"GraciousPucelle，"Isaid，inFrench，turningtotheMaiden，"mylife，andthefortuneofonewhowouldgladlyfighttothedeathbyyourside，areinyourhands。Fortheloveoftheblessedsaints，yoursisters，andofHimwhosendsyouonyourholymission，praythisdemoiselletoletmeenterthehousewithyou，andtellmytaletoyouandher。IfIsatisfyyounotofmyhonourandgoodintent，Iamready，inthishour，togobeforethemenoflaw，anddelivermyselfuptotheirjustice。Forthoughmylifeisinjeopardy，I
dreaddeathlessthantheangerofthishonourabledemoiselle。Andverilythisisamatterofinstantlifeordeath。”
Sosaying，Iclaspedmyhandsinthemannerofoneinprayer，settingallmysoulintomyspeech，asamandesperate。
TheMaidenhadlistenedverygravely，andsweetlyshesmiledwhenmyprayerwasended。
"Verily，"shesaidtome，"hereisdeeperwaterthanIcanfathom。
Elliot，mamie，youhearhowgently，andinwhatdistress，thisfairlassbeseechesus。”
"Fairlass!"criedElliot:andthenbrokeoffbetweenasobandalaugh，herhandcatchingatherside。
"Ifyouloveme，"saidtheMaid，lookingonherastonished，andnotwithoutanger——"ifyouloveme，asyouhavesaid，youthatarethefirstofmycomforters，and，tillthisday，myonlyfriendinyourstrangetown，letthelasscomeinandtellushertale。For，evenifshebedistraught，andbesideherself，asIwelldeem，Iamsenttobeafriendofallthemthatsuffer。Moreover，mamie，Ihavegladtidingsforyou，whichIamlongingtospeak，butspeakitI
willnever，whilethelassgoesthusinterrorandfearofdeathorshame。”
Insayingtheselastwords，thefashionofhercountenancewaschangedtoasweetentreatyandcommand，suchasfewcouldhavebeheldanddeniedherwhatshecraved，andshelaidherhandlightlyonElliot'sshoulder。
"Come，"saidElliot，"beitasyouwill；comeinwithme；andyou"——
turningtomyself——"doyoufollowus。”
Theypassedintothehouse，Icomingafter，andthearcherwaitingatthedoor。
"Letnoneenter，"saidtheMaidentoherarcher，"unlessanycometomefromtheKing，orunlessitbethemasterofthehouse。”
Wepassedintothechamberwheremymasterwaswonttopainthismissalsandpsalterswhenhewouldbealone。ThenElliotverygraciouslybadetheMaidenbeseated，butherselfstoodup，facingme。
"GraciousMaiden，andmessengeroftheholysaints，"shesaid，"thislass，asyoudeemher，isnowoman，butaman，myfather'sapprentice，whohascladhimselfthustomakeofyouamockeryandalaughing-stock，becausethatyou，beingamaid，goattiredasaman，bythewillofThemwhosentyoutosaveFrance。HaveIsaidenough，anddoIwelltobeangry？"andhereyesshoneasshespoke。
TheMaiden'sbrowsmetinwrath；shegazeduponmesteadfastly，andIlooked——sinfulmanthatIam!——toseeherhandgotothehiltoftheswordthatshewore。But，makingnomotion，sheonlysaid-
"Andthou，whereforehastthoumockedatonewhodidtheenoevil，andatthisdamsel，thymaster'sdaughter？"
"GentleMaiden，"Isaid，"listentomeforbutalittlemoment。Itmaybe，whenthouhastheardall，thatthouwiltstillbewrothwithme，thoughnotformockery，whichwasneverinmymind。Butthegentledamsel，thyfriend，willassuredlypardonme，whohavealreadyputmylifeinperilforthysake，andforthesakeofourdearcountryofScotlandandhergoodname。”
"Thylifeinperilforme!Howmeanyou？Istoodinnodanger，andIneversawyourfacebefore。”
"Yethastthousavedmylife，"Isaid；"butofthatwemaydevisehereafter。Iam，indeed，thoughagentlemanbybloodandbirth，theapprenticeofthefatherofthisdamsel，thyfriend，whoishimselfagentlemanandofagoodhouse，butpovertydrivesmentostrangeshifts。ThisdayIwentwithmymastertothecastle，andIwasonthedrawbridgewhenthou，withthegentlementhyesquires，passedoverittoseetheKing。Onthatbridgeaman-at-armsspoketotheeshamefulwords，blasphemingtheholynameofGod。Nosoonerhadstthougonebythanheturnedonme，revilingmynativecountryofScotland。ThenI，notdeemingthattoenduresuchtauntsbecamemybirthandbreeding，struckhimonhislyingmouth。Then，aswewrestledonthebridge，webothstruckagainstthebarrier，whichwaslow，frail，andold，sothatitgavewayunderourweight，andwebothfellintothemoat。WhenIrosehewasnotinsight，otherwiseIwouldhavesavedhimbyswimming，forIdesiretohavethelifeofnomanonmyhandsinprivatequarrel。Butthearchersshotatmefromthedrawbridge，sothatIhadtotakethoughtformyself。ByswimmingunderthewaterIescaped，behindajuttingrock，toasecretstair，whenceIpushedmywayintoachamberofthecastle。Thereinwasadamsel，busywiththelinen，who，ofhergoodwill，cladmeinthiswretchedapparelabovemyowngarb，andso，forthattime，savedmylife，andIpassedforthunknown；butyethathcausedmetolosewhatIprizemorehighlythanlife——thatis，thegraciouscountenanceofthisgentlelady，thyfriendandmymaster'sdaughter，whomitismyhonouranddutyinallthingstopleaseandserve。Tellme，then，doImerityourwrathasajesterandamock-maker，ordoesthisgentleladywelltobeangrywithherservitor？"
TheMaidencrossedherself，andmurmuredaprayerforthesoulofhimwhohaddiedinthemoat。ButElliotinstantlyflewtome，and，draggingoffmywoman'scap，torewithherfairhandsatthewhitelinensmockaboutmyneckandwaist，sothatitwasrentasunderandfellonthefloor，leavingmecladinmywetdoubletandhose。
