Singular, was it not?
Followed a sparkling anecdote or so of court life and shrugging reference to the jealous principality of Galituria that lay beyond in the valley.

To Galiturians the madness of King Rodobald was an exquisite jest.
Philip grew restless.
"Confound him!" he mused resentfully.

"One would think I had deliberately contrived to linger here merely to give him a graceful opportunity to accomplish his infernal errand himself.

Thank Heaven this lets me out!" He glanced furtively at Diane.

The girl's interest was wholesomely without constraint.
"Great guns!" decided Philip fretfully.