第7章

"Rends-toi，rends-toi!Yieldthee，Glacidas；yieldthee，forI

standinmuchsorrowforthysoul"ssake。”

Then，fallingonherknees，herfaceshiningtransfiguredinthatfiercelight，sheprayedhimthus-

"Ah!Glacidas，thoudidstcallmeribaulde，butIhavesorrowforthysoul。Ah!yieldthee，yieldtheetoransom"；andthetearsrandownhercheeks，asifasaintwereprayingforasoulinperil。

NotonewordspokeGlasdale:heneithersawnorheard。Butthelevelledspearsathissideflewup，aflamecaughthiscrest，makingaplumeoffire，andwithacursehecasthisaxeamongthethrong，andthemanwhostoodinfrontofitgothisdeath。

Glasdaleturnedaboutashethrew；heleapedupontheburningdrawbridge，wherethelastofhismenwerehuddledinflight，andlo!beneathhisfeetitcrashed；downheplungedthroughsmokeandflame，andthestreambelowsurgedupasbridgeandflyingmenwentunderinoneruin。

TheMaidgaveacrythatrangabovetheroaroffireandwater。

"Saints!willnomansavehim？"sheshrieked，lookingallaroundheronthefacesoftheFrench。

Amadthoughtleapedupinmymind。

"Unharnessme!"Icried；andonewhostoodbymeundidtheclaspsofmylightjaseran。Isawaheadunhelmeted，Isawahandthatclutchedatafloatingbeam。IthoughtoftheMaid"sdesire，andoftheransomofsogreatasquireasGlasdale，andthenIthrewmyhandsuptodive，andleapedheadforemostintothewater。

DeepdownIplunged，andswamfarunderwater，toavoidastrokefromfloatingtimber，andthenIroseandglancedup-stream。Alltheairwasfiercelylitwiththeblazeoftheburningbarge；ahandandarmwouldrise，andfallereIcouldseizeit。Ahandwasthrownupbeforeme，theglintingfingersgrippingatemptyair。I

caughtthehand，swimmingstronglywiththecurrent，forsothemancouldnotclutchatme，andifadrowningmancanbeheldapart，itisnogreatskilltosavehim。InthisartIwasnotunlearned，andoncehadevensavedtwomenfromawreckedbarqueinthelongsurfofSt。AndrewsBay。Saveforablowfromsomegreatfloatingtimber，IdeemedthatIhadlittletofear；nay，nowIfeltsureoftheMaid"spraiseandofarichransom。

Ahornofbankwithalderbushesranoutintothestream，asmootheddyorbackwatercurlingwithin。Icaughtaboughofalder，and，thoughnighcarrieddownbythedrowningman"sweight，Ifoundbottom，yethardly，anddrewmymanwithintheback-water。Helaylikealog，hisfaceinthestream。Pushinghimbeforeme，I

roundedthehorn，and，withmuchado，draggedhimuptoaslopinggravellybeach，whereIgothisheadondryland，hislegsbeingstillinthewater。Iturnedhimoverandlookedeagerly。Lo!itwasnoGlasdale，butthedrownedfaceofBrotherThomas!

Thensomethingseemedtobreakinmybreast；bloodgushedfrommymouth，andIfellonthesandandgravel。FootstepsIheardofmenrunningtous。Iliftedmyhandfaintlyandwavedit，andthenI

feltahandonmyface。

CHAPTERXV——HOWNORMANLESLIEWASABSOLVEDBYBROTHERTHOMAS

CertainScotsthatfoundme，weakandbleeding，bytheriverside，weresentbytheMaid，inhopesthatIhadsavedGlasdale，whereasitwastheaccursedcordelierIhadwonfromthewater。WhattheydidwithhimIknewnotthen，butmetheylaidonalitter，andsoboremetoaboat，whereintheywereferryingourwoundedmenacrosstoOrleans。TheMaidherself，asshehadforetold，returnedbywayofthebridge，thatwasallbrightwithmovingtorches，asourgroaningcompanywererowedacrosstheblackwatertoaquay。

ThenceIwascarriedinalittertoourlodgings，andsogottobed，aphysiciandoingwhathemightforme。Anoisynightwepassed，forIverilybelievethatnomanslept，butall，afterserviceheldintheChurchofSt。Aignan，wentrevellinganddrinkingfromhousetohouse，andsingingthroughthestreets，asfolksavedfromutterdestruction。

Withdaybreakfellashortsilence；shortorlong，itseemedbrieftome，whowasnowasleepatlast，andIwasruefulenoughwhenasoundarousedme，andIfoundtheMaidherselfstandingbymybedside，withoneintheshadowbehindher。Thechamberwasalldarkling，litonlybyathreadoflightthatcamethroughtheclosedshuttersofwood，andfellonherpaleface。Shewascladinalightjaseranofmail，becauseofherwound，andwasplainlyeagertobegoneandaboutherbusiness，thatis，tomeettheEnglishinopenfield。

"Leslie，myfriend，"shesaid，inhersweetvoice，"thereweremanybravemeninthefightyesterday，but，inGod"sname，nonedidabraverdeedthanthou!Nay，speaknot，"shesaid，asIopenedmylipstothankher，"fortheleechthattendedtheelastnightforbidsit，onperilofthyverylife。SoIhavebroughttheehereasheetoffairpaper，andapenandhornofink，thatthou，beingaclerk，maystwritewhatthouhasttosay。Alas!suchconverseisnotforme，whoknownotAfromhisbrotherB。Butthesaintswhohelpedtheehaverewardedtheebeyondallexpectation。ThoudidstnotsavethatunhappyGlacidas，whomGodinHismercyforgive!butthouhasttakenagoodlierprize——thisholyman，thathadbeenprisonerinthehandsoftheEnglish。”

