Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/91

 story, and the delegate, moved by the strange fate of a woman of such high birth, told her that even if she wanted to return to Saxony, it would be impossible. War had just been declared in that part of Germany and the best thing for her to do was to stay in Frankfort or to travel.

'While you are making your plans, Milady," he continued, "will you permit me to repair in some way the losses which you have sustained? Here is a letter of credit which will permit you to receive money in all the principal cities of Europe."

The princess hesitated before such an offer.

"And allow me," he continued presenting to the princess two purses filled with gold, "to join to it this sum fpr your daily needs until you use the letter of credit."

"Sir," answered the princess, "thank you a thousand times for this kindness, but I can't accept this money since I am unable to return it. In the situation in which I find myself with regard to my husband, I can assure you nothing from Dresden."

"I have no need of such guarantees," answered the delegate. "The money which I am putting at your disposal belongs to the Duke of Brunswick, your distinguished father. I have only to get a simple receipt from you. Huge sums were sent to me for raising troops. They have been more than sufficient, and I am sure I can make no better use of the remaining money than to give it to you."

"Will you give me your word of honor that what you say is true, Sir?"

"I give it to you, Milady."

"It is only with this certainty that I take these sums, and my gratitude to you is of the highest order. My protection over you will last forever."

A simple dinner followed this generous act. The next day, the princess, not wanting to inconvenience Burdorf by taking lodging in his house, rented a superb house in the finest section of the city. Servants were hired, and the princess resumed her former mode of life. She gave herself the name of the Baroness von Neuhaus as both she and the delegate thought it would not be wise to use her title of Princess of Saxony.

A few days later, the Baroness von Neuhaus invited the