Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/53



Scarcely was the princess established in the Chateau of Mersburg when she received the following letter:

My squire has told me about what happened to you and I have praised him highly for the help he has given you and for the hiding place which he has proposed. Believe me, it is a good idea to stay there for some time since there is no safety for you anywhere else. The prince is desperate, and wants to find you at any cost; when and if he does, who can guarantee you against his anger? Establish yourself in my castle, and my servants will take care of you in the manner which your rank merits. There at least you will be free; I will be able to give you news of the Marquis of Thuringia and perhaps soon I can bring him to see you. In the meantime, things may have settled down a bit, and I will see to it that you are informed of all that happens. I would offer to take you back to Brunswick, but the anger and jealousy of your husband would follow you there. My states represent the safest place for you at present as a refugee. Do not thank me for this service; it is I who thank you for the honor you do me by staying in my castle.

The same man who has received you will stay near you during your whole visit and you can communicate to him the orders which it will please you to give me. I will answer for his zeal and his intelligence.

Adelaide was much more satisfied after receiving this letter. She thought she was very fortunate to have a friend like Mersburg.

A little after receiving the letter from Mersburg the princess and Bathilda took a walk beside the river.