Somewhat to my surprise the door yielded to my hand, and I entered.
A high settle stood inside, interrupting my view of the room, which seemed to be spacious and full of rich stuffs and furniture, but low in the roof, and somewhat dimly lighted by two windows rather wide than high.

The warm glow of a fire shone on the woodwork of the ceiling, and as I softly closed the door a log on the hearth gave way, with a crackling of sparks, which pleasantly broke the luxurious silence.

The next moment a low, sweet voice asked, 'Alphonse, is that you ?' I walked round the settle and came face to face with a beautiful woman reclining on a couch.

On hearing the door open she had raised herself on her elbow.

Now, seeing a stranger before her, she sprang up with a low cry, and stood gazing at me, her face expressing both astonishment and anger.