From this corridor there is a passage up into yonder
tower. It is unoccupied and deserted. Nobody ever thinks of entering
that part of the castle, and the quiet of the grave reigns
throughout those apartments, which nevertheless are furnished with a
magnificence truly regal. There will I receive him."
"But how shall he make his way thither?"
"Oh, do not be concerned; I have thought over that many days since;
and while I was refusing my lover the interview for which he again
and again implored me, I was quietly preparing everything so as to
be able one day to grant it to him. Today this object is attained,
and today have I fulfilled his wish, voluntarily and unasked; for I
saw he had no more courage to ask again. Listen, then. From the
tower, a spiral staircase leads down to a small door, through which
you gain entrance into the garden. I have a key to this door. Here
it is. Once in possession of this key, he has nothing further to do
but remain behind in the park this evening, instead of leaving the
castle; and by means of this he will come to me, for I will wait for
him in the tower, in the large room directly opposite the staircase
landing. Here, take the key; give it to him, and repeat to him all
that I have said."
"Well, princess, there remains for you now only to appoint the hour
at which you will receive him there."
"The hour," said she, as she turned away her blushing face. "You
understand, John, that it is not feasible to receive him there by
day, because there is by day not a single moment in which I am not
watched.
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