How we cite our quotes: (Part.Letter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
She is truly delicious! She has neither character nor principles: imagine how easy and agreeable her company will one day be. (1.38.2)
Madame de Merteuil doesn't think much of Cécile. To her, the young woman is a plaything, to young to have developed any definite principles yet. She thinks her lack of principles will make her an easy target for Valmont. Cécile does have principles—she knows enough to protest what Valmont does to her—but she's unsophisticated enough to let Valmont influence her. Merteuil believes that Cécile's ultimate lively personality will make her enjoy sex with Valmont and undermine any moral objections Cécile might have. The Marquise laughingly refers to Cécile's principles as her "little scruples."
Quote #8
[…] the only way to conquer scruples in others is to leave them with nothing to lose. (2.51.7)
Madame de Merteuil is telling Valmont to encourage Danceny to go for it with Cécile. Does this describe most people? An idea here is that people will go against their principles if they can get away with it.
Quote #9
When have you known me to break the rules I have laid down for myself or betray my principles? I say ' my principles' intentionally. They are not, like those of other women, found by chance, accepted unthinkingly, and followed out of habit. They are the fruit of profound reflection. I have created them: I might say that I have created myself. (2.81.14)
For Madame de Merteuil, principles aren't moral standards, but they're just as firm as religious or moral principles. She prides herself on never violating them. And they're her own work, her achievement, as opposed to principles that you might just learn from your religion or your parents. Extra credit: develop what you think are Merteuil's Ten Commandments.