromtheKingmyhusband，whataretheydoingthere？"
　　"Madam，"saidhe，"theyaremaintainingadisputeagainsttheDukeofNemours，andhedefendstheargumentheundertookwithsomuchwarmth，thathemustneedsbeverymuchinterestedinit；I
　　believehehassomemistressthatgiveshimuneasinessbygoingtoballs，sowellsatisfiedheisthatitisavexatiousthingtoalovertoseethepersonhelovesinthoseplaces。"
　　"How，"repliedtheQueen-Dauphin，"wouldnottheDukedeNemourshavehismistressgotoaball？Ithoughtthathusbandsmightwishtheirwiveswouldnotgothere；butasforlovers，I
　　neverimaginedtheywereofthatopinion。""TheDukedeNemoursfinds，"answeredthePrinceofConde，"thatnothingissoinsupportabletoloversasballs，whethertheyarebelovedagain，orwhethertheyarenot。Hesays，iftheyarebelovedtheyhavethechagrintobelovedthelessonthisaccountforseveraldays；thatthereisnowoman，whomheranxietyfordressdoesnotdivertfromthinkingonherlover；thattheyareentirelytakenupwiththatonecircumstance，thatthiscaretoadornthemselvesisforthewholeworld，aswellasforthemantheyfavour；thatwhentheyareataball，theyaredesiroustopleaseallwholookatthem；andthatwhentheytriumphintheirbeauty，theyexperienceajoytowhichtheirloversverylittlecontribute。Hearguesfurther，thatifoneisnotbeloved，itisayetgreatertormenttoseeone’smistressatanassembly；thatthemoresheisadmiredbythepublic，themoreunhappyoneisnottobebeloved，andthattheloverisincontinualfearlestherbeautyshouldraiseamoresuccessfulpassionthanhisown；
　　lastlyhefinds，thereisnotormentequaltothatofseeingone’smistressataball，unlessitbetoknowthatsheisthere，andnottobethereone’sself。"
　　MadamdeClevespretendednottohearwhatthePrinceofCondesaid，thoughshelistenedveryattentively；sheeasilysawwhatpartshehadintheDukeofNemours’sopinion，andparticularlyastowhathesaidoftheuneasinessofnotbeingataballwherehismistresswas，becausehewasnottobeatthatoftheMareschaldeSt。Andre，theKinghavingsenthimtomeettheDukeofFerrara。
　　TheQueen-Dauphin，andthePrinceofConde，notgoingintotheDuke’sopinion，wereverymerryuponthesubject。"Thereisbutoneoccasion，Madam，"saidthePrincetoher，"inwhichtheDukewillconsenthismistressshouldgotoaball，andthatiswhenhehimselfgivesit。Hesays，thatwhenhegaveyourMajestyonelastyear，hismistresswassokindastocometoit，thoughseeminglyonlytoattendyou；thatitisalwaysafavourdonetoalover，topartakeofanentertainmentwhichhegives；
　　thatitisanagreeablecircumstanceforhimtohavehismistressseehimpresideinaplacewherethewholeCourtis，andseehimacquithimselfwellindoingthehonoursofit。""TheDukedeNemourswasintheright，"saidtheQueen-Dauphin，smiling，"toapproveofhismistress’sbeingathisownball；therewasthensogreatanumberofladies，whomhehonouredwiththedistinctionofthatname，thatiftheyhadnotcome，theassemblywouldhavebeenverythin。"
　　ThePrinceofCondehadnosoonerbeguntorelatetheDukedeNemours’ssentimentsconcerningassemblies，butMadamdeClevesfeltinherselfastrongaversiontogotothatoftheMareschaldeSt。Andre。Sheeasilycameintotheopinion，thatawomanoughtnottobeatanentertainmentgivenbyonethatprofessedlovetoher，andshewasverygladtofindoutareasonofreservednessfordoingathingwhichwouldobligetheDukeofNemours。However，shecarriedawaywithhertheornamentswhichtheQueen-Dauphinhadgivenher；butwhensheshowedthemhermother，shetoldherthatshedidnotdesigntomakeuseofthem；
　　thattheMareschaldeSt。Andretookagreatdealofpainstoshowhisattachmenttoher，andshedidnotdoubthewouldbegladtohaveitbelievedthatacomplimentwasdesignedherintheentertainmenthegavetheKing，andthatunderthepretenceofdoingthehonoursofhishouse，hewouldshowhercivilitieswhichwouldbeuneasytoher。
