I no longer desired their society.
Had I not that of a real Princess, and if my companion was inclined to be a little wayward and domineering--why, was not that the very birthright of all Princesses?
Helene and I had great choice of plays within the walls of the solemn castle.

So long as we kept to the outer yard and did not intrude upon the Duke's side of the enclosure, we were free to come and go at our pleasure.

For even Casimir himself was soon well accustomed to see us run about like puppies, slapping and tumbling, and minded us no more than the sparrows that pecked in the litter of the stable-yard.

Indeed, I think he had forgotten all about the strange home-coming of the Little Playmate.
The kennels of the blood-hounds especially were full of fascination for us.

That fatal deep-mouthed clamoring at morn and even drew us like a magnet.