" Fourthly and finally," the father said, looking ironically at his son, "I beg you to put it off for a year: go abroad, take a cure, look out as you wanted to for a German tutor for Prince Nicholas.

Then if your love or passion or obstinacy--as you please--is still as great, marry! And that's my last word on it.

Mind, the last..." concluded the prince, in a tone which showed that nothing would make him alter his decision.