.

'A curious case!' said the specialist.

'Yes. Of course, as you say, it's a neurotic temperament that's at the
bottom of the trouble. When you've got that and a vigorous constitution
working one against the other, the results are apt to be distinctly
curious.

Do you consider there is any hope, Sir Charles?'

'If I had seen him when he recovered consciousness I should have said
there was hope. Frankly, when I left last night, or rather this morning,
I didn't expect to see the Prince alive again--let alone conscious, and
able to talk. According to all the rules of the game, he ought to get
over the shock to the system with perfect ease and certainty. But I
don't think he will. I don't think he wants to. And moreover, I think
he is still under the influence of suicidal mania. If he had a razor
he would cut his throat. You must keep his strength up. Inject, if
necessary. I will come in this afternoon. I am due now at St James's
Palace.' And the specialist hurried away, with an elaborate bow and a
few hasty words of polite reassurances to Prince Aribert.

When he had gone Prince Aribert took the other doctor aside. 'Forget
everything, doctor,' he said, 'except that I am one man and you are
another, and tell me the truth. Shall you be able to save his Highness?
Tell me the truth.'

'There is no truth,' was the doctor's reply. 'The future is not in our
hands, Prince.'

'But you are hopeful? Yes or no.'

The doctor looked at Prince Aribert. 'No!' he said shortly. 'I am not. I
am never hopeful when the patient is not on my side.'

'You mean--?'

'I mean that his Royal Highness has no desire to live. You must have
observed that.'

'Only too well,' said Aribert.

'And you are aware of the cause?'

Aribert nodded an affirmative.

'But cannot remove it?'

'No,' said Aribert. He felt a touch on his sleeve. It was Nella's
finger.

With a gesture she beckoned him towards the ante-room.

'If you choose,' she said, when they were alone, 'Prince Eugen can be
saved.

I have arranged it.'

'You have arranged it?' He bent over her, almost with an air of alarm.
'Go and tell him that the million pounds which is so necessary to his
happiness will be forthcoming. Tell him that it will be forthcoming
today, if that will be any satisfaction to him.'

'But what do you mean by this, Nella?'

'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