CHAPTER II

Visit of the Bassompierre family to Paris--François dances in a ballet before Henri IV at Monceaux--He is presented to the King, who receives him very graciously--He decides to enter the service of Henri IV--He escorts his Majesty’s mistress, Gabrielle d’Estrées, Duchesse de Beaufort, to Paris--Sudden illness and death of the duchess--Extravagant grief of Henri IV, who, however, soon finds consolation in the society of Henriette d’Entragues--Affray between the Prince de Joinville and the Grand Equerry Bellegarde at Zamet’s house, where the King is staying--Visit of Bassompierre to Lorraine--He returns to Paris.....pp. 15-29