Energy books

It will be extremely difficult for a small country, such as
Graustark, to raise nearly forty millions of dollars in, say ten
years. The European syndicates undoubtedly would be willing to renew
the loan under a new issue--I think it is called refunding, or
something of the sort. But Mr. Blithers will be in a position to say
no to any such arrangement. He holds the whip hand and--"
"But, my dear Count," interrupted the Prince, "what if he does hold
it? Does he expect to wait ten years before exercising his power? You
forget that marriage is his ambition. Isn't he taking a desperate
risk in assuming that I will not marry before the ten years are up?
And, for that matter, his daughter may decide to wed some other chap
who--"
"That's just the point," said Quinnox. "He is arranging it so that
you _can't_ marry without his consent."
"The deuce you say!"
"I am not saying that he can carry out his design, my dear boy, but
it is his secret hope, just the same. So far as Graustark is
concerned, she will stand by you no matter what betides.


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