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 this royal secret, it was never the thought of taking advantage of it. To prove my zeal, I would be willing to sacrifice my life to your interests. The misfortune of princes, Milady, is placing their confidence in people who are unworthy of it. My high birth and my loyalty to you should allay any fears you have of confiding in me. Permit me to give you my vow of eternal faithfulness."

"I believe you, Mersburg," answered Adelaide. "What I have seen of you up to this moment does not leave me any suspicion of the frankness of your sentiments. I know that you will learn of the sorrows of your sovereign only to sympathize with them or to disguise them from others. Your guesses have hit the mark, my dear count. The one I love lives in this chateau and I believe he is your friend."

"How I wish that he were my master."

"Yes, it is Louis of Thuringia that I love. It was he alone that Heaven caused to be born for the happiness of my life, and it is he that an unjust Heaven makes impossible for me to have. From the first time that he appeared in my father's court, the impression which he produced on me was such that it will never disappear from my heart. Louis has everything that I want in a man—that noble pride which shines in his face—that loyal and chivalrous character which would cause him to undergo a thousand perils for the one he loves; military talents which he developed in our last war—ambition which shows in his eyes—that manner full of grace with which he is able to combine the severity of a military man with the suaveness of a man of the court. What more can I say? All that has delighted me in the Marquis of Thuringia; that is what has made him the idol of my heart—of a heart where he will reign completely; even though it is broken by the bonds of duty … Do you know whether he loves me, my dear count?"

"I would dare assure you of it, Milady, although I have received no confession from him on this point. His eyes light up so much each time he looks at you that it is impossible not to recognize in him the slave of the same god who has captivated your soul."

"I am very unhappy," cried the Princess. "I will see him suffering, and will never be able to help him since the strictest