Queen and cardinal, a memoir of Anne of Austria and of her relations with Cardinal Mazarin

Preface

IN the following account of the life of Anne or Austria I wish at once to disclaim any idea of posing as a writer of history. The period embraced by the memoirs of this remarkable woman — one of the most important Queens- Regent who was ever called upon to act the part of a sovereign — is a very attractive one.

The alliance of Bourbon and Hapsburg initiates a new era, in which dynastic considerations are allimportant, but the larger facts of the histories of France and Europe in the seventeenth century have been treated by many able historians, and do not enter into the scope or intention of these pages.

I have dealt mainly with the life of Anne of Austria in the more intimate details of her home life, and of her court filled with attractive women who were by turns her friends and her enemies, and only one chronicler is to be found who throws any light upon the subject from this point of view. This is Madame de Motteville, the Queen's faithful vi PREFACE

bed-chamber woman, who wrote four volumes of ' memoirs, well known in France, though but little read in England. I have endeavoured to cull the more interesting portions from this book, which was compiled — if not during Anne's lifetime, directlyafter her death — by the one person competent to speak of the vie intinie of this Queen who lived two hundred and seventy-five years ago.

On one subject, however, the De Motteville Memoirs are silent. No mention is made of the deep attachment existing between Anne and the famous Minister, the Cardinal Mazarin. Respect for her royal mistress, and regard for her fair fame, caused Madame de Motteville to preserve a discreet silence. Other contemporaneous writers were, however, by no means so chivalrous. All the memoirs of the time treat of this famous love-story as a veritable chroniqtie scandaleuse, and the question as to whether a private ceremony of marriage had taken place between these lovers was raised, but never satisfactorily settled. Be that as it may, the fact remains, that into Anne's sad and lonely existence a great romance entered at a time when her youth and beauty had waned and she had already attained middle age, and it lasted till the end of her days.

It is more particularly this episode that I have tried to portray in these pages, in the hope that the

PREFACE vii

picture of the loves and sorrows of famous personages in the far-away past may prove of interest to the readers of to-day.

The student of history must turn to other and cleverer writers if he wishes to study France at that epoch.

C. Grant.

DiNARD, 1906.

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Chapter I The Marriage Of Louis Page

Two Young Princesses — The Spanish Bride — Royal Preparations — The French Bride — The Interchange — Louis XIII. — His Occupations — His Letter of Welcome — Description of Anne — An Unlucky Omen — The Marriage — Anne's Difficult Position I

Chapter II The Infatuation Of Buckingham

Due de Luynes — Duchesse de Luynes — Anne's Flirtations — Duke of Buckingham — The Royal Banquet — Court at Amiens — Romantic Adventure — The Duke's Farewell — His Audacious Conduct — Last Interview — Cardinal Richelieu . . 14

Chapter VII Mazarin

Mazarin's Parentage — Mazarin's Youth— His Passion for Gambling — Mazarin's Relations — The Violet Robes — Anne and Mazarin — Raconteur and Wit 5^

CHAPTER VIII THE CONSPIRACY OF CINQ MARS AND DEATH OF RICHELIEU Birth of the Dauphin— Marquis de Cinq Mars— His Arrest- Cinq Mars executed — Death of RicheHeu — The Two Ministers 66

CHAPTER IX DEATH OF LOUIS XIII. AND RISE OF MAZARIN Death of Louis XIII. — Louis XIV. enters Paris — Interview with Mazarin — Anne Queen-Regent — The Vendome Cabal — Le v Petit Conseil— Mazarin's Advice— Marquise de Senace— Duchesse de Chevreuse — La Belle 73

CHAPTER X

MAZARIN AS MINISTER

A Love Letter— Quarrel of the Ladies — Le Jardin de Renard — Indignation of Anne— Les Importans— Flight to St. Malo— The Duel — Court Moves to Palais Roj'al — Mazarin's Power 84

CONTENTS xi

CHAPTER XI

THE queen's life AS REGENT

PAGE

Anne's Daily Life — Le Grand Cabinet — The Queen's Supper — Her Religious Observances — Summer at Rueil — Mazarin's Illness — Anne's Devotion to him ...... 94

