"
"But sometimes it chances that the magic charms and spells, represented
by these bolts and bars, are insufficient, my beloved Isabelle, and
the enemy manages to force his way in, despite them all--and the mystic
signs, phylacteries, and abracadabras into the bargain."
"Yes; but that is when the princess within secretly favours his
efforts," said Isabelle, with a mischievous smile, "and in some
mysterious way constitutes herself his accomplice; being tired of her
seclusion, perhaps, or else in love with the bold intruder--neither of
which is my case you know, de Sigognac! Surely if I'm not afraid--I, who
am more timid than the trembling doe when she hears the dread sound of
the hunter's horn and the baying of the hounds you should not fear--you,
who are brave as Alexander the Great himself. Sleep in peace to-night,
my friend, I pray you, and sleep soundly--not with one eye open, as you
have done so often of late for my sake; and now, good night."
She held out to him a pretty little hand, white and soft enough to have
belonged to a veritable princess, which he kissed as reverently as if it
had been a queen's; then waited to hear her turn the big, clumsy, iron
key three times in the lock--no easy task for her delicate fingers--and
push home the heavy bolt.
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