Atthissight，withoutwordspoken，shebrokeoutintothemerriestlaughterthateverIheard，andthemostwelcome；andtheMaidtoo，catchingthemaladyofhermirth，laughedlowandgraciously，sothattoseeandhearherwasmarvel。
"Begone!"criedElliot——"begone，andshiftthydrippinggear"；and，asIfledswiftlytomychamber，Iheardherlaughteryet，thoughtherecameasobintoit；butfortheMaid，shehadalreadystintedinhermirthereIlefttheroom。
InthisstrangeandunseemlyfashiondidIfirstcomeintotheknowledgeofthisadmirableMaid——whom，alas!Iwastoseemoreoftensadthanmerry，andweepingratherthanlaughing，though，eveninherutmostneed，herheartcouldbelightandhermirthfree:amannerthatisuncommonevenamongbravemen，but，inwomen，neverknownbymesaveinher。Foritisthewayofwomentobeverybusyandseriouslyconcernedaboutthesmallestthings，whereatamanonlysmiles。Butshe，withherlifeatstake，couldpluckgaietyforthofdanger，iftheperilthreatenednonebutherself。ThesemannersofhersIlearnedtoknowandmarvelatinthelaterdaysthatcametoosoon；butnowinmychamber，Ishiftedmywetraimentfordrywithaheartwondrouslight。Mycraig{13}wasinperil，aswesay，neitherlessnormorethanhalfanhouragone，butIhadescapedtheangerofElliot；andeven，asIdeemed，hadwonmoreofhergoodcountenance，seeingthatIhadstruckablowforScotlandandforherfriend。Thisthoughtmademegreatcheerinmyheart；
asIheard，fromtheroombelow，thevoicesofthetwogirlsdevisingtogetherveryseriouslyfornighthespaceofanhour。
But，knowingthattheymighthavematterssecretbetweenthemselvestotellof，fortheMaidenhadsaidthatshebroughtgoodtidings，I
keptcoyandtomyselfinmylittleupperchamber。Toleavethehouse，indeed，wasmorethanmylifewasworth。NowtoflyandhidewaswhatIcouldnotbringmyselftoventure；hereIwouldstaywheremyheartwas，andtakewhatfortunethesaintsmightsend。SoIenduredtowait，andnotgladdenmyselfwiththesightofElliot，andtheknowledgeofhowInowstoodwithher。Tomethiswasgreatpenance，butatlastthevoicesceased，and，lookingsecretlyfromthewindow，IsawtheMaidendepart，herarcherfollowingher。
NowIcouldnolongerbridleinmydesiretobewithElliot，andlearnwhetherIwasindeedforgiven，andhowIstoodinherfavour。
So，passingdownthestairthatledfrommycubicle，Istoodatthedooroftheroomwhereinshewasandknockedtwice。Butnoneanswered，and，venturingtoenter，Iheardthesoundofastifledsob。Shehadthrownherselfonasettle，herfaceturnedtothewall，andtheafternoonsunwasshiningonheryellowhair，whichlaylooseuponhershoulders。
Idaredtosaynoword，andsheonlymadeamotionofherhandtowardsme，thatIshouldbegone，withoutshowingmethelightofhercountenance。OnthisIwentforthstealthily，myheartagainveryheavy，fortheMaidenhadspokenoflearninggoodtidings；andwhereforeshouldmymistressweep，who，anhouragone，hadbeensomerry？Difficultarethewaysofwomen，alanguagehardtobeunderstood，wherefore"love，"astheRomansays，"isfullofanxiousfears。”
MuchmisdoubtinghowIfaredinElliot'sheart，anddevisingwithinmyselfwhatthisnewsorrowofElliot'smightsignify，Ihalfforgotmyowndanger，yetnotsomuchastofareforthofthedoors，orevenintothebooth，wherecustomersmightcome，andIbeknown。
ThereforeIpassedintoaroombehindthebooth，wheremymasterwaswonttoinstructmeinmypainting；andthere，sincebettermightnotbe，IsetaboutgrindingandmixingsuchcoloursasIknewthatherequired。
Ihadnotbeenlongaboutthistask，whenIheardhimentertheboothfromwithout，whencehewalkedstraightintomyworkroom。I
lookedupfrommycolours，whereathisface，whichwasruddy，grewwan，hestaggeredback，and，beinglame，reeledagainstthewall。
Therehebroughtup，crossinghimself，andmakingthesignofthecrossatme。
"Avaunt!"hesaid，"inthenameofthisholysign，whetherthouartawanderingspirit，oradevilinadeadman'ssemblance。”
"Master，"Isaid，"Iamneitherspiritnordevil。Wasiteveryetheardthatbrownieorboglemixedcoloursforapainter？Nay，touchme，andseewhetherIamnotofsinfulScotsfleshandblood"；andthereonIlaughedaloud，knowingwhatcausedhisfear，andmerryatthesightofit，forhehadeverheldtalesof"diablerie，"andofwraithsandfreitsandfetches，inhighscorn。
Hesathimdownonachairandgapeduponme，whileIcouldnotcontainmyselffromlaughing。
"ForGod'ssake，"saidhe，"bringmeacupofredwine，formywitsarewandering。Deil'sbuckie，"hesaidintheScots，"willwaternotdrownyou？Faith，then，itistohempthatyouwereborn，asshallshortlybeseen。”
Idrewhimsomewinefromacaskthatstoodinthecorner，ondraught。Hedrankitatoneventure，andheldoutthecupformore，thecolourcomingbackintohisface。
"Didthearcherstellmefalse，then，whentheysaidthatyouhadfiredupatachanceword，andflungyourselfandthesentinelintothemoat？Andwherehaveyoubeenwastingyourtime，andwhywentyoufromthebridgeereIcameback，ifthearcherstookanotherprenticeladforNormanLeslie？"
"Theytoldyoutruth，"Isaid。
"Then，inthenameofAntichrist——thatIshouldsayso!——howscapedyoudrowning，andhowcameyouhere？"
Itoldhimthestory，asbrieflyasmightbe。
