A broad, easy flight
of stone steps led up to the terrace, affording in their ascent a
most imposing view of the chateau, which loomed up grandly against the
evening sky. Many of the windows on this side were lighted, whilst the
others glistened brightly as the silvery moon-beams struck upon them--as
did also the dewdrops on the shrubbery and the grass-plots--as if a
shower of diamonds had fallen on this favoured spot. Looking towards
the park, the long vistas cut through the wood, losing themselves in the
hazy blue of the distance, called to mind Breughel's famous picture of
Paradise, or else disclosed the far-away gleam of a marble statue, or
the spray of a misty fountain sparkling in the moonlight.
Isabelle and de Sigognac slowly ascended the broad steps, pausing
frequently to turn and look back at this enchanting scene, and charmed
with the beauty of the night walked for a little while to and fro upon
the terrace before retiring to their rooms. As they were in full sight
of the windows, and it was not yet very late, the modest young girl
felt that there could be no impropriety in this little indulgence; and
besides, the baron's extreme timidity was very reassuring to her, and
she knew that he would not presume upon the favour accorded to him.
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