Chapter 97 Letter II to Mrs. de Etanches
Madame, I bow before you with a heart that will never be relieved in this life, not to express to you my irrepressible regrets, but to express that I would rather give up everything that would make my life happy, And to make atonement for the sins I committed involuntarily.As no one has ever touched me so deeply as your young lady, no one has sacrificed more for her dear mother than I have.Julie has repeatedly warned me that personal happiness must be sacrificed in the face of obligations, and she has set an example so courageously that I must imitate her at least once.If my blood could heal your wounds, I would let it go quietly, and I regret that I can only show you so little sincerity.But let me break the purest and holiest bond between two hearts, alas!This is something no one in the world would have asked me to do, but only you now.
Yes, I promise you to stay away from her as long as you want me to; I will never see her or write to her anymore; if it is for her to live well, I swear on your precious life, I Will definitely do this.No matter how you treat her and me, although I am not without fear, I absolutely obey without complaining.I would like to say a few more words: As long as she can be happy, I will be happy even though I am suffering. If you promise her to a husband who is worthy of her, I will be happy even if I die.what!May she find such a man as she pleases, May he dare to say to me, "I'll treat her better than you!" Madame, it's in vain if he has what I lack; if he doesn't have me Such a heart, to Julie, he has nothing, but what I have is a sincere and gentle heart.Alas, I have nothing more than that.Love can unite people, but it cannot improve character, it can only enhance feelings.well!If I had listened to my feelings for you, how many times would I have wanted to say that dear word when speaking to you—Mother!
Please believe my oath, it is not empty words, and please believe that I am by no means a liar.If one day I should betray your trust, I will betray myself first.I don't have a deep experience, and I only know danger when it is too late to avoid it. I haven't learned from my daughter the cruel method of using love to overcome love, although she once taught me this method.I assure you, please rest easy.Is there anyone in the world whose peace, happiness, and honor are more dear to me?Absolutely not.My words and my heart are pledges to you, in the name of my wonderful friend and myself.Be assured that I will never do any more indiscretions; and even with my last breath I will never let anyone know the pain of my death.Please don't be sad anymore, for crying hurts my body and makes my pain worse.Wipe away your tears that broke my heart; take good care of your body and recover soon; let your good daughter who lost joy because of you be happy again; see her happy, and you are happy too; in short, live well, So that your daughter loves life too.what!Although we have made mistakes in love, you are really blessed to have a daughter like Julie, and your life is worth it.