CHAPTER XI.

THE MARRIAGE AND THE PLOT.

[August, 1572.]

Proposed German and English Alliances--Anjou’s Refusal--Treaty with England--Capture of Mons--Defeat of Genlis--Walsingham’s Dispatches--War-Excitement--Deliberations in Council--Charles at Montpipeau--Catherine follows him--Her tears--Increasing influence of Coligny--His Death resolved on--Joan of Navarre in Paris--Her sudden Death--Distrust and Warnings--Coligny’s firmness--Plot and Counterplot--Henry of Navarre enters Paris--The Wedding--Masque at the Hôtel Bourbon--The Admiral’s last Letter--Plot to Assassinate him--The Duchess of Nemours--Maurevel sent for 353