thoughtIsaw，andofthewordsspokenbytheblindmanandthesoldier，concerningsomevisionwhichaffrayedthem，Iknownotwhat。
AtthistalethegirlElliot，crossingherselfverydevoutly，criedaloud-
\"Ofather，didInottellyouso？ThisholythingcanhavebeennootherbutthatblessedMaiden，guardedbythedearsaintsinformvisible，whomthisgentleman，forthesinofkeepingevilcompany，wasnotgiventhegracetosee。Oh，come，letusmountandridetoChinon，foralreadysheiswithinthewalls；hadwenotriddenforthsoearly，wemusthaveheardtellofit。”
ItseemedsomethinghardtomethatIwastohavenogracetobeholdwhatothers，andtheyassuredlymuchmoresinfulmenthanmyself，hadbeenpermittedtolookupon，ifthisdamselwasrightinthatshesaid。Andhowcouldanyman，werehehimselfasaint，seewhatwaspassingby，whenhisheadwasturnedtheotherway？Howbeit，shecalledmeagentleman，asindeedIhadprofessedmyselftobe，andthisIsaw，thatherpassionofangeragainstmewasspent，asthen，andgoneby，likeashowerofApril。
\"Gentlemanyoucallyourself，sir，\"saidherfather；\"mayIaskofwhathouse？\"
\"WearecadetsofthehouseofRothes，\"Ianswered。\"Myfather，LeslieofPitcullo，isthefourthsonofthethirdsonofthelastlairdofRothesbutone；and，forme，IwasoflateaclerkstudyinginSt。Andrews。”
\"Iwillnotaskwhyyouleftyourlore，\"hesaid；\"Ihavebeenyoungmyself，and，faith，thestoryofoneladvariesnotmuchfromthestoryofanother。Ifwehaveanyspirit，itdrivesusouttofighttheforeignloonsintheirowncountry，ifwehavenofeudathome。
Butyouareaclerk，Ihearyousay，andhaveskillenoughtoreadandwrite？\"
\"Yea，and，ifneedwere，canpaint，inmydegree，anddofairletteringonholybooks，forthisartwasmypleasure，andIlearneditfromaworthymonkintheabbey。”
\"Odayofmiracles!\"hecried。\"Listen，Elliot，andmarkhowfinelyIhavefalleninluck\'sway!Loyou，sir，Ialsoamagentlemaninmydegree，simpleasyouseeme，beingoneoftheHumesofPolwarth；
butbyreasonofmymaimedleg，thatcametomewithscarsmany，fromcertainshrewdblowsgotatVerneuilfight，Iamdisabledfromwar。AmurrainontheEnglishbillthatdealtthestroke!TomakeupmyransomforIwastakenprisonerthere，wheresofewgotquartercostmeeverycrownIcouldgather，soIevenfellbackontheskillIlearned，likeyou，whenIwasalad，fromapriestintheAbbeyofMelrose。AshamedofmycraftIamnone，foritisbettertopaintbannersandmissalsthantobeg；andnow，forthesefiveyears，IamadvancedtobeCourtpaintertotheKinghimself，thankstoJohnKirkmichael，BishopofOrleans，whoisofmyfar-awaykin。Asorefallitis，foraHumeofPolwarth；andstrangelyenoughdotheFrenchscribeswritemyname——\"HauvesPoulvoir，\"andotherwise，sopleaseyou；butthatisevertheirwontwiththebestnamesinallbroadScotland。Loyou，evennowthereismuchadowithbanner-paintingforthecompaniesthatmarchtohelpOrleans，everandagain。”
\"WhentheMaidenmarches，father，youshallhavebanner-painting，\"
saidthegirl。
\"Ay，lass，whentheMaidmarches，andwhentheliftfallsandsmoorsthelaverocksweshallcatchtheminplenty。{8}But，MaidornoMaid，savingyourpresence，sir，IneedwhatwecraftsmenIprayyouagaintopardonmecallanapprentice，andIofferyou，ifyouareskilledasyousay，thishonourablepost，tillyoufindabetter。”
Myfacegrewredagainwithangerattheword\"apprentice，\"andI
knownothowIshouldhaveansweredanoffersounworthyofmyblood，whenthegirlbrokein-
\"TillthisgentlemanmarcheswiththeflowerofFranceagainstouroldenemyofEngland，youshouldsay，father，andhelpstoshowthemanotherBannockburnonLoire-side。”
\"Ay，well，tillthen，ifitlikesyou，\"hesaid，smiling。\"Tillthenthereisbed，andmeat，andthepennyfeeforhim，tillthatgreatday。”
\"Thatiscomingsoon!\"shecried，hereyesraisedtoheaven，andsofairshelooked，that，beingayoungmanandofmycomplexionamorous，IcouldnotbeartobeoutofhercompanywhenImightbeinit，sostoopedmypridetoagreewithhim。
\"Sir，\"Isaid，\"Ithankyouheartilyforyouroffer。Youcomeofasgoodahouseasmine，andyoursisthebragoftheBorder，asmineisofthekingdomofFife。Ifyoucanputyourprideinyourpouch，faith，socanI；theratherthatthereisnothingelsetherein，andsoroomenoughandtospare。But，astouchingwhatthisgentledemoisellehassaid，Imaymarchalso，mayInot，whentheMaidridestoOrleans？\"
\"Ay，verify，withmygoodwill，thenyoumay，\"hecried，laughing，whilethelassfrowned。
Thenweclappedhandsonit，forabargain，andhedidnotinsultmebytheofferofanyarles，orluckpenny。
Thegirlwashelpedtohorse，settingherfootonmyhand，thatdirledasherlittleshoesoletouchedit；andthejackanapesrodeonhersaddle-bowveryproudly。Forme，IranaswellasImight，butstifflyenough，beingcoldtothemarrow，holdingbythefather\'sstirrup-leatherandwatchingthelass\'syellowhairthatdancedonhershouldersassherodeforemost。Inthiscompany，then，somuchbetterthanthatIhadleft，weenteredChinontown，andcametotheirbooth，andtheirhouseonthewater-side。Then，oftheirkindness，Imusttobed，whichcomfortIsorelyneeded，andthereIslept，infragrantlinensheets，tillcomplinerang。
