d because its ruler is most vitally interested.
He would serve and save Graustark, as you know, and he would satisfy
Axphain. It is in my power to give you aid at this last, trying hour,
and I implore you to listen to my words of sincerest friendship,--yes,
adoration. To-morrow you are to pay to Prince Bolaroz over twenty-five
million gavvos or relinquish the entire north half of your domain. I
understand the lamentable situation. You can raise no more than fifteen
millions and you are helpless. He will grant no extension of time. You
know what I have proffered before. I come to-day to repeat my friendly
offer and to give unquestioned bond as to my ability to carry it out.
If you agree to accept the loan I extend, ten million gavvos for fifteen
years at the usual rate of interest, you can on to-morrow morning place
in the hand of Axphain when he makes his formal demand the full amount
of your indebtedness in gold. Ricardo, open the chest!"

An attendant threw open the lid of the chest. It was filled with gold
coins.

"This box contains one hundred thousand gavvos. There are in your halls
nine boxes holding nine times as much as you see here. And there are
nine times as much all told on the way. This is an evidence of my good
faith. Here is the gold. Pay Bolaroz and owe Gabriel, the greatest
happiness that could come to him."

There was a dead silence after this theatrical action.

"The interest on this loan is not all you ask, I understand," said
Halfont, slowly, his black eyes glittering. "You ask something that
Graustark cannot and will not barter--the hand of its Sovereign. If
you are willing to make this loan, naming a fair rate of interest,
withdrawing your proposal of marriage, we can come to an agreement."

Gabriel's eyes deadened with disappointment, his breast heaved and his
fingers twitched.

"I have the happiness of your Sovereign at heart as much as my own," he
said. "She shall never want for devotion, she shall never know a pain."

"You are determined, then, to adhere to your original proposition?"
demanded the Count.

"She would have married Lorenz to save her land, to protect her people.
Am I not as good as Lorenz? Why not give--" began Gabriel, viciously,
but Yetive arose, and, with gleaming eyes and flushing cheeks,
interrupted him.

"Go! I will not hear you--not one word!"

He passed from the room without another word. Her Court saw her standing
straight and immovable, her white face transf