Chazeul left the room instantly, by the door which led direct along the corridor, to the apartments of Rose d'Albret. All was still, however; the noise which his mother mentioned had ceased; and it was not till he came close to the ante-chamber that he thought he heard a sound of moaning, as if some one was giving way to the expression of pain or grief. He instantly knocked at the door, and called to Blanchette, who demanded, in a voice half-drowned by tears, "Who is there?"
"It is I," replied the Marquis. "What is the matter, Blanchette? Open the door; let me in."
"I cannot," replied Blanchette; "the door is locked, and I can't get out."
"How is your mistress?" asked Chazeul.
"I do not know," replied the girl.
"Well, go in and see, then," said the Marquis.
"I cannot," rejoined Blanchette again; "that door is fastened too."
A sudden suspicion of the truth flashed through the mind of Chazeul, and he stood for a moment, stupified with surprise and anger. Then, hastening back to the hall, he exclaimed, "Something is wrong! The girl Blanchette is locked into her room.--We must force the door."
"To the window! to the window!" replied the Marchioness; and, hurrying out to the flying bridge, they descended the stone steps into the coulisse, Monsieur de Liancourt exclaiming,
"Quick! some one bring a ladder."