CHAPTERV——OFTHEFRAYONTHEDRAWBRIDGEATCHINONCASTLE
Duringsupper，towhichtheycalledme，mymastershowedmethebestcountenancethatmightbe，anditwasgreatjoytometoeatoffcleanplattersonceagain，onwhitelinenstrewnwithspringflowers。AsthetimewasLent，wehadfarethattheycalledmeagre:
fishfromtheViennewater，belowthetown，andeggscookedindiversfashions，alltothepointofexcellence，forthewineandfareofChinonarefamousinFrance。Asmydutywas，IwaitedonmymasterandonthemaidElliot，whowasneversilent，butbabbledofallthatshehadheardsinceshecameintothetown；astowherethePucellehadlightedoffherhorseontheedge-stoneofawell，soitseemed，andwhereandwithwhatgoodwifeshelodged，andhowasyetnomessagehadcometoherfromthecastleandtheKing；andgreatjoyitwastowatchandtohearher。Butherfathermocked，thoughinalovingmanner；andoncesheweptathisbourdes，andshoneoutagain，whenhefellonhisknees，offeringheraknifeandbaringhisbreasttothestroke，forIhaveneverseenmorelovebetweenfatherandchild，myownexperiencebeingcontrary。Yettomysistersmyfatherwaseverdebonnair；for，asIhaveoftenmarked，themotherslovethesonsbestandthesonsthemothers，andbetweenfatheranddaughtersitisthesame。ButofmymotherI
havespokeninthebeginningofthishistory。
Whensupperwasended，andallthingsmadeorderly，Ihadnogreatmindformybed，havingsleptmyfillforthattime。ButthemaidElliotleftusearly，whichwasasifthelighthadbeentakenoutoftheroom。
Besidethefire，mymasterfelltodevisingaboutthestateofthecountry，asburgesseslovetodo。AndIsaidthat，ifIweretheDauphin，ChinonCastleshouldnotholdmelong，formy\"spurwouldbeinmyhorse\'sside，andthebridleonhismane，\"{9}astheoldsongoftheBattleofHarlawruns，andIonthewaytoOrleans。
Theretoheanswered，thathewellwisheditwereso，and，mocking，wishedthatIweretheDauphin。
\"NotthatourDauphinisacoward，thebloodofSaintLouishasnotfallensolow，butheiswhollyundertheSieurdeLaTremouille，whowasthrustonhimwhilehewasyoung，andstillishismaster，or，aswesay，hisgovernor。Now，thislordisonethatwouldfainrunwiththehareandhuntwiththehounds，andthissideofhimisBurgundianandthatisArmagnac，andonwhichofthesideshisheartis，noneknows。AtAzincour，asIhaveheard，heplayedthemanreasonablywell。Buthewaxesveryfatforaman-at-arms，andisfondofwomen，andwine，andofhisease。Now，ifoncetheKingrangesupwiththeBastardofOrleans，andXaintrailles，andtheothercaptains，whohateLaTremouille，thenhispower，andthepoweroftheChancellor，theArchbishopofRheims，isgoneandended。SothesetwoworkevertopatchupapeacewithBurgundy，but，seeingthatthedukehashisfather\'sdeathtoavengeonourKing，theymaypatchandbetterpatch，butnopeacewillcomeofit。
Andthecaptainscry\"Forward!\"andthearchbishopandLaTremouillecry\"Back!\"andinthemeantimeOrleanswillfall，andtheDauphinmayflywhitherhewill，forFranceislost。But，formyself，I
wouldtothesaintsthatIandmylasswerehomeagain，beneaththeoldthorn-treeatPolwarthonthegreen，whereIhavebeenmerrylangsyne。”
Withthatwordhefellsilent，thinking，Idoubtnot，ofhishome，asIdidofmine，andofthehouseofPitculloandtheash-treeatthedoor，andtheseabeyondtheploughedlandoftheplain。So，aftersomespaceofsilence，hewenttohisbed，andItomine，whereforlongIlaywakeful，paintingonthedarkthefaceofElliot，andherblueeyes，andrememberinghermerry，changefulways。
BetimesinthemorningIwasawakenedbythesoundofhermovingaboutthroughthehouse，andhavingdressedandgoneforthfrommylittlechamber，Ifoundherinthehouse-place，shehavingcomefromearlyMass。Shetooklittleheedofme，givingmesomebreadandwine，thesameassheandherfathertook；andshewasaltogetherlessgayandwilfulthanshehadbeen，andthereseemedtobesomethingthatlayheavyonhermind。WhenherfatheraskedherifthegossipsatthechurchdoorhadgivenheranymoretidingsoftheMaid，shedidbutfrown，andsoonleftthechamber，whencemymasterledmeforthintohisbooth，andbademeshowhimmyhandinwriting。Thispleasedhimnotill，andnextImustgrindcolourstohisliking；andagainhewentabouthisbusiness，whileImustmindthebooth，andbecapinhandtoeverysaucypagethatcamefromthecastlewithanorderfromhislord。
Fullmanyatimemyhandwasonmywhinger，andyetmoreoftenI
wishedmyselfonthefreeroadagain，sothatIwereoutofillcompany，andassuredlytheLorrainerMaid，whatevershemightbe，wasscarcelylongingmorethanIforthedaywhensheshouldunfurlherbannerandmarch，withmeatherback，toOrleans。Forsoirksomewasmyservitude，andthelayingofcoloursonthegroundofbannersformymastertopaint，andthecopyingofbooksofHoursandMissals，andtheinsolenceofcustomersworsebornthanmyself，thatIcouldhavedrownedmyselfintheViennewaterbutforthesightofElliot。Yetshewasbecomestaidenough，andbetimessad；
asitseemedthattherewasnogoodnewsofherdearMaid，fortheKingwouldnotseeher，andallmenitappeared，savethosewhohadriddenwithher，mockedthePucelleforaboldramp，withabeeinherbonnet。Butthetwogentlementhathadbeenherescortwerestaunch。TheirnameswereJeandeMetzandBertranddePoulengy，goodesquires。
OfmeElliotmadeofttimesnotmuchmoreaccountthanofherjackanapes，whichwasnowinveryhighfavour，andwaxingfat，sothat，whennonebutherfathercouldhearher，shewouldjestandcallhimLaTremouille。
YetI，asyoungmenwill，wasforwardinallwaystoserveher，andtowinhergraceandfavour。ShewasfaintohearofScotland，herowncountry，whichshehadneverseen，andIwasasfaintotellher。AndbetimesIwouldsayhowfairwerethemaidensofourowncountry，andhowanymanthatsawherwouldknowhertobeaScot，thoughfromhertongue，inFrench，nonemightguessit。And，knowingthatshelovedwildflowers，Iwouldsearchforthemandbringthemtoher，andwouldleadhertospeakofromanceswhichsheloved，nolessthanI，andofpageswhohadlovedqueens，andallsuchmattersasyoungmenandmaidsarewonttodeviseof；andnowshewouldlisten，andatotherseasonswouldseemproud，andasifhermindwereotherwhere。Youngknightsmanycametoourbooth，andlookedill-pleasedwhenIservedthem，andtheireyeswereeverontheinnerdoor，watchingforElliot，whomtheyseldomhadsightof。
SoherewasI，inadoubleservice，who，beforeImetBrotherThomas，hadbeenfreeofheartandhand。But，ifmymaster\'sserviceirkedme，inthatotherIfoundcomfort，whenIcoulddevisewithElliot，asconcerningourcountryandherhopesfortheMaid。
Butmyownhopeswerenothigh，norcouldImarkanysignthatshefavouredmemorethananother，thoughIhadthejoytobeofteninhercompany。And，indeed，whathopecouldIhave，beingsoyoung，andpoor，andinvisiblestationnomorethanany\'prenticelad？Myheartwasmuchtormentedinthesefears，andmainlybecauseweheardnotidingsthattheMaidwasacceptedbytheDauphin，andthatthedayofhermarching，andofmydeliverancefrommybasecraftofpainting，wasathand。
Itsofellout，howIknewnot，whetherIhadshownmetoopresumptuousforanapprentice，orbecauseofanyotherreason，thatElliothadmuchforbornemycompany，andwasmoreofteninchurchatherprayersthaninthehouse，or，wheninthehouse，wasbusyindiversways，andIscarceevercouldgetwordofher。Findingherinthismood，Ialsowithdrewwithinmyself，andwasbothproudandsorelyunhappy，longingmorethanevertotakemyownpartintheworldasaman-at-arms。Now，onedayrightearly，Ibeingaloneinthechamber，copyingapsalter，Elliotcamein，lookingforherfather。Iroseathercoming，doffingmycap，andtoldher，infewwords，thatmymasterhadgoneforth。Thereonsheflittedaboutthechamber，lookingatthisandthat，whileIstoodsilent，deemingthatsheusedmeinasortscarcebecomingmybloodandlineage。
Suddenlyshesaid，withoutturninground，forshewasstandingbyatablegazingatthepicturesinaBookofHours-
\"Ihaveseenher!\"
\"ThePucelle？——doyouspeakofher，gentlemaid？\"
\"Isawherandspoketoher，andheardhervoice\"；andhereherownbroke，andIguessedthatshewasneartoweeping。\"Iwentupwithinthecastleprecinct，tothetowerCoudraye，\"shesaid，\"forI
knewthatshelodgedhardby，withagoodwomanwhodwellsthere。I
passedintothechapelofSt。Martinonthecliff，andthereheardthevoiceofoneprayingbeforetheimageofOurLady。Thevoicewasevenasyousaidthatday——thesweetestofvoices。Ikneltbesideher，andprayedaloudforherandforFrance。Sherestedherhandonmyhair——herhairisblack，andcut\"enronde\"likeaman\'s。
Itistruethattheysay，shedressesinman\'sgarb。Wecameforthtogether，andIputmyhandintohers，andsaid，\"Ibelieveinyou；
ifnoneotherbelieves，yetdoIbelieve。”Thenshewept，andshekissedme；sheistovisitmehereto-morrow，lafilledeDieu——\"
Shedrewalongsob，andstruckherhandhardonthetable；then，keepingherbackevertowardsme，shefledswiftlyfromtheroom。I
wasamazed——solightofheartasshecommonlyseemed，andoflatedisdainful——tofindherinthispassion。Yetitwastomethatshehadspoken——tomethatshehadopenedherheart。NowIguessedthat，ifIwasevertowinher，itmustbethroughthisPucelle，onwhomhermindwassostrangelybent。SoIprayedthat，ifitmightbeGod\'swill，HewouldprospertheMaid，andletmebeherloyalservitor，andatlastbringmetomydesire。
SomethingalsoIdreamed，asyoungmenwillwhohavereadmanyromances，ofmyselfmadeaknightforgreatfeatsofarms，andwearinginmysalademylady\'sfavour，andbreakingaspearonTalbot，orFastolf，orGlasdale，insomelastgreatvictoryforFrance。
Thenshoneonmyeyesight，asitwere，thepictureofthesetwochildren，fortheywerelittlemore，ElliotandtheMaid，kneelingtogetherinthechapelofSt。Martin，thegoldhairandtheblackblended；andwhatweretheytwoaloneagainstthisworldandtheprinceofthisworld？Alas，howmuch，andagainhowlittle，dothprayeravailus!Thesethoughtswereinmymindallday，whileservingandansweringcustomers，andcarryingmymaster\'swaresaboutthetown，anduptothecastleonthecliff，wherethesoldiersandsentriesnowknewmewellenough，andtheScotsarcherstreatedmekindly。ButasforElliot，shewaslikeherfirstselfagain，andmerrierthancommonwithherfather，towhom，asfarasmyknowledgewent，shesaidnotawordaboutthemeetinginthecryptofSt。Martin\'schapel，thoughtomeshehadspokensofreely。
Thisgavemesomehope；butwhenIwouldhavetriedtoaskheraquestion，sheonlygazedatmeinamannerthatabashedme，andturnedofftotoywithherjackanapes。WherebyIwenttomybedperplexed，andwithaheavyheart，asonethatwasnotyetconversantwiththewaysofwomen——nay，norever，inmysecularlife，haveIunderstoodwhattheywouldbeat。HappierhaditbeenformytemporallifeifIhadbeenwiserinwoman\'sways。Butcommonly，whenwehavelearnedalesson，thelorecomestoolate。
Nextdaymymasterhadbusinessatthecastlewithacertainlord，andtookmethithertohelpincarryinghiswares。ThiscastlewasaplacethatIlovedwell，itissoold，havingfirstbeenbuildedwhentheRomanswerelordsoftheland；andissogreatandstrongthatourbishop\'scastleofSt。Andrewsseemsbutacottagecomparedtoit。Fromthehill-topthereisawideprospectoverthetowerandthevalleyoftheVienne，whichIlikedtogazeupon。Mymaster，then，wentinbythedrawbridge，highabovethemoat，whichissodeepthat，Itrow，nofoemancouldfillitupandcrossittoassailthewalls。Mymaster，inlimpingupthehill，hadweariedhimself，butsoonpassedintothecastlethroughthegatewayofthebell-tower，astheycallit，whileIwaitedforhimonthefurtherendofthebridge，idlydroppingmorselsofbreadtotheswansthatswaminthemoatbelow。
Onthedrawbridge，standingsentinel，wasaFrenchman-at-arms，ayoungmanofmyownage，armedwithalongfauchard，whichwecallabillorhalberd，aweaponnotunliketheLochaberaxesoftheHighlandmen。Othersoldiers，French，Scottish，Spaniards，Germans，amixedcompany，wereidlinganddicingjustwithinthegate。
Iwasthrowingmylastpieceofcrusttoaswan，mymindemptyofthought，whenIstartedoutofmydream，hearingthatrarewoman\'svoicewhichonceIhadheardbefore。Thenturningquickly，Isaw，walkingbetweentwogentlemen，eventhosewhohadriddenwithherfromVaucouleurs，onewhomnomancoulddeemtobeotherthanthatmuch-talked-ofMaidofLorraine。Shewascladverysimply，likethevarletofsomelordofnogreatestate，inablackcapwithalittlesilverbrooch，agreydoublet，andblackandgreyhose，trussedupwithmanypoints；aswordofsmallpricehungbyherside。{10}Instatureshewassomethingabovethecommonheightofwomen，herfacebrownwithsunandwind，hereyesgreat，grey，andbeautiful，beneathblackbrows，herlipsredandsmiling。Infiguresheseemedstrongandshapely，butsoslim——shebeingbutseventeenyearsofage——that，wereitnotforhersweetgirl\'svoice，andforthebeautyofhergreyeyes，shemightwellhavepassedforapage，herblackhairbeingcut\"enronde，\"aswasandisthefashionamongmen-at-arms。ThusmuchhaveIwrittenconcerningherbodilyaspect，becausemanyhaveaskedmewhatmannerofwomanwastheblessedMaid，andwhethershewasbeautiful。Igazedatherlikeonemoon-
struck，then，rememberingmycourtesy，Idoffedmycap，andloutedlow；andshebowed，smilinggraciouslylikeagreatlady，butwithsuchanairasifhermindwasfaraway。
Shepassed，withhertwogentlemen，buttheFrenchsentinelbarredtheway，holdinghisfauchardthwartwise。
\"Onwhatbusinesscomeyou，andbywhatright？\"hecried，inarudevoice。
\"BytheDauphin\'sgraciouscommand，toseetheDauphin，\"saidoneofthegentlemenrightcourteously。\"Hereishisownletter，andyoumayknowtheseal，biddingLaPucelletocomebeforehimatthishour。”
Thefellowlookedattheseal，andcouldnotbutacknowledgethearmsofFrancethereon。Hedroppedhisfauchardoverhisshoulder，andstoodaside，staringimpudentlyattheMaiden，andmutteringfoulwords。
\"SothisistherenownedPucelle，\"hecried；\"byGod\'sname\"……
andherehespokewordssuchasImaynotsetdowninwriting，blasphemingGodandtheMaid。
Sheturnedandlookedathim，butasifshesawhimnot；andthen，alightofjoyandlovetransfiguringherface，shekneltdownonthedrawbridge，foldingherhands，herfacebowed，andsoabodewhileonemightcounttwenty，wethatbeheldherbeingamazed。Thensheroseandbentasifinsalutationtoonewesawnot；next，addressingherselftothesentinel，shesaid，verygently-
\"Sir，howcanstthoutakeinvainthenameofGod，thouthatartinthisveryhourtodie？\"
Sospeaking，shewithhergentlemenwentwithinthegate，whilethesoldierstoodgazingafterherlikeamanturnedtostone。
TheMaidpassedfromoursight，andthenthesentinel，comingtohimself，turnedingreatwrathonme，whostoodhardby。
\"Whatmakeyougapinghere，youlousywine-sackofScotland？\"hecried；andattheword，myprayerwhichIhadmadetoSt。Andrewinmybondscameintomymind，namely，thatIshouldnotenduretohearmycountrydefamed。
Istoppednottothinkofwords，whereinIneverhadareadywit，buthiswerestillinhismouthwhenIhadleapedwithinhisguard，sothathemightnotswingouthislonghalberd。
\"Blasphemerandliar!\"Icried，grippinghisneckwithmylefthand，whilewithtwoup-cutsofmyrightIsenthisliesdownhisthroatincompany，asIdeem，withcertainofhisteeth。
