第4章

"GraciousPucelle，"Isaid，inFrench，turningtotheMaiden，"mylife，andthefortuneofonewhowouldgladlyfighttothedeathbyyourside，areinyourhands。Fortheloveoftheblessedsaints，yoursisters，andofHimwhosendsyouonyourholymission，praythisdemoiselletoletmeenterthehousewithyou，andtellmytaletoyouandher。IfIsatisfyyounotofmyhonourandgoodintent，Iamready，inthishour，togobeforethemenoflaw，anddelivermyselfuptotheirjustice。Forthoughmylifeisinjeopardy，I

dreaddeathlessthantheangerofthishonourabledemoiselle。Andverilythisisamatterofinstantlifeordeath。”

Sosaying，Iclaspedmyhandsinthemannerofoneinprayer，settingallmysoulintomyspeech，asamandesperate。

TheMaidenhadlistenedverygravely，andsweetlyshesmiledwhenmyprayerwasended。

"Verily，"shesaidtome，"hereisdeeperwaterthanIcanfathom。

Elliot，mamie，youhearhowgently，andinwhatdistress，thisfairlassbeseechesus。”

"Fairlass!"criedElliot:andthenbrokeoffbetweenasobandalaugh，herhandcatchingatherside。

"Ifyouloveme，"saidtheMaid，lookingonherastonished，andnotwithoutanger——"ifyouloveme，asyouhavesaid，youthatarethefirstofmycomforters，and，tillthisday，myonlyfriendinyourstrangetown，letthelasscomeinandtellushertale。For，evenifshebedistraught，andbesideherself，asIwelldeem，Iamsenttobeafriendofallthemthatsuffer。Moreover，mamie，Ihavegladtidingsforyou，whichIamlongingtospeak，butspeakitI

willnever，whilethelassgoesthusinterrorandfearofdeathorshame。”

Insayingtheselastwords，thefashionofhercountenancewaschangedtoasweetentreatyandcommand，suchasfewcouldhavebeheldanddeniedherwhatshecraved，andshelaidherhandlightlyonElliot"sshoulder。

"Come，"saidElliot，"beitasyouwill；comeinwithme；andyou"——

turningtomyself——"doyoufollowus。”

Theypassedintothehouse，Icomingafter，andthearcherwaitingatthedoor。

"Letnoneenter，"saidtheMaidentoherarcher，"unlessanycometomefromtheKing，orunlessitbethemasterofthehouse。”

Wepassedintothechamberwheremymasterwaswonttopainthismissalsandpsalterswhenhewouldbealone。ThenElliotverygraciouslybadetheMaidenbeseated，butherselfstoodup，facingme。

"GraciousMaiden，andmessengeroftheholysaints，"shesaid，"thislass，asyoudeemher，isnowoman，butaman，myfather"sapprentice，whohascladhimselfthustomakeofyouamockeryandalaughing-stock，becausethatyou，beingamaid，goattiredasaman，bythewillofThemwhosentyoutosaveFrance。HaveIsaidenough，anddoIwelltobeangry？"andhereyesshoneasshespoke。

TheMaiden"sbrowsmetinwrath；shegazeduponmesteadfastly，andIlooked——sinfulmanthatIam!——toseeherhandgotothehiltoftheswordthatshewore。But，makingnomotion，sheonlysaid-

"Andthou，whereforehastthoumockedatonewhodidtheenoevil，andatthisdamsel，thymaster"sdaughter？"

"GentleMaiden，"Isaid，"listentomeforbutalittlemoment。Itmaybe，whenthouhastheardall，thatthouwiltstillbewrothwithme，thoughnotformockery，whichwasneverinmymind。Butthegentledamsel，thyfriend，willassuredlypardonme，whohavealreadyputmylifeinperilforthysake，andforthesakeofourdearcountryofScotlandandhergoodname。”

"Thylifeinperilforme!Howmeanyou？Istoodinnodanger，andIneversawyourfacebefore。”

"Yethastthousavedmylife，"Isaid；"butofthatwemaydevisehereafter。Iam，indeed，thoughagentlemanbybloodandbirth，theapprenticeofthefatherofthisdamsel，thyfriend，whoishimselfagentlemanandofagoodhouse，butpovertydrivesmentostrangeshifts。ThisdayIwentwithmymastertothecastle，andIwasonthedrawbridgewhenthou，withthegentlementhyesquires，passedoverittoseetheKing。Onthatbridgeaman-at-armsspoketotheeshamefulwords，blasphemingtheholynameofGod。Nosoonerhadstthougonebythanheturnedonme，revilingmynativecountryofScotland。ThenI，notdeemingthattoenduresuchtauntsbecamemybirthandbreeding，struckhimonhislyingmouth。Then，aswewrestledonthebridge，webothstruckagainstthebarrier，whichwaslow，frail，andold，sothatitgavewayunderourweight，andwebothfellintothemoat。WhenIrosehewasnotinsight，otherwiseIwouldhavesavedhimbyswimming，forIdesiretohavethelifeofnomanonmyhandsinprivatequarrel。Butthearchersshotatmefromthedrawbridge，sothatIhadtotakethoughtformyself。ByswimmingunderthewaterIescaped，behindajuttingrock，toasecretstair，whenceIpushedmywayintoachamberofthecastle。Thereinwasadamsel，busywiththelinen，who，ofhergoodwill，cladmeinthiswretchedapparelabovemyowngarb，andso，forthattime，savedmylife，andIpassedforthunknown；butyethathcausedmetolosewhatIprizemorehighlythanlife——thatis，thegraciouscountenanceofthisgentlelady，thyfriendandmymaster"sdaughter，whomitismyhonouranddutyinallthingstopleaseandserve。Tellme，then，doImerityourwrathasajesterandamock-maker，ordoesthisgentleladywelltobeangrywithherservitor？"

TheMaidencrossedherself，andmurmuredaprayerforthesoulofhimwhohaddiedinthemoat。ButElliotinstantlyflewtome，and，draggingoffmywoman"scap，torewithherfairhandsatthewhitelinensmockaboutmyneckandwaist，sothatitwasrentasunderandfellonthefloor，leavingmecladinmywetdoubletandhose。

