In this way it came about that, in the matter of play, the princess led a double life.

She spent the early part of the afternoon in the wood with the Twins; and from tea till the dressing-bell for dinner rang she enjoyed the society of Wiggins.

She told no one of her friendship with the Twins; and Wiggins was surprised by her eagerness to hear everything about them he could tell.

Between them she was beginning to acquire cheerfulness and muscle; and she was losing her air of delicacy, but not at a rate that satisfied the exigent Terror..