第3章
thoughtIsaw，andofthewordsspokenbytheblindmanandthesoldier，concerningsomevisionwhichaffrayedthem，Iknownotwhat。
AtthistalethegirlElliot，crossingherselfverydevoutly，criedaloud-
"Ofather，didInottellyouso？ThisholythingcanhavebeennootherbutthatblessedMaiden，guardedbythedearsaintsinformvisible，whomthisgentleman，forthesinofkeepingevilcompany，wasnotgiventhegracetosee。Oh，come，letusmountandridetoChinon，foralreadysheiswithinthewalls；hadwenotriddenforthsoearly，wemusthaveheardtellofit。”
ItseemedsomethinghardtomethatIwastohavenogracetobeholdwhatothers，andtheyassuredlymuchmoresinfulmenthanmyself，hadbeenpermittedtolookupon，ifthisdamselwasrightinthatshesaid。Andhowcouldanyman，werehehimselfasaint，seewhatwaspassingby，whenhisheadwasturnedtheotherway？Howbeit，shecalledmeagentleman，asindeedIhadprofessedmyselftobe，andthisIsaw，thatherpassionofangeragainstmewasspent，asthen，andgoneby，likeashowerofApril。
"Gentlemanyoucallyourself，sir，"saidherfather；"mayIaskofwhathouse？"
"WearecadetsofthehouseofRothes，"Ianswered。"Myfather，LeslieofPitcullo，isthefourthsonofthethirdsonofthelastlairdofRothesbutone；and，forme，IwasoflateaclerkstudyinginSt。Andrews。”
"Iwillnotaskwhyyouleftyourlore，"hesaid；"Ihavebeenyoungmyself，and，faith，thestoryofoneladvariesnotmuchfromthestoryofanother。Ifwehaveanyspirit，itdrivesusouttofighttheforeignloonsintheirowncountry，ifwehavenofeudathome。
Butyouareaclerk，Ihearyousay，andhaveskillenoughtoreadandwrite？"
"Yea，and，ifneedwere，canpaint，inmydegree，anddofairletteringonholybooks，forthisartwasmypleasure，andIlearneditfromaworthymonkintheabbey。”
"Odayofmiracles!"hecried。"Listen，Elliot，andmarkhowfinelyIhavefalleninluck"sway!Loyou，sir，Ialsoamagentlemaninmydegree，simpleasyouseeme，beingoneoftheHumesofPolwarth；
butbyreasonofmymaimedleg，thatcametomewithscarsmany，fromcertainshrewdblowsgotatVerneuilfight，Iamdisabledfromwar。AmurrainontheEnglishbillthatdealtthestroke!Tomakeupmyransom(forIwastakenprisonerthere，wheresofewgotquarter)costmeeverycrownIcouldgather，soIevenfellbackontheskillIlearned，likeyou，whenIwasalad，fromapriestintheAbbeyofMelrose。AshamedofmycraftIamnone，foritisbettertopaintbannersandmissalsthantobeg；andnow，forthesefiveyears，IamadvancedtobeCourtpaintertotheKinghimself，thankstoJohnKirkmichael，BishopofOrleans，whoisofmyfar-awaykin。Asorefallitis，foraHumeofPolwarth；andstrangelyenoughdotheFrenchscribeswritemyname——"HauvesPoulvoir，"andotherwise，sopleaseyou；butthatisevertheirwontwiththebestnamesinallbroadScotland。Loyou，evennowthereismuchadowithbanner-paintingforthecompaniesthatmarchtohelpOrleans，everandagain。”
"WhentheMaidenmarches，father，youshallhavebanner-painting，"
saidthegirl。
"Ay，lass，whentheMaidmarches，andwhentheliftfallsandsmoorsthelaverocksweshallcatchtheminplenty。{8}But，MaidornoMaid，savingyourpresence，sir，Ineedwhatwecraftsmen(Iprayyouagaintopardonme)callanapprentice，andIofferyou，ifyouareskilledasyousay，thishonourablepost，tillyoufindabetter。”
Myfacegrewredagainwithangerattheword"apprentice，"andI
knownothowIshouldhaveansweredanoffersounworthyofmyblood，whenthegirlbrokein-
"TillthisgentlemanmarcheswiththeflowerofFranceagainstouroldenemyofEngland，youshouldsay，father，andhelpstoshowthemanotherBannockburnonLoire-side。”
"Ay，well，tillthen，ifitlikesyou，"hesaid，smiling。"Tillthenthereisbed，andmeat，andthepennyfeeforhim，tillthatgreatday。”
"Thatiscomingsoon!"shecried，hereyesraisedtoheaven，andsofairshelooked，that，beingayoungmanandofmycomplexionamorous，IcouldnotbeartobeoutofhercompanywhenImightbeinit，sostoopedmypridetoagreewithhim。
"Sir，"Isaid，"Ithankyouheartilyforyouroffer。Youcomeofasgoodahouseasmine，andyoursisthebragoftheBorder，asmineisofthekingdomofFife。Ifyoucanputyourprideinyourpouch，faith，socanI；theratherthatthereisnothingelsetherein，andsoroomenoughandtospare。But，astouchingwhatthisgentledemoisellehassaid，Imaymarchalso，mayInot，whentheMaidridestoOrleans？"
"Ay，verify，withmygoodwill，thenyoumay，"hecried，laughing，whilethelassfrowned。
Thenweclappedhandsonit，forabargain，andhedidnotinsultmebytheofferofanyarles，orluckpenny。
Thegirlwashelpedtohorse，settingherfootonmyhand，thatdirledasherlittleshoesoletouchedit；andthejackanapesrodeonhersaddle-bowveryproudly。Forme，IranaswellasImight，butstifflyenough，beingcoldtothemarrow，holdingbythefather"sstirrup-leatherandwatchingthelass"syellowhairthatdancedonhershouldersassherodeforemost。Inthiscompany，then，somuchbetterthanthatIhadleft，weenteredChinontown，andcametotheirbooth，andtheirhouseonthewater-side。Then，oftheirkindness，Imusttobed，whichcomfortIsorelyneeded，andthereIslept，infragrantlinensheets，tillcomplinerang。
CHAPTERV——OFTHEFRAYONTHEDRAWBRIDGEATCHINONCASTLE
