to make her way to the coast and sail for England; to start for
Paris, and throw herself in person on the Queen's protection,--all
had occurred to her, and been discussed with her two _confidantes_;
but the hope of the Queen's interference, together with the
exceeding difficulty of acting, had hitherto prevented her from
taking any steps, since no suspicion had arisen in the minds of
those about her. Veronique, caring infinitely more for her
mistress's health and well-being than for the object of Eustacie's
anxieties, had always secretly trusted that delay would last till
action was impossible, and that the discovery would be made, only
without her being accused of treason. In the present stress of
danger, she could but lament and entreat, for Eustacie's resolution
bore her down; and besides, as she said to herself, her Lady was
after all going to her foster-father and mother, who would make her
hear reason, and bring her back at once, and then there would be no
anger nor disgrace incurred. The dark muddy length of walk would
be the worst of it--and, bah! most likely Madame would be convinced
by it, and return of her own accord.

So Veronique, though not intermitting her protests, adjusted her
own dress upon her mistress,--short striped petticoat, black
bodice, winged turban-like white cap, and a great muffling gray
cloth cloak and hook over the head and shoulders--the costume in
which Veronique was wont to run to her home in the twilight on
various errands, chiefly to carry her mistress's linen; for
starching Eustacie's plain bands and cuffs was Mere Perrine's
special pride. The wonted bundle, therefore, now contained a few
garments, and the money and jewels, especially the chaplet of
pearls, which Eustacie regarded as a trust.