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。”