"Illluckgowithyonsecond-sightedwenchthathasbewitchedElliot，andyoutoo，forallthatIcansee。NeverdidIthinktobefrayedwithabogle，{14}and，asmighthavebeendeemed，theboglebutaprenticeloon，whenallwasdone。Tomythinkingallthisfairyworkisnomoretruethanthatyouareadeadman'swraith。Buttheyareallwildaboutit，atthecastle，whereIwaskeptlong，doingnotrade，andlisteningtotheirmadclatter。”
Hetookoutofhispouchaparcelheedfullywrappedinsoftfoldsofsilk。
"HereisthisBookofHours，"hesaid，"thatIhavespentmyeyesight，andgold，purple，andcarmine，andcobaltupon，thesethreeyearspast；ajewelitis，thoughIsayso。AndIhadgoodhopetosellittoHughKennedy，forhehasoflatehadluckintakingtwoEnglishknightsprisonersatOrleans——theonlyprofitabletradethatmennowcandrive，——andthegoodknightdearlylovesapaintedbookofdevotion；especiallyif，likethisofmine，itbeadornedwiththelovesofJupiter，andtheSwan，andDanae，andotherheathenpliskies。Wewerechafferingovertheprice，andgettingnearabargain，whenincomesPatrickOgilviewithataleofthissecond-sightedMaid，andhowshehadbeencalledtoseetheKing，andofwhatbefell。First，itseems，shebodedthedeathofthatlucklesslimbofasentinel，andthenyoutookituponyoutofulfilhersaying，andsoyouandheweredrowned，andIleftprenticeless。LittlecomforttomeitwastohearKennedyandOgilviepraiseyouforagoodScotandtrue，andsaythatitwasgreatpityofyourdeath。”
Atthishearingmyheartleapedforjoy，first，atmyownpraisefromsuchgoodknights，andnext，becauseIsawablinkofhope，havingfriendsatCourt。Mymasterwenton-
"Next，Ogilvietoldhowhehadbeeninhall，withtheDauphin，theChancellorTremouille，andsomescoresofknightsandnobles，agreatthrong。TheywereallwaitingonthisLorrainerwench，fortheDauphinhadbeentold，atlast，thatshebroughtaletterfromBaudricourt，butbeforehewouldnotseeher。Thisletterhadbeenkeptfromhim，Iguessbywhom，andtherewasotherclashofmarvelswroughtbyher，Iknownotwhat。Sotheirwisdomwassetonputtinghertoakindoftrial，foolishenough!AyoungknightwasdressedinjewelsandacoronetoftheKing's，andtheKingwascladrightsoberly，andheldhimselffarbackinthethrong，whiletheotherstoodinfront，lookingbig。Sothewenchcomesin，and，walkingstraightthroughthepressofknights，withherheadhigh，kneelstotheKing，wherehestoodretired，andcallshim"gentleDauphin"!
""Nay，mamie，"sayshe，"'tisnotIwhoamtheDauphin，buthisHighnessyonder，"——pointingtotheyoungknight，whoshowedallhisplumagelikeamuircockinspring。
"Nay，gentleDauphin，"sheanswers，soOgilviesaid，"itistotheethatIamsent，andnoother，andIamcometosavethegoodtownofOrleans，andtoleadtheetothysacringatRheims。”
"Heretheywereallstruckamazed，andtheKingnotleast，whothenhadsomewordsapartwiththegirl。AndhehasgivenherroomsintheTourCoudrayewithinthecastle；andtheclergyandthedoctorsaretoexamineherstraitly，whethershebefromagoodairt，{15}
oranill，andallbecausesheknewtheKing，shewhohadneverseenhimbefore。Whyshouldsheneverhaveseenhim——whowarrantsmeofit？——shedwellingtheselastdaysnighthecastle!Freitsarefolly，tomythinking，andfoolstheythatfollowthem。Lad，yougavemeagliff；passmeanotherstoupofwine!Freits，forsooth!"
Iservedhim，andhesatandchuckledinhischair，beingpleasuredbythethoughtofhisownwisdom。"NotawordofthistoElliot，though，"hesaidsuddenly；"whenthereisawomaninahouse——
blessingsonher!——itisanythingforaquietlife!But，"nomDieu!"whatwiththefrightyougaveme，sittingthere，whereasI
deemedyouweremeatforeelsandcarp，andwhatwiththytale——ha，ha!——andmytale，andthewine，maybe，Iforgotyourownperil，mylad。Faith，yourneckisliketobelonger，ifwebenotbetteradvised。”
Hearinghimtalkofthatmarvellousthing，wroughtthroughinspirationbytheMaid——whereat，ashismannerwas，hemocked，I
hadcleanforgottenmyownjeopardy。Nowthiswasinstant，forwhoknewhowmuchthearchermighthaveguessed，thatfollowedwiththeMaidandme，andmen-at-armsmightanonbeatourdoor。
"Itmaybe，"saidI，"thatSirPatrickOgilvieandSirHughKennedywouldsayawordformeintheKing'sear。”
"Faith，thatisouronechance，and，luckilyforyou，theladyoudrowned，thoughintheKing'sservice，camehitherinthefollowingofapoorknight，whomighttakeblood-ransomforhisman。HadhebeenLaTremouille'sman，youmustassuredlyhavefledthecountry。”
HetookuphisBookofHours，withasigh，andwrappeditagaininitssilkenparcel。
"ThismustbeyourpricewithKennedy，"hesaid，"ifbettermaynotbe。Itislikepartingwiththeappleofmyeye，but，Iknownotwellhow，Iloveyou，mylad，andbloodisthickerthanwater。Givememystaff；Imusthirpleupthatwearyhillagain，andyou，comehither。”
Heledmetohisownchamber，whereIhadneverbeenbefore，andshowedmehow，inthechimney-neuk，wasawayintoacertainblackholeoflittleease，wherein，ifanycameinsearchforme，Imightliehidden。And，fetchingmeacoldfishLentencheer，aloaf，andastoupofwine，whereofIwasgladenough，heleftme，groaningthewhileathisill-fortune，butladenwithsuchthanksasImightgiveforallhisgreatkindness。
Therethen，Isat，whenIhadeaten，myearsprickedtolistenforthetrampofarmedmenbelowandthethunderoftheirsummonsatthedoor。Buttheycamenot，andpresentlymythoughtstolebacktoElliot，who，indeed，wasneveroutofmymindthen——nay，nornowis。