Atthissight，withoutwordspoken，shebrokeoutintothemerriestlaughterthateverIheard，andthemostwelcome；andtheMaidtoo，catchingthemaladyofhermirth，laughedlowandgraciously，sothattoseeandhearherwasmarvel。

"Begone!"criedElliot——"begone，andshiftthydrippinggear"；and，asIfledswiftlytomychamber，Iheardherlaughteryet，thoughtherecameasobintoit；butfortheMaid，shehadalreadystintedinhermirthereIlefttheroom。

InthisstrangeandunseemlyfashiondidIfirstcomeintotheknowledgeofthisadmirableMaid——whom，alas!Iwastoseemoreoftensadthanmerry，andweepingratherthanlaughing，though，eveninherutmostneed，herheartcouldbelightandhermirthfree:amannerthatisuncommonevenamongbravemen，but，inwomen，neverknownbymesaveinher。Foritisthewayofwomentobeverybusyandseriouslyconcernedaboutthesmallestthings，whereatamanonlysmiles。Butshe，withherlifeatstake，couldpluckgaietyforthofdanger，iftheperilthreatenednonebutherself。ThesemannersofhersIlearnedtoknowandmarvelatinthelaterdaysthatcametoosoon；butnowinmychamber，Ishiftedmywetraimentfordrywithaheartwondrouslight。Mycraig{13}wasinperil，aswesay，neitherlessnormorethanhalfanhouragone，butIhadescapedtheangerofElliot；andeven，asIdeemed，hadwonmoreofhergoodcountenance，seeingthatIhadstruckablowforScotlandandforherfriend。Thisthoughtmademegreatcheerinmyheart；

asIheard，fromtheroombelow，thevoicesofthetwogirlsdevisingtogetherveryseriouslyfornighthespaceofanhour。

But，knowingthattheymighthavematterssecretbetweenthemselvestotellof，fortheMaidenhadsaidthatshebroughtgoodtidings，I

keptcoyandtomyselfinmylittleupperchamber。Toleavethehouse，indeed，wasmorethanmylifewasworth。NowtoflyandhidewaswhatIcouldnotbringmyselftoventure；hereIwouldstaywheremyheartwas，andtakewhatfortunethesaintsmightsend。SoIenduredtowait，andnotgladdenmyselfwiththesightofElliot，andtheknowledgeofhowInowstoodwithher。Tomethiswasgreatpenance，butatlastthevoicesceased，and，lookingsecretlyfromthewindow，IsawtheMaidendepart，herarcherfollowingher。

NowIcouldnolongerbridleinmydesiretobewithElliot，andlearnwhetherIwasindeedforgiven，andhowIstoodinherfavour。

So，passingdownthestairthatledfrommycubicle，Istoodatthedooroftheroomwhereinshewasandknockedtwice。Butnoneanswered，and，venturingtoenter，Iheardthesoundofastifledsob。Shehadthrownherselfonasettle，herfaceturnedtothewall，andtheafternoonsunwasshiningonheryellowhair，whichlaylooseuponhershoulders。

Idaredtosaynoword，andsheonlymadeamotionofherhandtowardsme，thatIshouldbegone，withoutshowingmethelightofhercountenance。OnthisIwentforthstealthily，myheartagainveryheavy，fortheMaidenhadspokenoflearninggoodtidings；andwhereforeshouldmymistressweep，who，anhouragone，hadbeensomerry？Difficultarethewaysofwomen，alanguagehardtobeunderstood，wherefore"love，"astheRomansays，"isfullofanxiousfears。”

MuchmisdoubtinghowIfaredinElliot"sheart，anddevisingwithinmyselfwhatthisnewsorrowofElliot"smightsignify，Ihalfforgotmyowndanger，yetnotsomuchastofareforthofthedoors，orevenintothebooth，wherecustomersmightcome，andIbeknown。

ThereforeIpassedintoaroombehindthebooth，wheremymasterwaswonttoinstructmeinmypainting；andthere，sincebettermightnotbe，IsetaboutgrindingandmixingsuchcoloursasIknewthatherequired。

Ihadnotbeenlongaboutthistask，whenIheardhimentertheboothfromwithout，whencehewalkedstraightintomyworkroom。I

lookedupfrommycolours，whereathisface，whichwasruddy，grewwan，hestaggeredback，and，beinglame，reeledagainstthewall。

Therehebroughtup，crossinghimself，andmakingthesignofthecrossatme。

"Avaunt!"hesaid，"inthenameofthisholysign，whetherthouartawanderingspirit，oradevilinadeadman"ssemblance。”

"Master，"Isaid，"Iamneitherspiritnordevil。Wasiteveryetheardthatbrownieorboglemixedcoloursforapainter？Nay，touchme，andseewhetherIamnotofsinfulScotsfleshandblood"；andthereonIlaughedaloud，knowingwhatcausedhisfear，andmerryatthesightofit，forhehadeverheldtalesof"diablerie，"andofwraithsandfreitsandfetches，inhighscorn。

Hesathimdownonachairandgapeduponme，whileIcouldnotcontainmyselffromlaughing。

"ForGod"ssake，"saidhe，"bringmeacupofredwine，formywitsarewandering。Deil"sbuckie，"hesaidintheScots，"willwaternotdrownyou？Faith，then，itistohempthatyouwereborn，asshallshortlybeseen。”

Idrewhimsomewinefromacaskthatstoodinthecorner，ondraught。Hedrankitatoneventure，andheldoutthecupformore，thecolourcomingbackintohisface。

"Didthearcherstellmefalse，then，whentheysaidthatyouhadfiredupatachanceword，andflungyourselfandthesentinelintothemoat？Andwherehaveyoubeenwastingyourtime，andwhywentyoufromthebridgeereIcameback，ifthearcherstookanotherprenticeladforNormanLeslie？"

"Theytoldyoutruth，"Isaid。

"Then，inthenameofAntichrist——thatIshouldsayso!——howscapedyoudrowning，andhowcameyouhere？"

