blasphemed her. And of you she spoke the best words, for that you, who
knew her not, took her part against her enemy. And for your wound she
sorrowed much, not knowing, more than I who am simple, whether it would
turn to life or death. And if to life, then, if she could but persuade
the doctor and clergy and the King's counsellors to let her go, she said
that you should follow with her to the wars, and she, if so the saints
pleased, would be the making of your fortune, you and I being her first
friends."

"The saints fight for her!" I said, "for we have done our part thus far,
and I would that I may be well ere she raises her standard."

But here Elliot turned right pale, at the thought of my going to the
wars, she holding my face off and gazing steadily upon me with wistful
eyes.

"O God, send that the Maid go speedily!" she cried, "for as now you are
not fit to bear arms."

"Thou wouldst not have me lag behind, when the Maid's banner is on the
wind?"

"Nay," she said, but slowly, "thee and all that I have would I give for
her and for her cause, and for the saints. But now thou must not
go,"--and her eyes yearned upon me--"now that I could overthrow thee if
we came to war."

So here she laughed again, being like the weather without--a changeful
thing of shower and shine.