Blanka, much bewildered and still doubting the evidence of her senses, sank down on a sofa, while her unbidden guest seated herself opposite.

The princess raised her eyes involuntarily to the Sappho over the mantelpiece.

Again the familiar laugh fell on her ears.
"You look up at the Sappho," said the marchioness.

"You have heard her play and sing and laugh more than once, haven't you?
Well, you shall learn the secret of it all.

A jealous husband once had the passage constructed which connects our two apartments.