He sidestepped defeat by an assumption of frankness.
"Tell us about it.

If I have spoken harshly it is only reasonable.

Tell us under what circumstance you met her highness and how she happened to tell you this very important news.

Every one knows that this marriage is to take place." Gretchen nodded.

"Nevertheless, her highness has changed her mind." And she recounted picturesquely her adventure in the royal gardens, and all hung on her words in a kind of maze.