第8章

"Andhadyouheardthatafairyoungknight，andrenownedinarms，laysickatyourlady"shouse，shenursinghim，wouldyounothavecastaboutforwaysofcomingtoher？"

TothisIanswerednothing，but，withaverysourcountenance，wasrisingtogo，whenmynamewascalledinthestreet。

Lookingdown，Isawmymaster，whodoffedhiscaptothedaughterofthehouse，andbeggingleavetocomeup，fastenedhishorse"sbridletotheringinthewall，bythedoor。

Uphecame，whomCharlottewelcomedverydemurely，andsoleftus，sayingthatshemustgoaboutherhouseholdbusiness；butasshedepartedshecastalookbackatme，makinga"moue，"astheFrenchsay，withherredlips。

"Well，myson，"criedmymaster，takingmyhand，"whysopale？Surethouhasthadasorebout，butthouartmending。”

Icouldbutstammermylady"sname-

"Elliot——shallIseehersoon？"

Hescratchedhisroughheadandpulledhisrussetbeard，andsolaughedshamefacedly。

"Why，lad，tothatveryendshecame，andnow——St。Anthony"sfiretakemeifIwellknowwhy——shewillnoneofit。TheMaidbroughtusinhercompany，for，asyouknow，shewilleverhaveyounglasseswithherwhenshemay，andasfarasOrleanstheroadsaresafe。

AndwhosogladasElliotwhentheMaidputthiscommandonher，afterwegotthyletter？Imyselfwasmosteagertoride，notonlyforyoursake，buttoseehowOrleansstoodafterthelongpounding。

Butwhenwehadcometoourlodging，andIwasnowstartingofftogreetyou，Elliotmadenomotionofrising。Nay，whenIbadehermakehaste，shesaidthathastetherewasnone；andwhenI，marvelling，asked，"Wherefore？"answeredthatshewaslothtospoilgoodcompany，andhadseenyou，asIdidmyself，happyenoughwiththelasswhonursedyou，andwhohadwrittentoher。”

"Andwherefore，inHeaven"sname，shouldwenotbehappyonsuchadayasthiswasanhouragone？Butnowthesunisoutofthesky。”

"IseehimplainerthaneverIdidintheMerse，"saidmymaster，lookingupwherethesunwasbrightinthewest。"Butwhatwouldyou？WomenhavebeenthussinceEvehadadaughter，forourfatherAdam，Itrow，hadnotroublewithotherladiesthanhiswife——andthatwastroubleenough。”

"ButhowamItomakemypeace，andwinmypardon，beinginnocentasIam？"

"Faith，Iknownot!"saidhe，andlaughedagain，whichangeredmesomedeal，forwhatwastheretolaughat？

"MayIletbringalitter，forIcannotyetwalk，andsogobackwithyoutoher？"

"Indeed，Idoubtifitwerewise，"saidhe；andsowestoodgazingateachother，whileIcouldhaveweptforveryhelplessanger。"I

haveit，Ithink，"saidheatlast。"TheMaidisrightbusy，asneedsmustbe，gatheringgunsandfoodforhersiegeofJargeau。

ButitisnotfittingthatsheshouldvisitOrleanswithoutseeingyou，norwouldshewishtobesonegligent。Yetifshewere，I

wouldputitinhermind，andthen，whenyouarewithher，whichElliotshallnotknow，IwillseethatElliotcomesintothechamber，andsoleavealltoyou，andtoher，andtotheMaid。Forshehathgreatpowerwiththatsillywenchofmine，whohasnootherdesire，Itrow，thanagoodexcusetoberidofhersuddenanger。

Ifshelovedyouless，shewouldbeneversofiery。”

Imyselfcouldseenobetterhopeorcomfort。

Thenhebegantodevisewithmeonothermatters，andgotfrommethestoryofmygreatperilatthehandsofBrotherThomas。Helaughedatthemannerofmyoutwittingthatmiscreant，whohadneverbeentaken，butwasflednoneknewwhither，andmymasterpromisedtotellthetaletotheMaid，andwarnheragainstthisenemy。Andsobiddingmebeofgoodcheer，hedeparted；butformypart，Iwentintomychamber，drewthebolt，andcastmyselfonthebed，refusingmeatordrink，ortoseethefaceofmanorwoman。

Iwasdevouredbyabitteranger，consideringhowmyladyhadusedme，andwhatwasmostsoreofall，reflectingthatIcouldnolongerholdherforathingallperfect，andalmostwithouttouchofmortalinfirmity。Nay，shewasawomanlikeanother，andunjust，andtodeemthusofherwastomethemostcrueltorment。Wecouldneverforgiveeachtheother，soitseemedtome，norbeagainaswehadbeen。Andallthenextdaynomessagecameforme，andIkeptmyselfquiet，apartinmychamber。Lesttheywhoreadmockatmeintheirhearts，andatmylady，letthemrememberhowyoungwebothwere，andhowinnocentofotherexperienceinlove。FortheRomansaysthat"theangersofloversarelove"srenewal，"asthebrieftempestsofAprilbringinthegladnessofMay。Butinmyheartitwasallwhitesleet，andwind，andsnowunseasonable，andsoIlay，outofallcomfort，tossingonmybed。

Iheardthewatchmencallthehoursthroughthenight，andveryearly，havingatlengthfallenonsleep，IwaswakenedbyamessengerfromtheMaid。Itwasherpage，LouisdeCoutes，mostrichlyattired，butstillhalfasleep，grumbling，andrubbinghiseyes。

"Mymistressbidsyoucomewithmeinstantly，"hesaid，whenwehadsalutedeachother，"andIhavebroughtalitterandmentocarryit。Faith，ifIlayinit，Ishouldbeasleepereevertheyhadbornemetenpaces。WhatalifeitisthatIlead!Latetobedandupbyprime，sobusyismymistress；andshelivesasitwerewithoutsleep，andfeedsonair。”

Herehethrewhimselfdowninagreatchair，andverily，bythetimeIhadwashedandattiredmyself，Ihadtoshakehimbytheshouldertoarousehim。ThusIwascarriedtotheMaid"slodging，myheartbeatinglikeahammerwithhopesandfears。

Wefoundheralreadyarmed，forthatdayshewastoridetoJargeau，andnonewaswithherbutherconfessor。Shegavemethebestofgreetings，andbademeeatbreadanddrinkwine。"Andsoon，"shesaid，"ifyourecoverthequicker，ItrusttogiveyouwinetodrinkinParis。”

Sheherselfdippedacrustinwineandwater，andpresently，biddingherconfessor，Pasquerel，waitforherinthelittleoratory，sheaskedmehowIdid，andtoldmewhatfearshehadbeeninforme，astouchingBrotherThomas，whenshelearnedwhohewas，yetherselfcouldnotreturnfromthefieldtohelpme。

