of all them that suffer. Moreover, ma mie, I have glad tidings for you,
which I am longing to speak, but speak it I will never, while the lass
goes thus in terror and fear of death or shame."

In saying these last words, the fashion of her countenance was changed to
a sweet entreaty and command, such as few could have beheld and denied
her what she craved, and she laid her hand lightly on Elliot's shoulder.

"Come," said Elliot, "be it as you will; come in with me; and
you"--turning to myself--"do you follow us."

They passed into the house, I coming after, and the archer waiting at the
door.

"Let none enter," said the Maiden to her archer, "unless any come to me
from the King, or unless it be the master of the house."

We passed into the chamber where my master was wont to paint his missals
and psalters when he would be alone. Then Elliot very graciously bade
the Maiden be seated, but herself stood up, facing me.

"Gracious Maiden, and messenger of the holy saints," she said, "this
lass, as you deem her, is no woman, but a man, my father's apprentice,
who has clad himself thus to make of you a mockery and a laughing-stock,
because that you, being a maid, go attired as a man, by the will of Them
who sent you to save France. Have I said enough, and do I well to be
angry?" and her eyes shone as she spoke.

The Maiden's brows met in wrath; she gazed upon me steadfastly, and I
looked--sinful man that I am!--to see her hand go to the hilt of the