CHAPTER XL

Peace is signed with the Emperor at Ratisbon--The Queen-Mother deprives Richelieu’s niece Madame de Combalet of her post of _dame d’atours_ and demands of Louis XIII the instant dismissal of the Cardinal--The Luxembourg interview--“The Day of Dupes”--Triumph of Richelieu--Bassompierre’s explanation of his own part in this affair--His visit to Versailles--“He has arrived after the battle!”--He gives offence to Richelieu by refusing an invitation to dinner--He finds himself in semi-disgrace--_Monsieur_ quarrels with the Cardinal and leaves the Court--The King again treats Bassompierre with cordiality--Departure of the Court for Compiègne--Bassompierre learns that the Queen-Mother has been placed under arrest and the Princesse de Conti exiled, and that he himself is to be arrested--The marshal is advised by the Duc d’Épernon to leave France--He declines and announces his intention of going to the Court to meet his fate--He burns “more than six thousand love-letters”--His arrival at the Court--Singular conduct of the King towards him--The marshal is arrested by the Sieur de Launay, lieutenant of the Gardes du Corps, and conducted to the Bastille.....pp. 597-613