Assuredly I would far rather be spinning beside my poor mother, for this other is not my condition; but I must go and do the work because my Lord wills that I should do it." "Who is your lord ?" "The Lord God." "By my faith," said the knight, seizing Joan's hands, "I will take you to the king, God helping.

When will you set out ?" "Rather now than to-morrow; rather to-morrow than later." Vaucouleurs was full of the fame and the sayings of Joan.

Another knight, Bertrand de Poulengy, offered, as John of Metz had, to be her escort, Duke Charles of Lorraine wished to see her, and sent for her to Nancy.

Old and ill as he was, he had deserted the duchess his wife, a virtuous lady, and was leading anything but a regular life.

He asked Joan's advice about his health.