That excused many things.

How strangely the chess-men were moved! Had Grumbach not assisted in the abduction, her highness would in all probability have grown up as other princesses, artificial, cold, reserved, seldom touched by the fires of animated thought or action.

In fact, had things been otherwise, he never would have ridden with her highness in the freshness of the morning--or fallen in love with her.

By rights he ought to curse Grumbach; but for him he would still be captain of his heart.

Mad with love! There was no doubt of it.