CHAPTER XH THE QUEEN AS REGENT

Return of Henrietta Maria — Battle of Nordlingen — The Parlement

— Lit de Justice — Anne consults Mazarin .... 102

CHAPTER XHI MARRIAGE OF PRINCESS MARIE

Marie de Gonzague — The Envoys from Poland — The Marriage by Proxy — The Queen of Poland — Her Arrival at Warsaw — King Ladislas — A Dearly-bought Crown .... 108

CHAPTER XIV

GROWING ATTACHMENT OF THE QUEEN AND CARDINAL

Anne's Love of the Theatre — Education of the King — The Italian Troupe — The Cardinal's Grand Ball — Scandalous Insinuations — Anne questions La Porte and learns the Scandal — The Queen's Oath — The King has Small-pox— His Recovery . 116

CHAPTER XV MAZARIN'S PALACE

His Art Treasures — His Library — Mazarin's Luxury — The Retiro — Mazarin's Ascendancy — Supposed Secret Marriage — Mazarin's Faithful Love — His Dominion over Anne . . .127

CHAPTER XVI GATHERING STORMS

The Cardinal's Nieces — Twelfth Night — Mazarin's Revenues — Anne offends Mazarin — He counsels Prudence — Riot at the Notre Dame — Captain of the Guard dismissed . . . 136 xii CONTENTS

CHAPTER XVII

MAZARIN IN DANGER

PAGE

Arrest of Broussel — A Tumult ensues — Broussel released — Terror at Court — The King leaves for Rueil — The Court returns to Paris 144

CHAPTER XVIII

THE FRONDE

Midnight at the Palace — Anne's Flight — Discomfort at St. Germain — The Fronde — Queen of the Frondeurs — Hatred of Mazarin — Distress in Paris — No Peace, no Mazarin — End of the Fronde 1 5 ^

CHAPTER XIX

THE AFFAIR OF THE MARQUIS DE JARZ£

Poverty at Court — Mademoiselle de Chevreuse — Madame de Chevreuse coldly received — Marquis de Jarze — Meeting in the Garden — Due de Beaufort's conduct at the Supper — The Cardinal's Jealousy — Waiting-woman dismissed — Insult to Jarze — Conde takes his Part 161

CHAPTER XX

DISAFFECTION AT COURT

Fickle Parisians — The Tabouret — Revolt of the Nobles — The Queen in Difficulties— Anne sends for the Bishops — Mademoiselle de Montbazon — The House of Rohan . . 172

CHAPTER XXI THE YOUNG FRONDE — RESIGNATION OF MAZARIN

King and Queen at Rouen — Escape of Duchesse de Longueville — Tempest prevents her Sailing — Mazarin surrounded by Enemies — He resigns the Charge of the King — His farewell to Anne — He decides to leave France 180

CHAPTER XXII

MAZARIN IN EXILE

Mazarin's Flight— Excitement in Paris — De Chauvigny holds

Office — Mazarin still pulls the Strings 1 88

II CONTENTS xiii

CHAPTER XXIII

THE cardinal's CVPHER LETTERS

PAGE

Cypher Letters to the Queen — Expressions of Love and Unfailing Devotion — Letter No. 3 — Letter No. 31 — Letter No. 34 — Letter No. 43 — Letter No. 53 — Letter No. 63 — Letter No. 74 — Letter No. 96 — Cardinal about to return — Unbroken Union 193

CHAPTER XXIV

THE RETURN OF MAZARIN

Intrigues among the Ladies for Mazarin's return — The Grand Monarque — Chateauneuf as Minister — Duchesse de Navailles intereferes — Madame de Chatillon — The Cardinal leaves for France — Triumphant Return — Magistrates offer Homage — Absolute Submission 209

CHAPTER XXV

MAZARIN AGAIN IN POWER

Le Grand Spoliateur — Olympe Mancini — Marries Comte de Soissons — Madame Mancini — Marie Mancini — The King's Rudeness — Mazarin's Speech to the Envoy — Spanish Alliance , 220

CHAPTER XXVI

A WIFE FOR LOUIS XIV

Princesse Marguerite of Savoy — Indignation of King of Spain — Louis is Stubborn — Anne in Despair — Peace and the Infanta — Departure of Princess of Savoy 229

CHAPTER XXVII

LOUIS XIV. AND MARIE MANCINI

Anne's Indignation with the Minister — The Cardinal remonstrates — The Lovers' Parting — Diplomatic Arrangements — End of Romance 236 xiv CONTENTS

