"Sire Robert of Baudricourt, I feel proud of being the knight of the warrior-maid and heroine, who, perhaps, may yet save Gaul."
CHAPTER XVIII.
"GOOD LUCK, JOAN!"
Towards sun-down of February 28 of the year 1429, a large crowd consisting of men, women and children pressed around the Castle of Vaucouleurs. The crowd was impatient; it was enthusiastic.
"Are you sure the pretty Joan will leave the castle by this gate?" asked one of the crowd, addressing at random his nearest neighbor.
"I think so—she can not go out on horseback by the postern gate. She is to ride along the ramparts with the Sire of Novelpont, who is to escort her on her long journey. We shall be able to get a good view of her here on her fine white horse."
"Our hearts all go out to her," remarked a third.
"The prophecy of Merlin is fulfilled. Well did he say—Gaul, lost by a woman, will be saved by a virgin from the borders of Lorraine and a forest of old oaks!" said a fourth.
"She will deliver us from the English! The poor will again be able to breathe! Peace and work for all!"
"No more war alarms; no more conflagrations; no more pillaging; no more massacres! May her name be blessed!"
"It is God who sent us Joan the Maid—Glory to God!"