There was no
certainty that the note proceeded in any way from the Fair Geraldine,
nor could he even be sure that she was in the castle. Still, despite
these misgivings, the attraction was too powerful to be resisted, and he
turned over the means of getting out of his chamber, but the scheme
seemed wholly impracticable. The window was at a considerable
height above the ramparts of the keep, and even if he could reach
them, and escape the notice of the sentinels, he should have to make a
second descent into the fosse. And supposing all this accomplished
how was he to return? The impossibility of answering this latter mental
interrogation compelled him to give up all idea of the attempt.
On returning to his prison-chamber, he stationed himself at the
embrasure overlooking the ramparts, and listened to the regular tread
of the sentinel below, half resolved, be the consequences what they
might, to descend. As the appointed time approached, his anxiety
became almost intolerable, and quitting the window, he began to pace
hurriedly to and fro within the chamber, which, as has been previously
observed, partook of the circular form of the keep, and was supported
in certain places by great wooden pillars and cross-beams.
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