Moreover," he continued solemnly, "I am certified that this task has been set for you.

It was not for nothing, Madame, nor to save one poor household that you were joined to this man; but to ransom all these lives and this great city.

To be the Judith of our faith, the saviour of Angers, the--" "Fool! Fool!" she cried.

"Will you be silent ?" And she stamped the turf passionately, while her eyes blazed in her white face.

"I am no Judith, and no madwoman as you are fain to make me.