I must replenish my very low exchequer by a marriage, a marriage not so distasteful as it might be." He met my darkening eyes with serenity.
"Since Thursday night I have not been so certain of my wife's dowry.
If there are two Princesses, twins, they must govern jointly, or one may abdicate in favor of the other.

Her Serene Highness the Princess Hildegarde is the one who will be most likely to relinquish her claims to Hohenphalia.

If your friend is proved to be her sister--" He stroked the orchid reflectively.
"Well ?" I cried, my pulse quickening.
"I shall withdraw my claim to the hand of the Princess Hildegarde.

I do not care to rule half a principality or share half its revenues.
There are better things left than that.

It is my hope, however, that no proofs can be found, and that your banker-diplomatist will show conclusively that his niece was born in America.