The poor Duchess descended slowly, but without trembling.
Lady Lucrezia, moved by curiosity, or compassion, or rather by both, stirred from her usual impassibility, decided to follow her unobserved in the distance. Scarcely did she see her enter her husband's room, ere she hastened her steps, and placed her ear at the door.
She heard merry greetings and cheerful salutations.
"God be thanked, it begins well,"—she murmured.
Then listened again, and heard a sound of laughter, and kisses given and returned.
"Better and better ..."
And holding her breath, she still listened eagerly.—But we will say no more, only repeat with the Poet:
The modest Muse forbears to speak
Of close embrace and flashing cheek,
And kisses warm, and words of love;