she will be disguised. We shall all be, in fact—Pascal and I as monks."
"But if they are not open?"
"Then we have this pass of Dauban's and the disguises."
"Monks do not act as cavaliers to ladies, monsieur," objected Lucette, and despite the gravity of the situation they smiled.
"There is M. de Proballe's wardrobe," suggested Gabrielle.
"Aye, we might pass for rogues, Gerard," laughed Pascal. "But for my part, I'd rather take the risk and play monk."
"May I suggest?" asked Lucette. "A plain burgher's or merchant's dress would be safest, with the monks' gabardines carried for use in case of need. And these could easily be furnished here in the maison."
"We must have weapons, Lucette," said Gerard.
"They could be covered with wrappings to look like staves or some part of your merchandise. There is no difficulty there, surely. The real difficulty is Gabrielle's face, I fear."
"I like the plan," was Pascal's emphatic verdict. "But I would have a change in it. Let Mademoiselle Lucette and myself, if she will trust herself to me, try to leave the city first. If we are turned back, or even held by the guard, it will be no grievous matter; and you and mademoiselle can see how it fares with us. If we have to show the pass to get through, we can go a short distance and I can return on the plea that something has been forgotten, and can hand it to you."
This scheme was discussed at length to be finally adopted, and Gabrielle and Lucette were left to settle the best device they could fashion to conceal what Lucette had termed the real difficulty—Gabrielle's face.
Lucette solved the problem by means of a large hooded
