Death of the Grand Duke of Tuscany—­The Queen’s ballet—­Mademoiselle de Montmorency—­Description of her person—­She is betrothed to Bassompierre—­Indignation of the Due de Bouillon—­Contrast between the rivals—­The Duc de Bellegarde excites the curiosity of the King—­The nymph of Diana—­The rehearsal—­Passion of the King for Mademoiselle de Montmorency—­The royal gout—­Interposition of the Duc de Roquelaure—­Firmness of the Connetable—­The ducal gout—­Postponement of the marriage—­Diplomacy of Henry—­The sick-room—­An obedient daughter—­Henry resolves to prevent the marriage—­The King and the courtier—­Lip-deep loyalty—­Henry offers the hand of Mademoiselle de Montmorency to the Prince de Conde—­The regal pledge—­The Prince de Conde consents to espouse Mademoiselle de Montmorency—­Invites Bassompierre to his betrothal—­Royal tyranny—­A cruel pleasantry—­The betrothal—­Court festivities—­Happiness of the Queen—­Royal presents to the bride—­The ex-Queen’s ball—­Jealousy of the Prince de Conde—­Indignation of the Queen—­Henry revenges himself upon M. de Conde—­Madame de Conde retires from the Court—­The King insists on her return—­The Prince de Conde feigns compliance—­The Prince and Princess escape to the Low Countries—­The news of their flight reaches Fontainebleau—­Birth of a Princess—­Unpleasant surprise—­Henry betrays his annoyance to the Queen—­He assembles his ministers—­He resolves to compel the return of the Princess to France—­Conflicting counsels—­M. de Praslin is despatched to Brussels—­Embarrassment of the Archduke Albert—­He refuses an asylum to M. de Conde, who proceeds to Milan—­The Princess remains at Brussels—­She is honourably entertained—­Interference of the Queen—­Philip of Spain promises his protection to the Prince de Conde—­He is invited to return to Brussels—­The Marquis de Coeuvres endeavours to effect the return of the Prince to France—­His negotiation fails—­Madame de Conde is placed under surveillance—­Her weariness of the Court of Brussels—­The Duc de Montmorency desires her return to Paris—­M. de Coeuvres is authorized to effect her escape from Brussels—­The plot prospers—­Indiscretion of the King—­The Queen informs the Spanish minister of the conspiracy—­Madame de Conde is removed to the Archducal palace—­Mortification of the King—­The French envoys expostulate with the Archduke, who remains firm—­Henry resolves to declare war against Spain and Flanders—­Fresh negotiations—­The King determines to head the army in person—­Marie de Medicis becomes Regent of France—­She is counselled by Concini to urge her coronation—­Reluctance of the King to accede to her request—­He finally consents—­“The best husband in the world”—­Fatal prognostics—­Signs in the heavens—­The Cure of Montargis—­The Papal warning—­The Cardinal Barberino—­The Sultan’s message—­Suspicious circumstances—­Supineness of the Austrian Cabinet—­Prophecy of Anne de Comans—­Her miserable fate—­The astrologer Thomassin—­The Bearnais noble—­The Queen’s dream—­Royal presentiments—­The hawthorn of the Louvre—­Distress of Bassompierre—­Expostulation of the King—­Melancholy forebodings.