Hereshestoodalittleaside，andthethreadoflightshoneonthefellfaceofBrotherThomas，loweringbeneathhishood。

ThenIwouldhavespoken，leechornoleech，todenouncehim，fortheMaidhadnomemoryofhisface，andknewhimnotforthefalsefriartakenatSt。Loup。Butshelaidhermailedfingergentlyonmylips。

"Silence!Thouartmyman-at-armsandmustobeythycaptain。ThisworthyfriarhathbeenlongintheholycompanyoftheblessedColette，andhathpromisedtobringmeacquaintedwiththatdaughterofGod。Ay，andhehathgiventome，unworthyasIam，akerchiefwhichhastouchedherwonder-workinghands。AlmostIbelievethatitwillhealtheebymiracle，ifthesaintsarepleasedtograntit。”

Herewithshedrewakerchiefacrossmylips，andIbegan，beingmosteagertoinstructherinnocenceastothisaccursedman-

"Lady——"butalas!nomiraclewaswroughtforasinnerlikeme。

HowbeitIaminclinedtobelievethatthekerchiefwasnosaintlything，andhadnevercomenearthebodyoftheblessedColette，butratherwasagiftfromoneofthecordelier"slight-o"-loves。

AssuredlyitwasstainedredwithbloodfrommylungsereIcoulduttertwowords。

TheMaidstanchedtheblood，saying-

"DidInotbidtheetobesilent？Thesaintsforgivemylackoffaith，wherebythisblessedthinghasfailedtohealthee!AndnowImustbegone，tofacetheEnglishinthefield，iftheydaretomeetus，which，methinks，theywillnotdo，butratherwithdrawasspeedilyastheymay。SonowIleavetheewiththisholymantobethynurse-tender，andthoucanstwritetohimconcerningthyneeds，fordoubtlessheisaclerk。Farewell!"

Withthatshewasgone，andthiswasthelastIsawofherformanyaday。

NeverhaveIknownsuchahorroroffearasfellonmenow，helplessanddumb，asheepgivenovertotheslaughter，inthatdarkchamber，whichwaswondrouslown，{26}alonewithmydeadlyfoe。

Neverhadanymanmorecausefordread，forIwasweak，andtoresisthimwasdeath。Iwasspeechless，andcouldutternovoicethatthepeopleinthehousemighthear。Asformineenemy，hehadalwaysloathedandscornedme；hehadalongaccountofvengeancetosettlewithme；andif——whichwasnottobethoughtof——hewasmindedtospareonethathadsavedhislife，yet，forhisownsafety，hedarednot。HehadbeguiledtheMaidwithhisfalsetongue，andhisface，notseenbyherinthetakingofSt。Loup，sheknewnot。ButheknewthatIwoulddiscloseallthetruthsosoonastheMaidreturned，whereforehewasboundtodestroyme，whichhewouldassuredlydowitheverymockery，cruelty，andtortureofbodyandmind。Merelytothinkofhimwhenhewasabsentwaswonttomakemyfleshcreep，soentirelyevilbeyondthenatureofsinfulmankindwasthismonster，andsosetonworkingallkindsofmischiefwithgreediness。Whetherhehadsufferedsomegrievouswronginhisyouth，whichhespenthislifeinavengingonallfolk，orwhether，asIdeemlikely，hewastheactualemissaryofSatan，astheMaidwasofthesaints，Iknownot，and，asIlaythere，hadnowitslefttoconsiderofit。OnlyIknewthatnomoreunavailingvictimthanIwaseversoutterlyinthepowerofafoesodeadlyandterrible。

TheMaidhadgone，andallhopehadgonewithher。Foratimethatseemedunendingmineenemyneitherspokenormoved，standingstillinthechinkoflight，adevilwhereanangelhadbeen。

Therewassilence，andIheardtheMaid"sirontreadpassdownthecreakingwoodenstairs，andsoonIheardthesoundofsingingbirds，formywindowlookedoutonthegarden。

Thestepsceased，andthentherewasalowgratinglaughterinthedarkroom，asifthedevillaughed。

BrotherThomasmovedstealthilytothedoor，andthrustinthewoodenbolt。Thenhesathimheavilydownonmybed，andputhisfiend"sfaceclosetomine，hiseyesstabbingintomyeyes。ButI

bitmylip，andstaredrightbackintohisyellowwolf"seyes，thatshonelikeflamesofthepitwithevilandcruelthoughts。

SoIlay，withthatyellowlightonme；andstrengthcamestrangelytome，andIprayedthat，sincedieImust，Imightatleastgladdenhimwithnosignoffear。Whenhefoundthathecouldnotdauntonme，helaughedagain。

"OurchickofPitcullohaspickedupaspiritinthewars，"hesaid；

andturninghisbackonme，heleanedhisfaceonhishand，andsosatthinking。

ThebirdsofMaysanginthegarden；therewasafaintshiningofsilverandgreen，fromtheapple-boughsandbudswithout，inthelittlechamber；andthehoodedbackofthecordelierwasbeforemeonmybed，liketheshapeofDeathbesidetheSickMan，inapicture。NowIdidnotevenpray，Iwaited。

Doubtlessheknewthatnocruelthingwhichthedevilcoulddevisewasmorecruelthanthissuspense。

Thenheturnedaboutandfacedme，grinninglikeadog。

"Thesearegoodwords，"saidhe，"inthatfoolisholdbooktheyreadtothefaithfulinthechurches，"VengeanceisMine，saiththeLord。"Ay，itiseventoosweetamorselforuspoorChristianmen，suchasthelowlyBrotherThomasoftheOrderofSt。Francis。