Itoldhimthestory，asbrieflyasmightbe。

"Illluckgowithyonsecond-sightedwenchthathasbewitchedElliot，andyoutoo，forallthatIcansee。NeverdidIthinktobefrayedwithabogle，{14}and，asmighthavebeendeemed，theboglebutaprenticeloon，whenallwasdone。Tomythinkingallthisfairyworkisnomoretruethanthatyouareadeadman"swraith。Buttheyareallwildaboutit，atthecastle，whereIwaskeptlong，doingnotrade，andlisteningtotheirmadclatter。”

Hetookoutofhispouchaparcelheedfullywrappedinsoftfoldsofsilk。

"HereisthisBookofHours，"hesaid，"thatIhavespentmyeyesight，andgold，purple，andcarmine，andcobaltupon，thesethreeyearspast；ajewelitis，thoughIsayso。AndIhadgoodhopetosellittoHughKennedy，forhehasoflatehadluckintakingtwoEnglishknightsprisonersatOrleans——theonlyprofitabletradethatmennowcandrive，——andthegoodknightdearlylovesapaintedbookofdevotion；especiallyif，likethisofmine，itbeadornedwiththelovesofJupiter，andtheSwan，andDanae，andotherheathenpliskies。Wewerechafferingovertheprice，andgettingnearabargain，whenincomesPatrickOgilviewithataleofthissecond-sightedMaid，andhowshehadbeencalledtoseetheKing，andofwhatbefell。First，itseems，shebodedthedeathofthatlucklesslimbofasentinel，andthenyoutookituponyoutofulfilhersaying，andsoyouandheweredrowned，andIleftprenticeless。LittlecomforttomeitwastohearKennedyandOgilviepraiseyouforagoodScotandtrue，andsaythatitwasgreatpityofyourdeath。”

Atthishearingmyheartleapedforjoy，first，atmyownpraisefromsuchgoodknights，andnext，becauseIsawablinkofhope，havingfriendsatCourt。Mymasterwenton-

"Next，Ogilvietoldhowhehadbeeninhall，withtheDauphin，theChancellorTremouille，andsomescoresofknightsandnobles，agreatthrong。TheywereallwaitingonthisLorrainerwench，fortheDauphinhadbeentold，atlast，thatshebroughtaletterfromBaudricourt，butbeforehewouldnotseeher。Thisletterhadbeenkeptfromhim，Iguessbywhom，andtherewasotherclashofmarvelswroughtbyher，Iknownotwhat。Sotheirwisdomwassetonputtinghertoakindoftrial，foolishenough!AyoungknightwasdressedinjewelsandacoronetoftheKing"s，andtheKingwascladrightsoberly，andheldhimselffarbackinthethrong，whiletheotherstoodinfront，lookingbig。Sothewenchcomesin，and，walkingstraightthroughthepressofknights，withherheadhigh，kneelstotheKing，wherehestoodretired，andcallshim"gentleDauphin"!

""Nay，mamie，"sayshe，""tisnotIwhoamtheDauphin，buthisHighnessyonder，"——pointingtotheyoungknight，whoshowedallhisplumagelikeamuircockinspring。

"Nay，gentleDauphin，"sheanswers，soOgilviesaid，"itistotheethatIamsent，andnoother，andIamcometosavethegoodtownofOrleans，andtoleadtheetothysacringatRheims。”

"Heretheywereallstruckamazed，andtheKingnotleast，whothenhadsomewordsapartwiththegirl。AndhehasgivenherroomsintheTourCoudrayewithinthecastle；andtheclergyandthedoctorsaretoexamineherstraitly，whethershebefromagoodairt，{15}

oranill，andallbecausesheknewtheKing，shewhohadneverseenhimbefore。Whyshouldsheneverhaveseenhim——whowarrantsmeofit？——shedwellingtheselastdaysnighthecastle!Freitsarefolly，tomythinking，andfoolstheythatfollowthem。Lad，yougavemeagliff；passmeanotherstoupofwine!Freits，forsooth!"

Iservedhim，andhesatandchuckledinhischair，beingpleasuredbythethoughtofhisownwisdom。"NotawordofthistoElliot，though，"hesaidsuddenly；"whenthereisawomaninahouse——

blessingsonher!——itisanythingforaquietlife!But，"nomDieu!"whatwiththefrightyougaveme，sittingthere，whereasI

deemedyouweremeatforeelsandcarp，andwhatwiththytale——ha，ha!——andmytale，andthewine，maybe，Iforgotyourownperil，mylad。Faith，yourneckisliketobelonger，ifwebenotbetteradvised。”

Hearinghimtalkofthatmarvellousthing，wroughtthroughinspirationbytheMaid——whereat，ashismannerwas，hemocked，I

hadcleanforgottenmyownjeopardy。Nowthiswasinstant，forwhoknewhowmuchthearchermighthaveguessed，thatfollowedwiththeMaidandme，andmen-at-armsmightanonbeatourdoor。

"Itmaybe，"saidI，"thatSirPatrickOgilvieandSirHughKennedywouldsayawordformeintheKing"sear。”

"Faith，thatisouronechance，and，luckilyforyou，theladyoudrowned，thoughintheKing"sservice，camehitherinthefollowingofapoorknight，whomighttakeblood-ransomforhisman。HadhebeenLaTremouille"sman，youmustassuredlyhavefledthecountry。”

HetookuphisBookofHours，withasigh，andwrappeditagaininitssilkenparcel。

"ThismustbeyourpricewithKennedy，"hesaid，"ifbettermaynotbe。Itislikepartingwiththeappleofmyeye，but，Iknownotwellhow，Iloveyou，mylad，andbloodisthickerthanwater。Givememystaff；Imusthirpleupthatwearyhillagain，andyou，comehither。”

Heledmetohisownchamber，whereIhadneverbeenbefore，andshowedmehow，inthechimney-neuk，wasawayintoacertainblackholeoflittleease，wherein，ifanycameinsearchforme，Imightliehidden。And，fetchingmeacoldfish(Lentencheer)，aloaf，andastoupofwine，whereofIwasgladenough，heleftme，groaningthewhileathisill-fortune，butladenwithsuchthanksasImightgiveforallhisgreatkindness。

