I made as though I were a passing stranger, who had just heard
somewhat of her matter from the bystanders, and I addressed her in
friendly fashion, rather as one who laughs.
"What are you doing here, ma mie? And what is this I hear? Is it
not written in the book of fate that the King or Dauphin of France
must be overcome of England's King, and that we must all become
English, or else be driven into the sea, or banished from the
realm?"
Then for the first time her wonderful eyes fastened themselves on
my face, and I felt as though my very soul were being read.
"Nay, sire," she answered, and there was something so flute-like
and penetrating in her tones that they seemed to sink into my very
soul, "but the Lord of Heaven Himself is about to fight for France,
and He has sent me to the Governor here, who will direct me to the
Dauphin, who knows nothing of me as yet. But I am to bring him
help, and that by Mid-Lent. So I pray you, gentle knight, go tell
Robert de Baudricourt that he must needs bestir himself in this
business, for my voices tell me that the hour is at hand when, come
what may, I must to Chinon, even though I wear my legs to the knees
in going thither.
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