　　MadamdeChartresforsometimeopposedherdaughter’sopinion，asthinkingitverysingular；butwhenshesawshewasobstinateinit，shegaveway，andtoldher，thatinthatcasesheoughttopretendanindispositionasanexcusefornotgoingtotheball，becausetherealreasonswhichhinderedherwouldnotbeapprovedof；andcareoughttobetakenthattheyshouldnotbesuspected。
　　MadamdeClevesvoluntarilyconsentedtopasssomedaysathermother’s，inordernottogotoanyplacewheretheDukeofNemourswasnottobe。HowevertheDukesetout，withoutthepleasureofknowingshewouldnotbeattheball。
　　Thedayaftertheballhereturned，andwasinformedthatshewasnotthere；butashedidnotknowtheconversationhehadattheDauphin’sCourthadbeenrepeatedtoher，hewasfarfromthinkinghimselfhappyenoughtohavebeenthereasonofhernotgoing。
　　Thedayafter，whilehewasattheQueen’sapartments，andtalkingtotheQueen-Dauphin，MadamdeChartresandMadamdeClevescamein。MadamdeCleveswasdressedalittlenegligently，asapersonwhohadbeenindisposed，buthercountenancedidnotatallcorrespondwithherdress。"Youlooksopretty，"saystheQueen-Dauphintoher，"thatIcan’tbelieveyouhavebeenill；IthinkthePrinceofConde，whenhetoldustheDukedeNemours’sopinionoftheball，persuadedyou，thattogotherewouldbedoingafavourtotheMareschaldeSt。
　　Andre，andthatthat’sthereasonwhichhinderedyoufromgoing。"MadamdeClevesblushed，bothbecausetheQueen-Dauphinhadconjecturedright，andbecauseshespokeherconjectureinthepresenceoftheDukedeNemours。
　　MadamdeChartresimmediatelyperceivedthetruereason，whyherdaughterrefusedtogototheball；andtopreventtheDukedeNemoursdiscoveringit，aswellasherself，shetookupthediscourseafteramannerthatgavewhatshesaidanairoftruth。
　　"Iassureyou，Madam，"saidshetotheQueen-Dauphin，"thatyourMajestyhasdonemydaughtermorehonourthanshedeserves；
　　shewasreallyindisposed，butIbelieve，ifIhadnothinderedher，shewouldnothavefailedtowaitonyou，andtoshowherselfunderanydisadvantages，forthepleasureofseeingwhattherewasextraordinaryatyesterday’sentertainment。"TheQueen-DauphingavecredittowhatMadamdeChartressaidbuttheDukedeNemourswassorrytofindsomuchprobabilityinitnevertheless，theblushesofthePrincessofClevesmadehimsuspect，thatwhattheQueen-Dauphinhadsaidwasnotaltogetherfalse。ThePrincessofClevesatfirstwasconcernedtheDukehadanyroomtobelieveitwashewhohadhinderedherfromgoingtotheMareschaldeSt。Andre；butafterwardsshewasalittlechagrinedthathermotherhadentirelytakenoffthesuspicionofit。
　　ThoughtheCongressofCercamphadbeenbrokenoff，thenegotiationsforthepeacewerecontinued，andthingsweresodisposed，thattowardsthelatterendofFebruarytheconferenceswerereassumedatChateau-Cambresis；thesameplenipotentiariesweresentasbefore，andtheMareschaldeSt。Andrebeingone，hisabsencefreedtheDukedeNemoursfromarival，whowasformidableratherfromhiscuriosityinobservingthosewhoaddressedtoMadamdeCleves，thanfromanyadvanceshewascapableofmakinghimselfinherfavour。
　　MadamdeChartreswasnotwillingtoletherdaughterseethatsheknewhersentimentsfortheDuke，forfearofmakingherselfsuspectedinsomethingswhichshewasverydesiroustotellher。
　　Onedayshesetherselftotalkabouthim，andagreatdealofgoodshesaidofhim，butmixedwithitabundanceofshampraises，astheprudenceheshowedinneverfallinginlove，andhowwisehewastomaketheaffairofwomenandloveanamusementinsteadofaseriousbusiness："Itisnot，"addedshe，"thatheisnotsuspectedtohaveaveryuncommonpassionfortheQueen-Dauphin；Iobservehevisitsherveryoften；andIadviseyoutoavoid，asmuchaspossible，speakingtohim，andespeciallyinprivate；because，sincetheQueen-Dauphintreatsyouasshedoes，itwouldbesaid，thatyouaretheirconfidant；