Butwhetherthatmemorybesinfulinamanofreligionornot，I
leavetothesaintsandtogoodconfession。MuchIperplexedmyselfwithmarvellingwhyshedidsoweep；aboveall，sinceIknewwhathopefultidingsshehadgottenofherfriendandherenterprise。
Butnolightcametomeinmymeditations。Ididnotknowthenthatwhereasyoungmen，andmanylassestoo，areliketheRomanladwhowentwithhisbosombare，crying"Auraveni，"andsighingforthebreezeofLovetocome，othermaidensarewrothwithLovewhenhecreepsintotheirhearts，andwouldfaincasthimout——beinginamannermadwithangeragainstLove，andagainsthimwhomtheydesire，andagainstthemselves。Thismood，aswaslaterseen，wasElliot's，forherheartwaslikeawildbirdtrapped，thatturnswithbillandclawonhimwhocomestosetitfree。Moreover，I
havesincedeemedthatherpassionoffaithintheMaidmadewaronherloveforme；onebreastbeingscantlygreatenoughtocontainthesetwoaffections，andherpridetaking，againstthenaturallove，thepartofthelovewhichwasdivine。
Butallthesewerelaterthoughts，thatcametomeinmusingonthesorrowsofmydays；and，likemostwisdom，thisknowledgearrivedtoolate，andI，asthen，washoldeninperplexity。
CHAPTERVIII——OFCERTAINQUARRELSTHATCAMEONTHEHANDSOFNORMAN
LESLIE
BelikeIhaddroppedasleep，outweariedwithwhathadbefallenme，mindandbody，butIstartedupsuddenlyatthesoundofadagger-
hiltsmittenagainstthemaindoorofthehouse，andavoicecrying，"Open，inthenameoftheDauphin。”Theyhadcomeinquestofme，andwhenIheardthem，itwasasifahandhadgivenmyheartasqueeze，andforamomentmybreathseemedtobestopped。Thispast，Iheardtheoldserving-womanfumblingwiththebolts，andpeeringfrombehindthecurtainofmycasement，Isawthatthewaysweredark，andthenarrowstreetwaslitupwithflaringtorches，thelightswaveringinthewind。Isteppedtothewideingle，thinkingtocreepintothesecrethiding-hole。Buttowhatavail？
Itmighthaveservedmyturnifmyescapealivefromthemoathadonlybeenguessed，butnowmymastermusthavetoldallthestory，andthemen-at-armsmustbeassuredthatIwaswithin。Thinkingthus，Istoodatpause，whenawhispercame，asiffromwithintheingle-
"Unbarthedoor，andhidenot。”
ItmustbeElliot'svoice，speakingthroughsometubecontrivedintheingleofthedwelling-roombeloworotherwise。Gladathearttothinkthatshetookthoughtofme，Iunbarredthedoor，andthrewmyselfintoachairbeforethefire，tryingtolooklikeoneunconcerned。Theboltswerenowdrawnbelow；Iheardvoices，ratherScotsthanFrench，tomysense。Thenthestepofonemanclimbedupthestair，heavily，andwiththetapofastaffkeepingtunetoit。
Itwasmymaster。Hisfacewaspale，andfallingintoachair，hewipedthesweatfromhisbrow。"UnhappymanthatIam!"hesaid，"I
havelostmyapprentice。”
IgulpedsomethingdowninmythroatereIcouldsay，"Thenitisdeath？"
"Nay，"hesaid，andsmiled。"Butgliffforgliff，{16}youputafearonmethisday，andnowweareeven。”
"YetIscarceneedacupofwineformyrecovery，master，"Isaid，fillinghimabeakerfromtheflagononthetable，whichhedrainedgladly，beingsorewearied，sosteepwasthewaytothecastle，andhardforalameman。Myheartwasaslightasaleafonatree，andthebitternessofshamefuldeathseemedgoneby。
"Ihavelostmyprenticeanotherway，"hesaid，settingdownthecuponthetable。"IhadmuchadotoseeKennedy，forhewasatthedicewithotherlords。Atlength，deemingtherewasnotimetowaste，IsentinthebonnyBookofHours，prayinghimtohearmeforamomentonaweightymatter。Thatbroughthimtomyside；heleapedatthebooklikeatroutatafly，andtookmetohisownchamber。ThereItoldhimyourstory。WhenitcametothewenchintheKing'slaundry，andRobinLindsay，andyoucladingirl'sgear，andkissedintheguard-room，hestruckhandonthighandlaughedaloud。
ThenIdeemedyourcauseasgoodasthreepartswon，andhecouldnotholdin，butledmetoachamberwhereweremanylords，dicinganddrinking:Tremouille，Ogilvie，theBishopofOrleans——thatholyman，whohascometoaskforaidfromtheKing，——LaHire，Xaintrailles，andIknownotwhom。ThereImusttellallthechronicleagain；andsomesaidthis，andsomethat，andTremouillemocks，thattheMaidutteredherprophecytonootherendbuttomakeyoufulfilit，andslayherenemyforthesakeofher"beauxyeux。”Theotherswouldhearnothingofthis，and，indeed，thoughI
amnogull，IwotthatTremouilleiswronghere，andovercunning；
hetrustsneithermannorwoman。Howsoeveritbe，hewentwiththestorytotheKing，whoiskeentohearanynewthing。And，tobeshort，theendofitisthis:thatyouhaveyourfreepardon，ontheseterms，namely，thatyouhavetwoscoreofmassessaidforthedeadman，andyourselftakeserviceunderSirHughKennedy，thattheKingmaynotloseaman-at-arms。”
Never，sure，camegladdertidingstoanymanthanthesetome。Anhouragotheropeseemedtightaboutmyneck；onedaypast，andI
wasbutaprenticetothemeancraftofpaintingandlimning，artsgoodforamonk，oramanant，but，saveforpleasure，nottobemelledormeddledwithbyamanofgentleblood。AndnowIwastoweararms，andthatinthebestofcauses，underthebestofcaptains，oneofmyowncountry——alordinAyrshire。
"Ay，evenso，"mymastersaid，markingthejoyinmyface，"youarerightgladtoleaveus——alassandalameter。{17}Well，well，suchisyouth，andeldissoonforgotten。”
Ifellonmykneesathisfeet，andkissedhishands，andIbelievethatIwept。
"Sir，"Isaid，"youhavebeentomeasafather，andmorethanithasbeenmyfortunetofindmyownfather。NeverwouldIleaveyouwithmywill，andforthegentledemoiselle，yourdaughter——"ButhereIstinted，sinceinsoothIknewnotwellwhatwordstosay。
"Ay，weshallbothmissyoubetimes；butcourage，man!Afterall，thisnewlifebeseemsyoubest，and，markme，alassthinksnonetheworseofaladbecausehewearsnottheprentice'shoddengrey，butaScotsarcher'sgreen，white，andred，andCharlesforbadgeonbreastandsleeve，andaswordbyhisside。AndasforthebonnyBookofHours——"Master，"Isaidwithshame，"wasthatmyransom？"
"Kennedywouldhavecomenearmyprice，andstrovetomakemetakethegold。Butwhatisbredinthebonewillout；Iamagentlemanborn，notahuckster，andthebookIgavehimfreely。Mayitprofitthegoodknightinhisdevotions!Butnow，come，theyarewearywaitingforus；thehourwaxeslate，andElliot，Itrow，islongabed。Youmustbegonetothecastle。”
Inthestairs，andaboutthedoor，sometenofSirHugh'smenwerewaiting，allcountrymenofmyown，andthenoisetheymadeandtheirspeechwerepleasanttome。Theygavemewelcomewithshoutsandlaughter，andclaspedmyhands:"forhimthatcalleduswine-sacks，youhavegivenhimwatertohiswine，andthefrogforhisbutler，"
theysaid，makingajestoflifeanddeath。Butmyownheartforthenoncewasheavyenoughagain，IlongingtotakefarewellofElliot，whichmightnotbe，normightshefacethatwildcompany。
Howbeit，thinkingitgoodtohaveafriendatcourt，Imadeoccasiontoputinthehandoftheoldserving-womanallofsuchsmallcoinsasIhadwoninmylifeservile，deemingmyselfwellquitofsuchill-gottengear。Andthereafter，withgreatmirthandnoise，theysetforthtoclimbthehilltowardsthecastle，whereIwasled，throughmanyawindypassage，tothechamberofSirHughKennedy。
Thereweretorcheslit，andtheknight，abroad-shouldered，fair-
hairedman，withastern，flushedface，wasturningoverandgazingathisnewBookofHours，likeachildbusywithafreshtoy。Helaidthebookdownwhenweentered，andtheseniorofthetwoarcherswhoaccompaniedmetoldhimthatIwashewhohadbeensummoned。
"Yourname？"heasked；andIgaveit。
"Youareofgentleblood？"AndIanswering"Yes，"hereplied，"ThenseethatyouarereadytosheditfortheKing。Yourlifethatwasjustlyforfeit，isnow，byhisRoyalmercy，returnedtoyou，tobespentinhisservice。RutherfordandDouglas，gotakehimtoquarters，andseethatto-morrowheiscladasbeseemsamanofmycommand。Nowgoodnighttoyou——butstay!You，NormanLeslie，youwillhavequarrelsonyourhand。Waitnotforthem，butgotomeetthem，iftheyarewiththeFrenchmen-at-arms，andinquarrelseethatyoubeswiftanddeadly。Forthetownsfolk，nobrawling，marauding，orhalingaboutofhonestwenches。Herewearestrangers，andmymenmustberespected。”
Hebowedhishead:hiswordshadbeencurt，nograceorkindnesshadheshownmeofcountenance。IfeltinmyheartthattohimI
wasbutapawninthegameofbattle。NowIseemedasfaroffaseverIwasfrommyfoolishdreamofwinningmyspurs；nay，perchanceneverhadIsunklowerinmyownconceit。TillthishourIhadbeen，asitwere，thehingeonwhichmyshareoftheworldturned，andnowIwasnomorethanawheelinthecarriageofacouleuvrine，anunconsideredcoginthemachineofwar。Iwastobelostinamultitude，everyoneasgoodasmyself，orbetter；andwhenIhadthoughtoftakingservice，Ihadnotforeseenthemannerofitandthenatureofthesoldier'strade。Myhead，thatIhadcarriedhigh，somewhatdrooped，asIsaluted，imitatingmycompanions，andwewheeledforthoftheroom。
"Hughhastakentheprideoutofyou，lad，ormynameisnotRandalRutherford，"saidtheBordermanwhohadguidedme。"Faith，hehasakeentongueandashortwaywithhim，butthereareworsecommanders。Andnowyoumusttoyourquarters，forthehourislateandtheguard-roomshut。”
Heledmetoourcommonsleeping-place，where，amongmanysnoringmen-at-armsinagreatbarehall，apalletwaslaidforme，andmyfleshcreptasIrememberedhowthiswasthecouchofhimwhomIhadslain。Howbeit，beingwellweary，despitethestrangenessoftheplace，afterbrieforisonsIsleptsoundtillatrumpetcalledusinthemorning。
Concerningthestrangenessofthiswaking，tomewhohadbeengentlynurtured，andtheroughlife，andprofanewordswhichImusthearnot，indeed，thattheyhadbeenwhollybanishedfromourwilddaysatSt。Andrews，itisneedlessthatIshouldtell。SeeingthatI
wascomeamongrudeneighbours，Ievenmadeshifttofallback，insemblance，onsuchmannersasIhadusedamongthestudentsbeforeI
leftScotland，thoughmanyperils，andthefearwhereinIstoodofBrotherThomas，andthecompanyofthemaidElliot，hadcausedmehalftoforgetmyswaggeringways。So，mayGodforgiveme!Isworeroundly；ImadeasifIdeemedlightlyofthatFrenchman'sdeath，and，inbrief，Isoboremethat，erenoonwhenIbehovedtogointoChinonwithRandalRutherford，andthereprovidemewiththerichapparelofourcompany，Ihadthreegoodquarrelsonmyhand。
First，therewastheman-at-armswhohadkissedmeintheguard-
