"I was wrong," she said with deep humility. "It is not meet that I go to the Dauphin in this manner. We must go back." Durand's countenance expanded into a broad grin. "Said I not so, Alain?" he cried, nudging his friend. "I said that she would soon see that it was not fitting that she should go thus. I said that soon we would turn back." Alain laughed also as Jeanne gazed at her uncle in astonishment. "How did you know, uncle?" "Why see, ma mie; the King would not receive you should you go to him thus humbly; but if you come from the Sire Captain with proper escort 'twill be easy to get his ear." "I see," sighed Jeanne. "I was wrong. We will go back." She waited with more grace after this, and presently there came a day when her patience was rewarded. The messenger from the King rode into Vaucouleurs bearing a letter to the Governor which gave consent to send the young prophetess to him. Sire Robert sent at once for the maiden. "You were right," he said. "There was a disaster as you said near Orléans. The Battle of Herrings was lost at Rouvray. Colet de Vienne, the King's messenger, tells me that Charles will receive you. Therefore, get you ready, for now you shall start for Chinon in a few days." Overjoyed Jeanne hastened back to her friends to tell the glad news. The impossible had happened. That which the peasant maid had demanded was granted. She was to be taken to the King, and in the time fixed by herself. The sweetness, the simplicity, the sturdy purpose of the maiden had won all hearts in the little walled town. Knowledge of her mission had deepened the interest felt in her, so now, as she was in very truth to begin her journey, they took upon themselves the expense of her outfit. A complete suit of masculine apparel was bought, a jerkin, a cloth doublet, hose laced to the coat, gaiters, spurs, a whole equipment of war, while Sire Robert gave her a horse. And Jeanne, with one girlish sigh at the sacrifice, took off her coif, let down her long dark locks, and gave a last look at them; then Catherine cut them round, page fashion, the maiden set on a cap, and was ready. Jean de Metz and Bertrand de Poulengy were to accompany her, as well as the King's messenger, Colet de Vienne, and the bowman, Richard, with two lancers, servants of the men-at-arms. These men proposed further waiting, as certain soldiers of Lorraine were infesting the country, but the maiden was not afraid, and said: "In God's name, take me to the gentle Dauphin, and fear not any hindrance or trouble we may meet. There hath been too much delay." At length, however, everything was in readiness, and on the twenty-third of February, the little company assembled before the gate, La Porte de France, with friends to watch the departure. Among them were the kind Lassois, Catherine and Henri le Royer, Jean Colin, canon of Saint Nicholas, to whom Jeanne had confessed at times.