Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/30



The intrigue had reached this point when the Prince of Saxony, one day, had the count called into his office.

"Mersburg," said Frederick, "the place of First Chamberlain has become vacant, and I think you should fill the position. The princess has spoken of you in high terms, and the Marquis of Thuringia seems to be your friend. Their recommendation suffices. The high grade of the position is ample proof of my confidence in you."

The count dropped to one knee to show his gratitude.

"For some time," continued the prince, "I have wanted to speak to you of something else. I feel that you should make a suitable marriage before too long. The daughter of the Marquis of Rochiltz has been proposed to me for you. She is young, beautiful and rich, and I believe that in offering her to you, I shall contribute to the happiness of your life."

"Pardon, Milord," answered Mersburg, "But I do not believe that marriage would contribute to this happiness which Your Highness wishes me to have. I am young enough to wait, and I beg Your Highness to save his good intentions until a time when I will be in a better position for marriage. I want to be able to serve Your Highness with my complete devotion, and I believe I would be able to do a better job if I were single. I fear that the duties of a household might distract me from doing all that I could for Your Highness. A man cannot serve a master perfectly if he is serving a mistress at the same time."

"One does not prevent the other," said Frederick. "I think you really mean that you do not believe you could have happiness in marriage."