"Yet, even if you do, you will still be the Archduke," he argued.
"I think I would not accept it without the other chances," I said.
"Yet you would adventure those very chances without being sure of the Archdukeship?" he insisted.
I nodded, and Courtney laughed and fingered his imperial.
"You have lost several hours of sleep to-night, my dear Major, very needlessly," he said. "You know quite well you will accept Frederick's offer."
"Do you advise me to accept?" I demanded.
"Do you fancy I would advise you to do anything else?"
"You say that as my best friend?" I persisted.
"I do—and more; I urge it."
"I think I am growing childish," I said, "I can't make a decision; I'm afraid of the Dark, as it were."