"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 a 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."
"I shall not sell it to the Countess Minna," I said, at a loss how to parry him. "I mean that probably I shall withdraw 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 preparation 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 prepare. Will it take long?"