Therethen，Isat，whenIhadeaten，myearsprickedtolistenforthetrampofarmedmenbelowandthethunderoftheirsummonsatthedoor。Buttheycamenot，andpresentlymythoughtstolebacktoElliot，who，indeed，wasneveroutofmymindthen——nay，nornowis。

Butwhetherthatmemorybesinfulinamanofreligionornot，I

leavetothesaintsandtogoodconfession。MuchIperplexedmyselfwithmarvellingwhyshedidsoweep；aboveall，sinceIknewwhathopefultidingsshehadgottenofherfriendandherenterprise。

Butnolightcametomeinmymeditations。Ididnotknowthenthatwhereasyoungmen，andmanylassestoo，areliketheRomanladwhowentwithhisbosombare，crying"Auraveni，"andsighingforthebreezeofLovetocome，othermaidensarewrothwithLovewhenhecreepsintotheirhearts，andwouldfaincasthimout——beinginamannermadwithangeragainstLove，andagainsthimwhomtheydesire，andagainstthemselves。Thismood，aswaslaterseen，wasElliot"s，forherheartwaslikeawildbirdtrapped，thatturnswithbillandclawonhimwhocomestosetitfree。Moreover，I

havesincedeemedthatherpassionoffaithintheMaidmadewaronherloveforme；onebreastbeingscantlygreatenoughtocontainthesetwoaffections，andherpridetaking，againstthenaturallove，thepartofthelovewhichwasdivine。

Butallthesewerelaterthoughts，thatcametomeinmusingonthesorrowsofmydays；and，likemostwisdom，thisknowledgearrivedtoolate，andI，asthen，washoldeninperplexity。

CHAPTERVIII——OFCERTAINQUARRELSTHATCAMEONTHEHANDSOFNORMAN

LESLIE

BelikeIhaddroppedasleep，outweariedwithwhathadbefallenme，mindandbody，butIstartedupsuddenlyatthesoundofadagger-

hiltsmittenagainstthemaindoorofthehouse，andavoicecrying，"Open，inthenameoftheDauphin。”Theyhadcomeinquestofme，andwhenIheardthem，itwasasifahandhadgivenmyheartasqueeze，andforamomentmybreathseemedtobestopped。Thispast，Iheardtheoldserving-womanfumblingwiththebolts，andpeeringfrombehindthecurtainofmycasement，Isawthatthewaysweredark，andthenarrowstreetwaslitupwithflaringtorches，thelightswaveringinthewind。Isteppedtothewideingle，thinkingtocreepintothesecrethiding-hole。Buttowhatavail？

Itmighthaveservedmyturnifmyescapealivefromthemoathadonlybeenguessed，butnowmymastermusthavetoldallthestory，andthemen-at-armsmustbeassuredthatIwaswithin。Thinkingthus，Istoodatpause，whenawhispercame，asiffromwithintheingle-

"Unbarthedoor，andhidenot。”

ItmustbeElliot"svoice，speakingthroughsometubecontrivedintheingleofthedwelling-roombeloworotherwise。Gladathearttothinkthatshetookthoughtofme，Iunbarredthedoor，andthrewmyselfintoachairbeforethefire，tryingtolooklikeoneunconcerned。Theboltswerenowdrawnbelow；Iheardvoices，ratherScotsthanFrench，tomysense。Thenthestepofonemanclimbedupthestair，heavily，andwiththetapofastaffkeepingtunetoit。

Itwasmymaster。Hisfacewaspale，andfallingintoachair，hewipedthesweatfromhisbrow。"UnhappymanthatIam!"hesaid，"I

havelostmyapprentice。”

IgulpedsomethingdowninmythroatereIcouldsay，"Thenitisdeath？"

"Nay，"hesaid，andsmiled。"Butgliffforgliff，{16}youputafearonmethisday，andnowweareeven。”

"YetIscarceneedacupofwineformyrecovery，master，"Isaid，fillinghimabeakerfromtheflagononthetable，whichhedrainedgladly，beingsorewearied，sosteepwasthewaytothecastle，andhardforalameman。Myheartwasaslightasaleafonatree，andthebitternessofshamefuldeathseemedgoneby。

"Ihavelostmyprenticeanotherway，"hesaid，settingdownthecuponthetable。"IhadmuchadotoseeKennedy，forhewasatthedicewithotherlords。Atlength，deemingtherewasnotimetowaste，IsentinthebonnyBookofHours，prayinghimtohearmeforamomentonaweightymatter。Thatbroughthimtomyside；heleapedatthebooklikeatroutatafly，andtookmetohisownchamber。ThereItoldhimyourstory。WhenitcametothewenchintheKing"slaundry，andRobinLindsay，andyoucladingirl"sgear，andkissedintheguard-room，hestruckhandonthighandlaughedaloud。

ThenIdeemedyourcauseasgoodasthreepartswon，andhecouldnotholdin，butledmetoachamberwhereweremanylords，dicinganddrinking:Tremouille，Ogilvie，theBishopofOrleans——thatholyman，whohascometoaskforaidfromtheKing，——LaHire，Xaintrailles，andIknownotwhom。ThereImusttellallthechronicleagain；andsomesaidthis，andsomethat，andTremouillemocks，thattheMaidutteredherprophecytonootherendbuttomakeyoufulfilit，andslayherenemyforthesakeofher"beauxyeux。”Theotherswouldhearnothingofthis，and，indeed，thoughI

amnogull，IwotthatTremouilleiswronghere，andovercunning；

hetrustsneithermannorwoman。Howsoeveritbe，hewentwiththestorytotheKing，whoiskeentohearanynewthing。And，tobeshort，theendofitisthis:thatyouhaveyourfreepardon，ontheseterms，namely，thatyouhavetwoscoreofmassessaidforthedeadman，andyourselftakeserviceunderSirHughKennedy，thattheKingmaynotloseaman-at-arms。”

Never，sure，camegladdertidingstoanymanthanthesetome。Anhouragotheropeseemedtightaboutmyneck；onedaypast，andI

wasbutaprenticetothemeancraftofpaintingandlimning，artsgoodforamonk，oramanant，but，saveforpleasure，nottobemelledormeddledwithbyamanofgentleblood。AndnowIwastoweararms，andthatinthebestofcauses，underthebestofcaptains，oneofmyowncountry——alordinAyrshire。