Nevertheless，Iammindedtoputmyteethinit"；andhebaredhisyellowdog"sfangsatme，smilinglikeahungryhound。"Mysickbrother，"hewenton，"bothasonethathassomescienceofleech-

craftandasthyghostlycounsellor，itismydutytowarntheethatthouartnowverynearthineend。Nay，letmefeelthypulse"；andseizingmyleftwrist，hegraspeditlightlyinhisironfingers。

"Now，ereIadministertotheethydue，asaChristianman，letmehearthypartingconfession。But，alas!astheblessedMaidtootrulywarnedthee，thoumustnotopenthypoorlipsinspeech。

Thereisdeathinaword!Write，then，writethestoryofthysinfullife，thatImaygivetheeabsolution。”

Sosaying，heopenedtheshutter，andcarefullysetthepaperandinkhornbeforeme，puttingthepeninmyfingers。

"Now，writewhatIshalltellthee"；andherehesopressedandwrungmywristthathisfingersenteredintomylivingfleshwithafierypang。Iwrithed，butIdidnotcry。

"Write——"

"I，NormanLeslieofPitcullo——"and，toescapethatagony，Iwroteashebademe。

"——beingnowinthearticleofdeath——"

AndIwrote。

"——doattestonmyhopeofsalvation——"AndIwrote。

"——anddoespeciallydesireMadameJeanne，LaPucelle，andallFrenchmenandScotsloyaltoourSovereignLordtheDauphin，toacceptmywitness，thatBrotherThomas，oftheOrderofSt。Francis，calledNoirouflewhileoftheworld，hasbeenmostfalselyandtreacherouslyaccusedbyme——"

Iwrote，butIwrotenothisfalsewords，puttingmyownintheirplace——"hasbeenmosttrulyandrighteouslyaccusedbyme——"

"——ofdiversdeedsofblacktreason，anddealingwithourenemiesofEngland，againstourLordtheDauphin，andtheMaid，theSisteroftheSaints，andofthisIheartilyrepentme，——"

ButIwrote，"AllwhichImaintain——"

"——asmayGodpardonmysins，onthefaithofasinfulanddyingman。”

"Nowsignthyname，andthatofthyworshipfulcabbage-gardenanddunghillinfilthyScotland。”SoIsigned，"NormanLeslie，theyounger，ofPitcullo，"andaddedtheplace，Orleans，withthedateofdayandyearofourLord，namely，Maytheeighth，fourteenhundredandtwenty-nine。

"Averylaudableconfession，"quothBrotherThomas；"wouldthatallthesinnerswhomIhaveabsolved，asIamabouttoabsolvethee，hadcleansedandpurgedtheirsinfulsoulsasfreely。Andnow，mybrother，readaloudtomethisscroll；nay，methinksitisillforthyhealthtospeakorread。Asadmatteristhis，for，infaith，I

haveforgottenmyclergymyself，andthoumaysthavebeguiledmebyinditingothermatterthanIhaveputintothylyingmouth。Still，wherethesafetyofasoulisconcerned，afewhoursmoreorlessofthisvain，perishablelifeweighbutasdustinthebalance。”

HerehetookfromabouthishairyneckaheavyItaliancrucifixofblackwood，whereonwasafigureofourLord，wroughtinwhiteenamel，withgoldennails，andagoldencrownofthorns。

"Nowread，"hewhispered，heavingupthecrucifixaboveme。Andasheliftedit，abrightblade，strong，narrow，andsharp，leapedoutfrombeneaththefeetofourLord，andglitteredwithinaninchofmythroat。Anemblemofthisfalsefriaritwas，theoutsideofwhomwasasthatofaholyman，whilewithinhewasamurderingsword。

"Read!"hewhisperedagain，prickingmythroatwiththedagger"spoint。

ThenIreadaloud，andasIreadIwashalfchokedwithmyblood，andnowandthenwasstopped；butstillhecried-

"Read，andifonewordiswrong，thineabsolutionshallcomealltheswifter。”

SoIread，and，mayIbeforgivenifIsinnedindeceivingonesovile!IutterednotwhatIhadwritten，butwhathehadbiddenmetowrite。

"I，NormanLeslieofPitcullo，beingnowinthearticleofdeath，doattestonmyhopeofsalvation，anddoespeciallydesireMadameJeanne，LaPucelle，andallFrenchmenandScotsloyaltoourSovereignLordtheDauphin，toacceptmywitnessthatBrotherThomas，oftheOrderofSt。Francis，calledNoirouflewhileoftheworld，hasbeenmostfalselyandtreacherouslyaccusedbymeofdiversdeedsofblacktreason，anddealingwithourenemiesofEngland，againstourLordtheDauphin，andtheMaid，theSisteroftheSaints，andofthisIheartilyrepentme，asmayGodpardonmysins，onthefaithofasinfulanddyingman。Signed，atOrleans，NormanLeslie，theyounger，ofPitcullo，thiseighthofMay，intheyearofourLordfourteenhundredandtwenty-nine。”

WhenIhadended，hetookawayhisblasphemousdagger-pointfrommythroat。

"Veryclerklyread，"hespake，"andallrunssmooth；methinksmyselfhadbeennopoorscribe，wereIbutaclerk。Hadstthouwrittenothermatter，tobetraymyinnocence，thoucouldstnotrememberwhatIsaid，evenwordforword，"headdedgleefully。"NowImightstrangletheeslowly"；andhesethisfingersaboutmythroat，I

beingtooweaktodomorethanclutchathishand，withagrasplikeababe"s。"Butthatleavesblackfinger-marks，anotherkindofwitnessthanthineinmyfavour。OrImightgivetheethebladeofthisblessedcrucifix；yetdaggerwoundsarelikelipsandhaveavoice，andbloodcriesfromtheground，saysHolyWrit。Pardonmytardiness，mypoorbrother，butthisdemandsdeepthought，andholyofficesmustnotbehurriedunseemly。”Hesatnowwithhisbacktome，hishandstillonmythroat，sodeepinthoughtthatheheardnot，asdidmysharpenedears，adoorshutsoftly，andfoot-fallsechoinginthehousebelow。IfIcouldonlycryaloud!buthewouldstiflemeerethecryreachedmythroat!