"Butnow，"saidshe，smilingwitharavishingsweetness，"Ihearyouareinfargreaterperilfromafoemuchharderandmorecruel——mamieElliot。Ah!howyouloversputyourselvesinjeopardy，andtakemefrommytradeofwartoplaythepeacemaker!SurelyIhavechosenthesaferpathinopenbreachandbattle，thoughwouldthatmywarwasended，andIsittingspinningagainbesidemydearmother。”HereonherfacegrewmoretenderandsadthaneverIhadseenit，andtherecameovermeforgetfulnessofmyprivategrief，asofalittlething，andlongingtorideattheMaiden"srein，whereglorywastobewon。

"WouldthatevennowIcouldmarchwithyou，"Isaid；andshe，smiling，madeanswer-

"Thatshallyetbe；yea，verily，"andherethefashionofhercountenancealteredwondrously，"Iknow，andknownothowIknow，thatthoushaltbewithmewhenallhaveforsakenmeandfled。”

Thenshefellsilent，andIalso，marvellingonherfaceandonthewordswhichshespoke。Therecamealighttapatthedoor，andsheawokeasitwerefromatrancewhichpossessedher。Shedrewherhandsoverherface，withalongsigh；shekneltdownswiftly，andcrossedherself，makinganobeisance，forIdeemthathersaintshadbeenwithher，whereforeIalsocrossedmyselfandprayed。Thensheroseandcried"Enter!"andereIcouldspeakshehadpassedintotheoratory，andIwasalonewithElliot。

Elliotgaveonelowcry，andcastherarmsaboutmyneck，hidingherfaceonmybreast，andsobbingasifherheartwouldbreak。

"Ihavebeenmad，Ihavebeenbad!"shemoaned。"Oh!sayhardwordstome，andpunishme，mylove。”

ButIhadnowordtosay，onlyIfellbackintoagreatchairforveryweakness，holdingmyladyinmyarms。

Andthus，withwordsfewenough，butgreatdelight，theminuteswentpast，tillsheliftedherwetfaceandherfragranthair；andbetweenlaughingandcrying，studiedonmyfaceandcaressedme，touchingmythincheek，andweptandlaughedagain。"Iwasmad，"

shewhispered；"itseemedasifadevilenteredintome。ButShespoketomeandcasthimout，andshebademerepent。”

"Anddopenance，"Isaid，kissinghertillshelaughedagain，sayingthatIwasahardconfessor，andthattheMaidhadspokennowordofpenances。

"YetoneImustdoandsuffer，"shesaid，"anditismoredifficulttomethantheseausteritiesofthine。”

Hereherfacegrewveryred，andshehiditwithherhands。

"Whatmeanyou？"Iasked，wondering。

"Imustseeher，andthankherforallherkindnesstothee。”

"TheMaid？"Iasked。

"Nay，thatother，thy——fairnurse。Nay，forbidmenot，Ihaveswornittomyself，andImustgo。AndtheMaidentoldme，whenIspokeofit，thatitwasnomorethanright。”Thenshethrewherarmsaboutmeagain，intheclosestembrace，andhidherhead。Now，thisresolveofhersgavemenolittlecauseofapprehension，asnotknowingwellhowthingsmightpassinsuchanencounteroftwoladies。Buteventhenonetouchedmeontheshoulderfrombehind，andtheMaidherselfstoodbesideus。

"Ojoy!"shesaid，"mypeacemakinghasbeenblessed!Go，youfoolishfolk，andsinnomore，andpeaceandhappinessbewithyou，longyears，andgladchildrenatyourknees。YethereofIknownothingfrommycounsel。AndnowImustgoforthabouttheDauphin"sbusiness，andtodothatforwhichIwassent。Theythatbroughttheeinthelitterwillcarrytheebackagain；sofarewell。”

Thussaying，shestoopedandkissedElliot，wholeapedupandcaughttheMaidinherarms，andtheyembraced，andpartedforthattime，Elliotweepingtoloseher，andatthethoughtofthedangersofwar。

CHAPTERXVII——HOWELLIOTLOSTHERJACKANAPES

TheMaid"sconfessor，Pasquerel，stoodinthechamberwherewehadmet，withhiseyesbentontheground，sothatElliotandIhadnomorefreespeechatthattime。ThereforeIsaidfarewell，notdaringtoaskofherwhenhermindwastovisitmyhosts，and，indeed，mytrustwasthatshemightleavethisundone，lestnewcauseofsorrowshouldarise。Thusweparted，withverycourtlyleave-taking，thepriestregardingusinhismanner，andIwascarriedinthelitterthroughthestreets，thathadbeensoquietwhenIcameforthinthemorning，butnowtheywerefullofmenandofnoise。HerdsofcattlewerebeingdrivenforthefoodofthearmymarchingagainstJargeau；thereweretrainsofcartsfullofvictual，andthecitizenshavinglenttheMaidtheirgreatpiecesofordnance，thebombardcalled"TheShepherdess，"andthegun"Montargis，"thesewerebeingdraggedalongbyclamorouscompaniesofapprentices，andtherewerewaggonschargedwithpowder，andstoneballs，andboxesofarrows，spadesandpicksfortrenching，andallmannerofmunitionofwar。Byreasonofthetroopsofhorsesandofmarchingmen，theythatboremewereoftencompelledtostop。Therefore，lestanywhoknewmeshouldspeakwithme，I

drewthecurtainsofthelitter，forIhadmuchmattertothinkon，andwasfaintobeprivate。Butthiswastobeofnoavail，forI

heardloudvoicesinmyowntongue。

"Whatfairladyisthiswhotravelssosecretly？"and，withthis，onedrewthecurtains，andtherewasthefaceofRandalRutherford，withothersbehindhim。Thenheutteredagreatcry-

"Faith，itisourladyofthelinen-basket，andnoother"；andleaningwithin，hegavemearoughembraceandakissofhisbeardedlips。"Whysoearlyastir，oursickman？"hecried。"Getyourselfhealedanon，andbewithuswhenwetakeParistown，Norman，forthereisbootyenoughtofurnishallScotland。Shaltthoubewithusyet？"

"Ifmystrengthbacksmywill，Randal；andtrulyyourfaceisasightforsaireyne，anddoesmemoregoodthanallthepowersoftheapothecary。”

"Thenhereistoournextmerrymeeting，"hecried，"underPariswalls!"

WiththattheScotsgaveashout，and，someofthemcrowdingroundtopressmyhand，theybademebeofgoodcheer，andallwentonward，singinginthetuneof"Hey，tuttietattie，"whichthepipersplayedwhenwebroketheEnglishatBannockburn。

SoIwasbornebacktothehouseofJacquesBoucher，and，inthesunnycourtyard，therestoodCharlotte，lookinggayandfair，yetwarlike，asIdeemed。Shewascladinalonggarmentofredoverawhiterobe，andhadsleevesofgreen，sothatsheworethespring"sowncolours，andshewassingingaFrenchdittyconcerningaladywhohasalover，andvowsthatshewillneverbeanun。

Seray-jenonnette，ouiounon，Serray-jenonnette，jecroyquenon!

