Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 102: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A DASH FOR A THRONE. 95 is to be got; for certainly I could not help if I would. If he who was all his life at this work could not keep his house from falling, his son from being killed, and his daughter from danger, what can I hope to do? I, a student, who have lived three quarters of my life in France, who loathe a military career, aid who know absolutely nothing of the intricacies of diplomatic intrigue? You say you could help me? I don’t know how;; but if you could what is the gain forme? My uncle is dead, and leaves me nothing but a mess of intrigue and danger. My cousin is engaged and therefore will marry—and what is her husband to me?” “ Surely you are not dead to the demands of honor?” I cried; but against the wall of his selfishness the sea would have broken itself 1n vain. ‘How do I serve my honor by forsaking Angele? No, no. I tell you I have ceased to be a German; I have renounced my family, and shall live undera new name. Iamastudent. This is work for men like you. Go and do it. I am rendering that girl a far greater service by sending you than by going myself.” It was useless to argue with him. He was hopelessly callous and I sat biting my lips in anxious thought. “When they know I have become a Frenchman, do you think they will accept help at my hands? Will they welcome my French wife? Or my new family? Should I wreck my own happiness to enable them to insult me and all that are now dear to me? Am Ia fool? I will do what I can, but not that. If my cousin should need a home she shall have as comfortable a one as my means will provide. But they must not claim me as one of their own kin. That is all.” / “They are not likely to make any claim of the kind on you,” I said; and the bitter contempt I felt for him came out in my tone. He winced and flushed, and for a moment was stung to anger; but it passed. __ “You think poorly of me because I have decided matters thus. As you will. We shall not meet again. Probably I shall never again cross the fron- tier. To show you my decision is no mere whim, but a deliberately chosen course, here I have 2 duly drawn up declaration renouncing my heirship. J drew it, of course, before I knew of the prince’s death; and I declined abso- lutely his proposals and announced my intention to change my name and become a Frenchman. I was going to have this attested before a notary, and then send it to my uncle; but you can take it as it is, if you like. I will make a sworn declaration at any time it is desired. Do just what you will, and this I swear to you. I will never breathe a word of what has passed unless you wish me to speak. I owe you that for having brought you into the mess.” I took the paper and rose to leave. I will take means to let you know what is done. Here, I suppose?” I spoke curtly, for I felt strongly. “I do not wish to hear anything. A letter here will find me, of course, but my name for the future will be Henri Frombe—Hans von Fromberg will have ceased to exist unless you are he.” So indifferent was he to the critical seriousness of the affairs that he laughed as he said this and added: “ You will not see Angele. I am grieved at that; ” and he held out his hand. GOH GoOOO ‘SS COLNT