room。He，ina"bourde"andmockery，makingpretencethathewouldrepeathisinsult，gotthatwhichwasowinghim，andwithinterest，forindeedhecouldseeoutofneitherofhissquinteyeswhenIhaddealtwithhim。Andforthiscauseperforce，ifheneededmoreproofofmymanhoodthantheweightofmyfist，hemusttarryforthedemonstrationwhichhedesired。
ThentherewasRobinLindsay，andathiswrathImakenomarvel，forthetaleofhowhecamelatetotryst，andatsecond-handwithmanysuchrudeandwantonadditionsassoldiersusetomake，wasnoisedabroadalloverthecastle。Hisquarrelwasnomatterforfisticuffs；so，beingattiredinhelmet，vambracererebrace，gauntlets，andgreavesoutofthearmoury，wheremanysuchsuitswerestored，Imethiminacertainquietcourtbehindthecastle，wherequarrelswereusuallyvoided。Andnowmypracticeoftheswordathomeandthelessonsofoursmithcamehandilytomyneed。
Aftermuchclashingofsteelandsmitingoutofsparks，Ichanced，byanartknowntome，tostrikehisswordoutofhishand。Then，havinghimatanavail，Ithrewdownmyownblade，andsoplainlytoldhimtheplaintruth，andhowtohismistressIowedmylife，whichIwouldratherlosenowathishandthanhearherhonourblamed，thatheforgaveme，andweembracedasfriends。Neitherwasthisjestanewcastupagainsteitherofus，menfearingtolaugh，aswesay，withthewrongsideoftheirmouths。
Afterthisfriendlyboutatpointandedge，RobinandRandalRutherford，beingoffduty，mustneedscarrymetotheTennisCourt，whereTremouilleandtheKingwereplayingtwoyounglords，andthatforsuchastakeaswouldhavehelpedtoarmahundredmenfortheaidofOrleans。Itwasprettytoseetheballflyaboutbastedfromthewalls，andtheplayersboundingandstriking；and，littleasI
understoodthegame，soeagerwasIoverthesport，thatagentlemanwithinthe"dedans"touchedmetwiceontheshoulderbeforeIwasawareofhim。
"Iwouldhaveawordwithyou，sir，ifyourgracecansparemetheleisure。”
"Mayitnotbespokenhere？"Iasked，forIwassorrytolosethespectacleofthetennis，whichwasnewtome，andisapastimewhereinFrancebeatstheworld。PityitisthatmanyplayersshouldsocurseandblasphemeGodandHissaints!
"Mybusiness，"repliedthestranger，"isofakindthatwillhardlyendurewaiting。”
WiththatIroseandfollowedhimoutintotheopencourtyard，muchmarvellingwhatmightbetoward。
"Youarethatyounggentleman，"saidmyman，"foragentlemanItakeyoutobe，fromyouraspectandcommonreport，whoyesterdaywerethedeathofGillesdePuiseux？"
"Sir，tomysorrow，andnotbymywill，Iamhe，andbutnowIwasgoingforthtohavecertainmassessaidforhissoul'swelfare":
whichwastrue，RandalRutherfordhavingfilledmypurseagainstpay-day。
"Ithankyou，sir，foryourcourtesy，andperchancemayhaveoccasiontodothelikegentleserviceforyou。GillesdePuiseuxwasofmybloodandkin；hehasnoneothertotakeuphisfeudforhiminthisplace，andnowyourquicknessofcomprehensionwilltellyouthatthebusinesswherewithIpermitmyselftobreakyourleisurewillbrooknotarrying。LetmesaythatItakeitnotuponmetodefendthewordsofmycousin，whoinsultedawoman，and，asI
believe，amessengerfromtheblessedSaintsthatloveFrance。”
Ilookedathiminsomeamazement。Hewasayoungmanofaboutmyownyears，delicatelyandrichlycladinfurs，silks，andvelvets，agreatgoldchainhanginginloopsabouthisneck，agoldbroochwithanancientRomanmedalinhiscap。Butthemostnotablethinginhimwashisthickgoldenhair，whenceLaHirehadnamedhim"Capdorat，"becausehewassoblond，andrightkeeninwar，andhardybeyondothers。Andherehewaschallengingme，whostoodbeforehiminaprentice'shoddengrey!
"Sir，"Isaid，"Icouldwishyouabetterquarrel，butnotmorecourtesy。ManyagentlemanseeingmesuchasIam，wouldbidmesend，erehecrossedswordswithme，tomyowncountryformybor-
brief，{18}whichIcameawayintoogreathastetocarrywithme。
Nay，Iwasbutnowtosetforthandbuymeaswordandotheraccoutrements；natheless，fromthearmouryheretheymayequipmewithswordandbodyarmour。”
"Ofbody-armourtakenothought，"heanswered，"forthisquarrelisofakindthatmustneedsbevoidedinoursmocks"；hemeaningthatitwas"eoutrance，"tilloneofusfell。
Verily，nowIsawthatthiswasnottobeamatterofstrikingsparksfromsteel，asRobinandIhaddone，butoflifeanddeath。
"Ishallbethemorespeedilyatyourservice，"Imadeanswer；andasIspokeRandalandRobincameforthfromthe"dedans，"thesportbeingover。Theyjoinedme，andItoldtheminfewwordsmynewbusiness，myadversarytarrying，capinhand，tillIhadspoken，andthenproclaiminghimselfAymardePuiseux，agentlemanofDauphine，asindeedmyfriendsknew。
"Ishallwaitonyou，withyourleave，attheisleintheriver，whereitisofcustom，oppositetheboothsofthegold-workers，"
quothhe，"aboutthehourofnoon"；andso，salutingus，hewent，ashesaid，toprovidehimselfwithfriends。
"BloodofJudas!"quothRobin，whosworeterriblyinhisspeech，"youhaveyourhandsfull，youngNorman。Heisbutnowcreptoutoftherankofpages，butwhentheFrenchandEnglishpagesfoughtavallianceoflate，underOrleans，nonewonmorepraisethanhe，whowascaptainoftheFrenchparty。”
"Heplayedagoodsword？"Iasked。
"Hethrewagoodstone!Man，itwasastonebicker，andtheyhadlidsofbasketsfortarges。”
"Andhechallengesmetothefield，"Isaidhotly，"BySt。Andrew!