CHAPTER XXVIII TREATY OF PEACE AND MARRIAGE OF LOUIS XIV

PAGE

Marriage by Proxy — Spanish Wedding-dress — Meeting between Anne and Philip — Louis first sees Marie-Th^rese — Family Dinner-party — Royal Wedding — Queen-Mother returns to Paris 242

CHAPTER XXIX

DEATH OF MAZARIN

Betrothal of Monsieur — Hortense de Mancini — Cardinal's increasing Malady — The King's Grief — The Queen's Devotion — Death of Mazarin , 250

CHAPTER XXX MAZARIN'S HEIRS

Lying-in-State — Abuse of the Dead Cardinal — His Enormous Wealth — His Personal Legacies — Death of Madame de Chevreuse 257

CHAPTER XXXI

Conclusion

Death of Anne — Lasting Love between Queen and Cardinal . 263

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

. ANNE OF AUSTRIA. From the portrait in the Louvre

(Photogravure) Frontispiece

Facing page '^ANNE AT THE TIME OF HER MARRIAGE. After P. MarCttC,

1692 .......... 16

38 76 vANNE ON HORSEBACK. After F. David

sANNE AS A WIDOW. After Ph. Champigne

CARDINAL MAZARiN. From the engraving by F. Nanteui (Photogravure) .......

^ MAZARIN IN HIS GALLERY. From an engraving by Nanteui after Chauveau .......

QUEEN ANNE AND THE CARDINAL. From a skctch by

R. P. Bonington 234

QUEEN AND CARDINAL

Chapter I The Marriage Of Louis

ON a bright morning in late autumn in 1615 a long cavalcade of gentlemen, followed bysoldiers bearing spears and pennants glistening in the sunlight, might have been seen descending the steep road leading down to the Spanish border, where the rushing waters of the Bidassoa flowed through the rich valley. This stream, which falls into an estuary at the south of the Bay of Biscay, has its name from a Basque word signifying "clearness," the waters being remarkable for their purity. The river had long been a subject of contest between France and Spain, forming as it does the boundary between the two countries ; but in the fifteenth century Louis XII. and Ferdinand I. concluded an agreement by virtue of which the river became common to both nations.

The foremost riders among the cavalcade, shading

I

2 TWO YOUNG PRINCESSES [chap, i

their eyes from the oblique rays of the winter sun, were looking anxiously to see whether on the opposite shore any advancing party was coming from the north.

In the midst of this goodly company was borne with due state a royal litter, adorned with the arms of Spain, the rich curtains of which being drawn aside a bright young face looked out, also anxiously scanning the distant scene.

A mere girl, almost a child, hardly suited for the pomp and ceremony with which she was being treated ; and yet the crown of France, the greatest of the European countries, was about to be placed on her youthful head. This young Princess was Donna Anna, the Infanta of Spain, who, surrounded by her court, was travelling to the country so soon to become her own, to be presented to her future husband, King Louis XIII.

She was still full of curiosity and girlish amusement, and the mighty affairs of State counted for nothing as yet with the little bride, though doubtless she was not without many fears, though she bravely kept them to herself Just now her mind was centred upon a meeting about to take place which naturally was of the most absorbing character for her.

Madame Elisabeth of France, daughter of Henri IV., the young sister of the juvenile King Louis XI 1 1., was on her way to the court which Donna Anna had just left, to marry the Infante of Spain, afterwards Philippe IV. This exchange of brides, the result of many negotiations, held to il i6is] THE SPANISH BRIDE 3

be advisable for the peace of Europe, was about to take place.

The night before the Spanish court had halted at Fuenterrabia, a beautiful old town that rises like an amphitheatre on the side of a hill at the head of the Gulf of Gascony, near the left bank of the Bidassoa.

Philippe III., King of Spain, who accompanied his daughter, was closely allied to the House of Austria both by birth and marriage, and his only daughter had been given the name of his mother, " Anne of Austria," a name which she bore for the rest of her life — a proud title which even as Queen of France she would not forgo. Philippe adored his young daughter, and, though the match may have satisfied his ambitions, his heart was sore at the coming separation. It was a cruel one for him, and contrary to all etiquette he determined to remain with her to the very last moment ; for this interchange was to take place in the centre of the river which was the boundary of the Spanish dominions.