Duringsupper，towhichtheycalledme，mymastershowedmethebestcountenancethatmightbe，anditwasgreatjoytometoeatoffcleanplattersonceagain，onwhitelinenstrewnwithspringflowers。AsthetimewasLent，wehadfarethattheycalledmeagre:
fishfromtheViennewater，belowthetown，andeggscookedindiversfashions，alltothepointofexcellence，forthewineandfareofChinonarefamousinFrance。Asmydutywas，IwaitedonmymasterandonthemaidElliot，whowasneversilent，butbabbledofallthatshehadheardsinceshecameintothetown；astowherethePucellehadlightedoffherhorse(ontheedge-stoneofawell，soitseemed)，andwhereandwithwhatgoodwifeshelodged，andhowasyetnomessagehadcometoherfromthecastleandtheKing；andgreatjoyitwastowatchandtohearher。Butherfathermocked，thoughinalovingmanner；andoncesheweptathisbourdes，andshoneoutagain，whenhefellonhisknees，offeringheraknifeandbaringhisbreasttothestroke，forIhaveneverseenmorelovebetweenfatherandchild，myownexperiencebeingcontrary。Yettomysistersmyfatherwaseverdebonnair；for，asIhaveoftenmarked，themotherslovethesonsbestandthesonsthemothers，andbetweenfatheranddaughtersitisthesame。ButofmymotherI
havespokeninthebeginningofthishistory。
Whensupperwasended，andallthingsmadeorderly，Ihadnogreatmindformybed，havingsleptmyfillforthattime。ButthemaidElliotleftusearly，whichwasasifthelighthadbeentakenoutoftheroom。
Besidethefire，mymasterfelltodevisingaboutthestateofthecountry，asburgesseslovetodo。AndIsaidthat，ifIweretheDauphin，ChinonCastleshouldnotholdmelong，formy"spurwouldbeinmyhorse"sside，andthebridleonhismane，"{9}astheoldsongoftheBattleofHarlawruns，andIonthewaytoOrleans。
Theretoheanswered，thathewellwisheditwereso，and，mocking，wishedthatIweretheDauphin。
"NotthatourDauphinisacoward，thebloodofSaintLouishasnotfallensolow，butheiswhollyundertheSieurdeLaTremouille，whowasthrustonhimwhilehewasyoung，andstillishismaster，or，aswesay，hisgovernor。Now，thislordisonethatwouldfainrunwiththehareandhuntwiththehounds，andthissideofhimisBurgundianandthatisArmagnac，andonwhichofthesideshisheartis，noneknows。AtAzincour，asIhaveheard，heplayedthemanreasonablywell。Buthewaxesveryfatforaman-at-arms，andisfondofwomen，andwine，andofhisease。Now，ifoncetheKingrangesupwiththeBastardofOrleans，andXaintrailles，andtheothercaptains，whohateLaTremouille，thenhispower，andthepoweroftheChancellor，theArchbishopofRheims，isgoneandended。SothesetwoworkevertopatchupapeacewithBurgundy，but，seeingthatthedukehashisfather"sdeathtoavengeonourKing，theymaypatchandbetterpatch，butnopeacewillcomeofit。
Andthecaptainscry"Forward!"andthearchbishopandLaTremouillecry"Back!"andinthemeantimeOrleanswillfall，andtheDauphinmayflywhitherhewill，forFranceislost。But，formyself，I
wouldtothesaintsthatIandmylasswerehomeagain，beneaththeoldthorn-treeatPolwarthonthegreen，whereIhavebeenmerrylangsyne。”
Withthatwordhefellsilent，thinking，Idoubtnot，ofhishome，asIdidofmine，andofthehouseofPitculloandtheash-treeatthedoor，andtheseabeyondtheploughedlandoftheplain。So，aftersomespaceofsilence，hewenttohisbed，andItomine，whereforlongIlaywakeful，paintingonthedarkthefaceofElliot，andherblueeyes，andrememberinghermerry，changefulways。
BetimesinthemorningIwasawakenedbythesoundofhermovingaboutthroughthehouse，andhavingdressedandgoneforthfrommylittlechamber，Ifoundherinthehouse-place，shehavingcomefromearlyMass。Shetooklittleheedofme，givingmesomebreadandwine，thesameassheandherfathertook；andshewasaltogetherlessgayandwilfulthanshehadbeen，andthereseemedtobesomethingthatlayheavyonhermind。WhenherfatheraskedherifthegossipsatthechurchdoorhadgivenheranymoretidingsoftheMaid，shedidbutfrown，andsoonleftthechamber，whencemymasterledmeforthintohisbooth，andbademeshowhimmyhandinwriting。Thispleasedhimnotill，andnextImustgrindcolourstohisliking；andagainhewentabouthisbusiness，whileImustmindthebooth，andbecapinhandtoeverysaucypagethatcamefromthecastlewithanorderfromhislord。
Fullmanyatimemyhandwasonmywhinger，andyetmoreoftenI
wishedmyselfonthefreeroadagain，sothatIwereoutofillcompany，andassuredlytheLorrainerMaid，whatevershemightbe，wasscarcelylongingmorethanIforthedaywhensheshouldunfurlherbannerandmarch，withmeatherback，toOrleans。Forsoirksomewasmyservitude，andthelayingofcoloursonthegroundofbannersformymastertopaint，andthecopyingofbooksofHoursandMissals，andtheinsolenceofcustomersworsebornthanmyself，thatIcouldhavedrownedmyselfintheViennewaterbutforthesightofElliot。Yetshewasbecomestaidenough，andbetimessad；
asitseemedthattherewasnogoodnewsofherdearMaid，fortheKingwouldnotseeher，andallmen(itappeared)，savethosewhohadriddenwithher，mockedthePucelleforaboldramp，withabeeinherbonnet。Butthetwogentlementhathadbeenherescortwerestaunch。TheirnameswereJeandeMetzandBertranddePoulengy，goodesquires。
OfmeElliotmadeofttimesnotmuchmoreaccountthanofherjackanapes，whichwasnowinveryhighfavour，andwaxingfat，sothat，whennonebutherfathercouldhearher，shewouldjestandcallhimLaTremouille。