　　andyouknowhowdisagreeablethatsortofreputationis：I’mofopinion，ifthisreportcontinues，thatyoushouldnotvisittheQueen-Dauphinsooften，inordertoavoidinvolvingyourselfinadventuresofgallantry。"
　　ThePrincessofCleveshadneverheardbeforeoftheamourbetweentheDukedeNemoursandtheQueen-Dauphin；shewassomuchsurprisedatwhathermotherhadtoldher，andseemedtoseesoplainlyhowshehadbeenmistakeninherthoughtsabouttheDuke，thatshechangedcountenance。MadamdeChartresperceivedit。Visitorscameinthatmoment；andthePrincessofClevesretiredtoherownapartment，andshutherselfupinhercloset。
　　Onecan’texpressthegriefshefelttodiscover，bywhathermotherhadbeenjustsaying，theinterestherhearthadintheDukedeNemours；shehadnotdaredasyettoacknowledgeittohersecretthoughts；shethenfound，thatthesentimentsshehadforhimweresuchasthePrinceofCleveshadrequiredofher；
　　sheperceivedhowshamefulitwastoentertainthemforanother，andnotforahusbandthatdeservedthem；shefoundherselfundertheutmostembarrassment，andwasdreadfullyafraidlesttheDukeshouldmakeuseofheronlyasameanstocomeattheQueen-Dauphin，anditwasthisthoughtdeterminedhertoimparttohermothersomethingshehadnotyettoldher。
　　Thenextmorningshewentintohermother’schambertoputherresolvesinexecution，butshefoundMadamdeChartreshadsometouchesofafever，andthereforedidnotthinkpropertospeaktoher：thisindispositionhoweverappearedtoinsignificant，thatMadamdeClevesmadenoscrupleafterdinnertovisittheQueen-Dauphin；shewasinherclosetwithtwoorthreeladiesofhermostfamiliaracquaintance。"Wewerespeaking，"saidshetoher，assoonasshesawher，"oftheDukedeNemours，andwereadmiringhowmuchhe’schangedsincehisreturnfromBrussels；beforehewentthere，hehadaninfinitenumberofmistresses，anditwashisownfault，forheshowedanequalregardtothosewhohadmerit，andtothosewhohadnone；sincehisreturnheneitherknowstheonenortheother；thereneverwassogreatachange；Ifindhishumourischangedtoo，andthatheislessgaythanheusedtobe。"
　　ThePrincessofClevesmadenoanswer；anditshockedhertothinksheshouldhavetakenallthattheysaidofthechangeintheDukeforproofsofhispassionforher，hadshenotbeenundeceived；shefeltinherselfsomelittleresentmentagainsttheQueen-Dauphin，forendeavouringtofindoutreasons，andseemingsurprisedatathing，whichsheprobablyknewmoreofthananyoneelse；shecouldnotforbearshowingsomethingofit；
　　andwhentheotherladieswithdrew，shecameupandtoldherinalowvoice，"AndisitI，Madam，youhavebeenpointingat，andhaveyouamindtoconceal，thatyouareshewhohasmadesuchanalterationintheconductoftheDukeofNemours？""Youdomeinjustice，"answeredtheQueen-Dauphin，"youknowIconcealnothingfromyou；itistruetheDukeofNemours，beforehewenttoBrussels，had，Ibelieve，anintentiontoletmeknowhedidnothateme；butsincehisreturn，ithasnotsomuchasappearedthatheremembersanythingofwhathehasdone；andIacknowledgeIhaveacuriositytoknowwhatitishaschangedhimso：itwouldnotbeverydifficultformetounravelthisaffair，"
　　addedshe；"theViscountdeChartres，hisintimatefriend，isinlovewithaladywithwhomIhavesomepower，andI’llknowbythatmeanstheoccasionofthisalteration。"TheQueen-DauphinspokewithanairofsinceritywhichconvincedthePrincessofCleves，andinspiteofherselfshefoundhermindinamorecalmandpleasingsituationthanithadbeeninbefore。
