e did not speak of them to
her parents, nor tell about them to the priest when she confessed. Her
enemies were thus able to say, later, that they could not have been holy
visions or Voices, otherwise she would not have concealed them from her
father, her mother, and the priest, to whom she was bound to tell
everything, and from whom she should have sought advice. Thus, long
afterwards, St. Theresa had visions, and, in obedience to her priest,
she at first distrusted these, as perhaps a delusion of evil, or a
temptation of spiritual pride. Joan, however, was afraid that her
father would interfere with her mission, and prevent her from going to
the king. She believed that she must not be 'disobedient to the heavenly
vision.'

HOW JOAN THE MAID WENT TO VAUCOULEURS

It was in 1424 that the Voices first came to Joan the Maid. The years
went on, bringing more and more sorrow to France. In 1428 only a very
few small towns in the east still held out for the Dauphin, and these
were surrounded on every side by enemies. Meanwhile the Voices came more
frequently, urging Joan to go into France, and help her country. She
asked how she, a girl, who could not ride or use sword and lance, could
be of any help? Rather would she stay at home and spin beside her dear
mother. At the same time she was encouraged by one of the vague old
prophecies which were as common in France as in Scotland. A legend ran
'that France was to be saved by a Maiden from the Oak Wood,' and there
was an Oak Wood, _le bois chenu_, near Domremy. Some such prophecy had
an influence on Joan, and probably helped people to believe in her. The
Voices, moreover, instantly and often commanded her to go to
Vaucouleurs, a neighbouring town which was loyal, and there meet Robert
de Baudricourt, who was captain of the French garrison. Now, Robert de
Baudricourt was not what is called a romantic person. Though little over
thirty, he had already married, one after the other, two rich widows. He
was a gallant soldier, but a plain practical man, very careful of his
own interest, and cunning enough to hold his own among his many enemies,
English, Burgundian, and Lorrainers. It was to him that Joan must go, a
country girl to a great noble, and tell him that she, and she alone,
could save France! Joan knew what manner of man Robert de Baudricourt
was, for her father had been obliged to visit him, and speak for the
people of Domremy when they were oppressed. She could hardly hope