YetI，asyoungmenwill，wasforwardinallwaystoserveher，andtowinhergraceandfavour。ShewasfaintohearofScotland，herowncountry，whichshehadneverseen，andIwasasfaintotellher。AndbetimesIwouldsayhowfairwerethemaidensofourowncountry，andhowanymanthatsawherwouldknowhertobeaScot，thoughfromhertongue，inFrench，nonemightguessit。And，knowingthatshelovedwildflowers，Iwouldsearchforthemandbringthemtoher，andwouldleadhertospeakofromanceswhichsheloved，nolessthanI，andofpageswhohadlovedqueens，andallsuchmattersasyoungmenandmaidsarewonttodeviseof；andnowshewouldlisten，andatotherseasonswouldseemproud，andasifhermindwereotherwhere。Youngknightsmanycametoourbooth，andlookedill-pleasedwhenIservedthem，andtheireyeswereeverontheinnerdoor，watchingforElliot，whomtheyseldomhadsightof。
SoherewasI，inadoubleservice，who，beforeImetBrotherThomas，hadbeenfreeofheartandhand。But，ifmymaster"sserviceirkedme，inthatotherIfoundcomfort，whenIcoulddevisewithElliot，asconcerningourcountryandherhopesfortheMaid。
Butmyownhopeswerenothigh，norcouldImarkanysignthatshefavouredmemorethananother，thoughIhadthejoytobeofteninhercompany。And，indeed，whathopecouldIhave，beingsoyoung，andpoor，andinvisiblestationnomorethanany"prenticelad？Myheartwasmuchtormentedinthesefears，andmainlybecauseweheardnotidingsthattheMaidwasacceptedbytheDauphin，andthatthedayofhermarching，andofmydeliverancefrommybasecraftofpainting，wasathand。
Itsofellout，howIknewnot，whetherIhadshownmetoopresumptuousforanapprentice，orbecauseofanyotherreason，thatElliothadmuchforbornemycompany，andwasmoreofteninchurchatherprayersthaninthehouse，or，wheninthehouse，wasbusyindiversways，andIscarceevercouldgetwordofher。Findingherinthismood，Ialsowithdrewwithinmyself，andwasbothproudandsorelyunhappy，longingmorethanevertotakemyownpartintheworldasaman-at-arms。Now，onedayrightearly，Ibeingaloneinthechamber，copyingapsalter，Elliotcamein，lookingforherfather。Iroseathercoming，doffingmycap，andtoldher，infewwords，thatmymasterhadgoneforth。Thereonsheflittedaboutthechamber，lookingatthisandthat，whileIstoodsilent，deemingthatsheusedmeinasortscarcebecomingmybloodandlineage。
Suddenlyshesaid，withoutturninground，forshewasstandingbyatablegazingatthepicturesinaBookofHours-
"Ihaveseenher!"
"ThePucelle？——doyouspeakofher，gentlemaid？"
"Isawherandspoketoher，andheardhervoice"；andhereherownbroke，andIguessedthatshewasneartoweeping。"Iwentupwithinthecastleprecinct，tothetowerCoudraye，"shesaid，"forI
knewthatshelodgedhardby，withagoodwomanwhodwellsthere。I
passedintothechapelofSt。Martinonthecliff，andthereheardthevoiceofoneprayingbeforetheimageofOurLady。Thevoicewasevenasyousaidthatday——thesweetestofvoices。Ikneltbesideher，andprayedaloudforherandforFrance。Sherestedherhandonmyhair——herhairisblack，andcut"enronde"likeaman"s。
Itistruethattheysay，shedressesinman"sgarb。Wecameforthtogether，andIputmyhandintohers，andsaid，"Ibelieveinyou；
ifnoneotherbelieves，yetdoIbelieve。”Thenshewept，andshekissedme；sheistovisitmehereto-morrow，lafilledeDieu——"
Shedrewalongsob，andstruckherhandhardonthetable；then，keepingherbackevertowardsme，shefledswiftlyfromtheroom。I
wasamazed——solightofheartasshecommonlyseemed，andoflatedisdainful——tofindherinthispassion。Yetitwastomethatshehadspoken——tomethatshehadopenedherheart。NowIguessedthat，ifIwasevertowinher，itmustbethroughthisPucelle，onwhomhermindwassostrangelybent。SoIprayedthat，ifitmightbeGod"swill，HewouldprospertheMaid，andletmebeherloyalservitor，andatlastbringmetomydesire。
SomethingalsoIdreamed，asyoungmenwillwhohavereadmanyromances，ofmyselfmadeaknightforgreatfeatsofarms，andwearinginmysalademylady"sfavour，andbreakingaspearonTalbot，orFastolf，orGlasdale，insomelastgreatvictoryforFrance。
Thenshoneonmyeyesight，asitwere，thepictureofthesetwochildren，fortheywerelittlemore，ElliotandtheMaid，kneelingtogetherinthechapelofSt。Martin，thegoldhairandtheblackblended；andwhatweretheytwoaloneagainstthisworldandtheprinceofthisworld？Alas，howmuch，andagainhowlittle，dothprayeravailus!Thesethoughtswereinmymindallday，whileservingandansweringcustomers，andcarryingmymaster"swaresaboutthetown，anduptothecastleonthecliff，wherethesoldiersandsentriesnowknewmewellenough，andtheScotsarcherstreatedmekindly。ButasforElliot，shewaslikeherfirstselfagain，andmerrierthancommonwithherfather，towhom，asfarasmyknowledgewent，shesaidnotawordaboutthemeetinginthecryptofSt。Martin"schapel，thoughtomeshehadspokensofreely。
Thisgavemesomehope；butwhenIwouldhavetriedtoaskheraquestion，sheonlygazedatmeinamannerthatabashedme，andturnedofftotoywithherjackanapes。WherebyIwenttomybedperplexed，andwithaheavyheart，asonethatwasnotyetconversantwiththewaysofwomen——nay，norever，inmysecularlife，haveIunderstoodwhattheywouldbeat。HappierhaditbeenformytemporallifeifIhadbeenwiserinwoman"sways。Butcommonly，whenwehavelearnedalesson，thelorecomestoolate。
