But she was answered by roars of mocking laughter from the soldiers
of the fort, and worse still, by gross insults from Classidas
himself, hurled across at her from a biting tongue, which carried
like the note of a trumpet.
Silently she stood and gazed at him; mournfully she turned and rode
back to the town.
"May God have mercy upon their souls!" she prayed; and for the rest
of the day she was sorrowful and sad.
"If it could have been done without bloodshed!" she murmured again
and yet again.
Ah, and then the day when the news came that the relieving army was
in sight! Was she sad or pensive then? No! She sprang to her feet;
she set down the little Charlotte, who was playing in her arms; she
seized her weapons, her page flew to bring her full armour. Her
horse was already in waiting; she swung upon his back. She waved
her hand and called to us to rally about her.
"The English are preparing to fight!" she cried (how did she know?
none had told her), "but follow me, and they will strike no blow."
Already La Hire was at her side, seeking to dissuade her from
leaving the shelter of the town.
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