CHAPTER XXII

An alliance with Luynes’s niece, Mlle. de Combalet, proposed to Bassompierre--His journey to Spain--His entry into Madrid--He is visited by the Princess of the Asturias, the grandees and other distinguished persons--His meeting with the Duke of Ossuña--His audience of Philip III postponed owing to the King’s illness--Commissioners are appointed to treat with Bassompierre over the Valtellina question--Death of Philip III--His funeral procession--An indiscreet observation of the Duke of Ossuña to one of Bassompierre’s suite is overheard and leads to the arrest of that nobleman.....pp. 271-285