two hours after noon
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 . He knew an hostellerie , he said , about twenty miles from the city , where their steeds could be changed ; and promised by two hours after noon , the very latest , the novice should be with the King . It could be done in less time , he said ; but his reverence had told him the poor boy was unusually delicate , and had , moreover , lost the use of his left arm ; and he thought , as there was so much time before them , it was needless to exhaust his strength before his errand was done . Julien expressed his entire satisfaction , gave them his blessing , and they were rapidly out of sight . Once or twice they halted to give their horses rest and refresh themselves ; but so absorbed were the senses of Marie , that she was unconscious of fatigue .