it–but I know she never will. She can’t, of course. And, after all, I
wasn’t to blame. I did say she promised to marry me, but they put
me up to it and persuaded me. I swear they did!” The vast creature
was almost crying. Then he pulled himself together and said,
remorsefully, “It was the only lie I’ve ever told, and–”
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 No‰l 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; No‰l was her messenger; she had two heralds, and
also a chaplain and almoner, whose name was Jean Pasquerel. She
had previously appointed a maЊtre d’h“tel 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 No‰l came up out of his thinkings and said:
“The first shall be last and the last first–there’s authority for this
surprise. But at the same time wasn’t it a lofty hoist for our big
bull!”
“It truly was; I am not over being stunned yet. It was the greatest
place in her gift.”
“Yes, it was. There are many generals, and she can create more;
but there is only one Standard-Bearer.”
“True. It is the most conspicuous place in the army, after her own.”
“And the most coveted and honorable. Sons of two dukes tried to
get it, as we know. And of all people in the world, this majestic
windmill carries it off. Well, isn’t it a gigantic promotion, when
you come to look at it!”
“There’s no doubt about it. It’s a kind of copy of Joan’s own in