Prince Eugen, accompanied by Hans and some Court officials whom he had sent for, had departed with immense eclat, armed with the comfortable million, to arrange formally for his betrothal.
Touching the million, Eugen had given satisfactory personal security, and the money was to be paid off in fifteen years.
'You wish to talk to me, Prince,' said Racksole to Aribert, when they were seated together in the former's room.
'I wish to tell you,' replied Aribert, 'that it is my intention to renounce all my rights and titles as a Royal Prince of Posen, and to be known in future as Count Hartz--a rank to which I am entitled through my mother.
Also that I have a private income of ten thousand pounds a year, and a chateau and a town house in Posen.

I tell you this because I am here to ask the hand of your daughter in marriage.

I love her, and I am vain enough to believe that she loves me.

I have already asked her to be my wife, and she has consented.

We await your approval.' 'You honour us, Prince,' said Racksole with a slight smile, 'and in more ways than one, May I ask your reason for renouncing your princely titles ?' 'Simply because the idea of a morganatic marriage would be as repugnant to me as it would be to yourself and to Nella.' 'That is good.' The Prince laughed.