Nextdaymymasterhadbusinessatthecastlewithacertainlord，andtookmethithertohelpincarryinghiswares。ThiscastlewasaplacethatIlovedwell，itissoold，havingfirstbeenbuildedwhentheRomanswerelordsoftheland；andissogreatandstrongthatourbishop"scastleofSt。Andrewsseemsbutacottagecomparedtoit。Fromthehill-topthereisawideprospectoverthetowerandthevalleyoftheVienne，whichIlikedtogazeupon。Mymaster，then，wentinbythedrawbridge，highabovethemoat，whichissodeepthat，Itrow，nofoemancouldfillitupandcrossittoassailthewalls。Mymaster，inlimpingupthehill，hadweariedhimself，butsoonpassedintothecastlethroughthegatewayofthebell-tower，astheycallit，whileIwaitedforhimonthefurtherendofthebridge，idlydroppingmorselsofbreadtotheswansthatswaminthemoatbelow。
Onthedrawbridge，standingsentinel，wasaFrenchman-at-arms，ayoungmanofmyownage，armedwithalongfauchard，whichwecallabillorhalberd，aweaponnotunliketheLochaberaxesoftheHighlandmen。Othersoldiers，French，Scottish，Spaniards，Germans，amixedcompany，wereidlinganddicingjustwithinthegate。
Iwasthrowingmylastpieceofcrusttoaswan，mymindemptyofthought，whenIstartedoutofmydream，hearingthatrarewoman"svoicewhichonceIhadheardbefore。Thenturningquickly，Isaw，walkingbetweentwogentlemen，eventhosewhohadriddenwithherfromVaucouleurs，onewhomnomancoulddeemtobeotherthanthatmuch-talked-ofMaidofLorraine。Shewascladverysimply，likethevarletofsomelordofnogreatestate，inablackcapwithalittlesilverbrooch，agreydoublet，andblackandgreyhose，trussedupwithmanypoints；aswordofsmallpricehungbyherside。{10}Instatureshewassomethingabovethecommonheightofwomen，herfacebrownwithsunandwind，hereyesgreat，grey，andbeautiful，beneathblackbrows，herlipsredandsmiling。Infiguresheseemedstrongandshapely，butsoslim——shebeingbutseventeenyearsofage——that，wereitnotforhersweetgirl"svoice，andforthebeautyofhergreyeyes，shemightwellhavepassedforapage，herblackhairbeingcut"enronde，"aswasandisthefashionamongmen-at-arms。ThusmuchhaveIwrittenconcerningherbodilyaspect，becausemanyhaveaskedmewhatmannerofwomanwastheblessedMaid，andwhethershewasbeautiful。Igazedatherlikeonemoon-
struck，then，rememberingmycourtesy，Idoffedmycap，andloutedlow；andshebowed，smilinggraciouslylikeagreatlady，butwithsuchanairasifhermindwasfaraway。
Shepassed，withhertwogentlemen，buttheFrenchsentinelbarredtheway，holdinghisfauchardthwartwise。
"Onwhatbusinesscomeyou，andbywhatright？"hecried，inarudevoice。
"BytheDauphin"sgraciouscommand，toseetheDauphin，"saidoneofthegentlemenrightcourteously。"Hereishisownletter，andyoumayknowtheseal，biddingLaPucelletocomebeforehimatthishour。”
Thefellowlookedattheseal，andcouldnotbutacknowledgethearmsofFrancethereon。Hedroppedhisfauchardoverhisshoulder，andstoodaside，staringimpudentlyattheMaiden，andmutteringfoulwords。
"SothisistherenownedPucelle，"hecried；"byGod"sname"……
andherehespokewordssuchasImaynotsetdowninwriting，blasphemingGodandtheMaid。
Sheturnedandlookedathim，butasifshesawhimnot；andthen，alightofjoyandlovetransfiguringherface，shekneltdownonthedrawbridge，foldingherhands，herfacebowed，andsoabodewhileonemightcounttwenty，wethatbeheldherbeingamazed。Thensheroseandbentasifinsalutationtoonewesawnot；next，addressingherselftothesentinel，shesaid，verygently-
"Sir，howcanstthoutakeinvainthenameofGod，thouthatartinthisveryhourtodie？"
Sospeaking，shewithhergentlemenwentwithinthegate，whilethesoldierstoodgazingafterherlikeamanturnedtostone。
TheMaidpassedfromoursight，andthenthesentinel，comingtohimself，turnedingreatwrathonme，whostoodhardby。
"Whatmakeyougapinghere，youlousywine-sackofScotland？"hecried；andattheword，myprayerwhichIhadmadetoSt。Andrewinmybondscameintomymind，namely，thatIshouldnotenduretohearmycountrydefamed。
Istoppednottothinkofwords，whereinIneverhadareadywit，buthiswerestillinhismouthwhenIhadleapedwithinhisguard，sothathemightnotswingouthislonghalberd。
"Blasphemerandliar!"Icried，grippinghisneckwithmylefthand，whilewithtwoup-cutsofmyrightIsenthisliesdownhisthroatincompany，asIdeem，withcertainofhisteeth。
Hedroppedhishalberdagainstthewoodenfenceofthebridge，andfeltforhisdagger。Icaughtathisrighthandwithmine；crieswereinmyears——St。DenisforFrance!St。AndrewforScotland!——astheothermenonguardcamerunningforthtoseethesport。
Wegrippedandswayedforamoment，thenthestaffofhisfauchardcomingbetweenhislegs，hetrippedandfell，Iabovehim；ourweightsousedagainstthelowpalesofthebridgeside，thatwerecrazyandold；therewasacrash，andIfeltmyselfinmid-air，failingtothemoatfarbelowus。DownanddownIwhirled，andthenthedeepwaterclosedoverme。
CHAPTERVI——HOWNORMANLESLIEESCAPEDOUTOFCHINONCASTLE
DownanddownIsank，thewatersurgingupintomynostrilsandsoundinginmyears；but，beinginwater，Iwassafeifitwerebutdeepenough。PresentlyIstruckout，and，withastrokeortwo，cametothesurface。Butnosoonerdidmyheadshowabove，andI
