‘I mean what I say, Aribert,’ and she sought his hand and took it in hers.
‘Just what I say. If a million pounds will save Prince Eugen’s life, it is at his disposal.’
‘But how—how have you managed it? By what miracle?’
‘My father,’ she replied softly, ‘will do anything that I ask him. Do not let us waste time. Go and tell Eugen it is arranged, that all will be well.
Go!’
‘But we cannot accept this—this enormous, this incredible favour. It is impossible.’
‘Aribert,’ she said quickly, ‘remember you are not in Posen holding a Court reception. You are in England and you are talking to an American girl who has always been in the habit of having her own way.’
The Prince threw up his hands and went back in to the bedroom. The doctor was at a table writing out a prescription. Aribert approached the bedside, his heart beating furiously. Eugen greeted him with a faint, fatigued smile.
‘Eugen,’ he whispered, ‘listen carefully to me. I have news. With the assistance of friends I have arranged to borrow that million for you. It is quite settled, and you may rely on it. But you must get better. Do you hear me?’
Eugen almost sat up in bed. ‘Tell me I am not delirious,’ he exclaimed.