Throughout the long chamber there was a stir and murmur at the words, for Jeanne had become liked and esteemed by the guests, who had heard something of Colin's wooing. La Rousse went to her in quick sympathy, for the girl stood dumbfounded. So this was what Colin had been about in his absence? And her parents? Were they too concerned in the matter? She turned and looked at them searchingly. Isabeau could not meet her daughter's eyes, but Jacques met her glance steadily. Long father and daughter gazed into each other's eyes; Jeanne, with sorrowful reproach; Jacques with grim determination. Then slowly the girl turned again to the priest. "When does messire, the bishop, wish to see me?" she asked. "The second day from now, pucelle. If upon that day cause is not shown why thy pledge to Colin should not be kept the judge will deem that the troth stands, and that thy faith will be redeemed at once." Jeanne inclined her head deeply in acknowledgment, and started to leave the room. Isabeau ran to her. "It is for thy good, little one. Now will you be ever near us. And Colin will make a kind husband." So spake Isabeau, but Jeanne made no reply. As she passed through the door she heard her mother say: "She is as good as married, Jacques. She is too shy, too gentle to protest against it. She will do whatever the bishop decides without question." "Be not too sure of that," spoke La Rousse before Jacques could reply. "These gentle maids have a way of turning at times, and Jeanne doth not lack spirit." "She hath ever been obedient, and will be now," said Jacques confidently. "Save for this wild fancy of going to the Dauphin she hath ever been most dutiful." "Sometimes the gentlest maid will turn if pressed too hard," repeated La Rousse. And this was exactly what was happening. Jeanne was filled with sorrow that her parents should uphold Colin in trying to force her into an unwelcome marriage. For a brief time despair gripped her, for it was foreign to her nature and training to protest against those in authority over her, and should the judge sustain Colin it would mean the end of her mission. And then her soul rose up against it. "I will not be forced into this marriage," she decided suddenly. "I will go to Toul, and tell messire, the bishop, the truth of the matter. I will go." "Go, Daughter of God, and fear naught," came the sweet tones of "Her Voices." "Fear naught, for we will aid thee."