Iwillcuffhisearsandsendhimbacktotheotherboys。”
"Norman，mylad，whenwereyouinastonebickerlast？"quothRandal；andIhungmyhead，foritwasnotyetsixmonthsgonesincethesailorsandwestudentswerestoningeachotherinNorthStreet。
"Yethedoesplayaverygoodsword，andiscunningoffence，foryourcomfort，"saidRandal。SoIhummedtheoldliltoftheLeslies，whence，theysay，comesourname-
Betweenthelessleaandthemair，Heslewtheknightandlefthimthere；-
forIdeemeditwelltoshowagoodface。Moreover，Ihadsomeconceitofmyselfasaswordsman，andRandalwaslaughinglikeafoolbodyatmycountenance。
"Faith，youwillmakeaspoonorspoilahorn，and——letmehavemylaughout——youbidwellforanarcher，"saidRandal；andRobincounsellingmetoplaythesameprankontheFrenchlad'sswordaslateIhaddoneonhisown，theytookeachofthemanarmofmine，andsoweswaggereddownthesteepwaysintoChinon。
FirstIwouldgotothetailorandthecordwainer，andbefittedformynewsplendoursasanarcheroftheguard。
Theybothlaughedatmeagain，for，saidtheyverycheerfully，"Youmayneverlivetowearthesefinefeathers。”
ButRandalmakingthereflectionthat，ifIfell，therewouldbenonetopaytheshopmaster，theybothshoutedwithdelightinthestreet，sothatpassers-byturnedandmarvelledatthem。ClearlyI
sawthattogotofightaduelisonething，andtogoandlookonisanother，andmuchmoregay，formyhearthadnodesireofallthismerriment。RatherwouldIhaverecommendedmycasetothesaints，andchieflytoSt。Andrew，forwhosecauseandhonourIwasabouttoputmylifeinjeopardy。Butshame，andthefearofseemingfearful，drovemetojestwiththeothers——suchrisksofdyingunconfessedarerunbysinfulmen!
Howbeit，theyhelpedmetochooseclothofthebestcolourandfashion，laughingthemorebecauseI，beingshortofstatureandslim，thetailor，ifIfell，mightwellfindnoneamongthearcherstopurchasethatforwhich，belike，Ishouldhavenoneed。
"WemustevenenlistthePucelleinourguard，forshemightwearthisapparel，"quothRandal。
Thusboisterouslytheyborethemselves，butmoregravelyattheswordsmith's，wherewepickedoutagoodcut-and-thrustblade，wellbalanced，thatcamereadilytomyhand。Then，Iwithswordatside，likeagentleman，wemadetotheriver，passingmymaster'sbooth，whereIlookedwistfullyatthewindowsforablinkofElliot，butsawnonethatIknew，only，fromanopencasement，thelittlejackanapesmoppedandmowedatmeinfriendlyfashion。Hardbytheboothwasalittlepier，andwetookboat，andsolandedontheisland，wherewerewaitingforusmyadversaryandtwoothergentlemen。Havingsalutedeachother，wepassedtoasmoothgrassyspot，surroundedonallsidesbytallpoplartrees。Hereinplacesdaffodilsweredancinginthewind；butotherwheretheswardwasmuchtrampleddown，andintwoorthreespotswereblackpatchesthatwellnighturnedmycourage，forIwasnotyetusedtothesightofmen'sblood，hereoftenshedforlittlecause。
Thefriendsofustwainadversaries，forenemieswecouldscarcebecalled，choseoutasmoothspotwithafairlight，thesunbeingveiled，andwhenwehadstrippedtooursmocks，wedrewandfelltowork。Hewasveryquickandlightinhismovements，boundingnimblytothissideorthat，butI，usingahangingguard，inourcommonScotsmanner，didsomewhatperplexhim，towhomthefashionwasnew。
Oneortwoscratcheswedealteachother，but，forallthat，Icouldseewewerewellmatched，andneitherclosed，asmenrarelydoinsuchacombat，tilltheyarewrothwithhurtsandtheirbloodwarm。
NowIgashedhisthigh，butnotdeeply，andwiththat，asIdeemed，histemperfired，forhemadeafullsweepatmylegabovetheknee。
ThisIhavealwaysreckonedafool'sstroke，asleavingtheupperpartofthebodyunguarded，andavoidingwithmyrightleg，Idrovedownwithallmyforceathishead。But，evenasIstruck，cameaflashandthesuddendeadnessofadeepwound，forhehadbutfeinted，andthen，avoidingmesothatItouchedhimnot，hedrovehispointintomybreast。BetweentheforceofmyownblowandthisstabIfellforwardonmyface，andthencerolledoveronmyback，catchingatmybreastwithmyhands，asthoughtostoptheblood，but，insooth，notwellknowingwhatIdid。
Hehadthrowndownhissword，andnowwaskneelingbymyside。
"Itakeyoutowitness，"hesaid，"thatthishasbefallentomygreatsorrow，andhadIbeenwherethisgentlemanwasyesterday，andheardmycousinblaspheme，Iwouldmyselfhavedrawnonhim，but——"
Andhere，asIlaterheard，hefaintedfromlossofblood，myswordhavingcutagreatvein；andIlikewiselostsenseandknowledge。
NordidIknowmoretilltheyliftedmeandlaidmeonalitterofpoplarboughs，havingstanchedmywoundasbesttheymight。Intheboat，astheyferriedusacrosstheriver，IbelievethatIfaintedagain；andso，"betweenhomeandhell，"asthesayingis，Ilayonmylitterandwascarriedalongthestreetbesidethewater。Folkgatheredaroundusaswewent。Iheardtheirvoicesasinadream，whenlo!theresoundedavoicethatIknewrightwell，forElliotwasaskingofthepeople"whowashurt？"AtthishearingIhovemyselfuponmyelbow，beckoningwithmyotherhand；andIopenedmymouthtospeak，but，inplaceofwords，cameonlyawaveofbloodthatsickenedme，andIseemedtobedreaming，inmybed，ofElliotandherjackanapes；andthenfeetweretrampling，andatlengthI
