conditions she had demanded from the King of France as a preliminary. She repeated to him her last demands, and said she was sure the King would not consent to break with Spain and bear the whole cost of the war without any contribution from her, and this would furnish her with the excuse she sought after, while she might make a show of approaching Spain, and this would ensure Alençon’s recall and the cessation of the marriage negotiations. Simier, after all, said he was not so sure of this. Alençon was such an evil weed that his brother might consent to anything to get rid of him from France. “Well,” replied the Queen, “I do not believe the King will grant such terms, but even if he do I shall find a way out of it.” And then she and Simier began to make merry at the fine gallant who would so readily give up his lady-love in consideration of a money payment. I offered him, she said, so much a month, and it has brightened him up to such an extent that you would not know him. But as soon as he is once across the sea I will tell him my Council will not agree to the arrangement, on the ground that my country cannot without unduly weakening itself provide so large a sum, and that the people would not allow it.[151] Both Elizabeth and Cecil were strongly of opinion that whilst she held large sums of money she would remain mistress of the situation, and whatever promises were held out to Alençon to induce him to embark in the enterprise, the intention always was to dole out the subsidies to him as sparingly as possible. [Illustration] CHAPTER XIII. Simier and his former master--Alençon’s altercation with the Queen--The Queen appeals to Sussex--Unpopularity of the match in England--Catharine de Medici plays Elizabeth with her own game--Cecil suggests a loophole of escape-- Elizabeth demands French strongholds as security--Alençon undeceived--Vows vengeance against Elizabeth and his brother for the failure of his suit--Collapse of his resolution-- Pinart threatens Elizabeth--Alençon’s departure for Flushing --Extraordinary demonstration on the part of Elizabeth-- Alençon still doubtful.