At length Theodore is really in love with Constantia; his anxiety has betrayed his passion; and he loves the more ardently, as he perceives he is beloved again. I have made a discovery which I shall only impart to you. It is, that the Countess Anatolle has persuaded herself, that she has an affection for Theodore. Madame de Valcy never had a more lively attachment than at this time she has received for Mons. de Remicourt, who has no great merit, but, with a serious and discreet appearance has already ruined three or four women; consequently he is quite the ton; which of itself is a very good reason for Madame de Valcy to admire him. You will judge then of her uneasiness in seeing Mons. de Remicourt intirely taken up in admiring the Countess Anatolle. The only thing for her to do in this case is to persuade the Countess that she has a secret attachment to Theodore, which is easily done with a young woman of nineteen whole ideas are so lively. If the Countess thought Theodore loved her, she would give no encouragement to Mons. Remicourt; besides, Madame de Valcy hates her sister, whose sentiments she has found means to penetrate; so that, if Theodore would but attach himself seriously to the Countess Anatolle, Constantia would lose her lover whom she adored, and a husband who had been destined for her from her infancy; all which would give great pleasure to Madame de Valcy. This discovery I have made by spending two or three evenings with Madame de Valcy, the Countess Anatolle, and Mons. de Remicourt; and I hope, my dear, I shall be able to prevent her succeeding in her intended mischief.

Yes, my dear child; I am perfectly satisfied with the impression Adelaide has received of the world. The more she sees of it, the more she is confirmed in the principles I have given her. The world will help to spoil a bad understanding, but it will improve a just one; according to this maxim of Mons. Dumarsais, who says, ‘That every thing which is received depends on the person's situation and disposition who receives it: thus it is, that the rays of the sun harden clay and soften wax.’