Hedroppedhishalberdagainstthewoodenfenceofthebridge，andfeltforhisdagger。Icaughtathisrighthandwithmine；crieswereinmyears——St。DenisforFrance!St。AndrewforScotland!——astheothermenonguardcamerunningforthtoseethesport。
Wegrippedandswayedforamoment，thenthestaffofhisfauchardcomingbetweenhislegs，hetrippedandfell，Iabovehim；ourweightsousedagainstthelowpalesofthebridgeside，thatwerecrazyandold；therewasacrash，andIfeltmyselfinmid-air，failingtothemoatfarbelowus。DownanddownIwhirled，andthenthedeepwaterclosedoverme。
CHAPTERVI——HOWNORMANLESLIEESCAPEDOUTOFCHINONCASTLE
DownanddownIsank，thewatersurgingupintomynostrilsandsoundinginmyears；but，beinginwater，Iwassafeifitwerebutdeepenough。PresentlyIstruckout，and，withastrokeortwo，cametothesurface。Butnosoonerdidmyheadshowabove，andI
drawadeepbreathortwain，lookingformyenemy，thananarbalestboltcleftthewaterwithaclippingsound，missingmebutnarrowly。
Ihadbuttimetoseethattherewasatumultonthebridge，andswordsouttheScots，asIafterwardsheard，knockingupthearbaleststhattheFrenchsoldierslevelledatme。ThenIdivedagain，andswamunderwater，makingtowardstherightandthecastlerock，whichransheerdowntothemoat。ThiscourseIchosebecauseIhadoftennoted，fromthedrawbridge，ajuttingbuttressofrock，behindwhich，atleast，Ishouldbeoutofarrow-shot。Mycraftwastogivemyselfallthesemblanceofadrowningman，throwingupmyarms，whenIrosetoseewhereaboutIwasandtotakebreath，asmentosstheirlimbswhocannotswim。Onthesecondtimeofrisingthus，Isawmyselfclosetothejutofrock。Mynextdivetookmebehindit，andIletdownmyfeet，closeunderthesideofthisnaturalbuttress，tolookaround，beingmyselfnowconcealedfromthesightofthosewhowereonthebridge。
TomysurpriseItouchedbottom，forIhaddeemedthatthewaterwasverydeepthereby。NextIfoundthatIwasstandingonastepofhewnstone，andthataconcealedstaircase，cutintherock，goesdown，inthatplace，totheverybottomofthemoat；forwhatpurposeIknownot，butsoitis。{11}Iclimbedupthesteps，shookmyself，andwrungthewateroutofmyhair，lookingaboutthewhileforanysignofmyenemy，whohadblasphemedagainstmycountryandtheMaiden。Buttherewasnothingtoseeonthewatersavemyownclothcapfloating。Ontheothersideofthefosse，howbeit，menwerelaunchingapleasure-boat，whichlaybyastairatthefootofthefurtherwallofthefosse。Thesightofthemmademegladtocreepfurtherupthestepsthatroundedasharpcorner，tillIcameasfarasanironwicket-gate，whichseemedtocutoffmyretreat。ThereIstopped，deemingthatthewicketmustbelocked。Themenwerenowrowingtheboatintothemiddleofthewater，so，withoutexpectingtofindthegateopen，Itriedthehandle。Itturned，tomynolittleamazement；thegateswanglightlyaside，asifitshingeshadbeennewlyoiled，andIfollowedthestair-case，creepinguptheslimystepsinthehalf-dark。UpandroundIwent，tillIwaswellnighgiddy，andthenItrippedandreeledsothatmybodystruckagainstaheavyironeddoor。Undermyweightityieldedgently，andIstumbledacrossthethresholdofaroomthatsmelledstrangelysweetandwasverywarm，beingfullofthesun，andtheheatofagreatfire。
\"Isthatyou，Robinofmyheart？\"saidagirl\'svoiceinFrench；
and，beforeIcouldmove，apairofarmswereroundmyneck。Backsheleaped，findingmeallwet，andnotthemanshelookedfor；andtherewebothstood，inasurprisethatpreventedeitherofusfromspeaking。
Shewasaprettylass，withbrownhairandbrightredcheeks，andwasdressedallinwhite，being，indeed，oneofthelaundressesofthecastle；andthiswarmroom，fragrantwithlavender，whereintoI
hadstumbled，waspartofthecastlelaundry。Amightyfirewasburning，andallthetableswerecoveredwithpilesandflatbasketsofwhitelinen，sweetwithscentedherbs。
Backthemaidsteppedtowardsthedoor，keepinghereyesonmine；
and，asshedidnotscream，Ideemedthatnonewerewithinhearing:
whereinIwaswrong，andshehadanotherreasonforholdingherpeace。
\"Saveme，gentlemaid，ifyoumay，\"Icriedatlast，fallingonmyknees，justwhereIstood:\"Iamalucklessman，andstandinmuchperilofmylife。”
\"Insoothyoudo，\"shesaid，\"ifRobertLindsayoftheScottishArchersfindsyouhere。Helovesnotthatanothershouldtakehisplaceatatryst。”
\"Maiden，\"Isaid，beginningtounderstandwhythegatewasunlocked，andwhereforeitwentsosmoothonitshinges，\"IfearIhaveslainaman，oneoftheKing\'sarchers。Wewrestledtogetheronthedraw-
bridge，andthepalisadebreaking，wefellintothemoat，whenceI
clombbythehiddenstairs。”
\"Oneofthearchers!\"criedshe，aspaleasalily，andcatchingathersidewithherhand。\"WasheaScot？\"
\"No，maid，butIam；andIprayyouhideme，orshowmehowtoescapefromthiscastlewithmylife，andthatspeedily。”
\"Comehither!\"shesaid，drawingmethroughadoorintoasmall，square，emptyroomthatjuttedoutabovethemoat。\"Theothermaidsareattheirdinner，\"shewenton，\"andIallalone——theseasonbeingLent，andIunderpenance，andthinkingofnodanger。”
