A Heroine of France

he had been saying before her approach. It was not the beauty of her serene face, or the dignity of her mien. It was as though some power outside of himself urged him to some act of submission. An

such as one would have guessed. She never inquired how the Dauphin (as she always called him) had first heard of her, how he regarded her, what his Mini

. Not once did a natural curiosity on this ground suggest such inquiries; and though we, her followers, would fain have asked many o

mies of England doing? What was the disposition of the beleaguering force? Was any project of relief on foo

t perfected; that provisions could still find their way--though with risk, and danger of loss--into the town, and that messengers with letters could pass to and fro by exercising great caut

But when the Maid asked how it came about that the English--who could not be so numerous as the French forces in the town--had

s quake under them. I know not what the power is; but at Rouvray it was shown forth again. A small force of soldiers--but a convoy with provisions for the English lines--overcame and chased to destruction a French army ten t

tainty which never deserted her; "have no fear, gentle knight. Let the Dau

poke Sir Guy; "and alas, the King has but a small force a

comes by many or by few? Is His arm shortened at all, that He should not fulfil that which He has p

answered De Lava

t was, and when, later in my life, I once visited the realm of England, and looked upon the Castle of Windsor there, it did bring back grea

clothes and arms, so that we presented not too travel-stained and forlorn an appearance. We desired to

med with wonder and amaze; but that the Prime Minister, De la Tremouille, was strenuously set against having aught to do with that "dreamer of dreams," as he sli

sembled at every coign of vantage to watch us ride in; and every eye was fixed upon the Maid, who rode as one in a dream, her face slightly raised, her eyes shining with the

was whispering and a rustling of garments, and the clank of arms; but no articulate words, either friendly or hostile, till, as we passed the drawbridg

elt the Maid's touch on my shoulder, and my hand sank to my side. She paused befor

still, and defiant, turned upon her as though he would have repeated either his insult or his

ur peace with God. Know you not how near you stand to d

nto the swollen and rapid stream beneath, and was heard of no more. Some called it witchcraft, and said that the Maid had overlooked him; but the more part regarded it as a sign th

told the King would receive us. But he did not come, and we were handed on from corridor to co

vided. Only Bertrand and I were suffered, by virtue of our knighthood, to accompany the Maid into the

or any other, though, in truth, there was little to choose betwixt them now; only methinks most in her case would have provided some sort of gay raiment wherewith to appear befor

ing's affairs had come. Music and laughter resounded there. Courtiers fluttered about in gorgeous array, and fine ladies like painted butterflies

on; and when the English had swept away the last barriers, and were at the very gates, then he would decide whether to surrender himself upon terms, or to fly to some foreign land. But to face the foe in gallant fight was an alt

nd by the blaze of a gigantic fire which roared halfway up the vast chimney. This great audience chamber seemed full of dazzling je

at one and another, as we stood in the doorway, our eyes still half dazzled by the glare of light and by the brilliance of the assembled company, but I

rned upon us. Eager eyes were fastened upon the Maid's face. She stood there, with the glare of the torches s

ich--came forward with a smile and a bow,

and crimson velvet, blazing with diamonds; but ere he had taken many steps, the Maid drew her hand from his, and turning herself in a different di

r sounds, though at this moment a great hush prevailed throughout the audience chamber, and wonde

g man's face; but he took th

not I that am the King. See, he i

still at his feet, and the hand which

to whom I am sent, to win you the victory first, and then to place the crown o

former smile of mockery and amusement. Several of the courtiers were exchang

me?" asked the King, and hi

ge to us, though it migh

he King of Heaven; and it is His Word that I have spoken. You shall be crowned and consecrated at Rheims, and shall

to me?" asked the King, spe

a message which none but you must hear; f

wonder and curiosity; and he led her behind a curtain into a deep recess of the wi

of wonder ran throughout the hall, and we saw Sir Guy detach h

ould have the laugh against her in the first moment. Though how they looked for her to have knowledge

one to pr

that I was not permitted to come and lead you in. They did fear lest I should tell what was intended, and describe to the Maid the person or the dress of the King. And now none can doubt; and,

oice to a whis

est he was not the t

ld fear she might speak truth? Those who know him best know that he has often doubted his right to style himself Dauphin or King; but methinks after t

confidence than any other person at Court, and he was kinsman to De Laval, with whom he had pla

how that this trouble and doubt were so growing upon him, that once he had fasted for a whole day, and had passed the night upon his knees in the oratory, praying for a sign whereby he might truly know whether he were the re

oked into each

come!" whisp

hink it," ans

will recognise it as

wise; and it will be like a gr

ill forthwith give her a band of armed men, that she

nd De Laval lo

istrustful and hostile. The Generals of the army openly scoff and jeer. Some say that if the Maid be sent to Orleans, both La Hire and Dunois will forthwith retire, and refuse all further office there. Wh

with indignation in his tones. "She comes not in her own streng

those who only hear of her from others, and who call her a witch, and say that she works by

losely blockaded but that with care and caution men may get in or out? Then let some one send and fetch one of these commanders; and if he be

e is young; he is not firm of purpose; his own heart has never before been set upon his kingdom. One cannot expect a man's nature to change in a day, even though

than I had thought that countenance capable of expressing. The Maid was pale, as though with deep emotion; but a glorious light shone in her eyes, and when the Court ladies and gallants crowded round her, asking her questions, and gazing upon her as though she were a being fro

d whether they had been lodged and fed. We supped with her at her request, and in private, and her

n Bertra

today," did she look at him

ut have no fear. The Lord has spoken, and He will bring