Yet was there something ironical in the very humility of some?
I could not tell; yet my heart burned within me as I followed our mistress; and never had I known her so silent as she was upon our journey back, or as we sat at supper, the rest of us telling of the day's doings, but the Maid speechless, save when she bent her head to answer some eager question of little Charlotte's, or to smile at her childish prattle.
Suddenly the door was flung open, and Sir Guy strode in with a face like a thundercloud.

Behind him came a messenger sent by the Generals to the Maid, and this was the news he brought: There had been a council held after dark, and it was then unanimously agreed that all now had been done that was necessary.
The city was provisioned, the power of the English had been greatly weakened and broken.

The army would now be content with the triumphs already won, and would quietly await further reinforcements before taking any fresh step.
The man who brought this message faltered as he delivered it.

The Maid sat very still and quiet, her head lifted in a dignified but most expressive disdain.
"Monsieur," she replied, when the envoy ceased speaking, "go back to those who sent you.

Tell them that they have had their council and I have had mine.