Forwhichreason，Idoubtnot，namelythattheothershadgoneforth，shehadmadehertrystatthishourwithRobinLindsay。Buthe，ifhewas，asshesaid，oneoftheScottisharchersthatguardedthegate，wasbusyenoughbelikewiththetumultonthebridge，orinseekingforthebodyofmineenemy。
\"HowtogetyouforthIknownot，\"shesaid，\"seeingthatfromyonderroomyoupassintothekitchenandthenceintotheguard-
room，andthenceagainbyapassageinthewallbehindthegreathall，andsoforthtothecourt，andthroughthegate，andtherebythereisnoescape:forseeyouthesoldiersmust，andwillavengetheircomrade。”
Hearingthisspeech，Iseemedtobeholdmyselfswingingbyatowfromatreebranch，adeathnotbeseemingoneofgentleblood。UpanddownIlooked，invain，andthenIturnedtothewindow，thinkingthat，asbetterwasnottobe，Imightdivethenceintothemoat，andtakemychanceofescapebythestairsonthefurtherside。Butthewindowwasheavilybarred。Yetagain，ifIwentforthbythedoor，andlurkedontheposternstair，therewasRobinLindsay\'sdirktoreckonwith，whenhecame，alaggard，tohislove-
tryst。
\"Stop!Ihaveit，\"saidthegirl；andflyingintothelaundry，shereturnedwithagreatbundleofwhitewomen\'sgearandagownoflinen，andawoman\'swhitecoif，suchassheherselfwore。
Inlesstimethanamanwoulddeempossible，shehadmywethair，thatIworeaboutmyshoulders，asourstudent\'smannerwas，tuckedupunderthecap，andthecleanwhitesmockovermywetclothes，andbeltedneatlyaboutmymiddle。
\"Aprettywenchyoumake，IswearbySt。Valentine，\"criedshe，fallingbacktolookatme，andthencomingforwardtopinupsomethingaboutmycoif，withherwhitefingers。
Ireckoneditnoharmtoofferherasisterlykiss。
\"\'TisluckyRobinLindsayislate，\"criedshe，laughing，\"thoughevenwerehehere，hecouldscarcefindfaultthatonemaidshouldkissanother。Now，\"shesaid，snatchingupaflatcratefulloflinen，\"carrythese，theKing\'sshirts，andsorelypatchedtheyare，onyourhead；marchstraightthroughthekitchen，thenthroughtheguard-room，andthenbythedoorontheleftintothelongpassage，andsointothecourt，andbegone；theywillbuttakeyouforanewlycomeblanchisseuse。Onlyspeakaslittleasmaybe，foryourspeechmaybetrayyou。”Shekissedmeverykindlyonbothcheeks，forshewasasfrankalassaseverImet，andamerry。Then，leadingmetothedooroftheinnerroom，shepusheditopen，thesavouryreekofthekitchenpouringin。
\"Makegoodspeed，Margot!\"shecriedaloudafterme，sothatallcouldhear；andIwalkedstraightuptheKing\'skitchen，fullasitwasofmenandboys，breakingsalads，spittingfowls，bastingmeatthoughitwasLent，butdoubtlesstheKinghadadispensationforhishealth\'ssake，watchingpots，tastingdishes，andallinagreatbustleandclamour。Thebasketoflinenshadingmyface，I
feltthemoreemboldened，thoughmylegs，verily，trembledundermeasIwalked。ThroughtheroomIwent，noneregardingme，andsointotheguard-room，buttrulythiswasanothermatter。Somesoldiersweredicingatatable，somedrinking，somebrawlingoverthematterofthelatetumult，butallstoppedandlookedatme。
\"Anewface，and，bySt。Andrew，afairone!\"saidavoiceintheaccentofmyowncountry。
\"Butshehasmightybigfeet；belikesheisacountrywomanofthine，\"quothaFrencharcher；andmyheartsankwithinmeastheothercastatankardathishead。
\"Come，mylass，\"criedanother，aScot，withadice-boxinhishand，catchingatmyrobeasIpassed，\"kissmeandgivemeluck，\"and，strikingupmybasketoflinen，sothatthewareswereallscatteredonthefloor，hedrewmeontohisknee，andgavemeasmackthatreekedsorelyofgarlic。Nevercamemannearergettingasorebuffet，yetIheldmyhand。Then，makinghiscastwiththedice，hesworeroundly，whenhesawthathehadthrowndeuces。
\"Luckyinlove，unluckyingaming。Lugoutyourlosings，\"saidhisadversarywithalaugh；andthemanleftholdofmywaistandbeganfumblinginhispouch。Straightway，beingfree，Icastmyselfonthefloortopickupthelinen，andhidemyface，whichsoburnedthatitmusthaveseemedasredasthemostmodestmaidmighthavedeemedseemly。
\"Leavethewenchalone；sheisnewcome，Iwarrant，andhasnolikingforyourwantonness，\"saidakindvoice；and，glancingup，I
sawthathewhospokewasoneofthegentlemenwhohadriddenwiththeMaidenfromVaucouleurs。BertranddePoulengywashisname；
belikehewaswaitingwhiletheKingandthenoblesdevisedwiththeMaidenprivatelyinthegreathall。
Hestoopedandhelpedmetopickupmylinen，ascourteouslyasifI
hadbeenaprincessoftheblood；and，becausehewasagentleman，I
suppose，andastranger，thearchersdidnotmeddlewithhim，savetobreakcertainsoldiers\'jests，makingmegladthatIwasotherthanIappeared。
\"Come，\"hesaid，\"mylass，Iwillbeyourescort；itseemsthatFortunehaschosenmeforachampionofdames。”
Withthesewordsheledthewayforth，andthroughalongpassagelitfromabove，whichcameoutintothecourtatthestairsofthegreathall。
DownthesestairstheMaidenherselfwasgoing，herfaceheldhighandagladlookinhereyes，herconferencewiththeKingbeingended。Poulengyjoinedher；theysaidsomewordswhichIdidnothear，forIdeemedthatitbecamemetowalkforwardafterthankinghimbyalook，andbendingmyhead，forIdarednottrustmyforeigntongue。
BeforeIreachedthegatewaytheyhadjoinedme，whichIwasgladof，fearingmoreinsolencefromthesoldiers。Butthesemenheldtheirpeace，lookinggrave，andevenaffrighted，beingofthemwhohadheardtheprophecyoftheMaidenandseenitsfulfilment。
\"Haveyefoundthebodyofthatman？\"saidPoulengytoasergeant-
at-arms。
\"Nay，sir，wedeemthathisarmourweighedhimdown，forheneverroseonce，thoughthatScot\'sheadwasseenthriceandnomore。
Beliketheyaregood，peacefulfriendsatthebottomofthefossetogether。”
\"Ofwhatmanspeakyou？\"askedtheMaidenofPoulengy。
\"Ofhimthatblasphemedaswewentbyanhourago。WrestlingwithaScotonsomequarrel，theybrokethepalisade，and——lo!therearejoinersalreadymendingit。\'Tisoldandfrail。ThegentleDauphinisoverpoortokeepthefurnishingsofhiscastleasakingshoulddo。”
TheMaidengrewwanassun-driedgrassinsummerwhensheheardthisstorytold。Crossingherself，shesaid-
\"Alas!Iwarnedhim，buthediedunconfessed。IwilldowhatImaytohaveMassessaidforthereposeofhissoul，poorman:andhesoyoung!\"
Withthatshewept，forsheweptreadily，evenforalessthingthansuchadeathaswasthatarcher\'s。
Wehadnowcrossedthedrawbridge，whereatmyheartbeatmorelightly，andtheMaidentoldPoulengythatshewouldgotothehousewhereshelodged，nearthecastle。
\"Andthence，\"shesaid，\"Imustfareintothetown，forIhavepromisedtovisitadamselofmyfriends，oneHeliotePoulvoir，ifI
mayfindmywaythither。Knowyou，gentledamsel，\"shesaidtome，\"wheresheabides？Orperchanceyoucanleadmethither，ifitliesonyourway。”
\"Iwasevengoingthither，Pucelle，\"Isaid，mincinginmyspeech；
whereatshelaughed，forofhernatureshewasmerry。
\"ScotsareHelioteandherfather，andaScotarenotyoualso，damsel？yourspeechbetraysyou，\"shesaid；\"youallclingclosetogether，youScots，asbeseemsyouwell，beingstrangersinthissweetlandofFrance\"；andherfacelightedupasshespokethenamesheloved，andmyheartworshippedherwithreverence。
\"Farewell，\"shecriedtoPoulengy，smilinggraciously，andbowingwithsuchacourtesyasaqueenmightshow，forInoteditmyself，asdidallmen，thatthispeasantgirlhadthemannersoftheCourt，beingschooled，asIdeem，bythegreatestofladies，herfriendsSt。MargaretandSt。Catherine。
Then，withanarcher，whohadriddenbesideherfromVaucouleurs，followingafterherasheeverdid，theMaidenandIbegantogodownthesteepwaythatledtothetown。Littleshespoke，andallmythoughtwastoenterthehousebeforeElliotcouldspymeinmystrangedisguise。
CHAPTERVII——CONCERNINGTHEWRATHOFELLIOT，ANDTHEJEOPARDYOF
NORMANLESLIE
ThewhilewewentdownintothecityofChinon，amanattiredasamaid，amaidencladasaman——strangecompanions!——weheldbutlittleconverse。Hermind，belike，wasonfirewithagreatlightofhope，ofwhichafterwardsIlearned，andtheendofthedaysoftroubleandofmen\'sdisbeliefseemedtohertobedrawingnear。Wemaynotknowwhatvisionsofvictoryandofauxiliaryangels，ofherKingcrowned，andfairFranceredeemedandatpeace，werepassingthroughherfancy。Thereforeshewasnotfaintotalk，beingatalltimesawomanoffewwords；andinthis，asinsomanyothermatters，unlikemostofhersex。
OnmysideIhadmorethanenoughtothinkof，formycaseandpresentjeopardywereenoughtoamazeolderandwiserheadsthanmine。For，imprimis，IhadslainoneoftheKing\'sguards；and，moreover，hadstruckthefirstblow，thoughmyadversary，indeed，hadgivenmeuttermostprovocation。Butevenifmyenemiesallowedmetospeakinmyowndefence，whichmightscarcelybesavebymiracle，itwasscantlypossibleformetoprovethattheotherhadinsultedmeandmycountry。SomelittlehopeIhadthatSirPatrickOgilvie，nowconstableoftheScottishmen-at-armsinFrance，orSirHughKennedy，orsomeotherofourknights，mighttakeupmyquarrel，forthesakeofourcommonbloodandcountry，weScotsalwaysbackingeachtheotherwhenabroad。Yet，ontheotherhand，itwasmoreprobablethatImightbeswinging，withaflockofcrowspeckingatmyface，beforeanyofmycountrymencouldspeakawordformewiththeKing。
Itistruethattheywhowouldmosteagerlyhavesoughtmylifedeemedmealreadydead，drownedinthefosse，andsowouldmakenosearchforme。Yet，assoonasIwentaboutmymaster\'saffairs，asneedsImust，Iwouldbeknownandtaken；and，aswesayinourcountryproverb，\"mycraigwouldkentheweightofmyhurdies。”{12}
Nonetheless，seeingthatthesoldiersdeemedmedead，ImightreadilyescapeatoncefromChinon，andtaketotheroadsagain，ifbutIcouldreachmymaster\'shouseunseen，andgetridofthisfoolishfemininegearofcapandpetticoatwhichnowIworetomygreatshameanddiscomfort。
Butonthishandlaylittlehope；for，onceontheroad，Ishouldbeinaworsejeopardythaneverbefore，asanapprenticefledfrommymaster，and，moreover，withbloodonmyhands。Moreover，IcouldillbrookthethoughtofleavingElliot，towhommyheartwentforthinlove，andofmissingmychancetostrikeablowinthewarsfortheMaiden，andagainsttheEnglish；ofwhichrewardIhadthepromisefrommymaster。Fortune，andfame，andlove，ifIweretogainwhateveryyoungmanmostdesires，wereonlytobewonbyremainingatChinon；butthere，too，thefaceofdeathwasclosetomine——as，indeed，death，oratleastshameandpoverty，layambushedformeonallsides。
