He was perchance more fully in the King's confidence than any other person at Court, and he was kinsman to De Laval, with whom he had plainly already had much talk upon this subject.

He drew us aside, and whispered a story in our ears.
"His Majesty did tell it me himself," he said, "for there be nights when he cannot sleep, and he calls me from my couch at his bed's foot, and makes me lie beside him, that we may talk at ease; and he told me, not long since, how that this trouble and doubt were so growing upon him, that once he had fasted for a whole day, and had passed the night upon his knees in the oratory, praying for a sign whereby he might truly know whether he were the real heir, and the kingdom justly his.

For that were it not so, he would sooner escape to Spain or Scotland to pass his days in peace; but that if the Lord would send him a sign, then he would seek to do his duty by the realm." With awe we looked into each other's faces.
"The sign has come!" whispered Bertrand.
"Truly I do think it," answered De Boisi.
"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.