I had feigned illness, and kept my room.

From time to time I heard through the windows of the banqueting hall bursts of laughter.

These gradually ceased; and at last when all was still I, after waiting some time, stole from my room with a rope in my hand to the apartment occupied by her.

A slight tap at the door, as arranged, was at once answered, and I found her ready cloaked and prepared for the enterprise.

She trembled from head to foot, but I cheered her to the best of my power, and at last she was in readiness to be lowered.