The world went on as usual, it appeared.

It was an absurd world.
He desired nothing better than to abandon his princely title, and live as a plain man, the husband of the finest woman on earth....

But now!...
Pah! How selfish he was, to be thinking of himself when Eugen lay dying.
Yet--Nella! The door opened, and a man entered, who was obviously the doctor.

A few curt questions, and he had grasped the essentials of the case.

'Oblige me by ringing the bell, Prince.