.

HOW THE MAID MARCHED FOR ORLEANS.
Methinks the Maid loved that ancient sword better than all her shining armour of silver! Strange to say, the jewelled sheath of the King's Toledo blade fitted the weapon from Fierbois, and he supplemented the priests' gift of a scabbard by this second rich one.

The Maid accepted it with graceful thanks; yet both the gorgeous cases were laid away, and a simple sheath of leather made; for the sword was to be carried at her side into battle, and neither white nor crimson velvet was suited to such a purpose.
Nor would the Maid let us have her sword sharpened for her.

A curious look came upon her face as Bertrand pointed out that although now clean and shining, its edges were too blunt for real use.

She looked round upon us as we stood before her, and passed her fingers lovingly down the edges of the weapon.
"I will keep it as it is," she answered; "for though I must needs carry it into battle with me, I pray my Lord that it may never be my duty to shed Christian blood.