Marie was married to the King of Scots on the 9th May, thus putting a final end to Henry’s plans in that direction. In her place, Francis offered him, through Castillon, the choice of any other lady in his kingdom. He was told that “she had a sister as beautiful and as graceful, clever and well-fitted to please and obey him as any other.” This remark bore fruit, and the next morning the King sent Sir John Russell, a member of his Privy Council, to make further inquiries. Castillon told the latter that France was a warren of honourable ladies, from which Henry might choose, and that Louise of Guise was the very counterpart of Madame de Longueville. He had not seen her for a long time, but had heard her esteemed above any other lady in the kingdom. Russell then asked Castillon “to find some way that Francis (to show it was not as a refusal that he could not have Madame de Longueville, but because she was promised beforehand) should offer him her sister, and say something of it to M. Briant (Sir Francis Brian, Master of the Toils, then ambassador to France), who would then send her portrait.”[295] “Probably,” added Castillon, in writing to Francis, “he is troubled that it must be known that his great instance made for the one is so suddenly changed for the other.” Francis sent word in reply (May 25) that he would very willingly conclude a match with Henry and Louise of Guise; and on the 31st of the same month Castillon wrote to the Grand Master, Montmorency, urging greater expedition in the matter. “If he (Henry) is to marry in France,” he said, “three or four must be put forward, but let them be of the best and such as Montmorency shall advise as well to M. Brian as in letters from the King to Castillon, who should also have portraits of these put forward.”[296] Footnote 295: _C.L.P._, vol. xiii. pt. i. 994. Kaulek, 47. Footnote 296: _C.L.P._, vol. xiii. pt. i. 1102. Kaulek, 54. [Sidenote: PROBABLE VISIT TO HAVRE]