This space passed, Mme.Bonacieux pushed a little servants' door, open by day but generally closed at night.

The door yielded.

Both entered, and found themselves in darkness; but Mme.Bonacieux was acquainted with all the turnings and windings of this part of the Louvre, appropriated for the people of the household.

She closed the door after her, took the duke by the hand, and after a few experimental steps, grasped a balustrade, put her foot upon the bottom step, and began to ascend the staircase.

The duke counted two stories.