"Certainly," he said hastily. "But he sends certain of his friends to see if those who seek admission are worthy to enter his presence. Be advised, my child, and tell us why you wish to see him." For a long moment Jeanne stood looking at him as though she saw him not; then suddenly her face became transfigured with joy, for the Light shone beside her, and she bowed her head. The Voice that she waited for came instantly: "Tell of thy mission, Daughter of God," it said. "But of that which concerns the Dauphin speak not. Rise, and answer boldly. We will aid thee." The maiden raised her head, and said gently: "I have leave from 'My Voices,' messire, to tell you that I have two commands laid upon me by the King of Heaven. One, to raise the siege of Orléans; the other, to lead the Dauphin to Reims that he may be crowned and anointed there." The bishops heard her with amazement. They had not seen the Light, nor heard the Voice, but they saw that the maiden had received a communication of some kind, either from inward communion, or some celestial visitor. The senior bishop's tones showed his wonder. "Those are marvellous commands, my child. What sign can you give us that you can perform them?" "I have not come to give signs," cried Jeanne, her impatience flaring forth at this. "Give me men-at-arms, and let me show the work I am appointed to do." "Then will you relate how the commands were given to you?" questioned the bishop. Briefly, because Jeanne never liked to talk much of her visions, the maiden told something concerning the matter. The whole of it she did not tell. Then followed questions pertaining to her manner of life, her devotion, her habits about taking the sacraments of communion and confession, and so on. To all of these she made answer freely, with such modest mien that the ecclesiastics finally withdrew, charmed by her simplicity and earnestness. And now the delay was ended; for, as evening fell, there came the Count de Vendôme, a gracious nobleman richly attired, to escort her to the King. De Poulengy and De Metz rejoiced that there would be no further delay. Being personal attendants of Jeanne's they were to accompany her to the castle. Count de Vendôme eyed the simple page attire of the maiden soberly. She was clad like the varlet of some lord of no great estate, in black cap with a little silver brooch, a grey doublet, and black and grey hose, trussed up with many points; the sword that Robert de Baudricourt had given her hung by her side. At first sight she might well have passed for a boy, she was so slender and carried herself so erectly. There was admiration in the nobleman's glance as he surveyed her gracious figure, but his words were grave: "Will you attend the audience in that garb, Pucelle?" he asked. And Jeanne, remembering how De Metz with a like expression of countenance had asked a similar question when she wore her woman's dress, laughed cheerily.