The effect of my vehemence was to brace him and make him sedately emphatic. He declared himself to have gained entire possession of the prince's mind. He repeated his positive intention to employ his power for my benefit. Never did power of earth or of hell seem darker to me than he at that moment, when solemnly declaiming that he was prepared to forfeit my respect and love, die sooner than 'yield his prince.' He wore a new aspect, spoke briefly and pointedly, using the phrases of a determined man, and in voice and gesture signified that he had us all in a grasp of iron. The charge of his having plotted to bring it about he accepted with exultation. 'I admit,' he said, 'I did not arrange to have Germany present for a witness besides England, but since he is here, I take advantage of the fact, and to-morrow you will see young Eckart down.' I cried out, as much enraged at my feebleness to resist him, as in disgust of his unscrupulous tricks. 'Ay, you have not known me, Richie,' said he. 'I pilot you into harbour, and all you can do is just the creaking of the vessel to me. You are in my hands. I pilot you. I have you the husband of the princess within the month. No other course is open to her. And I have the assurance that she loses nothing by it. She is yours, my son.' 'She will not be. You have wrecked my last chance. You cover me with dishonour.' 'You are a youngster, Richie. 'Tis the wish of her heart. Probably while you and I are talking it over, the prince is confessing that he has no escape. He has not a loophole! She came to you; you take her. I am far from withholding my admiration of her behaviour; but there it is--she came. Not consent? She is a ruined woman if she refuses!' 'Through you, through you!--through my father!' 'Have you both gone mad?' 'Try to see this,' I implored him. 'She will not be subjected by any threats. The very whisper of one will make her turn from me . . .' He interrupted. 'Totally the contrary. The prince acknowledges that you are master of her affections.' 'Consistently with her sense of honour and respect for us.' 'Tell me of her reputation, Richie.' 'You pretend that you can damage it!' 'Pretend? I pretend in the teeth of all concerned to establish her happiness and yours, and nothing human shall stop me. I have you grateful to me before your old dad lays his head on his last pillow. And that reminds me: I surrender my town house and furniture to you. Waddy has received the word. By the way, should you hear of a good doctor for heart-disease, tell me: I have my fears for the poor soul.' He stood up, saying, 'Richie, I am not like Jorian, to whom a lodging- house dinner is no dinner, and an irreparable loss, but I must have air. I go forth on a stroll.' It was impossible for me to allow it. I stopped him.