With a cry of gladness I turned to the drawer whence I had taken the habit in which she was arrayed, and selecting another one I hastily donned it above the garments that I wore.
No sooner was it done than I caught her by the arm.
"Come, Madonna," I bade her in an urgent voice.

At the first step she stumbled.

The habit was so long that it cumbered her feet.

But that was a difficulty soon conquered.

With my dagger I cut a piece from the skirt of it, enough to leave her freedom of movement; and, that accomplished, we set out.
We crossed the church swiftly and silently, and a moment I left her in the porch whilst I surveyed the street.