Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/123

 This young man was not yet chained by the bonds of matrimony and was living with his mother, the sister of the doge. Witty and gifted by all the graces of nature, Anthony did not fail to make known to the princess the sentiments which she inspired in him, but which he kept within the narrow limits of the rules of decency. Adelaide, who felt the need of society, was far from suspecting the dangers of such a group, and since she wanted to remain in good standing, did not reject completely the homages of the young Contarino. She was persuaded that her experience with men in general and her love for the Marquis of Thuringia could safeguard her against anything dangerous with this young man. She thought of it as a little love game without any serious consequences.

In the midst of the simple and honest pleasures which this society offered, the princess was able to see that there were some more serious occupations which caused groups of people to gather at the senator's house in secret.

"Anthony," she said one day to the nephew of the doge, "if you want me to believe in the sincerity of your sentiments, you will have to give me your confidence. Tell me, who are these serious faced individuals who come to disturb our games? What are they doing here in your house?"

"I find it rather odd that such things interest you," answered Anthony. "I must confess, however, that I have found it more healthy not to know about such things. If, however, you insist on knowing what it is all about, I shall try to find out."

"If this secret is of great importance, then I am taking chances, it seems to me, by coming to the same place where they are having their meetings. As I don't want to get mixed up in all that, I think it is better for me not to know anything about it. I had better leave."

But Anthony, very much in love with Adelaide, tried to head her off.

"No, divine creature," he said to her holding her arm. "Do not leave me thus. If it is useful to your happiness to know our secret, I feel that it is even more necessary to my happiness to have your confidence. In telling you this secret I become a traitor to the others, and I do so only with the idea of attaching you to me for life. The fate of Venice is the prize offered