Had he seen her at any of the dances or merry-makings with Colin?
Had he seen her at church, or any public place with Colin?
Had he ever heard her, Jeanne, speak of being engaged to Colin?
To these questions the witnesses were obliged to answer in the negative.
“Messire, would I not, were I betrothed to this man, go abroad with him to church, to dances, or to other public places?”
“It would seem so, my child; but, unless there were cause why should he take this action?”
“I have ever, messire, found my greatest happiness in going to church, and in prayer. For this reason I have received a command from my Lord, the King of Heaven, to perform a certain task. In pursuance of that command I went to Sire Robert de Baudricourt of Vaucouleurs to deliver to him a message. Because of this journey my parents, who do not believe in my mission, thought that my senses were wandering, and conceived the idea that to cure my fancies a marriage would be a good thing.
“Therefore, with their encouragement Colin came. Messire, the first time that he did so I told him that it was of no use, for marry him I would not. Neither him nor another. Did I not, Colin?”
She turned to the youth so quickly, asking the question with such abruptness, gazing steadily at him the while, that Colin, taken unawares, nodded affirmation unthinkingly. The bishop spoke instantly: