Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/101



"Well, Bathilda," said Adelaide as soon as the baron had left, "do you understand me now?"

"Yes, Milady, I think so, but suppose this young man betrays you?"

"Bathilda," said the princess smiling, "you don't have much confidence in the power of my charms."

"I am only worried about your playing the part of a coquette."

"Now, Bathilda, I wouldn't say that. It would imply that I am being false to the Marquis of Thuringia and that is far from being true. I am not a coquette since coquetry in a woman is only a mask she dons to disguise her faults and appear more attractive. Those whom Nature has blessed with beauty never call upon this art to help them. I am not trying to seduce the baron, but I wish to leave this chateau and he is the only one I can find who can serve this purpose."

"But you are deceiving him."

"Isn't it permissible to deceive others in order to save oneself? History is full of false treaties, vain promises and unjust wars. People have always disregarded the interests of others and cared for their own."

"But if you deceive this young man, he will never get over it."

"I will do all I can to keep him from falling too much in love with me."

"But once he loses you, he will never be consoled."

"Let's not worry about consolation before the harm is done.