drawadeepbreathortwain，lookingformyenemy，thananarbalestboltcleftthewaterwithaclippingsound，missingmebutnarrowly。
Ihadbuttimetoseethattherewasatumultonthebridge，andswordsout(theScots，asIafterwardsheard，knockingupthearbaleststhattheFrenchsoldierslevelledatme)。ThenIdivedagain，andswamunderwater，makingtowardstherightandthecastlerock，whichransheerdowntothemoat。ThiscourseIchosebecauseIhadoftennoted，fromthedrawbridge，ajuttingbuttressofrock，behindwhich，atleast，Ishouldbeoutofarrow-shot。Mycraftwastogivemyselfallthesemblanceofadrowningman，throwingupmyarms，whenIrosetoseewhereaboutIwasandtotakebreath，asmentosstheirlimbswhocannotswim。Onthesecondtimeofrisingthus，Isawmyselfclosetothejutofrock。Mynextdivetookmebehindit，andIletdownmyfeet，closeunderthesideofthisnaturalbuttress，tolookaround，beingmyselfnowconcealedfromthesightofthosewhowereonthebridge。
TomysurpriseItouchedbottom，forIhaddeemedthatthewaterwasverydeepthereby。NextIfoundthatIwasstandingonastepofhewnstone，andthataconcealedstaircase，cutintherock，goesdown，inthatplace，totheverybottomofthemoat；forwhatpurposeIknownot，butsoitis。{11}Iclimbedupthesteps，shookmyself，andwrungthewateroutofmyhair，lookingaboutthewhileforanysignofmyenemy，whohadblasphemedagainstmycountryandtheMaiden。Buttherewasnothingtoseeonthewatersavemyownclothcapfloating。Ontheothersideofthefosse，howbeit，menwerelaunchingapleasure-boat，whichlaybyastairatthefootofthefurtherwallofthefosse。Thesightofthemmademegladtocreepfurtherupthestepsthatroundedasharpcorner，tillIcameasfarasanironwicket-gate，whichseemedtocutoffmyretreat。ThereIstopped，deemingthatthewicketmustbelocked。Themenwerenowrowingtheboatintothemiddleofthewater，so，withoutexpectingtofindthegateopen，Itriedthehandle。Itturned，tomynolittleamazement；thegateswanglightlyaside，asifitshingeshadbeennewlyoiled，andIfollowedthestair-case，creepinguptheslimystepsinthehalf-dark。UpandroundIwent，tillIwaswellnighgiddy，andthenItrippedandreeledsothatmybodystruckagainstaheavyironeddoor。Undermyweightityieldedgently，andIstumbledacrossthethresholdofaroomthatsmelledstrangelysweetandwasverywarm，beingfullofthesun，andtheheatofagreatfire。
"Isthatyou，Robinofmyheart？"saidagirl"svoiceinFrench；
and，beforeIcouldmove，apairofarmswereroundmyneck。Backsheleaped，findingmeallwet，andnotthemanshelookedfor；andtherewebothstood，inasurprisethatpreventedeitherofusfromspeaking。
Shewasaprettylass，withbrownhairandbrightredcheeks，andwasdressedallinwhite，being，indeed，oneofthelaundressesofthecastle；andthiswarmroom，fragrantwithlavender，whereintoI
hadstumbled，waspartofthecastlelaundry。Amightyfirewasburning，andallthetableswerecoveredwithpilesandflatbasketsofwhitelinen，sweetwithscentedherbs。
Backthemaidsteppedtowardsthedoor，keepinghereyesonmine；
and，asshedidnotscream，Ideemedthatnonewerewithinhearing:
whereinIwaswrong，andshehadanotherreasonforholdingherpeace。
"Saveme，gentlemaid，ifyoumay，"Icriedatlast，fallingonmyknees，justwhereIstood:"Iamalucklessman，andstandinmuchperilofmylife。”
"Insoothyoudo，"shesaid，"ifRobertLindsayoftheScottishArchersfindsyouhere。Helovesnotthatanothershouldtakehisplaceatatryst。”
"Maiden，"Isaid，beginningtounderstandwhythegatewasunlocked，andwhereforeitwentsosmoothonitshinges，"IfearIhaveslainaman，oneoftheKing"sarchers。Wewrestledtogetheronthedraw-
bridge，andthepalisadebreaking，wefellintothemoat，whenceI
clombbythehiddenstairs。”
"Oneofthearchers!"criedshe，aspaleasalily，andcatchingathersidewithherhand。"WasheaScot？"
"No，maid，butIam；andIprayyouhideme，orshowmehowtoescapefromthiscastlewithmylife，andthatspeedily。”
"Comehither!"shesaid，drawingmethroughadoorintoasmall，square，emptyroomthatjuttedoutabovethemoat。"Theothermaidsareattheirdinner，"shewenton，"andIallalone——theseasonbeingLent，andIunderpenance，andthinkingofnodanger。”
Forwhichreason，Idoubtnot，namelythattheothershadgoneforth，shehadmadehertrystatthishourwithRobinLindsay。Buthe，ifhewas，asshesaid，oneoftheScottisharchersthatguardedthegate，wasbusyenoughbelikewiththetumultonthebridge，orinseekingforthebodyofmineenemy。
"HowtogetyouforthIknownot，"shesaid，"seeingthatfromyonderroomyoupassintothekitchenandthenceintotheguard-
room，andthenceagainbyapassageinthewallbehindthegreathall，andsoforthtothecourt，andthroughthegate，andtherebythereisnoescape:forseeyouthesoldiersmust，andwillavengetheircomrade。”
Hearingthisspeech，Iseemedtobeholdmyselfswingingbyatowfromatreebranch，adeathnotbeseemingoneofgentleblood。UpanddownIlooked，invain，andthenIturnedtothewindow，thinkingthat，asbetterwasnottobe，Imightdivethenceintothemoat，andtakemychanceofescapebythestairsonthefurtherside。Butthewindowwasheavilybarred。Yetagain，ifIwentforthbythedoor，andlurkedontheposternstair，therewasRobinLindsay"sdirktoreckonwith，whenhecame，alaggard，tohislove-