HereIsadlyrememberedhow，withalightheart，IhadleftSt。
Andrews，deemingthatthestoryofmylifewasnowabouttobegin，asitdidformanyyoungesquiresofGreeceandotherlands，concerningwhomIhadreadinromances。Verilyinthetaleofmyadventureshithertotherehadbeenmorecuffsthancrowns，moreshamethanhonour；and，astowinningmyspurs，Iwasmoreinpointtowinahempenrope，andinmyenddisgracemyblood。
Now，asiftheseperilswerenotenoughtoputamanbesidehimself，therewasanotherriskwhich，evenmorethanthese，tookupmythoughts。Amongallmydangersandmanifolddistresses，thisraiseditsheadhighestinmyfancy，namely，thefearthatmyloveshouldseemeinmyoutlandishguise，cladinwoman\'sweeds，andcarryingonmyheadawoman\'sburden。Itwasnotsomuchthatshemustneedslaughandholdmeinlittleaccount。Elliotlaughedoften，sothatnowitwasnothermirth，towhichshewaseverready，butherwrathwheretoshewasreadyalsothatIheldinawfulregard。Forherheartandfaith，inamarvellousmannerpassingtheloveofwomen，werewhollysetonthismaid，inwhosecompanyInowfared。And，iftheMaidwentinmen\'sattireasneedsshemust，formodesty\'ssake，whowasaboutmen\'sbusiness，inmen\'scompany，herewasI
attendingherinwoman\'sgear，asiftomakeamockofher，thoughinmymindIdeemedhernolessthanasisterofthesaints。AndElliotwassuretobelievethatIcarriedmyselfthusinmockeryandtomakelaughter；for，atthattime，thereweremanyinFrancewhomocked，asdidthatsoldierwhosedeathIhadseenandcaused。ThusIstoodinnomoredangerofdeath，greataswasthatrisk，thaninjeopardyofmymistress\'sfavour，which，indeed，oflateIhadbeeninsomescanthopeatlasttowin。Thus，onallhands，Iseemedtomyselfassorebesteadasevermanwas，andonnosidesawanyhopeofsuccour。
Imusedsolonganddeeponthesethings，thatthethoughtwhichmighthavehelpedmecametometoolate，namely，totellallmytaletotheMaidenherself，andthrowmeonhermercy。Nay，evenwhenatlastandlatethislightshoneonmymind，Ihadshametospeaktoher，consideringthemarvellousthingwhichIhadjustbeheldofher，inthefulfilmentofherprophecy。Butnowmymaster\'shousewasinsight，attheturningfromthesteepstairsandthewynd，andtherestoodElliotonthedoorstep，watchingandwaitingfortheMaid，asagirlmaywaitforherlovercomingfromthewars。
Therewasnotimegivenmetoslinkbackandskulkintheshadowofthecornerofthewynd；for，likeagreyhoundinspeed，ElliothadflowntousandwaskneelingtotheMaid，who，withadeepblushandsomeangerinherface——forshelovednosuchobeisances——badeherrise，andsokissedandembracedher，asyounggirlsuseamongthemselveswhentheyarefriendsandfainofeachother。Ihadturnedmyselftogoapartintotheshadowofthecorner，assecretlyasImight，whenIranstraightintothearmsofthearcherthatfollowedclosebehindus。Onthisencounterhegaveagreatlaugh，and，Ibelieve，wouldhavekissedme；but，theMaidenlookinground，hestooderectandgraveasasoldieronguard，fortheMaidenwouldsuffernolightlovesanddaffing。
\"Whithermakeyou，damsel，insuchhaste？\"shecriedtome。\"Come，letmepresentyoutothisdamsel，myfriend——andoneofyourowncountry-women。Elliot，mamie，\"shesaidtomymistress，\"hereisthiskindlass，aScotlikeyourself，whohasguidedmeallthewayfromthecastlehither，and，faith，thewayishardtofind。Doyouthankherforme，andlethersitdowninyourhouse:shemustbewearywiththeweightofherbasketandherlinen\"——forthese，whenshespoketome，Ihadlaidontheground。WiththissheledmeuptoElliotbythehand，whobegantoshowmeverygraciouscountenance，andtothankme，myfaceburningallthewhilewithconfusionandfearofheranger。
Suddenlyanewlook，suchasIhadneverseenbeforeonherfaceinherlightangers，cameintohereyes，whichgrewhardandcold，hermouthalsoshowingstiff；andsoshestood，pale，gazingsternly，andasoneunabletospeak。Then-
\"Gooutofmysight，\"shesaid，verylow，\"andfrommyfather\'shouse!Forthwithyouforamockerandagangrelloon!\"——speakinginourcommonScots，——\"andherdwiththebasethievesfromwhomyoucame，cowardandmockingmalapert!\"
Thestormhadfallenonmyhead，evenasIfeareditmust，andI
stoodasonebereftofspeechandreason。
TheMaidknewnowordofourspeech，andthispassionofElliot\'s，andsosuddenachangefromkindnesstowrath，werewhatshemightnotunderstand。
\"Elliot，mamie，\"shesaid，verysweetly，\"whatmeanyoubythisanger？Thedamselhastreatedmewithnolittlefavour。Tellme，I
pray，inwhatshehasoffended。”
ButElliot，notlookingather，saidtomeagain，andthistimetearsleapedupinhereyes——\"Forthwithyou!begone，ereIcallthatarchertodragyoubeforethejudgesofthegoodtown。”
Iwasnowdesperate，for，cladasIwas，thearcherhadmeatanavail，and，ifIweretakenbeforethemenofthelaw，allwouldbeknown，andmyshriftwouldbeshort。