Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 268: what you’re looking at

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

A DASH FOR A THRONE. 261 for the rightful heir to the prince, but quite another to attempt to make good that claim legally ; and I soon had a sharp remind?r of this. The old lawyer who had acted for the prince came to me a few days after the funeral for his instructions. I expressed in « general way what I wished, and then he said: “There are certain of the estates which have always gone -vith the title and should go now. It would be possible to make a claim to them against the actual provisions of the will.” He put it suggestively. “TI shall make no claim,” I answered. ‘“ I do not for a moment intend to interfere with the prince’s disposition of matters.” “But he would have wished you to have them, I know. Indeed, I have letters from him to that effect.” “T shall not interfere with the will,” I returned rather abruptly. “ They are very rich estates.” “ ‘That makes no difference to me.” “The cost of maintaining the dignity of your highness’ title and position will be very heavy ; and without them, scarcely practicable.” ““T have my private fortune; and that will and must suffice.” “ Indeed,” he exclaimed in surprise. “I thought I knew to a mark the extent of your mother’s small income. It is derived almost entirely from the Graffenheim property; and I understand that within the last few days you have ordered it to be sold. Do you not intend your affairs to remain in my hands? ” Here was clearly a mess I had not foreseen. The real man was getting rid of his German property when he turned Frenchman. “You will certainly have my confidence, my dear sir,” I said, in 1 carefully courteous manner. “ And, of course, my affairs will remain in your hands. This, however, is only a very small thing, and I did not know of my uncle’s death when I put it in hand.” “ The prince was always desirous of purchasing that property, because, as you know, it lies in the midst of the Gramberg estates. If you wish to sell it I should advise the Countess Minna to purchase it.” “T shall not sell it to the Countess Minna,” I said, at a loss how to parry ._ him. ‘I mean that probably I shall witHtiraw it from sale altogether now.” He looked at me in such surprise that I saw he knew something which _made my reply ridiculous; but being afraid to offend me, he said no more about it, and answered: “ That is, of course, just as you will. Then should I get on with the prepa- ration of ‘the papers of formal proof of your succession? ” “I don’t know what is wanted,” said I, indifferently, though the man’s words had sprung a mine under my very feet. ‘Mere formalities, of course ; just tracing your descent. The certificates of birth and such matters.” : “Oh, yes; whatever is necessary you may revere, Will it take long? ” His answer would tell me what time I should have for the whole business. “No. A day or two, not more.’ The reply filled me with consternation. I could not possibly make a legal GOH GoOOO (GO) i