"Stay
with me. I will obey you joyfully."
She turned again and looked at him very earnestly. Her eyes shone
deep into his heart. "Here I cannot stay," answered a low, sweet,
womanly voice. "It is late, and my other children need me."
"But forgiveness? Can you give that to me--a coward?"
"You are no coward. Your only fault was to doubt a brave man."
"And my wife? May I go back and tell her?"
"No, surely. Would you make her hear slander of the man she loves?
Be what she believes you and she will be satisfied."
"And the absolution, the word of peace? Will you speak that to me?"
Her eyes shone more clearly; the voice sounded sweeter and steadier
than ever. "After the penance comes the absolution. You will find
peace only at the lance's point. Son of France, go, go, go! I will
help you. Go hardily to Verdun."
Pierre sprang forward after the receding figure, tried to clasp
the knee, the foot of the Maid. As he fell to the ground something
sharp pierced his hand. It must be her spur, thought he.
Then he was aware that his eyes were shut.
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