"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。”