She pledged herself to retain her disguise, and to return with Perez, without hesitation, and accompany her uncle to the vale, as intended.

But that she should start at once, he positively refused.

How could she hope to accomplish her journey without, at least, two hours' repose?
It was then late in the evening.
At six the next morning all should be ready for her journey, and there would be still more than twenty-four hours before her; Marie tried to be content, but the horrible dread of being too late did not leave her for a moment, even in sleep, and inexpressibly thankful was she when the morning dawned.

Julien's provident care had been active while she slept.

Perez, flattered at the trust reposed in him, had offered himself to accompany the young novice to Segovia: and at the appointed hour he was ready, mounted himself, and leading a strong, docile palfrey for brother Ernest's use.