tryst。
"Stop!Ihaveit，"saidthegirl；andflyingintothelaundry，shereturnedwithagreatbundleofwhitewomen"sgearandagownoflinen，andawoman"swhitecoif，suchassheherselfwore。
Inlesstimethanamanwoulddeempossible，shehadmywethair，thatIworeaboutmyshoulders，asourstudent"smannerwas，tuckedupunderthecap，andthecleanwhitesmockovermywetclothes，andbeltedneatlyaboutmymiddle。
"Aprettywenchyoumake，IswearbySt。Valentine，"criedshe，fallingbacktolookatme，andthencomingforwardtopinupsomethingaboutmycoif，withherwhitefingers。
Ireckoneditnoharmtoofferherasisterlykiss。
""TisluckyRobinLindsayislate，"criedshe，laughing，"thoughevenwerehehere，hecouldscarcefindfaultthatonemaidshouldkissanother。Now，"shesaid，snatchingupaflatcratefulloflinen，"carrythese，theKing"sshirts，andsorelypatchedtheyare，onyourhead；marchstraightthroughthekitchen，thenthroughtheguard-room，andthenbythedoorontheleftintothelongpassage，andsointothecourt，andbegone；theywillbuttakeyouforanewlycomeblanchisseuse。Onlyspeakaslittleasmaybe，foryourspeechmaybetrayyou。”Shekissedmeverykindlyonbothcheeks，forshewasasfrankalassaseverImet，andamerry。Then，leadingmetothedooroftheinnerroom，shepusheditopen，thesavouryreekofthekitchenpouringin。
"Makegoodspeed，Margot!"shecriedaloudafterme，sothatallcouldhear；andIwalkedstraightuptheKing"skitchen，fullasitwasofmenandboys，breakingsalads，spittingfowls，bastingmeat(thoughitwasLent，butdoubtlesstheKinghadadispensationforhishealth"ssake)，watchingpots，tastingdishes，andallinagreatbustleandclamour。Thebasketoflinenshadingmyface，I
feltthemoreemboldened，thoughmylegs，verily，trembledundermeasIwalked。ThroughtheroomIwent，noneregardingme，andsointotheguard-room，buttrulythiswasanothermatter。Somesoldiersweredicingatatable，somedrinking，somebrawlingoverthematterofthelatetumult，butallstoppedandlookedatme。
"Anewface，and，bySt。Andrew，afairone!"saidavoiceintheaccentofmyowncountry。
"Butshehasmightybigfeet；belikesheisacountrywomanofthine，"quothaFrencharcher；andmyheartsankwithinmeastheothercastatankardathishead。
"Come，mylass，"criedanother，aScot，withadice-boxinhishand，catchingatmyrobeasIpassed，"kissmeandgivemeluck，"and，strikingupmybasketoflinen，sothatthewareswereallscatteredonthefloor，hedrewmeontohisknee，andgavemeasmackthatreekedsorelyofgarlic。Nevercamemannearergettingasorebuffet，yetIheldmyhand。Then，makinghiscastwiththedice，hesworeroundly，whenhesawthathehadthrowndeuces。
"Luckyinlove，unluckyingaming。Lugoutyourlosings，"saidhisadversarywithalaugh；andthemanleftholdofmywaistandbeganfumblinginhispouch。Straightway，beingfree，Icastmyselfonthefloortopickupthelinen，andhidemyface，whichsoburnedthatitmusthaveseemedasredasthemostmodestmaidmighthavedeemedseemly。
"Leavethewenchalone；sheisnewcome，Iwarrant，andhasnolikingforyourwantonness，"saidakindvoice；and，glancingup，I
sawthathewhospokewasoneofthegentlemenwhohadriddenwiththeMaidenfromVaucouleurs。BertranddePoulengywashisname；
belikehewaswaitingwhiletheKingandthenoblesdevisedwiththeMaidenprivatelyinthegreathall。
Hestoopedandhelpedmetopickupmylinen，ascourteouslyasifI
hadbeenaprincessoftheblood；and，becausehewasagentleman，I
suppose，andastranger，thearchersdidnotmeddlewithhim，savetobreakcertainsoldiers"jests，makingmegladthatIwasotherthanIappeared。
"Come，"hesaid，"mylass，Iwillbeyourescort；itseemsthatFortunehaschosenmeforachampionofdames。”
Withthesewordsheledthewayforth，andthroughalongpassagelitfromabove，whichcameoutintothecourtatthestairsofthegreathall。
DownthesestairstheMaidenherselfwasgoing，herfaceheldhighandagladlookinhereyes，herconferencewiththeKingbeingended。Poulengyjoinedher；theysaidsomewordswhichIdidnothear，forIdeemedthatitbecamemetowalkforwardafterthankinghimbyalook，andbendingmyhead，forIdarednottrustmyforeigntongue。
BeforeIreachedthegatewaytheyhadjoinedme，whichIwasgladof，fearingmoreinsolencefromthesoldiers。Butthesemenheldtheirpeace，lookinggrave，andevenaffrighted，beingofthemwhohadheardtheprophecyoftheMaidenandseenitsfulfilment。
"Haveyefoundthebodyofthatman？"saidPoulengytoasergeant-
at-arms。
"Nay，sir，wedeemthathisarmourweighedhimdown，forheneverroseonce，thoughthatScot"sheadwasseenthriceandnomore。
Beliketheyaregood，peacefulfriendsatthebottomofthefossetogether。”
"Ofwhatmanspeakyou？"askedtheMaidenofPoulengy。
"Ofhimthatblasphemedaswewentbyanhourago。WrestlingwithaScotonsomequarrel，theybrokethepalisade，and——lo!therearejoinersalreadymendingit。"Tisoldandfrail。ThegentleDauphinisoverpoortokeepthefurnishingsofhiscastleasakingshoulddo。”
TheMaidengrewwanassun-driedgrassinsummerwhensheheardthisstorytold。Crossingherself，shesaid-
"Alas!Iwarnedhim，buthediedunconfessed。IwilldowhatImaytohaveMassessaidforthereposeofhissoul，poorman:andhesoyoung!"
