CHAPTER IX

Amusements of Bassompierre during the winter of 1608--His gambling-parties--Embarrassment which the fact of having several love-affairs on his hands simultaneously sometimes occasions him--Death of Charles III of Lorraine--Bassompierre goes to Nancy to attend the Duke’s funeral--Gratifying testimony which he receives during his absence of the esteem in which he is held by the ladies of the Court of France--“The star of Venus is very much in the ascendant over him”--Marriage arranged between Marie d’Entragues and the Comte d’Aché, of Auvergne--The affair is broken off--Frenzied gambling at the Court: gains of Bassompierre--Secret visits paid by him and the Duc de Guise to Madame de Verneuil and Marie d’Entragues at Conflans--Visit of the Duke of Mantua to the Court of France.....pp. 95-99