When I reached Valmont park, Mr. Valmont sent an excuse for not admitting me. Message after message flew from the moat to the castle; and I was compelled to stipulate for not seeing any one but himself, ere the word of command was given for me to pass. He received me with a demeanour cold, formal, and haughty. I assured him that a motive equal to the pleasure I had promised myself of seeing Sibella, had induced me to take the journey. 'I perfectly understand you, madam,' said he; 'but once for all, to save you the trouble of useless discussion, I will not relax an atom of my severity, till Miss Valmont has in some measure expiated her fault.' 'What is her fault, Sir?' 'Her fault!' repeated he, starting. 'I perceive madam, you are a stranger to the cursed business; and may you remain so, for your own, for her's, and her family's sake.' 'Is Clement Montgomery concerned?' He bit his lip, arose from his seat, stifled anger contracting his brow. 'I see he is,' said I--'and----.' 'Madam' said Mr. Valmont sternly, 'your understanding should inform you, that affairs which concern the honour of a family are only to be canvassed by the individuals immediately belonging to it.' 'You forget, Sir,' replied I, 'that I am a female; and, according to your creed, cannot possess understanding.--Is it owing to this deficiency that I am of opinion, the honour of a family, as generally understood, is a matter quite opposite to the virtue of a family.--In the present case, I think you clasp your honour and turn your virtue and justice out of doors.--If, when you use such terms, in speaking of Sibella, you allude to her contract with Clement, I acknowledge her in the wrong. To ratify that contract, Sir, would be a worse error: for he is undeserving of her. But all that, and the worst of errors she can commit, may ascribe their origin to yourself.' 'Madam, you are obliging; but you have not yet convinced me I am under any necessity of explaining myself to you.--Whatever offences Clement has committed against me, he shall not fail of his proper punishment--trust me, he shall not.--I--I--Will you take any refreshment, madam?'--rising--'I regret Mrs. Valmont is too much indisposed to receive you.--Pardon me, our conference must end.--You will excuse me, but I cannot suffer you to see Miss Valmont.--It is indeed impossible.'