Seeingme，shestintedinhersinging，andinfeedingafalconthatwasperchedonherwrist。

"Youareearlyastirforasickman，"shesaid。"Haveyoubeenonpilgrimage，orwhitherhaveyoubeenfaring？"

"TheMaidsentformerightearly，forto-daysheridestoJargeau，andtoyoushesendsamessageofherlove，"——asindeedshehaddone，"but，forthegreatpressofaffairsshemightnotvisityou。”

"AndMistressElliotHume，hassheforgivenherloveryet？nay，I

seebyyourfacethatyouareforgiven!Andyougosouth，thisveryday，isitnotso？"

"Indeed，"Isaid，"ifitisyourwillthatwepart，partwemust，thoughIsorrowforit；butnonehasgivenmethewordtomarch，saveyou，myfairnurseandhostess。”

"Nay，itisnotIwhoshallspeedyou；neverthelesstheMaidisnottheonlyprophetessinthisrealmofFrance，andsomethingtellsmethatwepartthisday。Butyouareweary；willyougetyoutoyourchamber，orsitinthegardenunderthemulberry-tree，andIshallbringyououtacupofwhitewine。”

WearyIwasindeed，andtheseatinthegardenamongtheflowersseemedahavenmostdesirable。SothitherIwent，leaningonhershoulder，andshereturnedtobringthewine，butwassomewhileabsent，andIsatdeepinthought。Iwasmarvelling，notonlyastowhatmymistresswouldnextdo，andwhenIshouldseeheragain(thoughthatwasuppermostinmymind)，butalsoconcerningthestrangewordsoftheMaid，thatIaloneshouldbewithherwhenallforsookherandfled。Howmightthisbe，andwasshenottobeevervictorious，anddrivetheEnglishforthofFrance？TomythinkingtheMaiddwelteverintwoworlds，withherbrethrenofParadise，andagainwithsinfulmen。AndIhaveoftenconsideredthatshedidnotalwaysremember，inthiscommonlife，whathadbefallenher，andwhatsheknewwhen，astheApostlesays，she"wasoutofthebody。”

ForIhaveheardhersay，morethanonce，thatshe"wouldlastbutoneyear，orlittlemore，"and，again，shewouldmakeplansforthreeyearstocome，orfour，whichisamystery。

SoIwaspondering，whenIlookedup，andsawCharlottestandingintheentrancebetweenthecourtandgarden，lookingatmeandsmiling，assheshadedhereyeswithherhandfromthesun，andthensherantomelightlyasalapwing。

"Theyarecomingdownthestreet，lookingeverywayforourhouse，yourladyandherfather，"shesaid，puttingthewine-cupintomyhand。"Nowisitwarorpeace？"andshefledbackagainwithinthehouse。

Myheartstoodstill，fornoweverythingwasonthefallofthedice。Wouldthismadgirlbemockingormeek？Wouldsheangermyladytomyruinwithhersharptongue？ForCharlottewasofahightemper，andwonttoruleallthehousebyreasonofherbeautyandkindwildways。NorwasElliotthemeekestofwomen，aswellI

knew，andaword，nayasmile，oraglanceofmockery，mightlightlyturnherheartfrommeagainforever。Oh!thelotofaloverishard，atleastifhehassetallhisheartonthecast，asIhaddone，andverily，asourScotssawruns，"womenarekittlecattle。”

Itisastrangethingthatonewhohaslearnednottoblenchfromabareblade，orinburstingofcannon-ballsandflightofarrows，shouldsoeasilybedauntedwhereaweakgirlisconcerned；yetsoitwasinmycase。IknownotifIfearedmorethannowwhenBrotherThomashadmeinthestillchamber，aloneathismercy。

Sotheminuteswentby，thesunandshadeflickeringthroughtheboughsofthemulberry-tree，andthetimeseemedlong。Perchance，I

thought，therehadbeenwar，asCharlottehadsaid，andmyladyhaddepartedinangerwithherfather，andIwasallundone。YetI

darednotgotoseektheminthehouse，notknowinghowmatterswerepassing，andwhetherIshoulddogoodorharm。SoIwaited，andatlengthCharlottecameforthalone。Nowshewalkedslowly，hereyesbentontheground，and，asshedrewnear，Isawthattheywerered，andIguessedthatshehadbeenweeping。SoIgaveupallforlost，andmyheartturnedtowaterwithinme。

"Iamsenttobidyoucomein，"shesaidgravely。

"Whathaspassed？"Icried。"Forthesaints"sake，tellmeall!"

"Thishaspassed，thatIhaveseensuchaladyasIneverdreamedI

shouldsee，andshehasmademeweep——foolishthatIam!"

"Why，whatdidshe？Didshespeakunkindlythen，tomykindnurse？"

ForthisIcouldinnomannerhaveendured，norhaveabasedmyselftoloveonethatwasunjust，howdearsoever；andnonecouldbedearerthanElliot。Yetunjustshemighthavebeen；andthisthoughttomewasthegreatesttorment。

"Speakunkindwords？Oh，Iremembermyfoolishtalk，howIsaidthatshewouldneverforgivemewhiletheworldstands。Nay，whileherfatherwaswithmineandwithmymother，thankingthemforwhattheydidforyou，sheledmeaparttodevisewithme，andItookhertomychamber，andthere，withtearsinhereyes，andinthesweetestmanner，sheprayedmetopardonherforthatshehadbeenmadforamoment；andso，lookingmeekasanangel，sheawaitedmyword。AndIcouldnotbutweep，thoughtoweepisnevermyway，andweembracedeachtheother，andItoldherhowallyourconversehadeverbeenofher，evenwhenyouwerebesideyourself，inyourfever，andhowneverwassofaithfulalover。Nay，Ibidyoubeglad，forIneverdeemedthatanywomanlivingonearthwouldsorepentandsoconfessherselftoanother，wheresheherselfhadfirstbeenwroth，butwouldblamealltheworldrather，andherself——never。Sowewomenarenotallalike，asIthought；forIwouldhardlyhaveforgiven，ifIknowmyself；andyetIamnoworsethananother。

Truly，shehasbeenmuchwiththeMaid，andhascaughtfromherthis，tobelikeher，whoisaloneamongwomen，andofthegreatestheart。”

Heresheceasedtospeakverygravely，asshehadtillnowdone，andbreakingoutintoasweetlaughter，shecried-

"NeverthelessIamnotwhollyafalseprophetess，forto-dayyougowiththemsouthward，toTours，tochangetheair，asthephysiciancounsels，andsonowwepart。OfalseScot!"shesaid，laughingagain，"howhaveyoutheillcourtesytolooksojoyous？Nay，I

shallchangeyourcheer"；andwiththatshestoopedandkissedmycheek，saying，"Go，andjoygowithyou，asjoyabideswithme，toseemysickmanlooksostrongagain。Come，theyarewaitingforus，andyouknowwemustnottarry。”

