Prince Eugen, taking advantage of Aribert's attention being momentarily diverted; and yielding to a sudden impulse of despair, had decided to poison himself, and had carried out his intention on the spot.
The laudanum must have been already in his pocket, and this fact went to prove that the unfortunate Prince had previously contemplated such a proceeding, even after his definite promise.

Aribert remembered now with painful vividness his nephew's words: 'I withdraw my promise.

Observe that--I withdraw it.' It must have been instantly after the utterance of that formal withdrawal that Eugen attempted to destroy himself.
'It's laudanum, Hans,' Aribert exclaimed, rather helplessly.
'Surely his Highness has not taken poison ?' said Hans.

'It is impossible!' 'I fear it is only too possible,' said the other.

'It's laudanum.