\"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，afterwinningmuchfameforsoshesaidandaransomofgoldfromanEnglishprisoner，whichnowlayinthehandsofherfather，theDuke\'streasurer。ThenshesaidthatawordfromElliot，nottosaythesightofherface，thefairestintheworldathingbeyondhope，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，andtriumphoverherinherheartasisthenatureofawoman，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，methinksIwouldhateherthatis，memorethanever。
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。”