“Yet how could it be otherwise, my General, when the soldiers will follow you alone?—­when all look to you as their champion and their friend?”

“Nay, but I have enemies too,” she answered sadly, “and I know that they will work me ill—­greater ill in the future than they have had power to do heretofore, when I was watched over and guarded for the task that was set me.  That task is now accomplished.  Can I look to receive the same protection as before?  The Lord may have other instruments prepared to carry on His work of deliverance.  I doubt not that He will use me yet, and that I shall never be forsaken; but my time will not be long.  I shall only last a year.  Let the King use me for all that I am worth!—­after that he must look for others to aid him!”

I could not bear to hear her speak so.  I would have broken in with protestations and denials; but something in the look upon her face silenced me.  My heart sank strangely within me, for had I not learned to know how truly the Maid did read that which the future hid from our eyes?  I could only seek to believe that in this she might be mistaken, since she herself did say how that things were something different with her now.

She seemed to read the thoughts that crowded my brain; for she looked into my face with her tender, far-seeing smile.

“You are sad, my kind friend, my faithful knight, and sometimes mine own heart is sad also.  But yet why should we fear?  I know that I have enemies, and I know that they will have more power to hurt me in the times that are coming, than has been permitted hitherto, yet—­”

With an uncontrollable impulse I flung myself at her feet.

“O my General—­O my dear lady—­speak not such things—­it breaks my heart.  Or if, indeed, the peril be so great, then let all else go, and bid your father to take you back to Domremy with him.  There, at least, you will be safe and happy!”

Her eyes were deep with the intensity of her emotion.

“It may not be,” she said with grave gentleness and decision.  “I had hoped it for myself, but it may not be.  My word is pledged.  My King has commanded.  I, too, must learn, in my measure, the lesson of obedience, even unto death!”

Her hands were clasped; her eyes were lifted heavenwards.  A shaft of light from the sinking sun struck in through the coloured window behind her, and fell across her face with an indescribable glory.  I was still upon my knees and I could not rise, for it seemed to me as though at that moment another Presence than that of the Maid was with us in the room.  My limbs shook.  My heart seemed to melt within me; and yet it was not fear which possessed me, but a mysterious rapture the like of which I can in no wise fathom.

How long it lasted I know not.  The light had faded when I rose to my feet and met her wonderful gaze.  She spoke just a few words.

“Now you know what help is given us in our hours of need.  My faithful knight need never mourn or weep for me; for that help and comfort will never be withheld.  Of this I have the promise clear and steadfast!”