　　Whenshereturnedtohermother，sheheardshewasagreatdealworsethanshehadlefther；herfeverwasredoubled，andthedaysfollowingitincreasedtosogreatadegree，thatshewasthoughttobeindanger。MadamdeCleveswasinextremegriefonthisoccasion，andneverstirredoutofhermother’schamber。
　　ThePrinceofCleveswastheretooalmosteverydayandalldaylong，partlyoutofaffectiontoMadamdeChartres，andpartlytohinderhisladyfromabandoningherselftosorrow，butchieflythathemighthavethepleasureofseeingher，hispassionnotbeingatalldiminished。
　　TheDukedeNemours，whohadalwayshadagreatfriendshipforthePrinceofCleves，hadnotfailedtoshowitsincehisreturnfromBrussels；duringtheillnessofMadamdeChartreshefrequentlyfoundmeanstoseethePrincessofCleves，pretendingtowantherhusband，ortocometotakehimouttowalk；heenquiredforhimatsuchhoursasheknewverywellhewasnotathome，andunderpretenceofwaitingforhimstayedinMadamdeCleves’santi-chamber，wheretherewerealwaysagreatmanypeopleofquality；MadamdeClevesoftencamethere，andhergriefdidnotmakeherseemlesshandsomeintheeyesoftheDukedeNemours；hemadehersensiblewhatinteresthehadinheraffliction，andspoketoherwithsosubmissiveanair，thatheeasilyconvincedher，thattheQueen-Dauphinwasnotthepersonhewasinlovewith。
　　Theseeinghimatoncegavehergriefandpleasure；butwhenshenolongersawhim，andreflectedthatthecharmhecarriedabouthimwhenpresent，wasanintroductiontolove，shewasverynearimaginingshehatedhim，outoftheexcessivegriefwhichthatthoughtgaveher。
　　MadamdeChartresstillgrewworseandworse，sothattheybegantodespairofherlife；sheheardwhatthephysicianstoldherconcerningthedangershewasinwithacourageworthyhervirtue，andherpiety。Aftertheyweregone，shecausedeverybodytoretire，andsentforMadamdeCleves。
　　"Wemustpart，mydeardaughter，"saidshe，stretchingoutherhandtoher；"thedangerIleaveyouin，andtheoccasionyouhaveforme，addstotheregretIhavetoleaveyou：youhaveapassionfortheDukedeNemours；Idonotdesireyoutoconfessit；Iamnolongerinaconditiontomakeuseofthatsincerityforyourgood；Ihaveperceivedthisinclinationagreatwhile，butwasnotwillingtospeaktoyouofitatfirst，forfearofmakingyoudiscoverityourself；youknowitatpresentbuttoowell；youareuponthebrinkofaprecipice；greateffortsmustbeused，andyoumustdogreatviolencetoyourhearttosaveyourself：reflectwhatyouowetoyourhusband；reflectwhatyouowetoyourself，andthinkthatyouaregoingtolosethatreputationwhichyouhavegained，andwhichIhavesomuchatheart；callup，mydeardaughter，allyourcourageandconstancy；
　　retirefromCourt；obligeyourhusbandtocarryyouaway；donotbeafraidoftakingsuchresolutions，asbeingtooharshanddifficult；howeverfrightfultheymayappearatfirst，theywillbecomemorepleasantintime，thanthemisfortunesthatfollowgallantry：ifanyothermotivesthanthoseofdutyandvirtuecouldhaveweightwithyou，IshouldtellyouthatifanythingwerecapableofdisturbingthehappinessIhopeforinthenextworld，itwouldbetoseeyoufalllikeotherwomen；butifthiscalamitymustnecessarilyhappen，Ishallmeetdeathwithjoy，asitwillhindermefrombeingawitnessofit。"
　　MadamdeClevesbathedwithtearshermother’shand，whichsheheldfastlockedinherown；norwasMadamdeChartreslessmoved。"Adieu，deardaughter，"saidshe，"letusputanendtoaconversationwhichmeltsusboth；andremember，ifyouareable，allthatIhavebeensayingtoyou。"
　　Whenshehadspokethis，sheturnedherselfontheotherside，andorderedherdaughtertocallherwomen，beingunwillingeithertohearherreply，ortospeakanymore。MadamdeCleveswentoutofherpresenceinaconditiononeneednotdescribe；
