noon
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 . Every mile they traversed seemed bearing a heavy load from her chest , and enabling her to breathe more freely ; while the fresh breeze and exciting exercise seemed actually to revive her . It wanted rather more than an hour for noon when they reached the hostellerie mentioned by Perez . Two fleet and beautiful horses were speedily provided for them , bread and fruit partaken , and Perez , ready mounted , was tasting the stirrup cup , when his friend demanded -- `` Is it to Segovia ye are bound ? '' `` Yes , man , on an important errand , charged by his reverence Father Ambrose himself . '' `` His reverence should have sent you two hours earlier , and you would have been in time for one of the finest sights seen since Isabella -- God bless her !