"Thiswillserve，"hesaid。"Thouwilthavediedofthymalady，andIwillgosoftlyforth，andwithhushedvoicewilltellhowthebraveyoungScotpassedquietlytothesaints。Yet，afterall，I

knownot。ThouhastbeensentbyHeaventomyaid；clearlythouartaninstrumentofGodtosuccourtheunworthyBrotherThomas。Onceandtwicethouhastbeenaboattocarrymeonmyway，andtosavemyusefullife。Athirdtimethoumightstwellbeserviceable，notbythywill，alas!butbyGod"s，mypoorbrother"；andhemockinglycaressedmyfacewithhisabhorredhand。"Still，thismustevenserve，thoughIwouldfainfindfortheeamorebitterwaytodeath"；andhegentlyandcarefullydrewthepillowfrombeneathmyhead。"Thisleavesnomarksandtellsnotales，andpermitsnodyingcry。”

Hewaslookingatme，thepillowinhishands，hisgesturethatofatendernurse，whenalighttapsoundedonthedoor。Hepaused，thencamealouderknock，onepushed，andknockedagain。

"Open，inthenameoftheDauphin!"cameavoiceIknewwell，thevoiceofD"Aulon。

"TheropeofJudasstranglethee!"saidBrotherThomas，droppingthepillowandturningtothecasement。Butitwasheavilybarredwithstanchionsofiron，asthemanneris，andtherebyhemightnotflee。

Thencamefiercerknockingwithadaggerhilt，andthecry，"Open，inthenameoftheDauphin，orweburstthedoor!"

BrotherThomashastilyclosedthewoodenshutter，todarkenthechamberasmuchasmightbe。"Gently，gently，"hesaid。"Disturbnotmypenitent，whoisnewlyshrived，andabouttopass"；andsospeaking，hewithdrewthebolt。

D"Aulonstrodein，daggerinhand，followedbythephysician。

"Whatmakeyouherewithdoorsbarred，falsepriest？"hesaid，layinghishandonthefrockofNoiroufle。

"Andwhatmakeyouhere，fairsquire，witharmsinasickman"schamber，andloudwordstodisturbthedying？Andwhereforecallestthoume"falsepriest"？Butanhouragone，theblessedMaidherselfbroughtmehither，tocomfortandabsolveherfollower，totendhim，ifhelivedand，ifhemustdie，togivehimhisduesasaChristianman。Andthedoorwasboltedthatthepenitentmightbeprivatewithhisconfessor，forhehasaheavyweighttounburdenhissinfulsoulwithal。”

"Ay，theMaidsentthee，notknowingwhothouwert，thetraitorfriartakenatSt。Loup，andthouhastatonguethatbeguiledhersimplicity。Butonethatknewtheesawthywolfsfaceinhercompany，andtoldme，andItoldtheMaid，whosentmestraightwaybackfromthegate，thatjusticemightbedoneonthee。ThouarthewhomthisScotchargedwithtreason，andwouldhaveslainforaspy，somenightsagone。”

BrotherThomascastuphiseyestoheaven。

"Forgiveusourtrespasses，"saidhe，"asweforgivethemthattrespassagainstus。VerilyandindeedIamthatpoorfriarwhotendsthewounded，andverifyIamheagainstwhomthisyoungScot，as，Ifear，isthemannerofallhisbenightedpeople，broughtaslanderousaccusationfalsely。AllthemorereasonwastherethatI

shouldhearhislastconfession，andforgivehimfreely，asmayI

alsobeforgiven。”

"Thouliestinthythroat，"saidD"Aulon。"Thisisabraveman-at-

arms，andaloyal。”

"Wouldthatthouwertnotbeguiled，fairsir，forIhavenopleasureinthesinofanyman。But，ifthouwiltbelievehimratherthanme，evenkeepthybelief，andreadthiswrittenconfessionofhisfalsehood。Offreewill，withhisownhand，mypenitentherebyabsolvesmefromallhisslanders。AsHolyChurchenjoins，inthegraceofrepentancehealsomakesrestitutionofwhathehadstolen，namely，allmywealthinthisworld，thegoodnameofapoorandlowlyfolloweroftheblessedFrancis。Hereisthescroll。”

Withthesewords，utteredinavoiceofsorrowingandhumblehonesty，thefriarstretchedoutthewrittensheetofpapertoD"Aulon。

"HadIbeenafalsetraitor，"hesaid，"wouldnotherbrethrenofheavenhavewarnedtheblessedMaidagainstme？AndIhavealsoawrittensafe-conductfromtheholysisterColette。”

ThenIknewthathehadfallenintomytrap，and，weakasIwas，I

couldhavelaughedtothinkofhisface，whenthewordsIhadwrittencameoutinplaceofthewordshehadbiddenmewrite。Foraclerkhathgreatpowerbeyondthesimpleandunletteredoftheworld，betheyascunningevenasBrotherThomas。

"NomDieu!thisisanotherstory，"saidD"Aulon，turningthepaperaboutinhishandsandlookingdoubtfullyatme。ButIsmileduponhim，wherebyhewasthemoreperplexed。"Theinkishardlydry，andinsomeplaceshasrunandpuddled，sothat，poorclerkasIam，I

canmakelittleofit"；andheporedonitinaperplexedsort。

"Tush，itisbeyondmyclerkhood，"hesaidatlast。"You，MessireSaint-Mesmin，"——turningtothephysician——"mustinterpretthis。”

