Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/93

 Frankfort for her health and that she did not want to receive anybody. Nothing stimulates love like resistance and the margrave renewed his propositions from time to time, but always received the same answer. However, he did continue to see her in society and this redoubled his love.

"Well, Milady," he said to her one day when he happened to see her alone, "will it never be possible for me to express the tender sentiments which I have for you?"

"But it seems to me that you are doing that now, Sir," said Adelaide, ignoring the high rank of the one who was speaking to her. "Your words and acts have for a long time shown me the ardor of your feelings for me. My answers should have convinced you that it is impossible for me even to listen to you."

"What is the cause of this attitude? Is it due to caprice or do you have certain bonds which keep you from responding to my offers?"

"You would need to know the reasons for my refusal only if it were possible to overcome them, but as they are indestructible, what does it matter what they are?"

"It would at least be a consolation."

"And why should I console someone for the trouble he is causing himself? Your pride must console you; humiliated by my refusal, you should henceforth silence those desires which can only cause you to be hurt again."

"But it seems to me, Milady, that the permission to see you would bring no consequences. The satisfaction which I would have from this favor would lead to none of the inconveniences which you fear."

"I don't fear the inconveniences, but the indifference of my reply should convince you better than anything else that you should not ask for that favor."

"Milady, I will risk anything to see you," said the margrave as he withdrew somewhat vexed.

For three days, Adelaide did not see the gentleman. Then one day he suddenly appeared.

"I feel quite guilty, Milady," he said as he entered. "I should not, according to your orders, come to your house."

"Your visit is quite senseless, Sir. I see in it only frustration for you and boredom for me."