The night chosen was one when I knew that the count was to have guests, and I thought that they would probably, as is the custom, drink heavily, and that there would be less fear of any watch being kept.
"The guests arrived just at nightfall.

I had feigned illness, and kept my room.

From time to time I heard through the windows of the banqueting hall bursts of laughter.

These gradually ceased; and at last, when all was still, I, awaiting some time, stole from my room with a rope in my hand to the apartment occupied by her.

A slight tap at the door, as arranged, was at once answered, and I found her ready cloaked and prepared for the enterprise.