du siege_, pp. 91, 92. Jean Chartier,
_Chronique_, vol. i, p. 71.]

From Chinon the King caused to be sent to the inhabitants of the towns
in his dominion and notably to those of La Rochelle and Narbonne, a
letter written at three sittings, between the evening of the 9th of
May and the morning of the 10th, as the tidings from Orleans were
coming in. In this letter he announced the capture of the forts of
Saint-Loup, Les Augustins and Les Tourelles and called upon the
townsfolk to praise God and do honour to the great feats accomplished
there, especially by the Maid, who "had always been present when these
deeds were done."[1122] Thus did the royal power describe Jeanne's
share in the victory. It was in no wise a captain's share; she held no
command of any kind. But, sent by God, at least so it might be
believed, her presence was a help and a consolation.

[Footnote 1122: _Charles VII's Letter to the Inhabitants of Narbonne_,
in _Trial_, vol. v, pp. 101, 104. Arcere, _Histoire de La Rochelle_,
vol. i, p. 271 (1756). Moynes, _Inventaire des archives de l'Aude_,
supplement, p. 390. _Procession d'actions de graces a Brignoles (Var)
en l'honneur de la delivrance d'Orleans par Jeanne d'Arc_ (1429).
Communication made to the Congress of learned Societies at the
Sorbonne (April, 1893) by F. Mireur, Draguignan, 1894, in 8vo, p.
175.]

In company with a few nobles she went to Blois, stayed there two
days,[1123] then went on to Tours, where the King was expected.[1124]
When, on the Friday before Whitsunday, she entered the town, Charles,
who had set out from Chinon, had not yet arrived. Banner in hand, she
rode out to meet him and when she came to him, she took off her cap
and bowed her head as far as she could over her horse. The King lifted
his hood, bade her look up and kissed her. It is said that he felt
glad to see her, but in reality we know not what he felt.[1125]

[Footnote 1123: _Trial_, vol. iii, p. 80. _Journal du siege_, p. 91.]

[Footnote 1124: _Ibid._, vol. iii, pp. 72, 76, 80.]

[Footnote 1125: _Trial_, vol. iii, p. 116 (evidence of S. Charles).
Eberhard Windecke, p. 177, and _Chronique de Tournai_, edition Smedt,
pp. 407 _et seq._ (vol. iii of _Les chroniques de Flandre_).]

In this month of May, 1429, he received from Messire Jacques Gelu a
treatise concerning the Maid, which he probably did not read, but
which his confessor read for him. Messire Jacques Gelu, sometime
Councillor to the Dauphin and now my