Gripping on to an iron spar, the countess hauled herself up into the darkness. Ahead of her Pigalle was crawling along a tunnel radiating from the main chimney at a steep angle. Taking a deep breath and murmuring a quick prayer, the countess followed. After a brisk crawl the light ahead grew stronger as Pigalle cleared the tunnel and dropped from view. The countess shuffled along after her and peeked meekly down into the candle-lit room. She crossed herself again, took a deep breath and jumped. She landed in a sooty bundle at a gentleman's feet. She staggered to her feet, brushing herself down and wishing she was not wearing such a provocative night-dress. She pushed a stray hair out of her eye, only to realise that her wig was somewhere back in the chimney.