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。”