But it is contended that all these things were part of the plot--Anjou’s dislike, the duke’s absence, the king’s zeal. It may be so; but this hypothesis involves us in greater difficulties than the other. If we assume that the government was sincere, every thing becomes clear for the next two years; if we adopt the contrary opinion, the course of events up to the eve of the massacre is an inextricable maze. True, it is impossible to say whether Catherine accepted the treaty without any _arrière-pensée_, any mental reservation; for she accepted every thing, and was sincere in nothing except her master-passion--to govern France. For this, she not only played one party against the other, but habitually dallied with opposing schemes, intriguing now on this side, now on that, deceiving and betraying all. The most serious objection to the sincerity of the government is the shyness, the unwillingness of the Reformed chiefs to go to court, or even to visit their own estates. But then, if they suspected treachery, why did they consent to the treaty of St. Germains, or to any treaty, thus preparing a snare for themselves? Better die in the field struggling for liberty, than perish ingloriously like rats in a trap. Sully, in a measure, clears away the doubt just raised. In his “Royal Economies” he says: “With a view of giving _a more solid foundation and consistency to their affairs_, they resolved to take up their residence _permanently_ at La Rochelle, within the walls of which they could alone consider themselves in security.” CHAPTER X. THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM. [August, 1570, to August, 1572.] Albert and Pierre de Gondi, Birague, Strozzi, Nevers, and Henry of Guise--Marriage of Charles IX--Nuptial Festivities at Paris--Embassy of the German Princes--Violent Sermons--Outrages at Orange and Rouen--Objects of the Politiques--Revolt in Flanders--Position of Affairs--Interview between the King and Prince Louis of Nassau--Spanish Threats--Coligny’s Marriage--The Admiral goes to Blois--Conferences with the King--Proposed Marriage of Henry and Margaret--Murder of Lignerolles--The Gastine Cross--Queen of Navarre at Blois--Alessandrino’s Special Embassy--Letters to Rome--Negotiations--Pope refuses the Dispensation--Fears of the Parisians. The Peace of St. Germains was a severe blow to the foreigners by whom the court was infested. Their interests were entirely opposed to those of France, and their great object was to enrich themselves, by any means however base and unworthy. They were found everywhere--filling up the rich sees, wealthy abbacies, court places--where money could be got without peril to life or toil of body. Their expulsion seemed to be the only means of saving the country and ensuring that permanent concord at which the “Politiques” had aimed in supporting the late treaty.