"Ay，evenso，"mymastersaid，markingthejoyinmyface，"youarerightgladtoleaveus——alassandalameter。{17}Well，well，suchisyouth，andeldissoonforgotten。”

Ifellonmykneesathisfeet，andkissedhishands，andIbelievethatIwept。

"Sir，"Isaid，"youhavebeentomeasafather，andmorethanithasbeenmyfortunetofindmyownfather。NeverwouldIleaveyouwithmywill，andforthegentledemoiselle，yourdaughter——"ButhereIstinted，sinceinsoothIknewnotwellwhatwordstosay。

"Ay，weshallbothmissyoubetimes；butcourage，man!Afterall，thisnewlifebeseemsyoubest，and，markme，alassthinksnonetheworseofaladbecausehewearsnottheprentice"shoddengrey，butaScotsarcher"sgreen，white，andred，andCharlesforbadgeonbreastandsleeve，andaswordbyhisside。AndasforthebonnyBookofHours——"Master，"Isaidwithshame，"wasthatmyransom？"

"Kennedywouldhavecomenearmyprice，andstrovetomakemetakethegold。Butwhatisbredinthebonewillout；Iamagentlemanborn，notahuckster，andthebookIgavehimfreely。Mayitprofitthegoodknightinhisdevotions!Butnow，come，theyarewearywaitingforus；thehourwaxeslate，andElliot，Itrow，islongabed。Youmustbegonetothecastle。”

Inthestairs，andaboutthedoor，sometenofSirHugh"smenwerewaiting，allcountrymenofmyown，andthenoisetheymadeandtheirspeechwerepleasanttome。Theygavemewelcomewithshoutsandlaughter，andclaspedmyhands:"forhimthatcalleduswine-sacks，youhavegivenhimwatertohiswine，andthefrogforhisbutler，"

theysaid，makingajestoflifeanddeath。Butmyownheartforthenoncewasheavyenoughagain，IlongingtotakefarewellofElliot，whichmightnotbe，normightshefacethatwildcompany。

Howbeit，thinkingitgoodtohaveafriendatcourt，Imadeoccasiontoputinthehandoftheoldserving-womanallofsuchsmallcoinsasIhadwoninmylifeservile，deemingmyselfwellquitofsuchill-gottengear。Andthereafter，withgreatmirthandnoise，theysetforthtoclimbthehilltowardsthecastle，whereIwasled，throughmanyawindypassage，tothechamberofSirHughKennedy。

Thereweretorcheslit，andtheknight，abroad-shouldered，fair-

hairedman，withastern，flushedface，wasturningoverandgazingathisnewBookofHours，likeachildbusywithafreshtoy。Helaidthebookdownwhenweentered，andtheseniorofthetwoarcherswhoaccompaniedmetoldhimthatIwashewhohadbeensummoned。

"Yourname？"heasked；andIgaveit。

"Youareofgentleblood？"AndIanswering"Yes，"hereplied，"ThenseethatyouarereadytosheditfortheKing。Yourlifethatwasjustlyforfeit，isnow，byhisRoyalmercy，returnedtoyou，tobespentinhisservice。RutherfordandDouglas，gotakehimtoquarters，andseethatto-morrowheiscladasbeseemsamanofmycommand。Nowgoodnighttoyou——butstay!You，NormanLeslie，youwillhavequarrelsonyourhand。Waitnotforthem，butgotomeetthem，iftheyarewiththeFrenchmen-at-arms，andinquarrelseethatyoubeswiftanddeadly。Forthetownsfolk，nobrawling，marauding，orhalingaboutofhonestwenches。Herewearestrangers，andmymenmustberespected。”

Hebowedhishead:hiswordshadbeencurt，nograceorkindnesshadheshownmeofcountenance。IfeltinmyheartthattohimI

wasbutapawninthegameofbattle。NowIseemedasfaroffaseverIwasfrommyfoolishdreamofwinningmyspurs；nay，perchanceneverhadIsunklowerinmyownconceit。TillthishourIhadbeen，asitwere，thehingeonwhichmyshareoftheworldturned，andnowIwasnomorethanawheelinthecarriageofacouleuvrine，anunconsideredcoginthemachineofwar。Iwastobelostinamultitude，everyoneasgoodasmyself，orbetter；andwhenIhadthoughtoftakingservice，Ihadnotforeseenthemannerofitandthenatureofthesoldier"strade。Myhead，thatIhadcarriedhigh，somewhatdrooped，asIsaluted，imitatingmycompanions，andwewheeledforthoftheroom。

"Hughhastakentheprideoutofyou，lad，ormynameisnotRandalRutherford，"saidtheBordermanwhohadguidedme。"Faith，hehasakeentongueandashortwaywithhim，butthereareworsecommanders。Andnowyoumusttoyourquarters，forthehourislateandtheguard-roomshut。”

Heledmetoourcommonsleeping-place，where，amongmanysnoringmen-at-armsinagreatbarehall，apalletwaslaidforme，andmyfleshcreptasIrememberedhowthiswasthecouchofhimwhomIhadslain。Howbeit，beingwellweary，despitethestrangenessoftheplace，afterbrieforisonsIsleptsoundtillatrumpetcalledusinthemorning。

Concerningthestrangenessofthiswaking，tomewhohadbeengentlynurtured，andtheroughlife，andprofanewordswhichImusthear(not，indeed，thattheyhadbeenwhollybanishedfromourwilddaysatSt。Andrews)，itisneedlessthatIshouldtell。SeeingthatI

wascomeamongrudeneighbours，Ievenmadeshifttofallback，insemblance，onsuchmannersasIhadusedamongthestudentsbeforeI

leftScotland，thoughmanyperils，andthefearwhereinIstoodofBrotherThomas，andthecompanyofthemaidElliot，hadcausedmehalftoforgetmyswaggeringways。So，mayGodforgiveme!Isworeroundly；ImadeasifIdeemedlightlyofthatFrenchman"sdeath，and，inbrief，Isoboremethat，erenoon(whenIbehovedtogointoChinonwithRandalRutherford，andthereprovidemewiththerichapparelofourcompany)，Ihadthreegoodquarrelsonmyhand。

