Wherefore, I pray you, gentle knight, bid him no longer delay; for I am straitened in spirit till I may be about my Lord's business, and He would not have me tarry longer." I talked with her long and earnestly.

Not that I doubted her.

I could not do so.

Although no voices came to me, yet my heart was penetrated by a conviction so deep and poignant that to doubt would have been impossible.

France had been sold and betrayed by one bad woman; but here was the Maid who should arise to save! I knew it in my heart; yet I still spoke on and asked questions, for I must needs satisfy De Baudricourt, I must needs be able to answer all that he would certainly ask.
"How old are you, fair maiden ?" I asked, as at length I rose to depart, and she stood, tall and slim, before me, straight as a young poplar, graceful, despite her coarse raiment, her feet and hands well fashioned, her limbs shapely and supple.
"I was seventeen last week," she answered simply, "the fifth of January is my jour de fete." "And your parents, what think they of this?
What said they when you bid them farewell for such an errand ?" The tears gathered slowly in her beautiful eyes; but they did not fall.