“Then I must initiate you into the mystery,” pursued Richelieu.  “The bad advice of that madman Chanteloupe has been the cause of all the errors of which she has been guilty.  The King had requested the Infanta to deliver the man up to him; a demand by which he was so incensed that he forthwith urged the Queen to leave the Low Countries, declaring that she would no longer be safe there, should Isabella, whose health is failing fast, chance to die.  The poor woman, listening to this interested counsel, accordingly resolved to go to England, but Charles would not receive her without the consent of her son.  Thereupon she asked for some vessels to convey her to Spain, to which the English monarch replied that he would furnish her with a fleet, provided that his brother-in-law approved of her intention, and that Philip would consent to her remaining in his dominions.  His Catholic Majesty has already given the required pledge, but I am not yet aware of the determination of my own sovereign.  You see to what a pitiable state she is reduced; she does not know which way to turn; and I really feel for her.  I wish with all my heart that I could help her; but so far from seeing her position in its right light, she continues so headstrong that she feels no regret for the past, and declares that she never shall do so.”

M. de Gondi remained silent; and after pausing an instant Richelieu resumed:  “As the Queen-mother really wishes to change her place of abode, would to God that she would select some country where the King could prove to her the extent of his affection without endangering the interests of the state; and where nothing might prevent me from testifying towards her my own gratitude and respect.  Charles of England cannot well refuse the use of his ships after her request, but I cannot bring myself to believe that she actually desires to reside in Spain.  Should she ultimately incline towards Florence, and anticipate a good reception from the Grand Duke, do you apprehend that she would be disappointed in her hope?”

“Monseigneur,” cautiously replied the envoy, who was not without a suspicion of the motive which urged the Cardinal to hazard this inquiry, and who had received no instructions upon the subject, “I know nothing of the projects of her Majesty, nor do I believe that the Grand Duke is better informed than myself.  The Court of Florence entertains such perfect confidence in the affection of the King of France for his mother, that it leaves all such arrangements to the good feeling of his Majesty.”

“The aspect of affairs has greatly changed within the last few months,” observed Richelieu, “and I am of opinion that the King would be gratified should the Grand Duke consent to receive his niece, in the event of her desiring to pass a short time under his protection, until a perfect reconciliation is effected between them; but you will see that should she once set foot in England, she will never leave it again, and will by her intrigues inevitably embroil us with that country.”