Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 22 summary

What happens

1. Madame de Tourvel asks Madame de Volanges to reconsider her harsh judgment of M. de Valmont.
2. Her servant reports that Valmont pays a family’s tax debt, stops their furniture sale, and gives them additional money.
3. Villagers describe earlier inquiries by a servant possibly belonging to Valmont, suggesting that his charity is planned.
4. Tourvel says Valmont initially denies his generosity, then admits it while treating it as unimportant.
5. She argues that his good deed challenges his reputation and announces plans to visit the family with him and Madame de Rosemonde.

In this letter

What to notice

Tourvel openly connects her belief to her wishes. The admission qualifies her confident defense of Valmont’s character.

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