\"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,andwhenIshouldseeheragainthoughthatwasuppermostinmymind,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。\"Forwhenyoucameintomymindandthatwaseveryminute,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,norevenafterthatanointingwhichismorestrange,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。”