It looked all so charming, that the ladies began to forget their fears and scruples.
“So far well,” said the queen; “we have a shelter, at all events, and seemingly a very charming one; but you had better see to one thing—that is, to keep off your servants.”
“Oh, nothing more easy;” and the prince, seizing a little bell which hung on one of the pillars, rang one clear stroke.
“Oh!” cried the queen, frightened, “is that the way to keep them off? I should have thought it would bring them.”
“If I had rung again, it would have done so, but when I only ring once, they know they are not wanted.”
“Oh, you are a man of precaution!” said the queen laughing.
“Now, dear sister, take the trouble to go up-stairs.”
“Let us obey,” said the queen, “the genius of this place appears not disagreeable;” and they went up, their steps making no sound on the thick Aubusson carpet.
At the top, the prince rang another bell, which gave them a fresh start of surprise, and their astonishment increased when they saw the doors open of themselves.
“Really, Andrée,” said the queen, “I begin to tremble, do not you?”