He was drowned out with a chorus of groans and outraged
exclamations; and before he could begin again, one
of D’Aulon’s liveried servants appeared
and said we were required at headquarters. We
rose, and Noel said:
“There—what did I tell you?
I have a presentiment—the spirit of prophecy
is upon me. She is going to appoint him, and we
are to go there and do him homage. Come along!”
But the Paladin was afraid to go, so we left him.
When we presently stood in the presence, in front
of a crowd of glittering officers of the army, Joan
greeted us with a winning smile, and said she appointed
all of us to places in her household, for she wanted
her old friends by her. It was a beautiful surprise
to have ourselves honored like this when she could
have had people of birth and consequence instead,
but we couldn’t find our tongues to say so, she
was become so great and so high above us now.
One at a time we stepped forward and each received
his warrant from the hand of our chief, D’Aulon.
All of us had honorable places; the two knights stood
highest; then Joan’s two brothers; I was first
page and secretary, a young gentleman named Raimond
was second page; Noel was her messenger; she had two
heralds, and also a chaplain and almoner, whose name
was Jean Pasquerel. She had previously appointed
a maitre d’hotel and a number of domestics.
Now she looked around and said:
“But where is the Paladin?”
The Sieur Bertrand said:
“He thought he was not sent for, your Excellency.”
“Now that is not well. Let him be called.”
The Paladin entered humbly enough. He ventured
no farther than just within the door. He stopped
there, looking embarrassed and afraid. Then Joan
spoke pleasantly, and said:
“I watched you on the road. You began badly,
but improved. Of old you were a fantastic talker,
but there is a man in you, and I will bring it out.”
It was fine to see the Paladin’s face light up
when she said that. “Will you follow where
I lead?”
“Into the fire!” he said; and I said to
myself, “By the ring of that, I think she has
turned this braggart into a hero. It is another
of her miracles, I make no doubt of it.”
“I believe you,” said Joan. “Here—take
my banner. You will ride with me in every field,
and when France is saved, you will give it me back.”
He took the banner, which is now the most precious
of the memorials that remain of Joan of Arc, and his
voice was unsteady with emotion when he said:
“If I ever disgrace this trust, my comrades
here will know how to do a friend’s office upon
my body, and this charge I lay upon them, as knowing
they will not fail me.”
No L and I went back together—silent
at first, and impressed.
Finally Noel came up out of his thinkings and said:
