I have talked like that myself, dear uncle; it sounds nice, and it means nothing.' 'In this case it means everything, Eugen,' said Aribert quietly.

Some accent of determination in the latter's tone made Eugen rather more serious.
'You can't marry her,' he said.

'The Emperor won't permit a morganatic marriage.' 'The Emperor has nothing to do with the affair.

I shall renounce my rights.
I shall become a plain citizen.' 'In which case you will have no fortune to speak of.' 'But my wife will have a fortune.

Knowing the sacrifices which I shall have made in order to marry her, she will not hesitate to place that fortune in my hands for our mutual use,' said Aribert stiffly.
'You will decidedly be rich,' mused Eugen, as his ideas dwelt on Theodore Racksole's reputed wealth.