Dangerous Liaisons, Letter 76 summary

What happens

1. Valmont questions Merteuil’s meaning and describes how Prévan uses public conversation to draw women into revealing their affairs.
2. He suspects Merteuil plans to trap Prévan, but warns that even apparent encouragement can damage her reputation.
3. Valmont recounts his unexpected arrival at dinner and interprets Madame de Tourvel’s distress as evidence of love.
4. He draws the dinner guests into joining Tourvel, preventing Madame de Volanges from speaking to her alone.
5. He arranges correspondence for the younger Volanges, exchanges prolonged looks with Tourvel, and secretly delivers Danceny’s letter.
6. He sends Merteuil replies from Tourvel and the younger Volanges, while asking for a clearer explanation about Prévan.

In this letter

What to notice

Valmont explains why Prévan’s claims alone could threaten Merteuil. His warning makes public belief, rather than established fact, the immediate danger.

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