Mendoza asked her when it was to take place; to which she replied that she did not know, but asked him whether he thought she ought to marry Alençon. His answer was that, although she as usual would act with wisdom, he knew the object of the French was to prevent the aggrandisement of her crown and the quietude of her country. Elizabeth at this time was herself again conceiving suspicions of the French. Catharine de Medici and her dissolute daughter between them, aided by their “flying squadron” of beauties, had managed to sap the vigour and Protestant ardour of Henry of Navarre and his Court, and Paulet sent from France shortly afterwards alarmist news that the King of France had entered into the Papal league against England, and had sent to engage mercenaries in Germany to enable Alençon to keep a footing in Flanders in spite of her opposition. The news was probably untrue, but in any case it was clear to Alençon that unless aid came to him promptly and liberally from somewhere he must ignominiously turn tail again and re-enter France. The country people looked upon the Frenchmen as enemies and intruders; all stragglers were murdered without mercy, and Alençon himself was without means even to feed his followers. He must therefore gain Elizabeth’s support or confess himself beaten and return to the tender mercy of his affectionate brother, and he had to choose an envoy more persuasive than those he had sent before. The man he selected was one who for the next three years played a prominent and astounding part in this strange drama. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER IX. An account of Simier--His mission to the Queen--Her strange relations with him--Leicester’s jealousy--Simier’s negotiations on behalf of Alençon--Rochetaillé’s mission-- Leicester’s attempts to have Simier murdered--Alençon’s first visit to England--Elizabeth’s infatuation for him--His departure and letters to the Queen--Exhaustive discussion of the marriage negotiations by the English Council--The Queen announces her determination to marry Alençon--Philip Sidney’s remonstrance.