181
(1544–1545.)
DOWNFALL.
No sooner were the overtures to peace begun than Martin de Guzman, the Emperor's confessor, and the King's mistress, Madame d'Étampes, met to discuss between themselves the provisions of the treaty. Each was eager to secure a personal advantage from it: De Guzman, the glory of a triumph over heresy, and Madame d'Étampes a place of shelter when the King should be no more. For many a weary month the pretty, cowardly, distracted Duchess had revolved her plans, and found no safety from the wrath to come, when Henry and Diana should reign. Bitterly she remembered the years of insults that she had heaped on "La Vieille," as she had nick-named the Dauphin's beautiful goddess, and she remembered her open antagonism to the victorious Emperor. And, even now, she could not stay her bitter tongue. Day after day added some new revilement to the list. For she could not bring herself to repent. And since she would not amend, she must endeavour to escape.
Anne de Pisseleu was a Huguenot in politics, and it was believed that she shared the New Ideas; but
