Both the women were miserably equipped for such an expedition.

Cousin Eugenie trailed heavy furs, Saskia's only wrap was a bright-coloured shawl about her shoulders, and both wore thin foreign shoes.

Dickson insisted on stripping off his trusty waterproof and forcing it on the Princess, on whose slim body it hung very loose and very short.

The elder woman stumbled and whimpered and needed the constant support of his arm, walking like a townswoman from the knees.

But Saskia swung from the hips like a free woman, and Dickson had much ado to keep up with her.