"Willingly，fairsir，"saidthephysician，movingroundtotheshutter，whichheopened，whilethecordelier"seyesglittered，fornowtherewasonemanlessbetweenhimandthehalf-opendoor。I

noddedtoD"Aulonthatheshouldshutit，buthemarkedmenot，beingwhollyinamazeatthewrittenscrollofmyconfession。

Thephysicianhimselfwasnogreatclerk，andhereadthepaperslowly，stumblingoverthewords，asitwere，whileBrotherThomas，claspinghiscrucifixtohisbreast，listenedintriumphasheheardwhathehimselfhadbiddenmewrite。

"I，NormanLeslie，of——ofPeet——Whatnameisthis？Peet——Icannotutterit。”

"Passezoutre，"quothD"Aulon。

"I，NormanLeslie，beingnowinthearticleofdeath"——heretheleechglancedatme，shakinghisheadmournfully——"doattestonmyhopeofsalvation，anddoespeciallydesireMadameJeanneLaPucelle，andallFrenchmenandScotsloyaltoourSovereignLordtheDauphin，toacceptmywitnessthatBrotherThomas，oftheOrderofSt。Francis，calledNoirouflewhileoftheworld，hasbeenmosttrulyandrighteouslyaccusedbymeofdiversdeedsofblacktreason。”

Atthesewordsthecordelier"shandleapedupfromhisbreast，hiscrucifixdaggerglitteredbright，hetorehisfrockfromD"Aulon"sgrip，leavingaragofitinhishand，andsmote，aimingatthesquirewherethegorgetjoinsthevambrace。Thoughhemissedbyaninch，yetsoterriblewastheblowthatD"Aulonreeledagainstthewall，whilethebrokenbladejingledonthestonefloor。Thenthefrockofthefriarwhiskedthroughtheopendoorofthechamber；weheardthestairsclearedintwoleaps，andD"Aulon，recoveringhisfeet，rushedafterthefalsepriest。Buthewasinheavyarmour，thecordelier"sbarelegsweredoubtlessthenimbler，andthephysician，crossinghimself，couldonlygapeandstareonthepaperinhishand。Ashegazedwithhismouthopenhiseyesfellonme，whiteasmysheets，thatweredabbledwiththebloodfrommymouth。

"NomDieu!"hestammered，"NomDieu!hereisbusinessmoretomymindandmytradethanchasingaftermadcordeliersthatstabwithcrucifixes!"

Then，comingtomyside，hebroughtwater，bathedmyface，anddidwhathisartmightdoforamaninsuchdeadlyextremityaswasmine。InwhichcarehewasstillbusywhenD"Aulonreturned，panting，havingsentadozenoftownsfolktohuntthefriar，whohadmadegoodhisflightovergardenwalls，andwasnowskulkingnoneknewwhere。D"AulonwouldfainhaveaskedmeconcerningthemysteryoftheconfessioninwhichBrotherThomashadplacedhishopesounhappily，butthephysicianforbadehimtoinquire，ormetoanswer，sayingthatitwasmorethanmylifewasworth。ButonD"Aulon"sbatteredarmourtherewasnodeeperdintthanthatdealtbythemurderouscrucifix。

ThusthissecondtimedidBrotherThomasmakehiswayoutofourhands，thedevilaidinghim，asalways；foritseemedthatropescouldnotbindorwaterdrownhim。

But，formypart，Ilaylonginanotherboutofsorefever，sickhereatOrleans，whereIwasverykindlyentreatedbythepeopleofthehouse，andnotablybythedaughterthereof，afairmaidandgentle。TohercaretheMaidhadcommandedmewhensheleftOrleans，theEnglishrefusingbattle，aslaterIheard，andwithdrawingtoJargeauandParis。ButoftherejoicingsinOrleansIknewlittleornothing，andhadnogreatdesirefornews，ormeat，ordrink，butonlyforsleepandpeace，asisthewontofsickmen。

Nowastouchessicknessandfever，Ihavewrittenmorethansufficient，asHeavenknowsIhavehadcauseenow。Alucklesslifewasmine，savefortheloveofElliot；dangerandwounds，andmaladyandescape，wherehopeseemedlost，wereandwereyettobemyportion，sinceIsailedforthoutofEden-mouth。AndsohardpressedofsicknesswasI，thatnotevenmyoutwittingofBrotherThomaswasacauseofcomforttome，thoughtothisdayIcannotthinkofitwithoutsomemirthfultriumph。

CHAPTERXVI——HOWSORROWCAMEONNORMANLESLIE，ANDJOYTHEREAFTER

ItlittleconcernsanymantoknowhowIslowlyrecoveredmyhealthaftercertainfailingsbackintotheshadowofdeath。ThereforeI

neednottellhowIwasphysicked，andbled，andhowIdrewonfromadietofmilktooneoffish，andsotoamealofchicken"sflesh，tillatlastIcouldsit，wrappedupinmanycloaks，onaseatinthegarden，belowagreatmulberrytree。InallthiswearytimeI

knewlittle，andforlongcaredless，astowhatwentonintheworldandthewars。ButsosoonasIcouldspeakitwasofElliotthatIdevised，withmykindnurse，CharlotteBoucher，theyoungdaughterofJacquesBoucher，theDuke"streasurer，inwhosehouseI

lay。Shewasafairlass，andmerryofmood，andgreatlyhoveupmyhearttofightwithmydisease。Itchancedthat，asshetendedme，whenIwasatmyworst，shemarked，hangingonasilkenstringaboutmyneck，alittlecaseofsilverartfullywrought，whereinwasthatportraitofmymistress，paintedbymebeforeIleftChinon。Beingcurious，likeallgirls，anddeemingthatthecaseheldsomerelic，sheopenedit，Iknowingnothingthenofwhatshedid。ButwhenI

waswellenoughtolieabedanddevisewithher，itchancedthatI

wasplayingidlywithmyfingersaboutthesilvercase。

"Belike，"saidCharlotte，"thatissomeholyrelic，towhich，maybe，youoweyourpresentrecovery。Surely，whenyouarewholeagain，youhavevowedapilgrimagetotheshrineofthesaint，yourfriend？"Hereshesmiledatmegaily，forshewasarightmerrydamsel，andagoodly。