Then，givingmeherarm，sheledmein，andifoneofustwainhadashamefacedguise，verifyitwasnotCharlotteBoucher。

"Iyieldyoubackyouresquire，fairlady，"shesaidmerrily，makingobeisancetoElliot，whostoodup，verypale，toreceiveus。

"Hehasgotnoillintheboweroftheenchantress，"saidmymaster；

whereat，Elliotseemingsomedealconfused，andblushing，Charlottebustledabout，bringingwineandmeat，andwaitinguponallofus，andonherfatherandmotherattable。Amerrydinneritwasamongtheelderfolk，butElliotandIweresomewhatsilent，andagreatjoyitwastome，andaheavyweightoffmyheart，Idoconfess，when，dinnerbeingended，andallcourtesiesdoneandsaid，myraimentwasencasedinwallets，andweallwentthroughthegarden，toLoireside；andso，withmanyfarewells，tookboatandsaileddowntheriver，undertheBridgeofOrleans，towardsBlois。ButCharlotteIneversawagain，nordidIeverspeakofhertoElliot，norElliotofhertome，fromthatdayforth。

Butwithinshortspacecametidings，howthatCharlottewasweddingayoungburgessofOrleans，withwhom，asIhear，shedwelthappily，andstill，forallIknow，dwellsinpeace。AsIdeem，shekeptherlordinamerrylife，yetingreatorderandobedience。Sonowthereisnomoretotellofher，savethatherpicturecomesbackbeforeme——atall，browngirl，withblackhairandeyeslikethehueofhazelboughsglassedinrunningwater，cladinwhiteandgreenandred，standingsmilingbeneaththered-and-whiteblossomsofanapple-tree，inthegreengardenofJacquesBoucher。

Elliotwassilentenough，andsattellingherbeads，inthebeginningofourjourneydownthewater-way，thatisthesmoothestandtheeasiestvoyagingforasickman。Shewasinthesternoftheboat，herfingers，whenherbeadsweretold，trailinginthesmoothwater，thatwasgreenwiththeshadeofleaves。Butherfatherstoodbyme，askingmanyquestionsconcerningthesiege，andgapingatthehalf-mendedarchofthebridge，wherethroughwesailed，andattheblackenedwallsofLesTourelles，andalltheruinthatwarhadwrought。Butnowmasonsandcarpenterswereverybusyrebuildingall，andtheairwasfullofthetinklingoftrowelsandhammers。PresentlywepassedtheplacewhereIhaddrawnBrotherThomasfromthewater；butthereofIsaidnoword，forindeedmydreamswerehauntedbyhishoodedface，likethatofthesnakewhich，astravellerstell，wearsahoodinPresterJohn"scountry，andisthemostvenomousofbeastsserpentine。SoconcerningBrotherThomasIheldmypeace，andthebarque，swingingroundacornerofthebank，soonbroughtusintoacountrywithnosignofwaronit，andherethepoplar-treeshadnotbeenfelledforplankstomakebulwarks，butwhisperedbytheriverside。

Thewidestreamcarriedmanyaboat，andshonewithsails，white，andcrimson，andbrown；theboat-mensang，orhailedeachotherfromafar。Therewasmuchtraffic，storesbeingcarriedfromBloistothearmy。SomemileortwainaboveBeaugencywewereforcedtoland，and，Ibeingborneinalitter，wetookacross-pathawayfromthestream，joiningitagaintwomilesbelowBeaugency，becausetheEnglishheldthattown，thoughnotforlong。Thesunhadset，yetleftallhisgoldshiningonthewaterwhenweenteredBlois，andthererestedatahostelforthenight。Nextday——oneofthegoodliestofmylife，sosoftandclearandwarmitwas，yetwithacoolwindonthewater——wevoyagedtoTours；andnowElliotwasgladenough，makingallmannerofmirth。

Herdesire，shesaid，wastomeetafriendthatshehadleftattheirhouseinTours，onethatshehadknownaslongassheknewme，myfriendhewastoo，yetIhadneverspokenofhim，oraskedhowhedid。NowI，beingwrappedupwhollyinher，andinmyjoytoseeherkindagain，andsobeautiful，hadnomemoryofanysuchfriend，whereforeshemockedme，andrebukedmeforahardheartandungrateful。"Thisfriendofmine，"shesaid，"wasthefirstthatmadeusknowneachtoother。Yea，butforhim，thebirdsmighthavepeckedoutyoureyne，andtheantseatenyourbonesbare，yet"——withasuddenanger，andtearsinhereyesatthewordsshespoke——"youhavecleanforgottenhim!"

"Ah，youmeanthejackanapes。Andhowisthelittlechampion？"

"LiketheladsofWamfray，ayeforill，andneverforgood，"saidmymaster；butshefrownedonhim，andsaid-

"Nowyouask，becauseIforcedyouonit；but，sir，Itakeitveryillthatyouhavesoshortamemoryforafriend。Now，tellme，inallthetimesinceyouleftusatChinon，howoftenhaveyouthoughtofhim？"

"NighasoftenasIthoughtofyou，"Ianswered。"Forwhenyoucameintomymind(andthatwaseveryminute)，asinapicture，thithertoocameyourplayfellow，climbingandchattering，andholdingouthislittlebowlforacomfit。”

"Nay，thenyouthoughtofmeseldom，oryouwouldhaveaskedhowhedoes。”

Heresheturnedherfacefromme，halfinmockanger。But，justasitiswithchildren，soitwaswithElliot，forindeedmydearwasevermuchofachild，whereforehermemoryisnowtomesotender。

Andaschildrenmakepretencetobeinthishumourorthatforsport，andwillaffecttobefrightedtilltheyreallyfearandweep，soElliotscarceknewhowdeepherownhumourwent，andwhethershewasactinglikeaplayerinaMystery，orwasingoodearnest。Andifsheknewnotrightlywhatherhumourwas，farlesscouldIknow，sothatshewaseverapuzzletome，andkeptmeinahundredprettydoubtsanddreadseveryday。Alas!howsorely，throughalltheseyears，haveIlongedtohearherrebukemeinmirth，andputmeadread，andlaughatmeagainIforshewas，asitwere，wifeandchildtome，atonce，andIachildwithher，andashappyasachild。

Thus，nothingwouldnowjumpwithherhumourbuttobespeakingofherjackanapes，andhowhewouldcomeloutingandleapingtowelcomeher，andforsakeheroldkinswoman，whohadfollowedwiththemtoTours。Andshehadmuchtoreportconcerninghisnewtricks:howhewouldleapoverarodfortheDauphinortheMaid，butnotifadjuredinthenameoftheEnglishKing，ortheDukeofBurgundy。