First，therewastheman-at-armswhohadkissedmeintheguard-

room。He，ina"bourde"andmockery，makingpretencethathewouldrepeathisinsult，gotthatwhichwasowinghim，andwithinterest，forindeedhecouldseeoutofneitherofhissquinteyeswhenIhaddealtwithhim。Andforthiscauseperforce，ifheneededmoreproofofmymanhoodthantheweightofmyfist，hemusttarryforthedemonstrationwhichhedesired。

ThentherewasRobinLindsay，andathiswrathImakenomarvel，forthetaleofhowhecamelatetotryst，andatsecond-hand(withmanysuchrudeandwantonadditionsassoldiersusetomake)，wasnoisedabroadalloverthecastle。Hisquarrelwasnomatterforfisticuffs；so，beingattiredinhelmet，vambracererebrace，gauntlets，andgreavesoutofthearmoury，wheremanysuchsuitswerestored，Imethiminacertainquietcourtbehindthecastle，wherequarrelswereusuallyvoided。Andnowmypracticeoftheswordathomeandthelessonsofoursmithcamehandilytomyneed。

Aftermuchclashingofsteelandsmitingoutofsparks，Ichanced，byanartknowntome，tostrikehisswordoutofhishand。Then，havinghimatanavail，Ithrewdownmyownblade，andsoplainlytoldhimtheplaintruth，andhowtohismistressIowedmylife，whichIwouldratherlosenowathishandthanhearherhonourblamed，thatheforgaveme，andweembracedasfriends。Neitherwasthisjestanewcastupagainsteitherofus，menfearingtolaugh，aswesay，withthewrongsideoftheirmouths。

Afterthisfriendlyboutatpointandedge，RobinandRandalRutherford，beingoffduty，mustneedscarrymetotheTennisCourt，whereTremouilleandtheKingwereplayingtwoyounglords，andthatforsuchastakeaswouldhavehelpedtoarmahundredmenfortheaidofOrleans。Itwasprettytoseetheballflyaboutbastedfromthewalls，andtheplayersboundingandstriking；and，littleasI

understoodthegame，soeagerwasIoverthesport，thatagentlemanwithinthe"dedans"touchedmetwiceontheshoulderbeforeIwasawareofhim。

"Iwouldhaveawordwithyou，sir，ifyourgracecansparemetheleisure。”

"Mayitnotbespokenhere？"Iasked，forIwassorrytolosethespectacleofthetennis，whichwasnewtome，andisapastimewhereinFrancebeatstheworld。PityitisthatmanyplayersshouldsocurseandblasphemeGodandHissaints!

"Mybusiness，"repliedthestranger，"isofakindthatwillhardlyendurewaiting。”

WiththatIroseandfollowedhimoutintotheopencourtyard，muchmarvellingwhatmightbetoward。

"Youarethatyounggentleman，"saidmyman，"foragentlemanItakeyoutobe，fromyouraspectandcommonreport，whoyesterdaywerethedeathofGillesdePuiseux？"

"Sir，tomysorrow，andnotbymywill，Iamhe，andbutnowIwasgoingforthtohavecertainmassessaidforhissoul"swelfare":

whichwastrue，RandalRutherfordhavingfilledmypurseagainstpay-day。

"Ithankyou，sir，foryourcourtesy，andperchancemayhaveoccasiontodothelikegentleserviceforyou。GillesdePuiseuxwasofmybloodandkin；hehasnoneothertotakeuphisfeudforhiminthisplace，andnowyourquicknessofcomprehensionwilltellyouthatthebusinesswherewithIpermitmyselftobreakyourleisurewillbrooknotarrying。LetmesaythatItakeitnotuponmetodefendthewordsofmycousin，whoinsultedawoman，and，asI

believe，amessengerfromtheblessedSaintsthatloveFrance。”

Ilookedathiminsomeamazement。Hewasayoungmanofaboutmyownyears，delicatelyandrichlycladinfurs，silks，andvelvets，agreatgoldchainhanginginloopsabouthisneck，agoldbroochwithanancientRomanmedalinhiscap。Butthemostnotablethinginhimwashisthickgoldenhair，whenceLaHirehadnamedhim"Capdorat，"becausehewassoblond，andrightkeeninwar，andhardybeyondothers。Andherehewaschallengingme，whostoodbeforehiminaprentice"shoddengrey!

"Sir，"Isaid，"Icouldwishyouabetterquarrel，butnotmorecourtesy。ManyagentlemanseeingmesuchasIam，wouldbidmesend，erehecrossedswordswithme，tomyowncountryformybor-

brief，{18}whichIcameawayintoogreathastetocarrywithme。

Nay，Iwasbutnowtosetforthandbuymeaswordandotheraccoutrements；natheless，fromthearmouryheretheymayequipmewithswordandbodyarmour。”

"Ofbody-armourtakenothought，"heanswered，"forthisquarrelisofakindthatmustneedsbevoidedinoursmocks"；hemeaningthatitwas"eoutrance，"tilloneofusfell。

Verily，nowIsawthatthiswasnottobeamatterofstrikingsparksfromsteel，asRobinandIhaddone，butoflifeanddeath。

"Ishallbethemorespeedilyatyourservice，"Imadeanswer；andasIspokeRandalandRobincameforthfromthe"dedans，"thesportbeingover。Theyjoinedme，andItoldtheminfewwordsmynewbusiness，myadversarytarrying，capinhand，tillIhadspoken，andthenproclaiminghimselfAymardePuiseux，agentlemanofDauphine，asindeedmyfriendsknew。

"Ishallwaitonyou，withyourleave，attheisleintheriver，whereitisofcustom，oppositetheboothsofthegold-workers，"

quothhe，"aboutthehourofnoon"；andso，salutingus，hewent，ashesaid，toprovidehimselfwithfriends。

"BloodofJudas!"quothRobin，whosworeterriblyinhisspeech，"youhaveyourhandsfull，youngNorman。Heisbutnowcreptoutoftherankofpages，butwhentheFrenchandEnglishpagesfoughtavallianceoflate，underOrleans，nonewonmorepraisethanhe，whowascaptainoftheFrenchparty。”

"Heplayedagoodsword？"Iasked。

"Hethrewagoodstone!Man，itwasastonebicker，andtheyhadlidsofbasketsfortarges。”

"Andhechallengesmetothefield，"Isaidhotly，"BySt。Andrew!