　　andMadamdeChartresthoughtofnothingbutpreparingherselffordeath：shelivedtwodayslonger，duringwhichshewouldnotseeherdaughteragain；herdaughterwastheonlythingshehadreluctancetopartwith。
　　MadamdeCleveswasintheutmostaffliction；herhusbanddidnotleaveher，andnosoonerwashermotherexpired，buthecarriedherintothecountry，thatshemightnothaveinhereyeaplacewhichcouldserveonlytosharpenhersorrow，whichwasscarcetobeequalled。Thoughtendernessandgratitudehadthegreatestshareinhergriefs，yettheneedwhichshefoundshehadofhermothertoguardheragainsttheDukeofNemoursaddednosmallweighttothem；shefoundshewasunhappyinbeinglefttoherself，atatimewhenshewassolittlemistressofherownaffections，andwhenshesomuchwishedforsomebodytopityandencourageher。ThePrinceofCleves’sbehaviourtoheronthisoccasion，madeherwishmoreardentlythanever，nevertofailinherdutytohim；shealsoexpressedmorefriendshipandaffectionforhimthanshehaddonebefore；shewouldnotsufferhimtoleaveher，andsheseemedtothinkthathisbeingconstantlywithhercoulddefendheragainsttheDukeofNemours。
　　TheDukecametoseethePrinceofClevesinthecountry；hedidwhathecouldtopayavisitalsotoMadamdeCleves，butsherefusedtoreceivehim；andbeingpersuadedshecouldnothelpfindingsomethingdangerouslylovelyinhim，shemadeastrongresolutiontoforbearseeinghim，andtoavoidalloccasionsofitthatwereinherpower。
　　ThePrinceofCleveswenttoParistomakehisCourt，andpromisedhisladytoreturnthenextday，buthoweverhedidnotreturntillthedayafter。"Iexpectedyouyesterday，"saidMadamdeClevestohimonhisarrival，"andIoughttochideyoufornothavingcomeasyoupromised；youknow，ifIwascapableoffeelinganewafflictionintheconditionIamin，itwouldbethedeathofMadamdeTournon，andIhaveheardofitthismorning；Ishouldhavebeenconcerned，thoughIhadnotknownher；itisameltingconsiderationtothinkthataladysoyoungandhandsomeasshe，shouldbedeadintwodays；butbesides，shewasthepersonintheworldthatpleasedmemost，andwhoappearedtohavediscretionequaltoherbeauty。"
　　"IamsorryIcouldnotreturnyesterday，"repliedthePrinceofCleves，"butmypresencewassonecessarytotheconsolationofanunhappyman，thatitwasimpossibleformetoleavehim。
　　AsforMadamdeTournon，Idonotadviseyounottobeconcernedforher，ifyoulamentherasawomanfullofdiscretion，andworthyofyouresteem。""Yousurpriseme，"answeredMadamdeCleves，"Ihaveheardyousayseveraltimes，thattherewasnotaladyatCourtyouhadagreaterrespectfor。""Itistrue，"repliedhe，"butwomenareincomprehensible，andwhenI
　　haveseenthemall，Ithinkmyselfsohappyinhavingyou，thatI
　　cannotenoughadmiremygoodfortune。""YouesteemmemorethanIdeserve，"answeredMadamdeCleves，"youhavenothadexperienceenoughyettopronouncemeworthyofyou；buttellme，Ibeseechyou，whatitishasundeceivedyouwithrespecttoMadamdeTournon。""Ihavebeenundeceivedagreatwhile，"
　　repliedhe，"andIknowthatshewasinlovewiththeCountdeSancerre，andthatshegavehimroomtohopeshewouldmarryhim。""Ican’tbelieve，"saidMadamdeCleves，"thatMadamdeTournon，aftersoextraordinaryanaversionasshehasshowntomarriagefromthetimeshebecameawidow，andafterthepublicdeclarationsshehasmadethatshewouldnevermarryagain，shouldgivehopestoSancerre。""Ifshehadgivenhopestohimonly，"repliedthePrinceofCleves，"thewonderhadnotbeensogreat；butwhatissurprisingis，thatshegavehopeslikewisetoEtoutevilleatthesametime：I’llletyouknowthewholehistoryofthismatter。"
　　II
　　"Youknowthefriendship，thereisbetwixtSancerreandme。
