The prospect of winning Jeanne at any cost became more and more attractive to him.

The Princess, who was looking at him through half closed eyes, saw that he was perfectly safe.
"And now, my dear Count," she said, "I am going to ask you a favour.

I am doing for you something for which you ought to be grateful to me all your life.

For a mere trifle which will not recompense me in the least for what I am giving up, I am finding you one of the most desirable brides in Europe.

I want you to help me a little." "What is it that I can do ?" he asked.
"Let me have five thousand pounds on account of what you are going to give me, to-morrow morning," she said coolly.
De Brensault hesitated.