As the party descended on their side of the river, they had come in sight of the preparations below, which were of a very curious nature, and the details of which have been preserved for us in the old records of the day/ At the narrowest passage of

' " L'Arrivee de la royne a Sainct Jean de LVS, 1615. L'ordres prescriptes des ceremonies, 161 5. Par grace et permission il est permis a Sylvestre Moreau Marchant, libraire et colleporteur de faire imprimer, par tel Imprimerie que bon lui semblera les ceremonies faictes et obsernees a St. Jean de Lus a I'eschange des Infantes de France et d'Espagne. Et deffences a tous autres Imprimeurs et libraires de les imprimer ou contrefaire son permission,"

4 ROYAL PREPARATIONS [chap, i

the Bidassoa three rafts or boats had been prepared. On two of them had been erected royal pavilions, with crowns of France and Spain respectively on each of them. The pillars supporting them were draped with rich embroideries of gold and silver in beautiful designs. The expense was said to have been shared in common by the two countries ; but there was no question that the preparations made by the Spaniards were far more grandiose, and the costliest materials and the most brilliant display of gold and silver were employed for their side of the passage.

Two of the barges were moored at the opposite sides of the stream, and it was decreed that the royal brides were to rest in their separate tents, while the whole of the baggage and suites of both parties crossed the river. Perhaps " tent " is hardly the proper word to use, though the pavilions were draped with curtains, for fear of bad weather had occasioned all preparations to be made against inconvenience from rain ; and chimneys had been built, for the year was waning and, in spite of the bright southern sun, the weather was decidedly chilly.

The third barge in the centre, equally handsomely decorated, was not meant as a resting-place, but only as a passage from one country to the other.

To prevent confusion there were barriers fixed for some distance on either side of the river, to keep out the multitude, and to leave the roads clear for the royal corteges.

The procession had halted on the mountain-side, i6i5] THE FRENCH BRIDE 5

and, no one yet being in sight on the winding pass descending on the other side, a cry of dismay arose among the Spanish ranks.

Had the French failed in fulfilHng their contract, thus offering an insult to the throne of Spain ? If so, they would all be dishonoured as a nation. Donna Anna turned pale at the ominous sounds around her, and longed to clasp her father's hand, for protection and help ; but he was riding ahead of her litter. It was a journey not without risk, and fears were entertained that the army of the Huguenots might oppose the entrance into France, even when the passage of the Bidassoa had been safely accomplished.

Then a shout arose from the soldiers, for a horseman had just appeared in sight, and soon a long train similar to their own, surrounding the litter of Madame Elisabeth, wound slowly down the winding road on the opposite shore.

Strict orders had been issued that, once in sight of each other, they were to travel at exactly the same pace, and reach the two shores at the same moment.^ At a signal the litters were lowered and the curtains drawn aside, and the Princesses, in their royal robes, alighted in view of the vast crowd. The Due de Guise escorted " Madame," and if the preparations of the French hardly equalled those of the Spaniards, he made up for this by the number of his followers. All the flower of the French army were ranged in battle array

' L'Ordre Prescrites des Ceremonies y MDC.XV.

6 THE INTERCHANGE [chap, r

behind them, with orders to wait and form the escort of the new Queen, while a band of violins, trumpets, and drums were ready to welcome her with a burst of music and herald her entrance into Bayonne. A lane was formed by the rival courtiers, and the brides walked through them to their separate pavilions, amid the rolling of the drums and the shouting of the people. Rest and refreshment were naturally much needed by the whole party, and they had ample leisure for it during the passage of the baggage and attendants, which took some time. Here, too, the farewells had to be said. Little *• Madame's " adieux were of a formal nature, but Anna clung to her father and passionately embraced him. When all was ready, the signal was given ; the two barges were slowly moved from the banks, till they reached the mutual ground in the middle of the stream. The orders were that the princesses should pass each other, giving a right hand, and that the gentlemen- and ladies-in-waiting should do the same, so that there might be no delay or confusion ; those in charge had to see that these orders were carried out. But when the two little girls met (for Anna was only fifteen, and Elisabeth eleven) strict etiquette was set aside, and the new sisters warmly embraced, as they stood each on the border of their respective territories. Then Anna stepped on to the French barge, and as it slowly glided to the shore her Spanish life was over now she was Queen of France. Entering the i6i5] LOUIS XIII. 7

litter of " Madame," she was borne through her welcoming subjects on the way to Bayonne.

