Almost immediately steps were heard without the chamber, and the hostess of the inn entered, bowing low before several imposing ecclesiastics and their clerks.
Jeanne rose, and courtesied; standing in reverent attitude during the entire interview. The visitors showed their astonishment plainly in finding that the renowned Maid of Vaucouleurs was such a mere girl. The senior bishop acted as spokesman for all.
“Are you the maid concerning whom letters have come to the King from Vaucouleurs?”
Jeanne bowed her head in assent.
“And you in truth made that long perilous journey to speak with the King?”
“Yes, messire.”
“You seem o’er young for such a fatiguing march. You are, I should judge, not over sixteen?”
“Seventeen, messire.”
“Have you, as ’tis said, a message for the King?”
“Yes, messire,” returned the maiden briefly.