Also，ifyouheldhim，hewouldmakepretencetobiteanythatyoucalledEnglishmanorfalseFrenchman。Moreover，hehadnowbeentaughttofetchandcarry，andwouldclimbintoElliot"swindow，fromthegarden，andbringherlittlebasketofsilks，orwhatsoevershedesired，orcarryitthither，ashewascommanded。

"Andhewrungthecat"sneck，"quothmymaster；butElliotbadehimholdhispeace。

Insuchsportthehourspassed，tillweweresafelycometoTours，andsototheirhouseinastreetrunningoffthegreatplace，wherethecathedralstands。Itwasagoodlydwelling，withfaircarved-

workonthebeams，andinthedoorwaystoodtheoldScotskinswoman，smilingwideandtoothless，towelcomeus。Elliotkissedherquickly，andshefondledElliot，andheldahandoutoverhershouldertogreetme。

"Butwhereismyjackanapes，thatshouldhavebeenheretosalutehismistress？"Elliotcried。

"Outandalas!"saidtheoldwifeinourcountrytongue——"outandalas!forIhaveillnews。Thepoorbeastismissingthesethreedayspast，andwefearheisstolenawaybysomegangrelbodies，forthetownisfullofthem。Therecametwotoourdoor，threedaysagone，andonewasablindman，andtheotheraone-armedsoldier，maimedinthewars，andIgavethembiteandsup，asaChristianshoulddo。Now，theyhadnotbeengonebutafewminutes，andIwasinthespence，puttingawaythedishes，whenIheardawhistleinthestreet，andanonanother。Ithoughtlittleofit，andsowasaboutmybusinessforanhour，whenImissedthejackanapes。Andthentherewasahueandcry，andallthehousewassearched，andtheneighbourswerecalledon，butsincethatdaytherehasbeennowordofthejackanapes。But，fortheblindmanandthearmlesssoldier，thetownguardsawthemleavingbytheNorthGate，withaviolerwomanandherhusband，anill-lookingloon，intheircompany。”Elliotsatherdownandweptsore。"Theyhavestolenmylittlefriend，"shecried，"andnowhethatwassofatIcalledhimTremouillewillgohungryandlean，andbewhippedtomakehimdohistricks，andIshallneverseehimmore。”

Thensheranoutofthechamber，toweepalone，asIguessed，forshewaspitifulandofverytenderaffection，anddumbthingscamenearaboutherheart，asisthemannerofmanywomen。

ButImadenodoubtinmymindthatthehusbandoftheape"soldmistresshadstolenhim，andI，too，sorrowedforthepoorbeastthatmymistressloved，andthat，inverydeed，hadbeenthesavingofmyownlife。ThenIspoketomymaster，andsaidthatwemuststrivetobuyheranewape，oralittlemessandog，tobeherplayfellow。

Butheshookhishead。"Saynothingmoreofthebeast，"hemuttered，"unlessshespeaksofhimfirst，andthat，methinks，willbenever。Foritisnotherwonttospeakofwhatliesverydeepinherheart，andifyoutalkofthebeastitwillpleaseherlittle。”

And，indeed，IheardnowordmoreofthejackanapesfromElliot，savethat，comingbackfromtheminsternextday，shewhispered，"I

haveprayedforhim，"andsofledtoherownchamber。

AsthenIdeemeditastrangething，andscarcelytobeapprovedbyHolyChurch，thatmyladyshouldprayforadumbbeastwhohadnosoultobesaved。Butafaithful，lovingprayerisnotunavailingorunheardofHimwhomadethebeasts，aswellasHemadeus；forwhosesin，orthesinofourfatherAdam，theynowsuffer，silently。

Andtheanswertothisprayerwastobeknownintheend。

Astheweekwenton，tidingscamethatmadeElliotgladagain，ifbeforeshehadbeensadenough。ForthiswasthatgreatweekofwonderswhichshallneverbeforgottenwhileFranceisFrance，andtheliliesbloom。

OnJunethethirteenththeMaidtookJargeau，whencethefamedBastardofOrleanshadbeendrivensomeweeksagone；andtheEarlofSuffolkyieldedhimherprisoner，sayingthatshewas"themostvaliantwomanintheworld。”Scarcehadtidingsofthisgreatvictorycome，whenmessengersfollowed，declaringthattheMaidhadseizedtheBridgeofMeunanddriventheEnglishintotheCastle。

NextshemarchedagainstBeaugency，and，atmidnightofJunetheseventeenth，theEnglishmadeterms，thattheymightgoforthwiththeirlives，butwithoutbaggageorarms，andwithbutonemarkofsilverapiece。NextmorningcameTalbot，thebestknightthenonground，andFastolf，thewariestofcaptains，withagreatarmyofEnglish。FirsttheymadeforJargeau，buttheycametoolate，andthentheyrodetoMeun，andwouldhaveassailedtheFrenchinthebridge-fort，but，eventhen，theyheardhowBeaugencyhadyieldedtoLaPucelle，andhowthegarrisonwasdepartedintoNormandy，likepilgrims，withoutswords，andstaffinhand。ThusalltheLoireandthewater-waywasinthepowerofFrance，whereforetheEnglishmarchedoffthroughthecountrycalledLaBeauce，whichthenlaydesertandovergrownwithwildwood，byreasonofthewar。Andthere，inaplacenamedCoynce，nearPatay，theMaidovertooktheEnglish，havingwithherLaHireandXaintrailles，andshechargedthemsorudely，thateretheEnglishcouldarraytheminorderofbattle，theywerealreadyflyingfortheirlives。TherewereTalbotandWarwicktakenandheldtoransom，butFastolffledasfastashishorsecouldcarryhim。

Thusinoneweek，betweenJunetheeleventhandJunetheeighteenth，theMaidhaddeliveredthreestrongtownsfromtheEnglish，andhadutterlyroutedtheminfairfield。Then，atOrleans，onJunethenineteenth，thearmywenttothechurches，thankingGod，andtheBlessedVirgin，andallthesaints，forsuchgreatsignsandmarvelswroughtthroughtheMaidonly。

Sorrowitistometowriteofsuchthingsbyreport，andnottohaveseenthemdone。But，asTalbotsaidtotheDucd"Alencon，whentheytookhimatPatay，"itisfortuneofwar。”

But，asdaybydaymessengerscame，theirhorsesredwithspurring，tothecrossinthemarket-placeofTours，andaswethatgatheredroundheardofsomefreshvictory，youmayconsiderwhetherwerejoiced，feasted，filledthechurcheswithourthanksgivings，anddeemedthat，inafewweeks，therewouldbenolivingEnglishmanonFrenchsoil。Andofallthatweregladmyladywasthehappiest，forshehadbelievedintheMaidfromtheverybeginning，whenherfathermocked。Andahardlifeshenowledhimwithhersallies，daybyday，asmoreandevermoregladtidingswerebrought，andwecouldhearElliotsingingthroughthehouse。

