CHAPTER XIII.

THE FESTIVAL OF BLOOD.

[August and September, 1572.]

The Huguenot Gentleman Killed--Midnight at the Louvre--Charles still hesitates--The Conspirators at the window--The pistol-shot--Guise recalled too late--Scene at Coligny’s Hotel--The assault and murder--Indignities--Montfauçon--Scene at the Louvre--Queen Margaret’s alarm--Proclamations--Salviati’s letter--List of Atrocities--Death of Ramus and La Place--Charles fires upon the Fugitives--Escape of Montgomery, Sully, Duplessis-Mornay, Caumont--The Miracle of the White Thorn--Charles conscience-stricken--Thanksgiving and Justification--Execution of Briquemaut and Cavaignes--Abjuration of Henry and Condé 404