how she was going on pilgrimage to our Lady of Puy en Velay, by reason of
the jubilee, for this year Good Friday and the Annunciation fell on the
same day.

"To-morrow she sets forth, and whatsoever prayer can do for France and
the King shall be done. Always, after this day of jubilee, they say that
strange and great matters come to pass. That there will be strange
matters I make no doubt, for when before, save under holy Deborah in
Scripture, did men follow a woman to war? May good come of it! However
it fall out, Elliot is willing to go on pilgrimage, for she is very
devout. Moreover, she tells me that it had been in her mind before, for
the mother of that Maid is to be at Puy, praying for her daughter, as,
certes, she hath great need, if ever woman had. And Elliot is fain to
meet her and devise with her about the Maid. And for you, you still need
our nursing, and the sooner you win strength, the nearer you are to that
which you would win. Still, I am sorry, lad, for I remember my courting
days and the lass's mother, blessings on her!"

To all this I could make no answer but that his will was mine; and so the
day ended in a mingling of gladness and sorrow.




CHAPTER X--HOW NORMAN LESLIE WAS OUT OF ALL COMFORT


My brethren the good Benedictine Fathers here in Pluscarden Priory, are
wont betimes to be merry over my penitents, for all the young lads and
lasses in the glen say they are fain to be shriven by old Father Norman