For my part, I ride with my handful of spears to the Loire.

Perchance there is yet some hope in the King." "Then I ride with you, granted your goodwill, for I must needs to Tours, and I have overmuch treasure in my wallet to ride alone." Indeed, I was now a rich man, more by luck than by valour; and though I said nought of it, I hoped that my long wooing might now come to a happy end.
Barthelemy clasped hands gladly on that offer; and not to make a long tale, he and his men were my escort to Tours, and thence he rode to Sully to see the King.
I had no heart for glad surprises this time, but having sent on a letter to my master, by a King's messenger who rode from Compiegne ere we did, I was expected and welcomed by Elliot and my master, with all the joy that might be, after our long severance.

And in my master's hands I laid my newly gotten gear, and heard privily from him that, with his goodwill, I and his daughter might wed so soon as she would.
"For she is pining with grief, and prayer, and fasting, and marriage is the best remede for such maladies." Of this grace I was right glad; yet Christmas went by and I dared not speak, for Elliot seemed set on far other things than mirth, and was ever and early in the churches, above all when service and prayer were offered up for the Maid.

She was very willing to hear all the tale of the long siege, and her face, that was thin and wan, unlike her bright countenance of old, flushed scarlet when she heard how we had bearded and shamed the noble Duke of Burgundy, and what words Xaintrailles had spoken concerning his nobleness.
"There is one true knight left in France!" she said, and fell silent again.
Then, we being alone in the chamber, I tried to take her hand, but she drew it away.
"My dear love," she said, "I know all that is in your heart, and all my love that is in mine you know well.

But in mine there is no care for happiness and joy, and to speak as plain as a maiden may, I have now no will to marry.