Iwillcuffhisearsandsendhimbacktotheotherboys。”

"Norman，mylad，whenwereyouinastonebickerlast？"quothRandal；andIhungmyhead，foritwasnotyetsixmonthsgonesincethesailorsandwestudentswerestoningeachotherinNorthStreet。

"Yethedoesplayaverygoodsword，andiscunningoffence，foryourcomfort，"saidRandal。SoIhummedtheoldliltoftheLeslies，whence，theysay，comesourname-

Betweenthelessleaandthemair，Heslewtheknightandlefthimthere；-

forIdeemeditwelltoshowagoodface。Moreover，Ihadsomeconceitofmyselfasaswordsman，andRandalwaslaughinglikeafoolbodyatmycountenance。

"Faith，youwillmakeaspoonorspoilahorn，and——letmehavemylaughout——youbidwellforanarcher，"saidRandal；andRobincounsellingmetoplaythesameprankontheFrenchlad"sswordaslateIhaddoneonhisown，theytookeachofthemanarmofmine，andsoweswaggereddownthesteepwaysintoChinon。

FirstIwouldgotothetailorandthecordwainer，andbefittedformynewsplendoursasanarcheroftheguard。

Theybothlaughedatmeagain，for，saidtheyverycheerfully，"Youmayneverlivetowearthesefinefeathers。”

ButRandalmakingthereflectionthat，ifIfell，therewouldbenonetopaytheshopmaster，theybothshoutedwithdelightinthestreet，sothatpassers-byturnedandmarvelledatthem。ClearlyI

sawthattogotofightaduelisonething，andtogoandlookonisanother，andmuchmoregay，formyhearthadnodesireofallthismerriment。RatherwouldIhaverecommendedmycasetothesaints，andchieflytoSt。Andrew，forwhosecauseandhonourIwasabouttoputmylifeinjeopardy。Butshame，andthefearofseemingfearful，drovemetojestwiththeothers——suchrisksofdyingunconfessedarerunbysinfulmen!

Howbeit，theyhelpedmetochooseclothofthebestcolourandfashion，laughingthemorebecauseI，beingshortofstatureandslim，thetailor，ifIfell，mightwellfindnoneamongthearcherstopurchasethatforwhich，belike，Ishouldhavenoneed。

"WemustevenenlistthePucelleinourguard，forshemightwearthisapparel，"quothRandal。

Thusboisterouslytheyborethemselves，butmoregravelyattheswordsmith"s，wherewepickedoutagoodcut-and-thrustblade，wellbalanced，thatcamereadilytomyhand。Then，Iwithswordatside，likeagentleman，wemadetotheriver，passingmymaster"sbooth，whereIlookedwistfullyatthewindowsforablinkofElliot，butsawnonethatIknew，only，fromanopencasement，thelittlejackanapesmoppedandmowedatmeinfriendlyfashion。Hardbytheboothwasalittlepier，andwetookboat，andsolandedontheisland，wherewerewaitingforusmyadversaryandtwoothergentlemen。Havingsalutedeachother，wepassedtoasmoothgrassyspot，surroundedonallsidesbytallpoplartrees。Hereinplacesdaffodilsweredancinginthewind；butotherwheretheswardwasmuchtrampleddown，andintwoorthreespotswereblackpatchesthatwellnighturnedmycourage，forIwasnotyetusedtothesightofmen"sblood，hereoftenshedforlittlecause。

Thefriendsofustwainadversaries，forenemieswecouldscarcebecalled，choseoutasmoothspotwithafairlight，thesunbeingveiled，andwhenwehadstrippedtooursmocks，wedrewandfelltowork。Hewasveryquickandlightinhismovements，boundingnimblytothissideorthat，butI，usingahangingguard，inourcommonScotsmanner，didsomewhatperplexhim，towhomthefashionwasnew。

Oneortwoscratcheswedealteachother，but，forallthat，Icouldseewewerewellmatched，andneitherclosed，asmenrarelydoinsuchacombat，tilltheyarewrothwithhurtsandtheirbloodwarm。

NowIgashedhisthigh，butnotdeeply，andwiththat，asIdeemed，histemperfired，forhemadeafullsweepatmylegabovetheknee。

ThisIhavealwaysreckonedafool"sstroke，asleavingtheupperpartofthebodyunguarded，andavoidingwithmyrightleg，Idrovedownwithallmyforceathishead。But，evenasIstruck，cameaflashandthesuddendeadnessofadeepwound，forhehadbutfeinted，andthen，avoidingmesothatItouchedhimnot，hedrovehispointintomybreast。BetweentheforceofmyownblowandthisstabIfellforwardonmyface，andthencerolledoveronmyback，catchingatmybreastwithmyhands，asthoughtostoptheblood，but，insooth，notwellknowingwhatIdid。

Hehadthrowndownhissword，andnowwaskneelingbymyside。

"Itakeyoutowitness，"hesaid，"thatthishasbefallentomygreatsorrow，andhadIbeenwherethisgentlemanwasyesterday，andheardmycousinblaspheme，Iwouldmyselfhavedrawnonhim，but——"

Andhere，asIlaterheard，hefaintedfromlossofblood，myswordhavingcutagreatvein；andIlikewiselostsenseandknowledge。

NordidIknowmoretilltheyliftedmeandlaidmeonalitterofpoplarboughs，havingstanchedmywoundasbesttheymight。Intheboat，astheyferriedusacrosstheriver，IbelievethatIfaintedagain；andso，"betweenhomeandhell，"asthesayingis，Ilayonmylitterandwascarriedalongthestreetbesidethewater。Folkgatheredaroundusaswewent。Iheardtheirvoicesasinadream，whenlo!theresoundedavoicethatIknewrightwell，forElliotwasaskingofthepeople"whowashurt？"AtthishearingIhovemyselfuponmyelbow，beckoningwithmyotherhand；andIopenedmymouthtospeak，but，inplaceofwords，cameonlyawaveofbloodthatsickenedme，andIseemedtobedreaming，inmybed，ofElliotandherjackanapes；andthenfeetweretrampling，andatlengthI

waslaiddown，andsoseemedtofallmostblessedlyasleep，withalittlehandinmine，andrarelypeacefulandhappyinmyheart，thoughwhereforeIknewnot。Aftermanydaysoftossingonthewavesoftheworld，itwasasifIhadbeenbroughtintothehavenwhereIwouldbe。OfwhatwaspassingIkneworIremembernothing。

