Page:Marquis de Sade - Adelaide of Brunswick.djvu/99

 which would allow him to see Adelaide as often as he wished, for he was beginning to love her. He used all his eloquence to persuade the prince that he would succeed in his courtship only if he used the most refined delicacy and gallantry. In order to please his prisoner, the margrave gave sumptuous festivities to which were invited all the important people in the neighborhood. But Adelaide was never happy at these entertainments because there was always some member of the court of the margrave stationed near her to prevent her making any plans for escape. Finally, she stopped attending these parties and sent word to the margrave that she would no longer leave her apartment unless she was given complete freedom.

This brought a new visit from Dourlach to try to make her change her mind. He told her that the cessation of these precautions depended only upon her; since the margrave wanted her, it was natural that he would continue to keep her prisoner until he had obtained this desire.

"I understand perfectly," said Adelaide. "It seems to me that if you loved a woman, you would not treat her in this way."

"Far from it, Milady. These Asiatic ways are repugnant to me. I would never force my attentions on the one I loved."

"Your gallantry and charm are so fine that they merit a return of affection from some woman."

"Alas, Milady, I hope to receive that affection some day for as yet I have not."

"What! You have never loved?"

"Before your arrival at the chateau, I could have said no, but since that day my heart has been no longer mine."

"Someone came about that time who was capable of captivating your heart?"

"Oh, yes, Milady, but I must overcome and stifle these sentiments which can only end by making a fool of me."

"Are you so sure of this?"

"I have only to watch you to learn. I see how miserable you have caused my master to become, and I realize that I must control my affections or suffer like him."

"But the person you love may not have the same reason for