Кармілла
We Compare Notes
Thestrangernowrose,andleaningonMadame’sarm,walkedslowlyoverthedrawbridgeandintothecastlegate.
Inthehall,servantswaitedtoreceiveher,andshewasconductedforthwithtoherroom.Theroomweusuallysatinasourdrawingroomislong,havingfourwindows,thatlookedoverthemoatanddrawbridge,upontheforestsceneIhavejustdescribed.
Itisfurnishedinoldcarvedoak,withlargecarvedcabinets,andthechairsarecushionedwithcrimsonUtrechtvelvet.Thewallsarecoveredwithtapestry,andsurroundedwithgreatgoldframes,thefiguresbeingaslargeaslife,inancientandverycuriouscostume,andthesubjectsrepresentedarehunting,hawking,andgenerallyfestive.Itisnottoostatelytobeextremelycomfortable;andherewehadourtea,forwithhisusualpatrioticleaningsheinsistedthatthenationalbeverageshouldmakeitsappearanceregularlywithourcoffeeandchocolate.
Wesatherethisnight,andwithcandleslighted,weretalkingovertheadventureoftheevening.
MadamePerrodonandMademoiselleDeLafontainewerebothofourparty.Theyoungstrangerhadhardlylaindowninherbedwhenshesankintoadeepsleep;andthoseladieshadleftherinthecareofaservant.
"Howdoyoulikeourguest?"Iasked,assoonasMadameentered."Tellmeallabouther?"
"Ilikeherextremely,"answeredMadame,"sheis,Ialmostthink,theprettiestcreatureIeversaw;aboutyourage,andsogentleandnice."
