Huge, wild shadows danced over the big expanse of bare wall up to the very vaults decorated with sunken panels.

So endless seemed the ascent that at last a halt became necessary; but the slow march was soon resumed.

Fortunately Dario's apartments--bed-chamber, dressing-room, and sitting-room--were on the first floor adjoining those of the Cardinal in the wing facing the Tiber; so, on reaching the landing, they only had to walk softly along the corridor, and at last, to their great relief, laid the wounded man upon his bed.
Victorine vented her satisfaction in a light laugh.

"That's done," said she; "put the lamp on that table, Contessina.

I'm sure nobody heard us.
It's lucky that Donna Serafina should have gone out, and that his Eminence should have shut himself up with Don Vigilio.