Think of it!  After all that had been promised, all that had been performed!  To be content to shut ourselves in a well-provisioned town, and just weary out the patience of the foe!  And, moreover, of a foe who expected daily reinforcements from the north, and who would be quite capable of exercising as much patience, and perhaps more daring than ourselves.

Even now my blood boils at the thought, and I find it hard to conceive how such men as Dunois and La Hire let themselves be led from their allegiance and confidence in the Maid to listen to such counsel as this from her detractors, and those many lesser commanders who were sorely jealous of her success and influence.  But so it was, not once nor twice, but again and again; though in action they were staunch to her, would follow her everywhere, rally round her standard, fly to her defence when danger threatened, and show themselves gallant soldiers and generous-hearted men, never denying her all her share of praise and honour.  But when sitting in the council room, surrounded by officers and men of experience in war disposed to scorn the counsels of an unlettered girl, and scoff at her pretensions to military rule, they were invariably led away and overborne, agreeing to act without her sanction, or even contrary to her advice, notwithstanding their belief in her mission, and their trust in her power as a leader.

The shades of evening had fallen in the Treasurer’s house before word was brought to the Maid of the decision of the Generals in Council.  We were sitting around her after supper; and she had fallen into a very thoughtful mood.  The Chevalier d’Aulon had been called away, and now returned with a troubled face.  He stood just within the doorway, as though half afraid to advance.  The Maid lifted her eyes to his and smiled.

“Do not fear to tell me your news, my kind friend.  I know that your faithful heart is sore at the dishonour done to me; but let us not judge harshly.  It is hard for men full of courage and fleshly power to understand how the Lord works with such humble instruments.  Perchance, in their place, we should not be greatly different.

“So they have refused my plan, and made one of their own.  We are to attack the foe upon the south?  Is that agreed?  And even so not with all our heart and strength?”

D’Aulon recoiled a step in amaze.

“Madame, that is indeed so—­a feint upon the south bank has been decreed, whilst provisions are thrown into the city—­”

“Yes, yes, I know.  Well, so be it.  We will attack on the south bank.  It must have come sooner or later, and if we fight with a will, the Lord will be with us and uphold our cause.  But, my friends, understand this, and let the men likewise understand it.  There shall be no mockery of fighting.  It shall be true and desperate warfare.  Let the Generals decree what they will, the Maid will lead her soldiers to victory!  Tomorrow Les Augustins shall be ours; upon the next day Les Tourelles shall fall—­” she paused suddenly and turned towards Bertrand.