The next morning I left Rouen with my grandson, and once again in Vaucouleurs I proceeded to write the story of Joan Darc. Thanks to the information I received from Denis Laxart and the documents of Canon Loyseleur, I have been able to draw up the above truthful narrative. To it I have attached the executioner's knife, as an additional relic of our family.
Until now and in this country of Lorraine, the cradle of the virgin of Gaul, I have vainly sought to rehabilitate Joan in the eyes of her friends and even of her parents. All have given me the same answer that I received so often in Rouen and so many other towns:
"Despite her glory, despite her immense services rendered to France, Joan is guilty, Joan is criminal, Joan will burn in the everlasting flames of hell—THE INFALLIBLE CHURCH CONDEMNED HER!"
But the judgment of men passes—true glory is imperishable. Some day the Maid will be exalted and her murderers spat upon.
THE END.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Trial and Condemnation, and Proceedings of the Rehabilitation of Joan of Arc, known as The Maid, by Jules Quicherat, after the manuscripts in the Royal Library; vol. I, p. 39.
[2] The same.
[3] Trial of Joan of Arc, vol. I, p. 40.
[4] Trial of Joan of Arc, vol. I, p. 74.