　　NeverthelessabouttwoyearsagohefellinlovewithMadamdeTournon，andconcealeditfrommewithasmuchcareasfromtherestoftheworld；Ihadnottheleastsuspicionofit。MadamdeTournonasyetappearedinconsolableforthedeathofherhusband，andlivedinretirementwithgreatausterity。
　　Sancerre’ssisterwasinamannertheonlypersonshesaw，anditwasatherlodgingshebecameinlovewithher。
　　"OneeveningtherewastobeplayattheLouvre，andtheactorsonlywaitedforthecomingoftheKingandMadamdeValentinois，whenwordwasbroughtthatshewasindisposed，andthattheKingwouldnotcome。ItwaseasytoseethattheDuchess’sindispositionwasnothingbutsomequarrelwiththeKing；
　　everyoneknewthejealousyhehadhadoftheMareschaldeBrisacduringhiscontinuanceatCourt，buthehadbeensetoutsomedaysonhisreturntoPiemont，andonecouldnotimaginewhatwastheoccasionofthisfallingout。
　　"WhileIwasspeakingofthistoSancerre，Monsieurd’Anvillecameintotheroom，andtoldmeinawhisper，thattheKingwassoexasperatedandsoafflictedatthesametime，thatonewouldpityhim；thatuponalatereconciliationbetweenhimandtheDuchess，afterthequarreltheyhadhadabouttheMareschaldeBrisac，hehadgivenheraring，anddesiredhertowearit；andthatasshewasdressingherselftocometotheplay，hehadmisseditonherfinger，andaskedwhatwasbecomeofit；uponwhichsheseemedinsurprisethatshehaditnot，andcalledtoherwomenforit，whounfortunately，orforwantofbeingbetterinstructed，madeanswertheyhadnotseenitfourorfivedays。
　　"Itwas，"continuedMonsieurd’Anville，"preciselysolong，sincetheMareschaldeBrisaclefttheCourt，andtheKingmadenodoubtbutshegavehimtheringwhenshetookherleaveofhim。Thethoughtofthisawakedinsolivelyamannerthatjealousywhichwasnotyetextinguished，thathefellintouncommontransports，andloadedherwithathousandreproaches；
　　heisjustgoneintoherapartmentagainingreatconcern，butwhetherthereasonisamoreconfirmedopinionthattheDuchesshadmadeasacrificeofthering，orforfearofhavingdisobligedherbyhisanger，Ican’ttell。
　　"AssoonasMonsieurd’Anvillehadtoldmethisnews，I
　　acquaintedSancerrewithit；Itoldithimasasecretnewlyentrustedwithme，andchargedhimtosaynothingofit。
　　"ThenextdayIwentearlyinthemorningtomysister-in-law’s，andfoundMadamdeTournonatherbedside，whohadnogreatkindnessfortheDuchessofValentinois，andknewverywellthatmysister-in-lawhadnoreasontobesatisfiedwithher。
　　Sancerrehadbeenwithher，afterhewentfromtheplay，andhadacquaintedherwiththequarrelbetweentheKingandtheDuchess；
　　andMadamdeTournonwascometotellittomysister-in-law，withoutknowingorsuspectingthatitwasIfromwhomherloverhadit。
　　"AssoonasIadvancedtowardmysister-in-law，shetoldMadamdeTournon，thattheymighttrustmewithwhatshehadbeentellingher；andwithoutwaitingMadamdeTournon’sleavesherelatedtomewordbywordallIhadtoldSancerrethenightbefore。YoumayjudgewhatsurpriseIwasin；IlookedhardatMadamdeTournon，andsheseemeddisordered；herdisordergavemeasuspicion。IhadtoldthethingtonobodybutSancerre；heleftmewhenthecomedywasdone，withoutgivinganyreasonforit；IrememberedtohaveheardhimspeakmuchinpraiseofMadamdeTournon；allthesethingsopenedmyeyes，andIeasilydiscernedtherewasanintriguebetweenthem，andthathehadseenhersinceheleftme。
　　"Iwassostungtofindhehadconcealedthisadventurefromme，thatIsaidseveralthingswhichmadeMadamdeTournonsensibleoftheimprudenceshehadbeenguiltyof；Iledherbacktohercoach，andassuredher，IenviedthehappinessofhimwhoinformedheroftheKing’squarrelwiththeDuchessofValentinois。
