CHAPTER SIX“Checkmate!”
Ilina looked at the chessboard somewhat ruefully.
“You have won again,” she exclaimed. “And I used to think that I was a good player.”
The Duke smiled.
“I learnt many years ago with my father. Perhaps chess is a family pastime?”
“Why not?” Ilina asked. “As it may have been invented by the Chinese, it is always supposed to be a game for the intelligent.”
“Is that what you think I am?” the Duke enquired.
Moving her chessmen back on the board, Ilina replied,
“I think you are very intelligent in – some ways and very – stupid in others.”
She spoke without thinking and then, as if she felt that she had been rude, she looked at the Duke and apologised,
“I am – sorry. That was something I should – not have said.”
“I like frankness,” the Duke replied, “even if it
