CHAPTER I

PAGE
Birth. Parentage. Descent. Peaceful Times. A Gallant Soldier. Huguenots and Catholics. More Storm-clouds. A Stately Home. The Idle Sword. A Royal Summons; and a Death Summons. A Troubled Wife and Mother. An Unfortunate Princess. A Doubtful Honour. Roundhand and Ruled Paper. A Naughty Little Girl. Sisters indeed. Happy Days. The Rubens Portrait[1]

CHAPTER II

At the Hague. A Dreary Court. A Marriage of Convenience. A Lady-of-Honour. Home. The Firstborn. Cloudy Sunshine[16]

CHAPTER III

“Res Angusta Domi.” A White Elephant. Gathering Clouds. Keeping a Brave Heart. A Grand Function. Royal Gifts. Fresh Anxieties. Baron Strange. National Grievances. “Shortcoats.” A Contract[32]

CHAPTER IV

Lathom House. Orm the Saxon. The Ancestry of the Earls of Derby. A Family Legend. “Sans Changer.” A Stately Old Home. The Royal Guest, and the Fool. The Baron’s Retainers. A Goodly “Checkrowle.” Public Troubles. The Siege of Rochelle. “The Villain has killed me.” National Grievances. An Earnest Request[40]

CHAPTER V

A Chapter of Correspondence[56]