Withthatshewept，forsheweptreadily，evenforalessthingthansuchadeathaswasthatarcher"s。
Wehadnowcrossedthedrawbridge，whereatmyheartbeatmorelightly，andtheMaidentoldPoulengythatshewouldgotothehousewhereshelodged，nearthecastle。
"Andthence，"shesaid，"Imustfareintothetown，forIhavepromisedtovisitadamselofmyfriends，oneHeliotePoulvoir，ifI
mayfindmywaythither。Knowyou，gentledamsel，"shesaidtome，"wheresheabides？Orperchanceyoucanleadmethither，ifitliesonyourway。”
"Iwasevengoingthither，Pucelle，"Isaid，mincinginmyspeech；
whereatshelaughed，forofhernatureshewasmerry。
"ScotsareHelioteandherfather，andaScotarenotyoualso，damsel？yourspeechbetraysyou，"shesaid；"youallclingclosetogether，youScots，asbeseemsyouwell，beingstrangersinthissweetlandofFrance"；andherfacelightedupasshespokethenamesheloved，andmyheartworshippedherwithreverence。
"Farewell，"shecriedtoPoulengy，smilinggraciously，andbowingwithsuchacourtesyasaqueenmightshow，forInoteditmyself，asdidallmen，thatthispeasantgirlhadthemannersoftheCourt，beingschooled，asIdeem，bythegreatestofladies，herfriendsSt。MargaretandSt。Catherine。
Then，withanarcher，whohadriddenbesideherfromVaucouleurs，followingafterherasheeverdid，theMaidenandIbegantogodownthesteepwaythatledtothetown。Littleshespoke，andallmythoughtwastoenterthehousebeforeElliotcouldspymeinmystrangedisguise。
CHAPTERVII——CONCERNINGTHEWRATHOFELLIOT，ANDTHEJEOPARDYOF
NORMANLESLIE
ThewhilewewentdownintothecityofChinon，amanattiredasamaid，amaidencladasaman——strangecompanions!——weheldbutlittleconverse。Hermind，belike，wasonfirewithagreatlightofhope，ofwhichafterwardsIlearned，andtheendofthedaysoftroubleandofmen"sdisbeliefseemedtohertobedrawingnear。Wemaynotknowwhatvisionsofvictoryandofauxiliaryangels，ofherKingcrowned，andfairFranceredeemedandatpeace，werepassingthroughherfancy。Thereforeshewasnotfaintotalk，beingatalltimesawomanoffewwords；andinthis，asinsomanyothermatters，unlikemostofhersex。
OnmysideIhadmorethanenoughtothinkof，formycaseandpresentjeopardywereenoughtoamazeolderandwiserheadsthanmine。For，imprimis，IhadslainoneoftheKing"sguards；and，moreover，hadstruckthefirstblow，thoughmyadversary，indeed，hadgivenmeuttermostprovocation。Butevenifmyenemiesallowedmetospeakinmyowndefence，whichmightscarcelybesavebymiracle，itwasscantlypossibleformetoprovethattheotherhadinsultedmeandmycountry。SomelittlehopeIhadthatSirPatrickOgilvie，nowconstableoftheScottishmen-at-armsinFrance，orSirHughKennedy，orsomeotherofourknights，mighttakeupmyquarrel，forthesakeofourcommonbloodandcountry，weScotsalwaysbackingeachtheotherwhenabroad。Yet，ontheotherhand，itwasmoreprobablethatImightbeswinging，withaflockofcrowspeckingatmyface，beforeanyofmycountrymencouldspeakawordformewiththeKing。
Itistruethattheywhowouldmosteagerlyhavesoughtmylifedeemedmealreadydead，drownedinthefosse，andsowouldmakenosearchforme。Yet，assoonasIwentaboutmymaster"saffairs，asneedsImust，Iwouldbeknownandtaken；and，aswesayinourcountryproverb，"mycraigwouldkentheweightofmyhurdies。”{12}
Nonetheless，seeingthatthesoldiersdeemedmedead，ImightreadilyescapeatoncefromChinon，andtaketotheroadsagain，ifbutIcouldreachmymaster"shouseunseen，andgetridofthisfoolishfemininegearofcapandpetticoatwhichnowIworetomygreatshameanddiscomfort。
Butonthishandlaylittlehope；for，onceontheroad，Ishouldbeinaworsejeopardythaneverbefore，asanapprenticefledfrommymaster，and，moreover，withbloodonmyhands。Moreover，IcouldillbrookthethoughtofleavingElliot，towhommyheartwentforthinlove，andofmissingmychancetostrikeablowinthewarsfortheMaiden，andagainsttheEnglish；ofwhichrewardIhadthepromisefrommymaster。Fortune，andfame，andlove，ifIweretogainwhateveryyoungmanmostdesires，wereonlytobewonbyremainingatChinon；butthere，too，thefaceofdeathwasclosetomine——as，indeed，death，oratleastshameandpoverty，layambushedformeonallsides。
HereIsadlyrememberedhow，withalightheart，IhadleftSt。
Andrews，deemingthatthestoryofmylifewasnowabouttobegin，asitdidformanyyoungesquiresofGreeceandotherlands，concerningwhomIhadreadinromances。Verilyinthetaleofmyadventureshithertotherehadbeenmorecuffsthancrowns，moreshamethanhonour；and，astowinningmyspurs，Iwasmoreinpointtowinahempenrope，andinmyenddisgracemyblood。