　　"IwentimmediatelyinsearchofSancerre，andseverelyreproachedhim；ItoldhimIknewofhispassionforMadamdeTournon，withoutsayinghowIcamebythediscovery；hewasforcedtoacknowledgeit；Iafterwardsinformedhimwhatledmeintotheknowledgeofit，andheacquaintedmewiththedetailofthewholeaffair；hetoldme，thatthoughhewasayoungerbrother，andfarfrombeingabletopretendtosogoodamatch，neverthelessshewasdeterminedtomarryhim。Ican’texpressthesurpriseIwasin；ItoldSancerrehewoulddowelltohastentheconclusionofthemarriage，andthattherewasnothinghehadnottofearfromawomanwhohadtheartificetosupport，intheeyeofthepublic，appearancessodistantfromtruth；hegavemeinanswerthatshewasreallyconcernedforthelossofherhusband，butthattheinclinationshehadforhimhadsurmountedthataffliction，andthatshecouldnothelpdiscoveringallonasuddensogreatachange；hementionedbesidesseveralotherreasonsinherexcuse，whichconvincedmehowdesperatelyhewasinlove；heassuredmehewouldbringhertoconsentthatI
　　shouldknowhispassionforher，especiallysinceitwassheherselfwhohadmademesuspectit；inaword，hedidobligehertoit，thoughwithagreatdealofdifficulty，andIgrewafterwardsverydeepintheirconfidence。
　　"Ineverknewaladybehaveherselfinsogenteelandagreeableamannertoherlover，butyetIwasalwaysshockedattheaffectationsheshowedinappearingsoconcernedforthelossofherhusband。Sancerrewassomuchinlove，andsowellpleasedwiththetreatmenthereceivedfromher，thathescarcedurstpresshertoconcludethemarriage，forfearsheshouldthinkhedesireditratheroutofinterestthanlove；howeverhespoketoherofit，andsheseemedfullybentonmarryinghim；shebeganalsotoabandonherreservedmanneroflife，andtoappearagaininpublic；shevisitedmysister-in-lawathourswhensomeoftheCourtwereusuallythere；Sancerrecametherebutseldom，butthosewhocameeverynight，andfrequentlysawherthere，thoughtherextremelybeautiful。
　　"Shehadnotlongquittedhersolitude，whenSancerreimaginedthatherpassionforhimwascooled；hespokeofitseveraltimestome：butIlaidnogreatstressonthematter；butatlast，whenhetoldme，thatinsteadofforwardingthemarriage，sheseemedtoputitoff，Ibegantothinkhewasnottoblameforbeinguneasy：Iremonstratedtohim，thatifMadamdeTournon’spassionwasabatedafterhavingcontinuedtwoyears，heoughtnottobesurprisedatit，andthatevensupposingitwasnotabated，possiblyitmightnotbestrongenoughtoinducehertomarryhim；thatheoughtnottocomplainofit；thatsuchamarriageinthejudgmentofthepublicwoulddrawcensuresuponher，notonlybecausehewasnotasuitablematchforher，butalsoonaccountoftheprejudiceitwoulddoherreputation；thatthereforeallhecoulddesirewas，thatshemightnotdeceivehim，norleadhimintofalseexpectations；Itoldhimfurther，thatifshehadnotresolutionenoughtomarryhim，orifsheconfessedshelikedsomeotherpersonbetter，heoughtnottoresentorbeangryatit，butstillcontinuehisesteemandregardforher。
　　"Igiveyou，"saidI，"theadvicewhichIwouldtakemyself；
　　forsincerityhassuchcharmstome，thatIbelieveifmymistress，orevenmywifeingenuouslyconfessed，shehadagreateraffectionforanotherthanforme，Imightbetroubled，butnotexasperated；Iwouldlayasidethecharacterofaloverorahusband，tobestowmyadviceandmypity。"
　　ThisdiscoursemadeMadamdeClevesblush，andshefoundinitacertainsimilitudeofherowncondition，whichverymuchsurprisedher，andgaveheraconcern，fromwhichshecouldnotrecoverinagreatwhile。
　　"SancerrespoketoMadamdeTournon，"continuedMonsieurdeCleves，"andtoldherallIhadadvisedhim；butsheencouragedhimwithsomanyfreshassurances，andseemedsodispleasedathissuspicions，thatsheentirelyremovedthem；neverthelessshedeferredthemarriageuntilafteraprettylongjourneyhewastomake；butshebehavedherselfsowelluntilhisdeparture，andappearedsoconcernedatit，thatIbelievedaswellashe，thatshesincerelylovedhim。Hesetoutaboutthreemonthsago；
