So far she had no sword of her own, nor had she spoken of the need of such a weapon for herself.  But as we assembled in the courtyard of the Castle, getting ourselves into the order of the march, De Baudricourt himself appeared upon the steps leading into the building, bearing in his hands a sword in a velvet scabbard, which he gravely presented to the Maid.

“A soldier, lady, has need of a weapon,” were his words, as he placed it in her hands; “take this sword, then.  I trow it will do you faithful service; and may the Lord in whom you trust lead you to victory, and save this distracted realm of France from the perils which threaten to overwhelm her!”

“I thank you, Seigneur de Baudricourt,” she answered, as she took the weapon, and permitted me to sling it for her in the belt for the purpose which she already wore, “I will keep your gift, and remember your good words, and how that you have been chosen of heaven to send me forth thus, and have done the bidding of the Lord, as I knew that so true a man must needs do at the appointed time.  For the rest, have no fear.  The Lord will accomplish that which He has promised.  Before the season now beginning so tardily has reached its height, the Dauphin will be the anointed King of France, the English will have suffered defeat and Orleans will be free!”

“Heaven send you speak sooth, fair Maid,” answered the rugged old soldier, as he eyed the slim figure before him with something of mingled doubt, wonder, and reverence in his eyes.

Then as though some strange impulse possessed him, he took her hand and kissed it, and bending the knee before her, said: 

“Give me, I pray you, a blessing, ere you depart!”

A wonderful light sprang into her eyes.  She laid her hand upon the grizzled head, and lifted her own face, as was her wont, to the sunny sky.

“The blessing of the King of Heaven be upon you, Robert de Baudricourt, in that you have been an instrument chosen of Him.  The grace and love of our Blessed Lady be yours, in that you have shown kindness and favour to a simple maid of the people, set apart by Heaven for a certain task.  The favour and protection of the Saints be yours, in that you have believed the words of one who spake of them, and have been obedient to the command sent to you from them!”

She ceased speaking; but still continued to gaze upward with rapt and earnest eyes.  Every head was bared, and we all gazed upon her, as upon one who looks through the open Gate of Heaven, and to whom is vouchsafed a glimpse of the Beatific Vision.

Then clear and sweet her voice rose once more.  Her face was transfigured; a great light seemed to shine either upon or from it, no man could say which.