The expectant bridegroom, King Louis XIII., was only a boy of fifteen, a few days younger than the Infanta. The negotiations for this marriage had been going on for years, and had begun before the tragic death of his father, Henri IV. At that time the young couple were children, not yet ten years old. Louis had been a sickly boy, and had been reared with difficulty by his gouvernante, Madame de Monglat. He needed constant care ; but being always in the hands of his physicians, who were perpetually giving him medicines, he had little chance of being either manly or robust.^ But though weak in body, his mind was even in those early days not without ambition, and he had a great idea of his own powers, and resented any interference fi-om others. At his coronation, when the Prince de Conde, thinking the sceptre would be too heavy, interfered, to relieve him of his load, he turned to him angrily and exclaimed, " Non ! non ! je veux porter mon sceptre seul," a remark which has a melancholy interest when we remember how signally he failed to carry out even his own ideas of government. He was not without some accomplishments ; he was fond of music and versifying, and had a great love of geography. When a small boy, he would make rose-leaves float in his bath, and call them " ships sailing from

' Vie Particulilre de Louis XIII. ^ par Herouard, son premier M^decin.

8 HIS OCCUPATIONS [chap, i

India to Goa"; but his great passion was for birds. In appearance he was not bad-looking, but buih on rather deHcate lines.

This was the youth who was awaiting the arrival of Donna Anna of Spain. Not with much impatience, for he was very averse to the marriage, though his mother, Marie de' Medici, had done her best to encourage him, and to persuade him he might find other pleasures than that of the chase, to which he was devoted.

He was willing enough, however, to set off for Bordeaux with a train of soldiers to meet his bride. His physician, M. Herouard, writes in his journal of August 17: "The King awoke at 4.30, too impatient to start on his journey to delay even an hour. His face was bright and gay, and he was dressed with care. After an early breakfast he went booted and spurred to say his prayers in the Chapelle de Bourbon, and before seven o'clock the cortege had set out for Bordeaux." ^

During the time he had to wait at that town for the arrival of the bride, he did not think it necessary to change his childish habits and occupations. He looked after his dogs and his birds, sometimes he assumed the dress of a pantaleone as a masquerade, or would make masse pans (or almond sweetmeat) for his delectation.^ Occasionally the idea of the impending ceremony would overwhelm him, and he would spend the day in tears, and then forget his woes in hawking.

Journal de Herouard^ vol. 4. ^ A. Baschet, Le Roi chez la Reine.

i6i5] HIS LETTER OF WELCOME 9

Primed by his advisers, he wrote a letter of welcome to meet Anna at Bayonne, whence a courier was to be despatched directly on her arrival, so that he might be in readiness for her. This letter has been preserved ; but though it came from the royal pen, it is hard to say whether the sentiments were Louis' own, or dictated to him.^

" Madame,

" Ne pouvant selon mon desir me trouver aupres de vous, a I'entree de mon Royaume, pour vous mettre en possession du pouvoir que j'ai, comme aussi de mon entiere affection, de vous aimer et servir, j'envoi Luines vers vous, un de mes plus confident serviteurs, pour en mon nom vous saluer, et vous dire que vous etes attendue de moi avec impatience, pour vous offrir moi-meme I'un et I'autre. Je vous prie done le recevoir favorablement, et le croire de ce qu'il vous dira de la part Madame, de votre plus amy et serviteur.

" Louis."

It was the Due de Luynes who presented this letter from his royal master on Anna's arrival at Bordeaux, and accompanied her to the Bishop's Palace, which had been prepared for her reception, and he had orders to bring her by the same route that had been passed over by Madame Elisabeth

' This letter is part of a pamphlet which was printed at the time in Paris at the " Imprimerie Antoine du Brucil entre le Pont St. Michel, et la rue de la Harpe a I'etoile couronnee. M.D.c.XV., avec permission."

lo DESCRIPTION OF ANNE [chap, i

when on her way to Spain, the Due de Guise being also in charge.

As the new Queen proceeded in her litter, she little knew that five miles from Bordeaux the King in disguise had mingled with the crowd that lined the road, in order that he might satisfy his boyish curiosity as to his bride.

