ent. Catherine flushed as Jeanne took her tear-stained face in her
hands.

"You are foolish, little sister. I would I had been born to your
station. My task would have been easier had I been Yoland of Sicily or
that daughter of the King of Scots from whom many looked for the succour
of France. Folly, folly! There is no virtue in humble blood. I would I
had been a queen! I love fine clothes and rich trappings and the great
horse which d'Alencon gave me. God has made a brave world and I would
that all His people could get the joy of it. I love it the more because
I have only a little time in it."

"But you are happy," said the girl, "and I want such happiness."

"There is no happiness," said the Maid, "save in doing the will of God
our Father."

"But I do not know His will.... I am resolved now. I will take the vows
and become a religious, and then I shall find peace. I am weary of all
this confusing world."

"Foolish one," and Jeanne played with the little curls which strayed
around Catherine's ear. "You were not born for a nunnery. Not that way
God calls you."

"Show me His way," the girl implored.

"He shows His way privily to each heart, and His ways are many. For some
the life of devout contemplation, but not for you, sister. Your blood is
too fiery and your heart too passionate.... You have a lover? Tell me
his name."

Docilely Catherine whispered it, and Jeanne laughed merrily.

"Sir Guy! My most loyal champion. By my staff, you are the blessed maid.
There is no more joyous knight in all the fields of France."

"I do not seek wedlock. Oh, it is well for you who are leading armies
and doing the commands of God. Something tells me that in marriage I
shall lose my soul."

The girl was on her knees with her hands twined. "Let me follow you,"
she cried. "I will bring a stout company behind me. Let me ride with you
to the freeing of France. I promise to be stalwart."

The Maid shook her head gently.

"Then I take the vows." The obstinate little mouth had shut and there
were no tears now in the eyes.

"Listen, child," and Jeanne took the suppliant hands in hers. "It is
true that God has called me to a holy task. He has sent His angels to
guide me and they talk with me often. The Lady of Fierbois has given me
a mystic sword. I think that in a little while this land will be free
again.... But I shall not see it, for God's promise is clear, and for me
it does not give length of days. I did not seek this err