Yea，Ifoundheroncedancinginthegardenallalone，abeautifulsighttolookupon，asthesunfellonherandtheshadow，shefootingitasiftomusic，butthemusicwasmadebyherownheart。

Leaningagainstanapple-tree，Iwatchedher，whowavedherhandtome，andstilldancedon；thiswasafterwehadheardthenewsofBeaugency。Asshesoswayedandmoved，dancingdaintily，cameablastofatrumpetandagaypealfromtheminsterbells。ThenforthrushedElliot，andthroughthehouse，anddownthestreetintothemarket-place，nordidIknowwhereIwas，tillIfoundmyselfbesideher，andheardtheMairereadalettertoallthefolk，tellinghowtheEnglishwereroutedatPathayinopenfield。

Thereonthewholemultitudefella-dancing，andI，forallmymalady，wasfaintodancewiththem；butElliotledmehome，herheadhigh，andblueraysdartingfromhereyes。Fromthatdaymylifeseemedtocomebacktome，andIwasnolongerthesickman。

Sotheweekswentby，inalldelight，mymasterworkinghard，andI

helpinghiminmydegree，fornewbannerswouldbewantedwhentheDauphinwentforhissacringtohisgoodtownofReims。Aswealldeemed，thiscouldnolongerbedelayed；andthereafterourarmieswouldfallonParis，andsostronggrewI，thatIwasinhopestobewiththem，where，atlast，fortunewastobewon。ButofthismyhopeIsaidlittletoElliot，waitingtillIcouldweararmour，andexercisingmyselfthereatprivatelyinthegarden，beforefolkhadriseninthemornings。

CHAPTERXVIII——HOWELLIOT"SJACKANAPESWASSEENATTHEKING"S

CROWNING

"TheheartsofkingsareinHishand，"saysHolyScripture，anditisofnecessitytobebelievedthattheheartsofkings，inanespecialsense，arewiselygoverned。Yet，theblindnessofoursinfulsouls，weoftenmaynotsee，norbydeepconsiderationfindout，thecauseswhereforekingsoftenactotherwise，and，aswemightdeem，lessworthilythancommonmen。Foritisatruthandmustbetold，thatneitherbeforehewasanointedwiththeblessedoilfromtheholyvessel，orampulla，whichtheangelbroughttoSt。

Remigius，norevenafterthatanointing(whichismorestrange)，didCharlesVII。，KingofFrance，bearhimkinglyasregardstheMaiden。

Nay，IhavemanyatimethoughtwithsorrowthatifXaintrailles，orLaHire，ay，oranythemeanestesquireinallourarmy，hadbeenbornDauphin，inthreemonthsaftertheMaid"svictoriesinJunePariswouldhavebeenours，andnotanEnglishmanlefttobreathetheairofFrance。ForitneededbutthattheKingshouldobeytheMaid，ridestraighttoReims，andthenceonParistown，andeverycitywouldhaveopeneditsgatestohim，asthewallsofJerichofellatthemeresoundofthetrumpetsofIsrael。

Thisisnofoolishfancyofanoldmandreaminginacloisteraboutwhatmighthavebeen。FortheRegentoftheEnglish，brotheroftheirKingHarrytheFifth，andhimselfawiseman，andbrave，ifcruel，wasofthissamemind。First，heleftParisandshuthimselfupinthestrongcastleofVincennes，dreadinganuproaramongthepeople；andnext，hewhollywithdrewhimselftoRouen，forhehadnownoforceofmentoguardthewallsofParis。OurDauphinhadbuttomountandride，andallwouldhavebeenhisatoneblow，ay，orwithoutablow。TheMaid，aswedailyheard，keptprayinghim，evenwithtears，todonomorethanthis；andfromeverysidecameinmenfreeandnoble，readytoserveattheirowncharges。Thepoorestgentlemenwhohadlostallinthetroubles，andmightnotevenkeepahorsetoride，wereofgoodwilltomarchascommonfoot-

soldiers。

But，whileallFrancecalledonherKing，hewasdwellingatSully，inthecastleofLaTremouille，amanwhohadafootineithercamp，sothatneitherEnglishnorBurgundianshadeverraidedonhisrichlands，whentheselayintheirpower。So，whatwiththeself-

seeking，andsloth，andjealousyofLaTremouille；whatwiththeworldlypolicyoftheArchbishopofReims，cryingPeace，wheretherewasnopeace，theMaidandthecaptainswerenotlistenedto，or，iftheywereheard，theirplanswerewroughtoutwithafaintheart，sothat，atlast，ifitislawfultosayso，thewillofmenprevailedoverthewillofHeaven。

Never，Ipray，mayanyprinceofmyowncountrybesobestead，andsoill-served，that，whenhehaswonbattlesandgainedcitiestwoorthree，andneedsbuttorideforwardandwinallhiskingdom，heshallbeturnedbackbythelittlefaithofhiscounsellors!NevermaysuchathingbefallaprinceofScotland!ConcerningthesemattersofState，asmaybebelieved，wedevisedmuchatTours，whilemessengerswerecomingandgoing，andlong，wearycouncilswerebeingheldatSullyandatGien。D"Alencon，wegotnews，wasallforstrikingablowyetmoreboldthanthemarchtoReims，andwouldhaveattackedtheEnglishwheretheywerestrongest，andnearesttheirownshores，namely，atRouen。ThecounsellorsofthepeacefulsortwereinclinedtowastetimeinbesiegingLaCharite，andotherlittletownsonLoire-side。ButherVoiceshadbiddentheMaid，fromthefirst，tocarrytheDauphintoReims，thattherehemightbeanointed，andknowntoFrancefortheveryKing。Soatlast，findingthattimewassorelywasted，whereasallhopelayinaswiftstroke，eretheEnglishcouldmustermen，andbringoverthearmylatelyraisedbytheCardinalofWinchestertogocrusadingagainstthemiscreantsofBohemia——theMaidrodeoutofGien，withherowncompany，onJunethetwenty-seventh，andlodgedinthefields，somefourleaguesaway，ontheroadtoAuxerre。AndnextdaytheKingandtheCourtfollowedherperforce，withagreatarmyoftwelvethousandmen。ThenceforththerecamenewstouseverydayinTours，andallthenewswasgood。TownaftertownopeneditsgatesatthesummonsoftheMaid，andnotablyTroyesandChalons，indespiteoftheEnglishgarrisons。

Wewereallrightglad，andcouldscarcesleepforjoy，aboveallwhenamessengerrodein，oneThomasScott，whomIhadencounteredbefore，asIhavewritten，biddingmymastercomestraightwaytoReims，tojointheKing，andexercisehiscraftindesigningagreatpictureofthecoronation。Sowithmuchadohebestowedhiscanvases，brushes，paints，andallothergearofhistradeinwallets，and，commendinghisdaughtertohisoldkinswoman，toobeyherinallthings，hesetoffonhorsebackwithThomasScott。Butformyself，Iwastolodge，whilehewasatReims，withaworthywomanofTours，fortheavoidingofeviltongues，andverytardilythetimepassedwithme，forthatImightnotbe，asbefore，alwaysinthecompanyofElliot。

