Marguerite finds shelter in a side chapel of the church, sleeping between the marble tombs of a knight and his lady until a sexton kicks her awake at dawn and drives the homeless out. Reflecting on the entombed lady's privileged life, Marguerite thinks of Auguste, Damienne, and her child, who have no graves, and prays to them as her angels for guidance. She counts her remaining money—three gold, eight silver, thirteen copper—buys provisions, and sets out southeast on the road to Périgord, the only place she knows to go.

Walking the road alone proves dangerous: horsemen heckle and threaten her, forcing her to seek companions. She pays a young couple with an oxcart for passage, shares food with them, and spends a flea-ridden night on their dirt floor. The next day she joins a band of pilgrims, walking with them for three days through summer countryside. A miller's wife befriends her, sharing that she and her husband seek a blessing for the loss of their only child; Marguerite quietly admits she too has lost her only child but does not elaborate, fearing she will not stop weeping.

Marguerite slips away from the pilgrims by moonlight and continues alone, trading her shoes for food and walking barefoot. She remembers Auguste's courage and silently tells him she is alive. After ten days, she sees her family château high on the cliff and recognizes how greatly she has fallen. Doubting whether she will be believed or welcomed, she nevertheless presses on, washing in a brook before approaching.

Crossing into Montfort lands, she confirms with a peasant woman that the Montforts still rule, then makes her way to the walled rose garden behind the house. Hearing Claire's voice warning Ysabeau about bees, Marguerite calls out. Servants and family come to the door but see only a filthy beggar; the nurse Agnès strikes her down. Claire intervenes compassionately though she does not recognize Marguerite. Only when Marguerite presses Claire's ring into her hand does Claire whisper, "You are returned," and embrace her weeping.