"Bathilda," said the princess when they were back in the chateau, "did you notice those two men on horseback who followed the road which is parallel to the one we were following?"
"Yes, Milady."
"Well, one of those men was the Prince of Saxony and the other the Count of Mersburg."
"I do not have the honor of knowing your illustrious husband, Milady, but I admit that the one who accompanied him seemed to resemble very much the Count of Mersburg, and although I have seen that gentleman only once when my father sent me to court with a message, I feel sure that Milady is not mistaken."
"But what are they doing in this neighborhood? Mersburg is furnishing me the means of escaping from the fury of the prince, is he going to expose me now to their cruel effects?"
"That is hardly possible, Milady," said Bathilda, "if the count has any such intentions, both of them would already be here."
"Where could they be going in such simple attire? You will have to admit, Bathilda, that it looks as though they are out looking for me."
"But how could they find you as long as the count is along to see to it that the prince looks in the wrong places. Assuredly, he is not going to deliver you to your husband."
"I think you are right, but one fears everything in the cruel position in which I find myself. Whatever happens," continued Adelaide, "all this separates me forever from the one I love. I have confided to you the sentiment I have for the Marquis of Thuringia; I have discovered in you the fine qualities which will guarantee me your discretion. You see, Bathilda, it will be a long time before I see the Marquis again."
"But, Milady, if it were possible to let him know where we are, he would come immediately."
"I fear such imprudences. The pride which I have would not permit me because I would be too humiliated if any such infidelity to my husband were discovered.
48