"Nay，"shesaid，"Ihavedonemoreforyouthanyourphysician，seeingthatI，orthesaintyouserve，havenowbroughttheredcolourintothesewancheeksofyours。IssheaScottishsaint，then？perchanceSt。Margaret，ofwhomIhaveread？Willyounotletmelookatthesacredthing？"

"Nay，"saidI。"Methinks，fromyoursmiling，thatyouhavetakenopportunitytoseemytreasurebeforeto-day，beingadaughterofourmotherEve。”

"Sheisverybeautiful，"saidCharlotte；"nay，showhertomeagain!"

WiththatIpressedthespringandopenedthecase，forthereisnoloverbutlongstohearhisladycommended，andtoconverseabouther。YetIhadspokennoword，formypart，aboutherbeauty，havingheardsaythathewhowouldbewellwithonewomandoesilltopraiseanotherinherpresence。

"Beautiful，indeed，sheis，"saidCharlotte。"NeverhaveIseensucheyes，andhairlikegold，andalooksogracious!Andforthypilgrimagetotheshrineofthisfairsaint，wheredoesshedwell？"

ItoldheratChinon，oratTours，orcommonlywheresoevertheCourtmightbe，forthatherfatherwastheKing"spainter。

"Andyouloveherverydearly？"

"Morethanmylife，"Isaid。"Andmaythesaintssendyou，demoiselle，asfaithfulalover，toasfairalady。”

"Nay，"shesaid，reddening。"Thisishightreason，andwellyouwotthatyouholdnoladyhalfsofairasyourown。AreyouScotssosmooth-spoken？Youhavenotthatrepute。Now，whatwouldyougivetoseethatlady？"

"AllthatIhave，whichislittlebutmyserviceandgoodwill。ButsheknowsnotwhereIam，norknowIhowshefares，whichirksmemorethanallmymisfortunes。WouldthatIcouldsendalettertoherfather，andtellhimhowIdo，andaskoftheirtidings。”

"TheDauphinisatTours，"shesaid，"andthereismuchcomingandgoingbetweenToursandthistown。FortheMaidisinstantwiththeDauphintorideforthwithtoReims，andtherebesacredandcrowned；

butnowhelistensandbelieves，andanonhiscounsellorstellhimthatthisisfoolhardy，andathingimpossible。”

"Otheyoflittlefaith!"Isaid，sighing。

"Nonetheless，wordhascomethattheMaidhasbeeninheroratoryatprayers，andaVoicefromheavenhascalledtoher，saying，"FilledeDieu，va，va，va!Jeseraientonaide。Va!"{27}TheDauphinismuchconfirmedinhisfaithbythissign，andhasvowedthathewillindeedmarchwiththeMaidtoReims，thoughhisenemiesholdallthatcountrywhichliesbetween。ButfirstshemusttakethetownswhichtheEnglishholdonLoireside，suchasJargeau。

NowonJargeau，whileyoulayknowingnothing，theBastardofOrleans，andXaintrailles，andothergoodknights，madeanonslaught，andwonnothingbutlossfortheirpains，thoughtheyslewMessireHenryBisset，thecaptainofthetown。ButiftheMaidtakesJargeau，theDauphinwillindeedbelieveinherandfollowher。”

"Heishardofhearttobelieve，andwouldthatIwerewhereheshouldbe——underherholypennon，forthereon，atleast，Ishouldseethefacepaintedofmylady。Buthowdoesallthisbringmenearerthehopeofhearingabouther，andhowshefares？"

"TherearemanymessengerscomingandgoingtoTours，fortheDauphinisgatheringforceundertheMaid，andhassetthefairDucd"Alencontobeherlieutenant，withtheBastard，andLaHire，andMessireFlorentd"Illiers。AndallaretobehereinOrleanswithinfewdays；whereforenowwritetothefatherofthylady，andIwillmyselfwritetoher。”Withthatshegavemepaperandpen，andI

inditedalettertomymaster，tellinghimhowIhadlainneartodeathofmyoldwound，inOrleans，andthatIprayedhimofhisgoodnesstoletmeknowhowhedid，andtolaymeatthefeetofmylady。ThenCharlotteshowedmeherletter，whereinshebadeElliotknowthatIhadhardlyrecovered，afterwinningmuchfame(forsoshesaid)andaransomofgoldfromanEnglishprisoner，whichnowlayinthehandsofherfather，theDuke"streasurer。ThenshesaidthatawordfromElliot，nottosaythesightofherface，thefairestintheworld(athingbeyondhope)，wouldbeofmoreavailformyhealingthanallthePharaohpowdersoftheapothecaries。

These，intruth，Ihadnevertaken，butputthemawaysecretly，asdoubtingwhethersuchmedicaments，theverydustofthepersecutingEgyptianandidolatrousrace，werefitforaChristiantoswallow，withanyhopeofablessing。Thusmykindnurseended，callingherselfmylady"ssisterintheloveofFranceandoftheMaid，andbiddingmyladybemindfulofsotruealover，wholaysickforatokenatherhands。Theselettersshesealed，andintrustedtoColetdeVienne，theroyalmessenger，thesamewhorodefromVaucouleurstoChinon，inthebeginningoftheMaid"smission，andwho，asthen，wasfaringtoTourswithlettersfromOrleans。

