She stood there, with the
glare of the torches shining over her, looking upon the scene with
her calm, direct gaze, without tremor of fear or thought of shame.
One of the great Seigneurs--I know not which--came forward with a
smile and a bow, and gave her his hand to lead her forward.
"I will present you to the King," he said; and made in a certain
direction, as though he would lead her to a very kingly-looking
personage in white and crimson velvet, blazing with diamonds; but
ere he had taken many steps, the Maid drew her hand from his, and
turning herself in a different direction, went forward without the
least wavering, and knelt down before a young man in whose attire
there was nothing in any way gorgeous or notable.
"Gentle Dauphin," she said, in that clear voice of hers which
always made itself heard above other sounds, though at this moment
a great hush prevailed throughout the audience chamber, and
wondering eyes were fixed full upon the Maid, "God give you good
life, and victory over your enemies!"
Astonishment was in the young man's face; but he took the Maid by
the hand, and said:
"You mistake, fair damsel; it is not I that am the King.
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