would think if he found her one day Queen of France. He declined to consider such a hypothetical case, and the Queen, having said so much, tried to make light of the matter, saying that she knew nothing of all this coming and going of couriers that he talked about. He could get no further, and concludes his account of the interview thus: “She is very artful, wished to appear reserved and give the idea that there was no matter of importance afoot.”[41] On the 20th of April de Foix pressed the Queen urgently for a reply. The interviews of Bayonne were fixed for the 20th of May, and if the King’s offer were rejected, his betrothal to a princess of the house of Austria would be arranged. Elizabeth put the ambassador off with vague professions of friendship which a week later changed into complaints that Catharine was unduly hurrying her.[42] In fact, the insincere negotiations for the Queen’s marriage with Charles IX. could now be dropped, as they had served Elizabeth’s immediate purpose, and had brought a prince of the House of Austria once more into the meshes of her net. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER IV. Spain and the Archduke Charles--Swetkowitz’s mission-- Leicester’s continued intrigues--The French suit dropped-- Eric IV. again--Heneage--Renewed negotiations with the Emperor--The French patronise Leicester’s suit--Dissensions in the English Court respecting the Austrian match--Mission of Sussex to Vienna--End of the Austrian negotiations-- Marriage of Charles IX.