Asformylady，shewas，duringmostofthesedays，onherkneesatthealtarinthegreatminster，prayingtothesaintsfortheDauphin，andtheMaid，andforherfather，thathemightcomeandgosafelyonhisjourney。Nordidsheprayinvain，for，nomorethantwodaysafterthefirsttidingshadarrivedthatthesacringwasdone，andthatallhadgonewell，mymasterrodetohisowndoor，weary，butgladatheart，andhobbledintohishouse。Onewassentrunningtobringmethisgoodnews，andImyselfran，fornowIwasable，andfoundhimseatedathismeat，aswellashecouldeatitforElliot，thatoftenstoppedhismouthwithkisses。

Heheldforthhishandtome，saying，"Allisaswellasheartcoulddesire，andtheMaidbidsyoufollowher，ifyoumay，tothetakingofParis，forthereshesayswillbeyouronechancetowinyourspurs。Andnowletmeeatanddrink，fortheheatisgreat，thewaysdusty，andIhalffamished。Thereafteraskmewhatyouwill，andyou，Elliot，comenotbetweenahungrymanandhismeat。”

Sohespoke，sittingathistablewithhistankardinhishand，andhiswalletslyingabouthimonthefloor。Elliotwasthereforefainnottobeembracinghim，butrathertocarveforhim，andserveinthebestmanner，thathemightsupthequickerandtellusallhistale。Thishedidatlast，Elliotsittingonhisknee，withherarmabouthisneck。But，astouchesthesacring，howitwasdone，thoughmanyofthepeersofFrancewerenottheretosee，andhownoblewerethemannersoftheKingandtheMaid，whostoodtherewithherbanner，andoftheonlyrewardwhichshewouldtake，namely，thathertownsfolkshouldlivefreeoftaxandcorvee，allthisisknownandwrittenofinChronicles。NordidIseeitmyself，soIpassby。But，nexttoactualbeholdingofthatgloriousrite，thebestthingwastohearmymastertellofit，takingouthisbooks，whereinhehaddrawntheKing，andtheMaidinherharness，andmanyofthegreatlords。Fromthesepicturesatapestrywasafterwardswrought，andhunginReimsCathedral，whereitistothisday:theMaidonhorsebackbeckoningtheKingonward，theScotsarchersbesidehiminthemosthonourableplace，aswastheirlawfuldue，and，behindall，thefatheroftheMaidenteringReimsbyanotherroad。Bygreatgoodfortune，andbyvirtueofbeingafellow-travellerwithThomasScott，therideroftheKing"sstable，mymasterfoundlodgingseasilyenough。Socrowdedwasthetownthat，theweatherbeingwarm，inmidJuly，manylayintabernaclesofboughs，inthegreatplaceofReims，andtherewasmoresingingthatnightthansleeping。ButmymasterhadlainatthehostelrycalledL"AsneRoye，intheparvise，oppositetothecathedral，wherealsolayJeand"Arc，thefatheroftheMaid。

Thithersheherselfcametovisithim，andshegavegiftstosuchofthepeopleofherowncountrysideasweregatheredatReims。

"And，Jeannot，doyoufearnothing？"oneofthemaskedher，whohadknownherfromachild。

"Ifearnothingbuttreason，"mymasterheardherreply，awordthatwehadafterwardstoogoodcausetoremember。

"Andissheproudnowthatsheissogreat？"askedElliot。

"Sheproud!Nopridehasshe，butsatatmeat，andspokefriendlywithallthesemanants，anditwas"tu"and"toy，"and"Howisthisone？andthatone？"tillverily，Ithink，shehadaskedforeveryman，woman，child，anddoginDomremy。Andthatputsmeinmind——"

"Inmindofwhat？"

"Ofnought。Faith，IremembernotwhatIwasgoingtosay，forIamwellweary。”

"ButParis？"Iasked。"WhenmarchweonParis？"Mymaster"sfaceclouded。"TheyshouldhavesetforthforParistheverydayafterthesacring，whichwastheseventeenthofJuly。ButenvoyshadcomeinfromtheDukeofBurgundy，andtherewereparleyswiththemastouchingpeace。Now，peacewillneverbewonsaveatthepointofthelance。ButatruceofafortnighthasbeenmadewithBurgundy，andthenheistogiveupParistotheKing。Yet，ereafortnighthaspassed，thenewtroopsfromEnglandwillhavecomeovertofightus，andnotagainstthehereticsofBohemia，thoughtheyhavetakenthecrossandthevow。AndtheKinghasgonetoSaintMarcoul，forsooth，seeingthat，unlesshegoestheretodohisdevotions，hemaynottouchthesickandhealthecrewels。{29}Faith，theythathavethecrewelsmightevenwaittilltheKinghascometohisownagain；theyhavewaitedlongenoughtolearnpatiencewhilehewasDauphin。ItshouldbeParisfirst，andSaintMarcoulandthecrewelsafterwards，butanythingtowastetimeandkeepoutofthebruntofthebattle。”Herehestruckhishandonthetablesothatthevesselsleaped。"Ifearwhatmaycomeofit，"hesaid。"ForeverydaythatpassesisgreatlosstousandmuchgaintoourenemiesofEngland，whowillanongarrisonParis。”

"Faint-heart，"criedElliot，pluckinghisbeard。"YouwillneverbelieveintheMaid，whohasneveryetfailedtohelpus，bytheaidofthesaints。”

"Thesaintshelpthemthathelpthemselves，"heanswered。"AndParistownhaswallssostrong，thatoncethefreshEnglishareenteredin，eventhesaintsmayfinditahardbargain。Butyou，Elliot，runupandseeifmychamberbeready，forIamwellweary。”

Sheranforth，andmymaster，turningtome，saidinalowvoice，"I

havesomethingforyourownear，butIfearedtogrieveher。InaboothatReimsIsawherjackanapesdoinghistricks，andwhenhecameroundquestingwithhisbowlthelittlebeastknewmeandjumpedupintomyarms，andwailedasifhehadbeenaChristian。

ThenIwasforkeepinghim，butIwassetonbythreeorfourstoutknaves，and，Ibeingalone，andthecrowdtakingtheirpart，I

thoughtitnotwelltodrawsword，andsobreaktheKing"speacethathadjustthenbeguntobeKing。Butmyheartwassoreforthepoorcreature，and，inverytruth，Ibringbacknolightheart，savetoseeyoutwainagain，forIfearmethattheworstofthedarg{30}isstilltodo。ButherecomesElliot，sonowordofthejackanapes。”

