From up there, it seems, the scene is fairy-like." But they could not think of making the ascent.

Pierre at once enumerated the difficulties.

"How could we hoist ourselves to such a height with Marie's conveyance ?" he asked.

"Besides, we should have to come down again, and that would be dangerous work in the darkness amidst all the scrambling." Marie herself preferred to remain under the trees in the gardens, where it was very mild.

So they started off, and reached the esplanade in front of the great crowned statue of the Virgin.