Page:Daughters of Genius.djvu/469

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' - THE TRIAL OF JEANNE DARC. 457 contest ended as on the day before. She was then inter- rogated by Jean Bpaupere, a distinguished professor of theology. " How old were you when you left your father's house ? " " As to my age, I cannot answer." " Did you learn any trade in your youth ? " ■ " Yes ; I learned to spin and sew. In sewing and spin- ning I fear no woman in Rouen. For fear of the Burgundians * I left my father's house and went to the city of Neuf chateau, in Lorraine, to the house of a woman na«ied La Rousse, where I remained about fifteen days. While I was at my father's I assisted at the usual labors of the house. I was not accustomed to go to the fields with the sheep and other animals. Every year I con- fessed to my own pastor, and, when he was engaged, to another priest with his permission. Sometimes, also — two or three times, I believe — I confessed to religious mendicants. That was at Neufchateau. At Easter I received the sacrament of the Eucharist." "Did you receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at other festivals besides Easter ? " " No matter. I was thirteen years old when I had a voice from God, which called upon me to conduct myself well. The first time I heard that voice I was terrified. It was noon, in summer, in my father's garden. I had not fasted the evening before. I heard that voice at my right, toward the church. I seldom heard it when it was not accompanied by a flash. This flash came from the same side as the voice. Usually it was very brilliant. Since I have been in France I have often heard that voice." " But how could you see the flash which you mentioned, since it was on one side ? "

  • French faction siding with the English.