She offered her services to Isabelle without looking up, and in a low, subdued voice, as if she feared that the very walls had ears.

Isabelle allowed her to take down and comb out her long, silky hair, which was very much dishevelled, and to arrange it again as she habitually wore it; which was quickly and skilfully done.

Then the maid opened a wardrobe and took out several beautiful gowns, exquisitely made and trimmed, and just Isabelle's size; but she would not even look at them, and sharply ordered that they should instantly be put back where they belonged, though her own dress was very much the worse for the rough treatment it had been subjected to on the preceding day, and it was a trial to the sweet, dainty creature to be so untidy.

But she was determined to accept nothing from the duke, no matter how long her captivity might last.

The maid did not insist, but acceded to her wishes with a mild, pitying air--just as indulgence is shown, as far as possible, to all the little whims and caprices of prisoners condemned to death.