Even in those early years she was tall, with a well-proportioned figure. Her eyes were very fine, combining in their depths both seriousness and gentleness, with a charm that in after-years proved fatal to more than one illustrious personage. She had magnificent hair of a chestnut colour in great waving masses, which she delighted in combing and dressing herself She had the rare gift of beautiful hands, extremely white and perfect in shape ; they were soon the admiration of all Europe. On this occasion she was dressed in a petticoat of silver brocade, which showed between the folds of her green satin travelling habit, made with long, hanging sleeves. Round her neck was a diamond chain, the gift of Louis. A green velvet cap to match, with a black heron's plume at the side, was placed on her fair curls, and set off the rich colouring of her hair.^

As the cavalcade neared Bordeaux the salvos of the artillery and the roll of drums announced their arrival. The litter, by order, was thrown open so that all might behold their future Queen. At the palace, where she first halted, two state rooms had ' Memoires de Madame de Motieville, vol. i.

i6i5] AN UNLUCKY OMEN ii

been prepared, one for Louis and one for Anna. In that of the latter a dais had been erected, covered with black velvet — a somewhat funereal throne for a bride.

Four days were granted to her before the final ceremony, that she might rest from her journey ; but they were not spent, as she doubtless expected, with the young bridegroom at her side.

Every possible homage was offered to her by the court, but not even Marie de' Medicis could awake any enthusiasm in her son. To the disgust of every one, he went off duck-shooting the day after Anna's arrival, an act of neglect and disrespect that even the very youthful bride could not have failed to notice.

On Sunday they were obliged to attend mass together, the sulky boy and the timid girl, who were so soon to be bound by an irrevocable tie. But this was an act of religion, not of ceremony; they wore their ordinary dress, and were attended only by their immediate suite. This was Friday, the 29th, which must afterwards have been reckoned an unlucky day, for on the return of the Queen to her apartments they were startled by a loud noise, and a beam came crashing down beside the chimney-piece, where a moment before Anna had been standing warming her hands by the fire. Fortunately she had moved away, otherwise the accident must have proved fatal.^ As it was, the room was filled with dust and debris, and the ladies shivered

^ Le Gouven.

12 THE MARRIAGE [chap, i

at the evil augury. Anna herself was considerably frightened ; she realised what an escape she had had, and desired that a thanksgiving service should be held in the cathedral, which she attended, as did also a large concourse of people. No mention, however, is made of Louis having accompanied her.

The marriage took place on November 25, with all the state that attends the wedding of a sovereign. In spite of his former neglect, Louis was very attentive on the auspicious day, and looked his best in the white satin and violet velvet of his full dress. The young couple were curiously like each other ; they seemed more like brother and sister, and such their relations continued to be for four years. Louis had no desire for any closer union, and on account of his extreme youth he was allowed to have his own way. He had been pampered and petted all his life, and we read of his nurse taking a prominent part in the arrangements. He had absolutely no idea of inconveniencing himself for any one ; being fatigued after the ceremony, he retired at six o'clock to sup alone and go to bed.^

The journey of the royal pair to Paris was one long scene of rejoicing. An escort of 4,000 horse protected them on their way, and their arrival at the Louvre was conducted with great state. The new Queen, in a blaze of diamonds — even her dress sprinkled with precious stones — appeared on the

* A. Baschet, Le Rot chez la Reine,

A i6i5] ANNE'S DIFFICULT POSITION 13

balcony and threw largesse to the people, an amusement which suited the boyish Louis well. He entered into it with zest, and the days that followed were spent in fetes and revelry.

But through it all the King took no part in matters of State and politics, and saw but little of his wife.

Anne, as she was now called,^ filled every one with admiration at her modest and prudent behaviour. The grave and courtly manners she had acquired in Spain stood her in good stead at this trying moment. Her exalted but lonely position, and her extreme youth, called forth much pity from many of her subjects — indeed, a young girl could hardly have been placed in a more difficult position.

' Anne, a name borne by many celebrated women, was derived from the Hebrew word signifying " gracious."

Chapter II The Infatuation Of Buckingham

VERY soon after the marriage the young Queen was deprived of her Spanish household, all her ladies being sent av/ay except Donna Estefana, to whom she was tenderly attached. She was an elderly lady, who had had the charge of Anne in her childhood, and acted now as first bed-chamber woman. Anne's knowledge of French was still imperfect, so there was really a necessity for this lady's services being retained, otherwise the position of the new sovereign would have been one of real forlornness. Among her suite was a Spanish lady of a noble family in Madrid, who had married Monsieur Bertaud, one of the gentlemen-in-waiting at the French court.^