But a personal affair! Five millions of crowns! The possibilities of your wealth overwhelm me." The Englishman smiled.

"I dare say I have more than my share of this world's goods.

I can give you a check for the amount on the bank of England." "Your Majesty's lamented predecessor--" "Is dead," said the king gently.

He had no desire to hear the minister recount that ruler's virtues.

"Peace to his ashes." "Five millions of crowns!" The minister had lost his equipoise in the face of the Englishman's great riches, of which hitherto he had held some doubts.