Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 269: what you’re looking at

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

262 a, THE ARGOSY.. ; claim to what did not belong to me; and yet I must have time—weeks at least, and probably months. I let no sign of my feelings show in my face, but sat impassively thoughtiul. Then, as if debating a point, I answered: “You will have to create some delay in the matter. It is useless keeping my confidence from you. ‘This will of the prince’s leaves me nothing but the castle ; and that seems to have been about the only part of his property that he had mortgaged; so that practically there is nothing. Whether I shall accept the inheritance, therefore, and, of course, the title with it, is a question [ have yet to decide; and I must have as long a time for that decision as possible— but, mark you, no one must know of this but yourself. This is my first confi- dential commission to you. Certain things might determine me at once, but marriages cannot be arranged in a week. You understand? And I have no fancy for the life of a man weighted with a big title, and no means to sup- port it properly.” He bowed as if in acquiescence, although this glaring contradiction of what I had said only a minute before obviously perplexed and disconcerted him. - | “ And now that you have my confidence,” I said, laying great stress on the word, “tell me how long can we postpone these formalities—or, in other words, how long can I have to carry out my—-my plan; ” and I smiled slightly as though the plan were some such matrimonial one as I had hinted at. “A month, perhaps two months, without provoking much comment—of course, providing there is no opposition,” he replied cautiously. “T will find a way to deal with any opposition,” said I promptly. “ And now, we understand each other.” With that I dismissed him. I saw the danger of this new development. The least suspicion would in- evitably cause inquiry; and the most superficial inquiry would as inevitably bring the whole house of cards tumbling about my ears. But I had certainly one month, and perhaps two; and I must put the time to the best use I could. The question of what that use should be was considerably influenced by Von Nauheim, who returned that night and immediately sought an interview with me. . I noticed at once a marked change in his attitude. “T want a confidential talk with you, prince,” he said, “and before we begin I wish to say I am very sorry I made a bear of myself to you before the funeral. But I was frightfully upset at the prince’s sudden death. It seemed to me that all our plans were going to the devil, and that it was impossible for . a man who had ‘ad only a student’s career like yours could be of any use in stich a case as ours. I own that I tried to frighten you into leaving here with- out going into matters; and then it was I saw what a different kind of man you were. But I was too wild to own it.” “And what had changed you since? ” ‘“T've been in Braunstadt in conference with our friends there to ascertain _ what effect the prince’s death will have.” “Well?” “Von Krugen tells me you know everything, and the long and short of it S (GO) GOH GoOOO ie