tears came into my eyes. Then he drew near me, limping,
and put his hand on my shoulder, but very gently, saying--

"Even so be it, my son, as better may not be. 'Tis no great match, but I
looked, in this country, for nothing nobler or more wealthy. That my
lass should be happy, and have one to fend for her, there is my affair,
and I am not one of those fathers who think to make their daughters glad
by taking from them their heart's desire. So cheer up! What, a man-at-
arms weeping! Strange times, when maids lead men-at-arms and men-at-arms
weep at home!"

With these words he comforted me, and made me welcome, for indeed he was
a kind man and a wise; so many there are that cause shrewd sorrow when
there should be joy in their houses! This was never his way, and wise do
I call him, for all that has come and gone.

In a little time, when I had thanked him, and shown him, I trow, how he
stood in my love, he bade me go to my chamber and be at rest, saying that
he must take thought as to how matters stood.

"For you are not yet fit to bear arms, nor will be for these many days.
Nor is it seemly, nor our country's custom, that my maid should dwell
here in the house with you, as things are between you, and I must
consider of how I may bestow her till you march with your troop, if
marching there is to be."

This I dared not gainsay, and so I went to my chamber with a heart full
of grief and joy, for these hours that are all of gladness come rarely to
lovers, and to me were scantly measured. Perchance it was for my soul's
welfare, to win me from the ways of the world.

But to Elliot and me that night bore no joy, but sorrow, albeit passing.
At supper we met, indeed, but she stayed with us not long after supper,
when my master, with a serious countenance, told me how he had taken
counsel with a very holy woman, of his own kin, widow of an archer, and
how she was going on pilgrimage to our Lady of Puy en Velay, by reason of
the jubilee, for this year Good Friday and the Annunciation fell on the
same day.

"To-morrow she sets forth, and whatsoever prayer can do for France and
the King shall be done. Always, after this day of jubilee, they say that
strange and great matters come to pass. That there will be strange
matters I make no doubt, for when before, save under holy Deborah in
Scripture, did men follow a woman to war? May good come of it! However
it fall out, Elliot is willing to go on pilgrimage, for she is