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.”

Chapter 11 The War March Is Begun

No L and I went back together—­silent at first, and impressed.

Finally Noel came up out of his thinkings and said: