Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/158

 "Very rarely, Milady. He seems to be preoccupied all the time."

"How I dread that he may be plotting something which will interfere with the tranquility of my life … And what do you think of Mersburg?"

"I continue to think that he is sincere. You have seen with what eagerness he brought you Thuringia the day after your arrival."

"I sincerely hope that we are not mistaken in him."

The proof that they were mistaken was shown in the first conversation that Mersburg had with the prince on the subject of Adelaide and was evident in a second interview which he was having with the prince at the moment that they were talking together.

"Well, Milord," said Mersburg to his master, "you have not said whether you were satisfied with the princess."

"I thought that my appearance would show you, my dear count. Haven't you seen how I treat her? Have you noticed the coolness which I show her and that Bathilda, the companion of her misconduct and whom she honors with her confidence?"

"We should not be so uneasy on the subject of your wife, Sire, perhaps we were mistaken in her conduct."

"No, Mersburg, no. Her coolness and impassiveness the day of our first interview have sufficiently enlightened me. She lowered her eyes and did not dare answer. She is guilty, I tell you, and I do not know if I am doing the right thing in keeping her beside me on the throne. She will finally dishonor me. I now have the fortress of Torgau in readiness, and I don't believe that fire will burn it this time."

"No, Sire, no, don't use that means again. It would be as dangerous as it would be useless. You would only incur the enmity of the Duke of Brunswick, and you know how important it is for the sovereigns of Germany to maintain their friendship at a time when the foreign princes want to invade our land. Remain for a while in this distant manner toward your wife which is suitable for a man of your stature and let's continue to observe her conduct. If we should catch her in the act then it will be time to punish her."