Therewithhewentofftohischamber，andItomine，withlesspleasurethanIhadlookedfor。Still，thethoughtcameintomyheartthat，thelongerthedelayoftheonslaughtonParis，thebetterchanceIhadtotakeparttherein；andtheharderthework，thegreatertheglory。

Thebodingwordsofmymasterprovedovertrue。TheKingwassacredonJulythesixteenth，andParisthenstoodemptyofEnglishsoldiers，beinggarrisonedbyBurgundiansonly。But，sosoonashewasanointed，theKingbegantoparleywithBurgundy，andthustheyspunoutthetime，till，onJulythetwenty-fifth，astrongarmyofEnglishmenhadenteredParis。Whethertheirheartswerehighmaynotbeknown，butontheirbannertheyhadhungadistaff，andhadpaintedtheflagwiththewords-

"OresviegnelaBelle，"

meaning，"LetthefairMaidcome，andweshallgiveherwooltospin。”Nextweheard，andwerelothtobelieveit，thatanewtruceoffifteendaysmorehadbeenmadewithBurgundy。TheMaid，indeed，saidopenlythatshelovednotthetruce，andthatshekeptitonlyforthehonouroftheKing，whichwasdearertoherthanherlife，assheprovedintheend。

Thencamemarchings，thiswayandthat，allabouttheIsleofFrance，BedfordleavingParistofighttheKing，andthenrefusingbattle，thoughtheMaidrodeuptotheEnglishpalisades，andsmotethemwithhersword，defyingtheEnglishtocomeout，iftheyweremen。SotheEnglishbetookthembacktoParis，aftercertainlightskirmishesonly。MeanwhilesomeofhisgoodtownsthathadbeeninthehandsoftheEnglishyieldedtotheKing，orrathertotheMaid。

AmongthesethemostnotablewasCompiegne，acityasgreatasOrleans。Manyatimeithadbeentakenandretakeninthewars，butnowtheburgessessworethattheywouldratheralldie，withtheirwivesandchildren，thanopentheirgatesagaintotheEnglish。Andthisoaththeykeptwell，asshallbeseenintheend。

CHAPTERXIX——HOWNORMANLESLIERODEAGAINTOTHEWARS

Tidingsoftheseparleys，andmarches，andsurrendersofcitiescametousatTours，theKingsendingletterstohisgoodtownsbymessengers。Oneofthese，theveryThomasScottofwhomIhavebeforespoken，amanoutofRankelburn，inEttrickForest，broughtaletterforme，whichwasfromRandalRutherford。

"Mess-JohnUrquhartwritesforme，thatamnoclerk，"saidRandal，"and，tosparehispains，ashewritesforthemostofus，Isaynomorethanthis:comenow，orcomenever，fortheMaidwillridetoseeParisinthreedays，orfour，lettheKingfollowornotashewill。”

TherewasnomorebutacrossmarkedoppositethenameofRandalRutherford，andthedateofplaceandday，Augustthenineteenth，atCompiegne。

Myfacefired，forIfeltit，whenIhadreadthis，andImadenomoreado，but，covenantingwithThomasScotttobewithhimwhenherodeforthatdawn，Iwenthome，putmyharnessinorder，andhiredahorsefromhimthatkeptthehostelryofthe"HangingSword，"

whitheralsoIsentmyharness，forthatIwouldsleepthere。Thiswasalldoneinthelateevening，secretly，and，aftersupper，I

brokethemattertomymasterandElliot。Herfacechangedtoadeadwhite，andshesatsilent，whilemymastertooktheword，saying，inourcountryspeech，that"hewhowilltoCupar，mauntoCupar，"andtherewithheturned，andwalkedoutandaboutinthegarden。

Wewerealone，andnowwasthehardestofmyworktodo，tocomfortElliot，when，infaith，Isorelyneededcomfortmyself。Buthonouratonceandnecessitycalledmetoride，beingnowfittobearharness，andforeseeingnootherchancetogainbooty，oreven，perchance，myspurs。NorcouldIenduretobeamalingerer。Shesatthere，verywhite，herlipquivering，buthereyesbraveandsteadfast。

Ikneeledbesideher，andinmyhandsItookherlittlehand，thatwascoldasice。

"ItisfortheMaid，andforyou，Elliot，"Iwhispered；andsheonlybentherheadonmyshoulder，buthercoldhandgrippedminefirmly。

"Shedidsaythatyoushouldcomebackunharmedofsword，"whisperedElliot，lookingforwhatcomfortshemight。"But，Omydear!youmaybetaken，andwhenshallIseeyouagain？Oh!thislifeisthehardestthingforwomen，whomustsitandtrembleandprayathome。

Surenodangerofwarissoterrible!Ah，mustyoureallygo？"

Thensheclungsocloselyaboutme，thatitseemedasifIcouldneverescapeoutofherarms，andIfeltasifmyheartmustbreakintwain。

"HowcouldIlookmenintheface，andhowcouldIeverseetheMaidagain，ifIgonot？"Isaid；and，looseninghergrasp，shelaidherhandsonmyshoulders，andsogazedonmesteadfastly，asifmypicturecouldbefixedonthetabletsofherbrain。

"Onyourchiniscomingalittledown，atlast，"shesaid，smilingfaintly，andthengaveasob，andherlipsmetmine，andourverysoulsmet；but，eventhen，weheardmymaster"sstepshobblingtothedoor，andshegaveacry，andfledtoherchamber。Andthiswasourleave-taking——brief，butIwouldnothavehaditlong。

"Itisillworkparting，Heavenhelpus，"saidmymaster。"Faith，I

remember，asifitwereto-day，howIsetforthforVerneuil；alongtimeIwasgone，andcamebackamaimedman。Butitisfortuneofwar!Thesaintshaveyouintheirkeeping，myson，andchieflySt。

Andrew。Comebacksoon，andwhole，andrich，for，meseems，ifI

loseoneofyou，Iamtoloseboth。”

Therewithheembracedme，andIsetforthtothehostelwhereIwastoliethatnight。

Now，seehowfarlighterislifetomenthantowomen，for，thoughI

leftthehousewiththeheaviestheartofanymaninTours，oftenlookingbackatthecandleshineinmylady"scasement，yet，whenI

reachedthe"HangingSword，"IfoundThomasScottsittingathiswine，andmyheartandcouragerevivedwithinme。Helackednothingbutonetolisten，andsoonwastellingtalesofthewar，andoftheroad，andofhowthisonehadtakenarichprisoner，andthatonehadgotanarrowinhisthigh，andofwhatchancesthereweretowinParisbyanonslaught。

"Forinnoothercanwetakeit，"saidhe，"save，indeed，bymiracle。Fortheyarerichlyprovisioned，andourhopeisthat，ifwecanmakeabreach，theremaybeastirofthecommonfolk，whoarewellwearyoftheEnglishandtheBurgundians。”