　　duringhisabsenceIhaveseldomseenMadamdeTournon；youhaveentirelytakenmeup，andIonlyknewthathewasspeedilyexpected。
　　"Thedaybeforeyesterday，onmyarrivalatParis，Iheardshewasdead；Isenttohislodgingstoenquireiftheyhadanynewsofhim，andwordwasbroughtmehecametotownthenightbefore，whichwaspreciselythedaythatMadamdeTournondied；I
　　immediatelywenttoseehim，concludinginwhatconditionI
　　shouldfindhim，buthisafflictionfarsurpassedwhatIhadimagined。
　　"NeverdidIseeasorrowsodeepandsotender；themomenthesawmeheembracedmewithtears；`Ishallneverseehermore，’
　　saidhe，`Ishallneverseehermore，sheisdead，Iwasnotworthyofher，butIshallsoonfollowher。’
　　"Afterthishewassilent；andthen，fromtimetotime，continuallyrepeating`Sheisdead，Ishallneverseehermore，’
　　hereturnedtolamentationsandtears，andcontinuedasamanbereftofreason。Hetoldmehehadnotoftenreceivedlettersfromherduringhisabsence，butthatheknewhertoowelltobesurprisedatit，andwassensiblehowshyandtimorousshewasofwriting；hemadenodoubtbutshewouldhavemarriedhimuponhisreturn；heconsideredherasthemostamiableandconstantofhersex；hethoughthimselftenderlybelovedbyher；helostherthemomentheexpectedtobeunitedtoherforever；allthesethoughtsthrewhimintosoviolentanaffliction，thatIownI
　　wasdeeplytouchedwithit。
　　"NeverthelessIwasobligedtoleavehimtogototheKing，butpromisedtoreturnimmediately；accordinglyIdid，andIwasneversosurprisedasIwastofindhimentirelychangedfromwhatIhadlefthim；hewasstandinginhischamber，hisfacefulloffury，sometimeswalking，sometimesstoppingshort，asifhehadbeendistracted；`Come，’sayshe，`andseethemostforlornwretchintheworld；IamathousandtimesmoreunhappythanIwasawhileago，andwhatIhavejustheardofMadamdeTournonisworsethanherdeath。’
　　"Itookwhathesaidtobewhollytheeffectofgrief，andcouldnotimaginethattherecouldbeanythingworsethanthedeathofamistressonelovesandisbelovedby；Itoldhim，thatsofarashekepthisgriefwithinbounds，Iapprovedofit，andboreapartinit；butthatIshouldnolongerpityhim，ifheabandonedhimselftodespairandflewfromreason。`IshouldbetoohappyifIhadlostbothmyreasonandmylife，’criedhe；`MadamdeTournonwasfalsetome，andIaminformedofherunfaithfulnessandtreacherytheverydayafterIwasinformedofherdeath；I
　　aminformedofitatatimewhenmysoulisfilledwiththemosttenderlove，andpiercedwiththesharpestgriefthateverwas；
　　atatimewhentheideaofherinmyheart，isthatofthemostperfectwomanwhoeverlived，andthemostperfectwithrespecttome；IfindIammistaken，andthatshedoesnotdeservetobelamentedbyme；neverthelessIhavethesameconcernforherdeath，asifshehadbeentruetome，andIhavethesamesensibilityofherfalsehood，asifshewereyetliving；hadI
　　heardofherfalsehoodbeforeherdeath，jealousy，anger，andragewouldhavepossessedme，andinsomemeasurehardenedmeagainstthegriefforherloss；butnowmyconditionissuch，thatIamincapableofreceivingcomfort，andyetknownothowtohateher。’
　　"YoumayjudgeofthesurpriseIwasinatwhatSancerretoldme；Iaskedhimhowhecamebytheknowledgeofit，andhetoldmethattheminuteIwentawayfromhim，Etouteville，whoishisintimatefriend，butwhoneverthelessknewnothingofhisloveforMadamdeTournon，cametoseehim；thatassoonashewassatdown，hefella-weeping，andaskedhispardonforhavingconcealedfromhimwhathewasgoingtotellhim，thathebeggedhimtohavecompassionofhim，thathewascometoopenhishearttohim，andthathewasthepersonintheworldthemostafflictedforthedeathofMadamdeTournon。