CHAPTER XVI. VALLOMBREUSE
Isabelle sat for a long time perfectly motionless in her luxurious
chamber, sunk in a sad reverie, apparently entirely oblivious of the
glow of light, warmth, and comfort that closed her in--glancing up
occasionally at the portrait over the chimney-piece, which seemed to be
smiling down upon her and promising her protection and peace, while it
more than ever reminded her of some dear face she had known and loved
long ago. After a time, however, her mood changed. She grew restless,
and rising, began to wander aimlessly about the room; but her uneasiness
only increased, and finally, in desperation, she resolved to venture out
into the corridor and look about her, no matter at what risk. Anything
would be better than this enforced inactivity and suspense. She tried
the door with a trembling hand, dreading to find herself locked in, but
it was not fastened, and seeing that all was dark outside, she took up
a small lamp, that had been left burning on a side table, and boldly
setting forth, went softly down the long flight of stairs, in the hope
of finding some means of exit from the chateau on the lower floor. At
the foot of the stairs she came to a large double door, one leaf of
which yielded easily when she timidly tried to open it, but creaked
dolefully as it turned on its hinges.
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