CHAPTER XXXII

Bassompierre goes on a mission to Charles IV of Lorraine--He returns to France--The Venetian Ambassador Contarini informs the marshal that it is rumoured that a secret treaty has been signed between France and Spain--Richelieu authorises Bassompierre to deny that such a treaty exists, but the same day the marshal learns from the King that the French Ambassador at Madrid has signed a treaty, though unauthorised to do so--Indignation of Bassompierre, who, however, refrains from denouncing the treaty, which it is decided not to disavow--Explanation of this diplomatic imbroglio--Growing strength of the aristocratic opposition to Richelieu--The marriage of _Monsieur_--The “_Conspiration des Dames_”--Intrigues of the Duchesse de Chevreuse--Madame de Chevreuse and Chalais--Objects of the conspirators--Arrest of the Maréchal d’Ornano--Indignation of _Monsieur_--Conversation of Bassompierre with the prince--Plot against the life or liberty of Richelieu--Chalais is forced by the Commander de Valençay to reveal it to the Cardinal--“The quarry is no longer at home!”--Alarm of _Monsieur_--His abject submission to the King and Richelieu--He resumes his intrigues--Chalais is again involved in the conspiracy by Madame de Chevreuse--Arrest of the Duc de Vendôme and his half-brother the Grand Prior.....pp. 426-445