Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/90



The princess soon perceived that the help which she had received from the father of Bathilda would not be enough to keep her for a long time, but her pride would not let her show the frightful distress which she felt about her future. Born in luxury and abundance, she was overwhelmed by the fate which awaited her and incapable of doing anything about it.

In spite of her plight, she was not able to forget her rank, and rented a superb apartment in Frankfort. She began to replace the clothes and other things which she had lost, giving no thought to the fact that in a few days she would not even have money for food.

One day, she went walking with her companion in a part of the city in which a fair was being held. As they walked she was reviewing in her mind the chain of events leading to her present predicament. Suddenly she noticed a man who was looking at her with the greatest interest. She hesitated, then went forward joyfully to meet him.

"Ah, sir," she said eagerly, "is it really you? Aren't you Burdorf, the representative of my father, the Duke of Brunswick? Heaven has sent you to help me when I needed you most."

"Yes, Milady, it is I," answered Burdorf, "but permit me to ask you why I have the honor of seeing the illustrious Princess of Saxony dressed as a private citizen? Will Your Highness come to my home to tell me what has happened and to accept at the same time lodging suitable to one of your position?"

Adelaide, to show her acceptance, offered her hand to Burdorf, and she and Bathilda were taken immediately to his home. His wife received them magnificently. The princess told her