[Quotes & Images]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

[Marguerite de Valois]—Etching by Mercier [Bussi d' Amboise]—Painting in the Versailles Gallery [Duc de Guise]—Painting in the Versailles Gallery [Catherine de' Medici]—Original Etching by Mercier [Henri VI. and La Fosseuse]—Painting by A. P. E. Morton [A Scene at Henri's Court]—Original Photogravure

LETTERS

[LETTER I.]

Introduction.—Anecdotes of Marguerite's Infancy.—Endeavours Used to Convert Her to the New Religion.—She Is Confirmed in Catholicism.—The Court on a Progress.—A Grand Festivity Suddenly Interrupted.—The Confusion in Consequence.

[LETTER II.]

Message from the Duc d'Anjou, Afterwards Henri III., to King Charles His Brother and the Queen-mother.—Her Fondness for Her Children.—Their Interview.—Anjou's Eloquent Harangue.—The Queen-mother's Character. Discourse of the Duc d'Anjou with Marguerite.—She Discovers Her Own Importance.—Engages to Serve Her Brother Anjou.—Is in High Favour with the Queenmother.

[LETTER III.]

Le Guast.—His Character.—Anjou Affects to Be Jealous of the Guises.—Dissuades the Queen-mother from Reposing Confidence in Marguerite.—She Loses the Favour of the Queen-mother and Falls Sick.—Anjou's Hypocrisy.—He Introduces De Guise into Marguerite's Sick Chamber.—Marguerite Demanded in Marriage by the King of Portugal.—Made Uneasy on That Account.—Contrives to Relieve Herself.—The Match with Portugal Broken off.