Meanwhileallthetownwasfullofjoy，inearlyJune，becausetheMaidwastovisitthecity，withD"AlenconandtheBastard，onherwaytobesiegeJargeau。ItwasJunetheninth，intheyearofourLordfourteenhundredandtwenty-nine，thesunshiningwarminaclearbluesky，andallthebellsofOrleansa-ringing，towelcomebacktheMaiden。Imyselfsatinthewindow，overthedoorway，alonewithCharlottesittingbymyside，forherfatherhadgonetotheHoteldeVille，withhermother，towelcomethecaptains。Belowuswerehangingsofrichcarpets，tomakethehouselookgay，foreveryhousewasadornedinthebestmanner，andflagsfloatedinthelongstreet，andflowersstrewedtheroad，todohonourtoourdeliverer。Thuswewaited，andpresentlythesoundofmusicfilledtheair，withfragranceofincense，forthepriestswerewalkinginfront，swingingcensersandchantingtheTeDeumlaudamus。Andthencameacompanyofgirlsstrewingflowers，andfairboysblowingontrumpets，andnext，onablackhorse，inwhitearmour，withahucqueofscarletbroideredwithgold，theblessedMaidherself，unhelmeted，glancingeverywaywithherhappyeyes，whilethewomenrantotouchherarmourwiththeirrings，astoasaint，andthemenkissedhermailedfeet。

Tobealive，andtofeelmylifereturninginafloodofstrengthandjoyinthatsweetair，withthegladnessofthemultitudepulsingthroughitasaman"sheartbeatsinhisbody，seemedtomelikeParadise。ButoutofParadiseourfirstparentsweredrivenlongago，asanonIwastobefrommine。For，astheMaidpassed，I

doffedmycapandwavedit，sincetoshout"Noel"withtherest，I

darednot，becauseofmyinfirmity。Now，itsofellthat，glancingaround，shesawandknewme，andbowedtome，withagestureofherhand，asqueenlyasifshe，amanant"schild，hadbeenadaughterofFrance。Atthatmoment，notingtheMaid"scourtesytowardsme，Charlottestoodupfrombesideme，withahandfulofredroses，whichshethrewtowardsher。Asitchanced，belikebecauseshewasproudtobewithonewhomtheMaidhonoured，ortosteadyherselfasshethrew，shelaidherlefthandaboutmyneck，andsostanding，castherflowers，andthenlookedlaughingbackintomyeyes，withahappyface。TherosesmissedtheMaid，whosehorsecaracoledatthatmomentasshewentby，buttheylitinthelapofadamselthatrodeatherrein，onalyart{28}palfrey，andshelookingup，IsawthefaceofElliot，andElliotsawme，andsawCharlotteleaningonmeandlaughing。ThenElliot"sfacegrewdeadlypale，herlowerlipstiff，aswhenshewasangeredwithmeatChinon，andso，wryinghernecksuddenlytotheleft，sherodeonherway，noreverlookedtowardsusagain。

"Whomaythatprouddamselbe，andwhatailsheratmyroses？"quothCharlotte，sittingherselfdownagainandstillfollowingthemwithhereyes。"MethinksIhaveseenherfacebefore；andwhatailsyou？"sheasked，lookingearnestlyonme，"foryouareaswhiteasthelastsnowereitmeltsinspring。”

Ihadgoodreasontobepale，forIverywellguessedthatElliot，havingriddenintheMaiden"scompanytoseeme，andtosurprisemewiththeunlooked-forgladnessofhercoming，hadmarkedCharlotteasshesoinnocentlyleanedonmeandlaughedtome，andhadconceivedangeragainstusboth，forofatruthCharlottewasveryfairandofajoyousaspect。Yet，takensosuddenlyasIwas，betweentheextremeofdelightinlookingonmyladybeyondhope，andtheverydeepofsorrowthatshehadsobitterlyslightedme，I

wasyetwaryofbetrayingmyself。Forthegirlbesidemehad，inallhonestandmaidenlyservicethatwomanmaydoforman，beenkindertomethanasister，andnothoughtorwordofearthlylovehadeverpassedbetweenus。ThatsheshouldwotofElliot"sanger，andofitscause，andsoholdmyladylightly，ay，andtriumphoverherinherheart(asisthenatureofawoman，herministrybeingthuschurlishlyrepaid)，wasmorethanIcouldendure。So，maythesaintsforgiveme!Ilied，anditisastrangething，buttrue，thathowsoeveragentlemanmayhatetheverythoughtofalie，yetoftenhefindsithardtotellthetruthtoawoman。

"DoIlookwhite？"Isaid。"ThenitisbecauseIhaveasuddenpangofsorrow。ForonemomentIdeemedthatprouddamselwastheladyofmylove，whom，inverity，shemoststrangelyfavours，sothatyoumightthinkthemsisters。Butalas!sheisbutthedaughterofagoodScotsknightatChinon，whomIhaveseentherebeforeto-day，andmarvelledhowmuchsheandmyladyfavoureachother。ThereforeamIpale，becausethathopeofmineisbroken。Andyouknowherface，belike，frommypoorpictureofmylady。”

Charlottelookedatmesteadily，andflushedred；buteventhen，onewhorodebyamongthemen-at-armsnotedme，and，wavinghisarmtowardsme，criedinaloudvoice-

"Hail，fairson，soonwillIbewiththee!"andso，turninginhissaddletowatchme，helaughedaloudlaughandrodeonwards。Hewasmymaster，andasmyeyesfollowedhim，Charlottespoke。

