The priest appears skeptical of Miss Davenport's claim. (This may be partly due to the minor
faux pas of being addressed as Monsieur rather than Père.)
-- These are troubling times, but I assure you that no one would dare to violate the sanctity of the Church. I suggest that you pray for peace of mind. --
With that he withdraws, carrying the ladder.
By this time the two ladies have received word from Ivan that Doctor North has been incapacitated whilst rendering the infernal device inactive. After conveying this message he returns to the side of his master, who rests fitfully, watched over by the sympathetic ministrations of his beloved.
Persons of various classes arrive at the cathedral for the Vespers service. Given the diminishing light as the sun sets, it is a simple matter for the two ladies to withdraw into the shadows and observe events as they occur.
Unlike the lighthearted merriment associated with All Hallow's Eve in England, the service is a solemn affair, as prayers are said for the souls in Purgatory. All proceeds as normally. Midway through the service, a beam of white light suddenly appears, projected from the central image of the Virgin and landing on the floor, as if an exceptionally bright ray of moonlight were to shine through a clear pane of glass.
As the assembled worshipers gasp in amazement, a small image is formed within the circle of light on the stone floor. It appears to be a human figure arrayed in golden armor, no more than a span high. The figure seems to be animate, moving its arms in dramatic gestures as it speaks in a voice not in keeping with its minuscule dimensions, but rather one which is all too familiar to the adventurers.
-- Arise! -- cries this ghostly poppet. -- France must be free! --
The reaction of those within is mere astonishment; but without the cathedral may be heard the clatter of approaching footsteps on cobblestones, and shouts crying for bread and justice.