Already popular feeling was surrounding her marvellous mission with a halo of instantaneous miracles.
[Illustration: CHINON CASTLE----95] On her arrival at Chinon she at first lodged with an honest family near the castle.

For three days longer there was a deliberation in the council as to whether the king ought to receive her.

But there was bad news from Orleans.

There were no more troops to send thither, and there was no money forthcoming: the king's treasurer, it was said, had but four crowns in the chest.

If Orleans were taken, the king would perhaps be reduced to seeking a refuge in Spain or in Scotland.