“Ah,” said the king thoughtfully, “what cannot be done with such a sum! Half of it will suffice!”
“That is also my opinion,” said the baron.
“And the remainder can be put aside as a foundation for our house. If we could get the boy also....”
“His money will never be really his—it is held in trust for his children.”
“Magnificent!” said the king. “It would make our house the richest in Europe. Yes, we must arrange it. But meanwhile, my good Lappo, as you know, we have nothing. Did you see Hirsch?”
“Yes, Sire; and he is willing to make a loan—three hundred thousand francs, to be repaid one month after the marriage. The terms,” added the baron, “are rather stiff.”
“No matter,” said the king, who was used to stiff terms. “When can we get the money?”
“I have arranged for the notary and an official of Hirsch’s bank to come this evening, prepared to pay it over after Your Majesty and Danilo have signed the necessary papers. Danilo must not fail to be present.”
“Good,” said the king; “I will attend to that. This does more to cure me than all the doctors,” he added. “There is no illness so annoying as lack of money! And the settlement—that also must be signed without delay.”
“I had thought of to-morrow morning,” said the baron.