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 the praise. I knew that an act of courage would please him; he should approve in me what he is worthy of doing himself."

Mersburg went instantly to tell the marquis that the princess would receive him in a little clump of trees situated in the back of her garden.

There was in this clump of trees a sort of temple of the Druids and also a large bird cage made of golden wire. Lilac bushes surrounded the temple, and beautiful roses entwined themselves among the wires of the cage. Here there were a hundred pairs of the rarest birds which announced by their various songs the tender and voluptuous occupations of a life animated by love.

"Oh, Milady," cried the marquis on seeing the one he adored in such a delightful spot, "how kind you are to receive from me the homages which all of Saxony is paying you."

"Marquis," answered Adelaide, "it was in your heart that I found the strength which I have used and which you like. In my situation, you would have acted as I did. It is because I am so sure of this, that I am satisfied with what I have done. I shall always be proud when I resemble you."

"Why can't I be equally proud, Milady, of the sentiments which I wish to inspire in you?"

"Everything forbids me to hear them, my dear marquis. Reflect on my position, and you will realize that I cannot."

"Why was I selected by Frederick to bring him a wife who was so perfect for my own happiness."

"Do not speak to me of these regrets, they fill my soul."

"What do I hear? All my torments are forgotten as soon as I know that you share them. Thus we are obliged to live eternally separated from each other. No consolation will ever appease the harm we have done to each other. Both of us are young, and we will have to weep until death over the misfortune of having known each other. Do you know of any way, Milady, that we can soften our sorrow?"

"I cannot think of any way."

"And why not cast aside these heavy irons which bind both of us?"

"Do such means suit people like us? Could I dishonor the throne on which my birth placed me?"