Chapter 3

PRINCESS DES URSINS.

CHAP. I.--Two ladies of the Bedchamber during _the war of the Spanish Succession_--Lady Churchill and the Princess des Ursins--Political motives for their elevation in England and Spain 127

II.--The Princess des Ursins--The married life of Anne de la Tremouille--She becomes the centre of contemporary politics in Rome 131

III.--Madame des Ursins aspires to govern Spain--Her manoeuvres to secure the post of Camerara-Mayor 141

IV.--The Princess assumes the functions of Camerara-Mayor to the young Queen of Spain--An unpropitious royal wedding 148

V.--Onerous and incongruous duties of the Camerara-Mayor--She renders Marie Louise popular with the Spaniards--The policy adopted by the Princess for the regeneration of Spain--Character of Philip and Marie Louise--Two political systems combated by Madame des Ursins--She effects the ruin of her political rivals and reigns absolutely in the Councils of the Crown 161

VI.--The Princess makes a false step in her Statecraft--A blunder and an imbroglio 175

VII.--The Princess quits Madrid by command of Louis XIV.--After a short exile, she receives permission to visit Versailles 184

VIII.--The Princess triumphs at Versailles 192