the midday sun
I had noted that the Maid had just such a slim , tall figure as he , and was certain that this suit , laid away by our mother in a cedar chest , would fit her as though made for her . But it had not come yet , and she was habited in the tunic and hose she now wore at all times . Her beautiful hair still hung in heavy masses round her shoulders , giving to her something of the look of a saintly warrior on painted window . Later on , when she had to wear a headpiece , she cut off her long curling locks , and then her hair just framed her face like a nimbus ; but today it was still hanging loose upon her shoulders , and the laughing child had got his little hands well twisted in the waving mass , upon which the midday sun was shining clear and strong . She had risen , and was looking earnestly at De Baudricourt ; yet all the while she seemed to be , as it were , listening for other sounds than those of his voice . When he ceased she was silent for a brief while , and then spoke . `` I would fain it had been to the Dauphin you would send me , Seigneur ; but since that may not be yet , I will gladly go to the Duke , if I may but turn aside to make my pilgrimage to the shrine of St Nicholas , where I would say some prayers , and ask help . ''