Marguerite's vessel reaches La Rochelle on the third day, as Barthold predicted. Disembarking amid the noise and stench of the bustling port, Marguerite pays Captain Aznar a gold coin and gives silver to each of the fishermen, with extra to Mikel, her interpreter. Mikel agrees to escort her to the home of Jean Alfonse, the Portuguese navigator, whom she trusts as a friend.

In the chaotic market, Marguerite is overwhelmed by the abundance of goods and food. A cheesemonger ignores her ragged appearance but directs them to Jean Alfonse's tall house with a blue door. Marguerite climbs the steps alone, hopeful but afraid. The manservant slams the door in her face; when she insists on her identity, he hurls her down the steps. Mikel, suspicious and insulted, accuses her of playing a part. Marguerite gives him a gold coin and dismisses him, refusing to beg in front of him.

Limping to the back courtyard, Marguerite encounters laundry maids led by a hostile tall maid. She recognizes Marie, the young maid from Roberval's household, feeding chickens. Marguerite proves her identity by recalling specific details—green and gold windows, the maid Alys, Marie's stye. Marie is shocked, having been told Marguerite was dead. Marguerite learns Jean Alfonse is at sea and his brother is steward. The tall maid snatches Marguerite's silver coin meant for Marie and goes inside, returning to declare the master will not see her. Marguerite secretly offers Marie gold to bring her clothes after dark, but is driven off before Marie can answer.

Rejected, Marguerite eats bread on the church steps, harassed by beggar children. She dares not approach her guardian's old house, now sold to a new family, fearing Roberval. As evening falls, she finds a clothes peddler and his wife, Jeanne, and trades a gold piece for servant's clothing, ill-fitting shoes, and a cloak. Dressed anew at twilight, she sees the watchman patrolling and arresting loiterers. With nowhere to go, she slips into the church for shelter.