LaterIheardthatagoodpriesthadbeenbroughttomybedside，andperchancetherewasmadesomesuchconfessionastheChurch，inhermercy，acceptsfromsinfulmeninsuchcaseasmine。ButIhadnothoughtoflifeordeath，purgatoryorparadise；only，ifparadiseberestamongthosewelove，suchrestforanunknownwhile，andsuchsenseofblissfulcompanionship，weremine。Butwhetheritwaswelltopassthroughandbeyondthisscarcesensiblejoy，orwhetherthatpeacewilleveragainbemineandunending，IleavewithhumilitytotheminwhosehandsareChristiansouls。

CHAPTERIX——OFTHEWINNINGOFELLIOT

Thedaysoffeverandofdreamswentbyandpassed，leavingmeveryweak，butnotignorantofwhereIwas，andofwhathadcomeandgone。Mymasterhadoftenbeenbymybedside，andElliotnowandagain；theoldhousewifealsowatchedmebynight，andgavemedrinkwhenIthirsted。MostofthewhileIdeemedIwasathome，inthehouseofPitcullo；yetIfelttherewassomethingstrange，andthattherewaspainsomewhereintheroom。Butatlength，aswassaid，I

cametoknowledgeofthings，andcouldseeElliotandrememberher，whenshekneltprayingbymybed，asoftshedid，whilesIlaybetweenlifeanddeath。Ihaveheardspeakofmenwho，beinginflamedwithlove，asIhadbeen，fellintoafeverofthebody，andwhenthatpassed，lo!theirpassionhadpassedwithit，andtheirlonging。Andsoitseemedtobewithme。ForsomedaysIwasnotpermittedtoutteraword，andlater，IwasasgladinElliot"scompanyasyoumayhaveseenalittleladandlass，notnearcometofullage，whogoplayingtogetherwithflowersandsuchtoys。Soweweremerrytogether，thejackanapeskeepinguscompany，andmakingmuchgameandsport。

Perchancetheseweremymostblesseddays，asofonewhohadreturnedtothesinlessyears，whenwearehappierthanweknow，andnotyetacquaintedwithdesire。NowandagainRutherfordandLindsaywouldcometovisitme，seemingstrangelystillandgentle，speakinglittle，butlookingatmewithkindeyes，andvowingthatmytailorshouldyetbepaidforhislabour。Capdoratalsocame，forhehadbutsufferedafleshwoundwithmuchlossofblood，andweshowedeachotherthebestcountenance。Sotimewentby，whileI

grewstrongerdaily；andnowitwasordainedbytheleech，askilfulman，thatImightleavemybed，andbeclothed，andgoaboutthroughthehouse，andeatstrongerfood，whereofIhadthegreatestdesire，andwouldeverbeeatinglikeahowlet。{19}Now，whenIwastorise，Ilookedthattheyshouldbringmemyoldprentice"sgabardineandhose，butonthemorningofthatdayElliotcame，bearinginherarmsaparcelofraimentverygayandcostly。

"Hereisyourfineclothingnewcomefromthetailor"sbooth，"shecriedmerrily。"See，youshallbeasbrightasspring，ingreen，andwhite，andred!"

Therewasthebonnet，withitsthreecolouredplumes，andthedoublet，withCharleswroughtinsilveronthearmandbreast，andallotherthingsseemly——ajoytomineeyes。

Sheheldthemupbeforeme，herfaceshininglikethereturnoflife，withahappywelcome；andmyheartbeattoseeandhearherasofolditwaswonttodo。

"AndwhereforeshouldnotIgotothewars，"shecried，"andfightbesidetheMaid？Iamastallasshe，ifscantlysostrong，andbrave——oh，Iamverybrave"Glacidas，Ibidyoubeware!"shesaid，puttingthearcher"sbonnetgallantlycockedonherbeautifulhead，anddrawingforththeswordfromhisscabbard，asoneinacttofight，butininnocentunwarlikewise。

Thereshestoodbeforemeinthesunlight，liketheAngelofVictory，allgladandfair，andtwoblueraysfromhereyesshotintomyheart，andlo!Iwasnomoreachild，butamanagainandalover。

"OElliot，"Isaid，ereeverIwistwhatIwassaying，andIcaughtherlefthandintomine——"OElliot，Iloveyou!Givemebutyourlove，andIshallcomebackfromthewarsaknight，andclaimmylovetobemylady。”

Shesnatchedherhandsuddenly，asifangered，outofmine，andtherewith，beingveryweak，Igaveacry，mywoundfiercelypainingme。Thenherfacechangedfromrose-redtolily-white，shedroppedonherkneesbymybed，andherarmswereaboutmyneck，andallovermyfacehersoft，sweet-scentedhairandhertears。

"Oh，Ihaveslainyou，Ihaveslainyou，mylove!"shesobbed，makingalow，sweetmoan，asacushatinthewildwood，forIlaydeadlystill，beingovercomewithpainandjoy。AndthereIwas，mylovecomfortingmeasamothercomfortsherchild。

Imovedmyhand，totakehersinmine——herlittlehand；andso，foraspace，therewassilencebetweenus，saveforherkindmoaning，andinmyheartwassuchgladnessascomesbutoncetomen，andmaynotbespokeninwordsofthisworld。

Therewassilencebetweenus；thensheroseverygentlyandtossedbackherhair，showingherfacewetwithtears，butrosy-redwithhappinessandsweetshame。Haditnotbeenforthatchancehurt，howlongmightIhavewooedereIwonher？Butherheartwasmoltenbymyanguish。

"Haththepainpassed？"shewhispered。

"Sweetwasthepain，mylove，andsweetlyhastthouhealeditwiththymagic。”