Now，asiftheseperilswerenotenoughtoputamanbesidehimself，therewasanotherriskwhich，evenmorethanthese，tookupmythoughts。Amongallmydangersandmanifolddistresses，thisraiseditsheadhighestinmyfancy，namely，thefearthatmyloveshouldseemeinmyoutlandishguise，cladinwoman"sweeds，andcarryingonmyheadawoman"sburden。Itwasnotsomuchthatshemustneedslaughandholdmeinlittleaccount。Elliotlaughedoften，sothatnowitwasnothermirth，towhichshewaseverready，butherwrath(wheretoshewasreadyalso)thatIheldinawfulregard。Forherheartandfaith，inamarvellousmannerpassingtheloveofwomen，werewhollysetonthismaid，inwhosecompanyInowfared。And，iftheMaidwentinmen"sattire(asneedsshemust，formodesty"ssake，whowasaboutmen"sbusiness，inmen"scompany)，herewasI
attendingherinwoman"sgear，asiftomakeamockofher，thoughinmymindIdeemedhernolessthanasisterofthesaints。AndElliotwassuretobelievethatIcarriedmyselfthusinmockeryandtomakelaughter；for，atthattime，thereweremanyinFrancewhomocked，asdidthatsoldierwhosedeathIhadseenandcaused。ThusIstoodinnomoredangerofdeath，greataswasthatrisk，thaninjeopardyofmymistress"sfavour，which，indeed，oflateIhadbeeninsomescanthopeatlasttowin。Thus，onallhands，Iseemedtomyselfassorebesteadasevermanwas，andonnosidesawanyhopeofsuccour。
Imusedsolonganddeeponthesethings，thatthethoughtwhichmighthavehelpedmecametometoolate，namely，totellallmytaletotheMaidenherself，andthrowmeonhermercy。Nay，evenwhenatlastandlatethislightshoneonmymind，Ihadshametospeaktoher，consideringthemarvellousthingwhichIhadjustbeheldofher，inthefulfilmentofherprophecy。Butnowmymaster"shousewasinsight，attheturningfromthesteepstairsandthewynd，andtherestoodElliotonthedoorstep，watchingandwaitingfortheMaid，asagirlmaywaitforherlovercomingfromthewars。
Therewasnotimegivenmetoslinkbackandskulkintheshadowofthecornerofthewynd；for，likeagreyhoundinspeed，ElliothadflowntousandwaskneelingtotheMaid，who，withadeepblushandsomeangerinherface——forshelovednosuchobeisances——badeherrise，andsokissedandembracedher，asyounggirlsuseamongthemselveswhentheyarefriendsandfainofeachother。Ihadturnedmyselftogoapartintotheshadowofthecorner，assecretlyasImight，whenIranstraightintothearmsofthearcherthatfollowedclosebehindus。Onthisencounterhegaveagreatlaugh，and，Ibelieve，wouldhavekissedme；but，theMaidenlookinground，hestooderectandgraveasasoldieronguard，fortheMaidenwouldsuffernolightlovesanddaffing。
"Whithermakeyou，damsel，insuchhaste？"shecriedtome。"Come，letmepresentyoutothisdamsel，myfriend——andoneofyourowncountry-women。Elliot，mamie，"shesaidtomymistress，"hereisthiskindlass，aScotlikeyourself，whohasguidedmeallthewayfromthecastlehither，and，faith，thewayishardtofind。Doyouthankherforme，andlethersitdowninyourhouse:shemustbewearywiththeweightofherbasketandherlinen"——forthese，whenshespoketome，Ihadlaidontheground。WiththissheledmeuptoElliotbythehand，whobegantoshowmeverygraciouscountenance，andtothankme，myfaceburningallthewhilewithconfusionandfearofheranger。
Suddenlyanewlook，suchasIhadneverseenbeforeonherfaceinherlightangers，cameintohereyes，whichgrewhardandcold，hermouthalsoshowingstiff；andsoshestood，pale，gazingsternly，andasoneunabletospeak。Then-
"Gooutofmysight，"shesaid，verylow，"andfrommyfather"shouse!Forthwithyouforamockerandagangrelloon!"——speakinginourcommonScots，——"andherdwiththebasethievesfromwhomyoucame，cowardandmockingmalapert!"
Thestormhadfallenonmyhead，evenasIfeareditmust，andI
stoodasonebereftofspeechandreason。
TheMaidknewnowordofourspeech，andthispassionofElliot"s，andsosuddenachangefromkindnesstowrath，werewhatshemightnotunderstand。
"Elliot，mamie，"shesaid，verysweetly，"whatmeanyoubythisanger？Thedamselhastreatedmewithnolittlefavour。Tellme，I
pray，inwhatshehasoffended。”
ButElliot，notlookingather，saidtomeagain，andthistimetearsleapedupinhereyes——"Forthwithyou!begone，ereIcallthatarchertodragyoubeforethejudgesofthegoodtown。”
Iwasnowdesperate，for，cladasIwas，thearcherhadmeatanavail，and，ifIweretakenbeforethemenofthelaw，allwouldbeknown，andmyshriftwouldbeshort。