So the compact was made, and Jeanne had found the way to make the first step toward the fulfilling of her mission, and the journey was finished without further incident. However, it proved not so easy to leave for Vaucouleurs as she supposed it would be. Lassois and his young wife lived with her parents, the wife's mother being Isabeau's sister was therefore Jeanne's aunt. Both mother and daughter welcomed their young kinswoman with delight, and took such pleasure in her society that they were unwilling that she should leave them even for a day. Thus four days went by before Durand was able to fulfill his promise. It was managed at last, however, and the maiden's heart beat high as they left Bury le Petit behind them, and set their faces toward Vaucouleurs. Being but a three mile journey it was quickly made. Though born and bred in the valley it was the first time that she had ever seen the grim little fighting town where Robert de Baudricourt upheld the Standard of the Lilies against that of the Leopard. Therefore she looked about her with natural curiosity. The width of the valley lessened here. The hills pressed so closely upon the river that the meadows lay at the very feet of the town. Within the walls the buildings clustered round the base of a hill upon which stood the castle of the Governor and the church, overlooking the vast extent of hills and dominating the valley. Without difficulty they entered the town, and climbed one of the narrow streets leading to the castle. The gates were open, for the bluff Captain was easy of access to his followers and townsmen. A number of soldiers were scattered about the courtyard burnishing armour, sharpening swords, and all as busy and merry as valiant men-at-arms should be. They cast curious glances at the pair, the rustic countryman and his fair companion, but on the whole were civil enough, permitting them to pass without hindrance into an ante-chamber of the castle. "Shall I not speak to Sire Robert first, Jeanne?" questioned Lassois, who became all at once awkward and diffident. Secretly he hoped that the Governor would refuse to see his young kinswoman. He feared his ridicule. Jeanne shook her head. "Let us go together, Uncle Durand. Go thou to thy master, the Sire Robert," she added, turning to the page who now approached to learn what they wanted, "and tell him that Jeanne, the Maid, who comes with her uncle, would speak with him." "Ye must wait," spoke the page pertly. "My master sits at meat." "Nathless thou wilt take the message," spoke the girl so firmly and with so much of command that the youth's insolent air became at once respectful. "My lord's business is of importance. It must be attended to." The lad bowed, and left them. Soon he returned, saying: "The Sire Captain says that you are to come to him. This way." With this he conducted them through many a windy passage to the banqueting chamber.