"AndwhoisthatgreatScot，withhisScotstwangofthetongue，whocalledyou"son"？BytheMass，shewasyourlady，andyonderwightisherfather，ofwhomyouhavespokentomemorethanonce"；for，indeed，Ihadtoldherallthestoryofmyloves。

ThenIwasconfused，forIcouldnolongerdenythetruth，andnothavingonewordtosay，Isighedfrommyheart。

"Ofaint-spiritedman-at-arms!"criedCharlotte，blushing，andlaughingasifsomeexquisitejestwereabroad。"Doyousoterriblydreadyourmistress"sanger？Nay，beofgoodcheer!Meshewillneverforgivewhiletheworldstands；forhaveInotbeenyournurse，andwonyoubacktolifeandtoherservice？Andhasshenotseenustwaintogetherinoneplace，andhappy，becauseofthecomingoftheMaid？Shewillpardonmenever，because，alsoformysake，shehasbeenwrothwithyou，andshownyouherwrath，andallwithoutacause。Thereforeshewillbeashamed，andallthemorecruel。Nay，norwouldIforgiveher，inthesamecase，ifitbefellme，forwewomenareallalike，heartsofwolveswhenwelove!Hastthounevermarkedacatthathadkittens，orabrachetthathadwhelps，howtheywillflyatmanorhorsethatdrawsneartheirbrood，evenunwittingly。Andso，whenwelove，areweall，andthebestofusarethentheworst。Verilythefriendshipofyouandmeisoveranddone；butforyourpartbeglad，notsorry，forwithallherheartandsoulshelovesyou。Elseshehadnotbeenangered。”

"Youmustnotspeak，norIhear，suchwordsofmylady，"Isaid；"itisnotseemly。”

"Suchwordsofyourlady，andofAymeric"slady，andofGiles"slady，andofmyselfwereIanyman"slady，asIamnoman"slady，I

willthinkandspeak，"saidCharlotte，"formywordsaretrue，andwemaidsare，atbest，prettyfools，andGodwilledustobesoforawhile，andthentobewiserthantherestofyou。For，werewenotpretty，wouldyouwedus？andwerewenotfools，wouldwewedyou？andwherewouldGod"sworldbethen？Butnowyouhaveheardenoughofmywisdom:forIlovenoman，beingverywise；oryouhaveheardenoughofmyfollythatmymirthbidsmespeak，asyoushalldeemit。Andnow，wemustconsiderhowthisgreatfeudmaybeclosed，andthefoessetatoneagain。”

"ShallIfindoutherlodgings，andbecarriedthitherstraightwayinalitter？HerheartmaybesoftenedwhensheseesthatIcannotwalkormountahorse？"

"Now，letmethinkwhatIshoulddeem，ifIhadriddenby，unlookedfor，andspiedmyloverwithamaid，notunfriendly，orperchanceuncomely，sittingsmilinginagallantbalcony。WouldIbeappeasedwhenhecamestraighttoseekme，borneinalitter？WouldI——？"

Andshemused，herfingerathermouth，andherbrowpuckered，butwithasmileonherlipsandinhereyes。

ThenI，seeinghersofair，yetbymesoundesired；andbeholdinghersomerry，whilemyheartwasamazedwiththeworstsorrow，andconsidering，too，thatbutforherallthiswouldneverhavebeen，butIsittinghappybymylady"sside，——thinkingonallthis，Isay，Iturnedfromherangrily，asifIwouldleavethebalcony。

"Nay，wait，"shecried，"forImustseealltheshowout，andherecometheScotsGuard，thyfriends，andIneedtimetotakecounselwithmywisdomonthisweightymatter。See，theyknowyou"；and，indeed，manyamaninthatgallantarraywavedhishandtomemerrily，astheyfiledpastundertheirbanners——theDouglas"sbloodyheart，theCrescentmoonofHarden，theNapier"ssheafofspears，theblazonsofLindsaysandLeslies，Homes，andHepburns，andStuarts。ItwasasighttoputlifeintothedyingbreastofaScotinastrangecountry，andallwerestrongmenandyoung，ruddyandbrownofcheek，highofheartandheavyofhand。Andmostbeckonedtome，andpointedonwardstothatwaywhithertheywerebound，inchaseoffameandfortune。Allthismighthavemadeasickmanwhole，butmyspiritwasdeadwithinme，sothatIcouldscarcebeckonbacktothem，orevenremembertheirfaces。

"WouldIforgiveyou，"saidCharlotte，aftershehadthrowntheremnantofherrosestoherfriendsamongtheScots，"ifyouhurriedtome，pale，andborneinalitter？Nay，methinksnot，ornotforlong；andthenIshouldlayitonyounevertoseeherfaceagain；——

sheisI，youknow，forthenonce。Butifyouwaitedanddidnotcome，thenmypridemightyieldatlength，andIsendforyou。Butthen，ifso，methinksIwouldhateher(thatis，me)morethanever。

Oh，itisahardcasewhenmaidsareangry!"

"Youspeakofyourself，howyouwoulddothisorthat；butmyladyisotherthanyou，andpitiful。Didshenotcomealltheseleaguesatawordfromme，hearingthatIwassick？"

"Atawordfromyou，goodyouth!Nay，atawordfromme!Didyouspeakofmeinyourlettertoherfather？"

"Nay!"saidI。

"Youdidwell。AndthereforeitwasthatIwrote，forIknewshewouldmoveheavenandearthandtheMaidorshewouldcomewhensheheardofanotherlassbeinginyourcompany。Nay，trustme，wewomenunderstandeachother，andshewouldasktheMaid，wholodgedherewithus，whatmanneroflassIwastolookupon，andtheMaid"sanswerwouldbringher。”

"Youhavebeenkind，"Isaid。"AndtoyouandthesaintsIoweitthatIyetlivetocarryasoreheartandbetormentedwithyourilltongue。”