However, added Victorine, she had her orders.
The staircase was in one corner of the court, under the porticus.

It was a monumental staircase with broad, low steps, the incline being so gentle that a horse might easily have climbed it.

The stone walls, however, were quite bare, the landings empty and solemn, and a death-like mournfulness fell from the lofty vault above.
As they reached the first floor, noticing Pierre's emotion, Victorine smiled.

The mansion seemed to be uninhabited; not a sound came from its closed chambers.

Simply pointing to a large oaken door on the right-hand, the housekeeper remarked: "The wing overlooking the court and the river is occupied by his Eminence.