There was a long silence. Then—
"Poor frog," said Valerie, standing upright and turning.
"It's very nice of you to say so," said Anthony, falling into step.
"But he richly deserved it."
"And what happened to the Princess?"
"Oh, she went the way Princesses go, and enriched the memories of all who saw her, and in due season she married a Prince."
"Didn't she ever think any more of the frog?"
"No," said Anthony.
"Then why did she kiss him?"
They had come to the garden door by now, and, as she spoke, Valerie set a hand on the latch.
"Out of pity," said Anthony. "She had a sweet, kind heart, and she was sorry for him because he was a frog."