hopes, and the brains of both were hives of happy thoughts.
"May I ask you a question?" Villon said, and the girl answered:
"Surely."
"Are you content with me?"
"You have done much."
"I have more to do. For seven days I have wrestled with greatness as Jacob wrestled with the angels; I have made the king popular, the Parisians loyal, the army faithful"
"Then why do you linger here where courtiers feast and ladies dance?"
Villon's voice swelled proudly as he answered:
"I want the Duke of Burgundy to believe that the king's favourite is a zany, and the king's court an orgy, where the king's honour melts like a pearl in a pot of vinegar. But our swords are tempered in wine and sharpened to dance music, and to-night we ride."
The girl sighed. "I would that I were a man that I might ride with you."
Villon came close to her and peered into her eyes.
"I ride in your honour. Heaven has been very good to me, and I serve France serving you. Perhaps I serve both for the last time."
"For the last time?" she repeated.
