Marthe was filled with grief, when she heard that it had been decided that it was better that she should return to her native village; but her mistress pointed out to her that, if all went well, she could rejoin them.

If things went badly, and they escaped, they would send for her wherever they might be; but in case disaster compelled them to fly, three persons were as many as could hope to travel together, without exciting suspicion.

The nurse however begged that, at any rate, she might go with them to the headquarters of the army.
"Everyone is going," she said; "and they say that, if we are beaten in the next battle, they will cross the Loire and take refuge in Brittany, for the Blues will not leave a soul alive in La Vendee.

I should have nowhere to go to here, and will keep with the others, whatever happens.

If you are with them, madame, I can rejoin you; if not, I hope to be with you, afterward." It was indeed an exodus, rather than the gathering of an army, that was taking place.