"Surely His Majesty will recognise it as such!" said Sir Guy.
"I see not how it can be otherwise; and it will be like a great
load lifted from his heart."
"And he will surely hesitate no more," I said, "but will forthwith
give her a band of armed men, that she may sally forth to the aid
of the beleaguered Orleans!"
But De Boisi and De Laval looked doubtful.
"I know not how that will be. For there are many who will even now
seek to dissuade the King, and will talk of witchcraft, and I know
not what beside. The Abbes and the Bishops and the priests are
alike distrustful and hostile. The Generals of the army openly
scoff and jeer. Some say that if the Maid be sent to Orleans, both
La Hire and Dunois will forthwith retire, and refuse all further
office there. What can a peasant maid know of the art of war? they
ask, and how can she command troops and lead them on to victory,
where veterans have failed again and again? And then the King knows
not what to reply--"
"But she hath given him wherewith to reply!" broke out Bertrand,
with indignation in his tones.
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