Besides, it's Monday to-day, the Princess will be receiving visitors this evening.

You'll see." Then, opening a door, beyond which was a second and very narrow staircase, she went on: "We others have our rooms on the third floor.

I must ask Monsieur l'Abbe to let me go up before him." The grand staircase ceased at the second floor, and Victorine explained that the third story was reached exclusively by this servants' staircase, which led from the lane running down to the Tiber on one side of the mansion.

There was a small private entrance in this lane, which was very convenient.
At last, reaching the third story, she hurried along a passage, again calling Pierre's attention to various doors.

"These are the apartments of Don Vigilio, his Eminence's secretary.