. 47.]

There is no doubt that, according to all appearances, this vavasour
had acted with greater wisdom than La Romee's daughter. By concealing
her visions from the priest the latter had slighted the authority of
the Church Militant. Still there might be urged in her defence the
words of the Apostle Paul, that where the spirit of God is there is
liberty.[2350] If ye be led of the Spirit ye are not under the
law.[2351] Was she a heretic or was she a saint? Therein lay the whole
trial.

[Footnote 2350: II Corinthians, iv.]

[Footnote 2351: Galatians v, 18. Lanery d'Arc, _Memoires et
consultations_, p. 275.]

Then came this remarkable question: "Have you received letters from
Saint Michael or from your Voices?"

She replied: "I have not permission to tell you; but in a week I will
willingly say all I know."[2352]

[Footnote 2352: _Trial_, vol. i, p. 130.]

Such was her manner of speaking when there was something she wanted to
conceal but not to deny. The question must have been embarrassing
therefore. Moreover, these interrogatories were based on a good store
of facts either true or false; and in the questions addressed to the
Maid we may generally discern a certain anticipation of her replies.
What were those letters from Saint Michael and her other saints, the
existence of which she did not deny, but which were never produced by
her judges? Did certain of her party send them in the hope that she
would carry out their intentions, while under the impression that she
was obeying divine commands?

Without insisting further for the present, the examiner passed on to
another grievance:

"Have not your Voices called you _daughter of God_, _daughter of the
Church_, _great-hearted damsel_?"

"Before the siege of Orleans and since, every day when they speak to
me, many times have they called me _Jeanne the Maid, daughter of
God_."[2353]

[Footnote 2353: _Trial_, vol. i, pp. 130, 131.]

The examination was suspended and resumed in the afternoon.

Maitre Jean de la Fontaine questioned Jeanne concerning a dream of her
father, of which the judges had been informed in the preliminary
inquiry.[2354]

[Footnote 2354: _Ibid._, pp. 131, 132.]

Sad it is to reflect that when Jeanne was accused of the sin of having
broken God's commandment, "Thou shalt honour thy father and thy
mother," neither her mother nor any of her kin asked to be heard as
witnesses. And yet there were churchmen in her family;[2355] but a
trial o