“How could you understand, father? I did not either for a long time. But it is over now. My mission will be ended to-morrow when the Dauphin is crowned. And then I am going back home with you to mother. Dear mother! how is she?”
“Well, Jeanne; but longs for you always.”
“And I for her,” said Jeanne, tearfully. “I shall never leave you again, father. I shall be glad to get back.”
At this Durand interposed:
“You won’t be contented there, Jeanne. Just think how set you were to get away. And now you have done everything you wanted to do. And it was I that helped you to do it.”
“Yes, Uncle Durand; and the King wishes to see you to thank you for it.”
“The King?” exclaimed Lassois, almost dumbfounded by this news. “Why, Jeanne, you don’t mean that he wants to see me?”
“Yes, I do,” said Jeanne, laughing. “He says that by helping me to go to Messire Robert you have done more for the country than any other man in France.”
Durand could scarcely contain himself at this, and beamed delightedly. Presently he said, wistfully: