Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 43 summary

What happens

1. Tourvel refuses to identify the friends who speak about Valmont, arguing that their concern deserves loyalty rather than betrayal.
2. She explains that his reputation makes correspondence difficult to justify and would force an honest woman into secrecy.
3. She considers occasional letters only if they give her no reason to complain and remain defensible to her conscience.
4. She reminds Valmont that he receives a letter that morning but fails to announce his departure to Mme de Rosemonde.
5. She refuses a conversation and repeats her request that he leave without further delay.

In this letter

What to notice

Tourvel connects honesty with openness. The question explains why correspondence with Valmont threatens both her reputation and her sense of right conduct.

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