The Life-Story of Charlotte de la Trémoille Countess of Derby ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration: _Charlotte de la Tremouille._ (_Countess of Derby._) _From the painting by Vandyke._ ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Life-Story of Charlotte de la Trémoille Countess of Derby By Mary C. Rowsell Author of “The Friend of the People,” “Thorndyke Manor,” “Traitor or Patriot?” “Love Loyal,” “Richard’s Play” (comedietta), etc. etc. London Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., Ltd. Dryden House, Gerrard Street, W. 1905 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contents ---------- CHAPTER I PAGE Birth. Parentage. Descent. Peaceful Times. A 1 Gallant Soldier. Huguenots and Catholics. More Storm-clouds. A Stately Home. The Idle Sword. A Royal Summons; and a Death Summons. A Troubled Wife and Mother. An Unfortunate Princess. A Doubtful Honour. Roundhand and Ruled Paper. A Naughty Little Girl. Sisters indeed. Happy Days. The Rubens Portrait CHAPTER II At the Hague. A Dreary Court. A Marriage of 16 Convenience. A Lady-of-Honour. Home. The Firstborn. Cloudy Sunshine CHAPTER III “Res Angusta Domi.” A White Elephant. 32 Gathering Clouds. Keeping a Brave Heart. A Grand Function. Royal Gifts. Fresh Anxieties. Baron Strange. National Grievances. “Shortcoats.” A Contract CHAPTER IV Lathom House. Orm the Saxon. The Ancestry of 40 the Earls of Derby. A Family Legend. “Sans Changer.” A Stately Old Home. The Royal Guest, and the Fool. The Baron’s Retainers. A Goodly “Checkrowle.” Public Troubles. The Siege of Rochelle. “The Villain has killed me.” National Grievances. An Earnest Request CHAPTER V A Chapter of Correspondence 56 CHAPTER VI