waslaiddown，andsoseemedtofallmostblessedlyasleep，withalittlehandinmine，andrarelypeacefulandhappyinmyheart，thoughwhereforeIknewnot。Aftermanydaysoftossingonthewavesoftheworld，itwasasifIhadbeenbroughtintothehavenwhereIwouldbe。OfwhatwaspassingIkneworIremembernothing。
LaterIheardthatagoodpriesthadbeenbroughttomybedside，andperchancetherewasmadesomesuchconfessionastheChurch，inhermercy，acceptsfromsinfulmeninsuchcaseasmine。ButIhadnothoughtoflifeordeath，purgatoryorparadise；only，ifparadiseberestamongthosewelove，suchrestforanunknownwhile，andsuchsenseofblissfulcompanionship，weremine。Butwhetheritwaswelltopassthroughandbeyondthisscarcesensiblejoy，orwhetherthatpeacewilleveragainbemineandunending，IleavewithhumilitytotheminwhosehandsareChristiansouls。
CHAPTERIX——OFTHEWINNINGOFELLIOT
Thedaysoffeverandofdreamswentbyandpassed，leavingmeveryweak，butnotignorantofwhereIwas，andofwhathadcomeandgone。Mymasterhadoftenbeenbymybedside，andElliotnowandagain；theoldhousewifealsowatchedmebynight，andgavemedrinkwhenIthirsted。MostofthewhileIdeemedIwasathome，inthehouseofPitcullo；yetIfelttherewassomethingstrange，andthattherewaspainsomewhereintheroom。Butatlength，aswassaid，I
cametoknowledgeofthings，andcouldseeElliotandrememberher，whenshekneltprayingbymybed，asoftshedid，whilesIlaybetweenlifeanddeath。Ihaveheardspeakofmenwho，beinginflamedwithlove，asIhadbeen，fellintoafeverofthebody，andwhenthatpassed，lo!theirpassionhadpassedwithit，andtheirlonging。Andsoitseemedtobewithme。ForsomedaysIwasnotpermittedtoutteraword，andlater，IwasasgladinElliot'scompanyasyoumayhaveseenalittleladandlass，notnearcometofullage，whogoplayingtogetherwithflowersandsuchtoys。Soweweremerrytogether，thejackanapeskeepinguscompany，andmakingmuchgameandsport。
Perchancetheseweremymostblesseddays，asofonewhohadreturnedtothesinlessyears，whenwearehappierthanweknow，andnotyetacquaintedwithdesire。NowandagainRutherfordandLindsaywouldcometovisitme，seemingstrangelystillandgentle，speakinglittle，butlookingatmewithkindeyes，andvowingthatmytailorshouldyetbepaidforhislabour。Capdoratalsocame，forhehadbutsufferedafleshwoundwithmuchlossofblood，andweshowedeachotherthebestcountenance。Sotimewentby，whileI
grewstrongerdaily；andnowitwasordainedbytheleech，askilfulman，thatImightleavemybed，andbeclothed，andgoaboutthroughthehouse，andeatstrongerfood，whereofIhadthegreatestdesire，andwouldeverbeeatinglikeahowlet。{19}Now，whenIwastorise，Ilookedthattheyshouldbringmemyoldprentice'sgabardineandhose，butonthemorningofthatdayElliotcame，bearinginherarmsaparcelofraimentverygayandcostly。
"Hereisyourfineclothingnewcomefromthetailor'sbooth，"shecriedmerrily。"See，youshallbeasbrightasspring，ingreen，andwhite，andred!"
Therewasthebonnet，withitsthreecolouredplumes，andthedoublet，withCharleswroughtinsilveronthearmandbreast，andallotherthingsseemly——ajoytomineeyes。
Sheheldthemupbeforeme，herfaceshininglikethereturnoflife，withahappywelcome；andmyheartbeattoseeandhearherasofolditwaswonttodo。
"AndwhereforeshouldnotIgotothewars，"shecried，"andfightbesidetheMaid？Iamastallasshe，ifscantlysostrong，andbrave——oh，Iamverybrave"Glacidas，Ibidyoubeware!"shesaid，puttingthearcher'sbonnetgallantlycockedonherbeautifulhead，anddrawingforththeswordfromhisscabbard，asoneinacttofight，butininnocentunwarlikewise。
Thereshestoodbeforemeinthesunlight，liketheAngelofVictory，allgladandfair，andtwoblueraysfromhereyesshotintomyheart，andlo!Iwasnomoreachild，butamanagainandalover。
"OElliot，"Isaid，ereeverIwistwhatIwassaying，andIcaughtherlefthandintomine——"OElliot，Iloveyou!Givemebutyourlove，andIshallcomebackfromthewarsaknight，andclaimmylovetobemylady。”
Shesnatchedherhandsuddenly，asifangered，outofmine，andtherewith，beingveryweak，Igaveacry，mywoundfiercelypainingme。Thenherfacechangedfromrose-redtolily-white，shedroppedonherkneesbymybed，andherarmswereaboutmyneck，andallovermyfacehersoft，sweet-scentedhairandhertears。
"Oh，Ihaveslainyou，Ihaveslainyou，mylove!"shesobbed，makingalow，sweetmoan，asacushatinthewildwood，forIlaydeadlystill，beingovercomewithpainandjoy。AndthereIwas，mylovecomfortingmeasamothercomfortsherchild。
Imovedmyhand，totakehersinmine——herlittlehand；andso，foraspace，therewassilencebetweenus，saveforherkindmoaning，andinmyheartwassuchgladnessascomesbutoncetomen，andmaynotbespokeninwordsofthisworld。
Therewassilencebetweenus；thensheroseverygentlyandtossedbackherhair，showingherfacewetwithtears，butrosy-redwithhappinessandsweetshame。Haditnotbeenforthatchancehurt，howlongmightIhavewooedereIwonher？Butherheartwasmoltenbymyanguish。
"Haththepainpassed？"shewhispered。
"Sweetwasthepain，mylove，andsweetlyhastthouhealeditwiththymagic。”