ory
and happiness of being loved by the most beautiful and deserving lady
in the world; but if I had lost this happiness, without involving her
in the most extreme grief and sufferings at the same time, I should
have had some comfort; for at this moment I am more sensible of the
harm I have done her, than of that I have done myself in forfeiting her
favour."

The Duke de Nemours continued turning the same thoughts over and over,
and tormenting himself a great while; the desire he had to speak to
Madam de Cleves came constantly into his mind; he thought of the means
to do it; he thought of writing to her; but at last he found,
considering the fault he had committed and the temper she was in, his
best way was to show her a profound respect by his affliction and his
silence, to let her see he durst not present himself before her, and to
wait for what time, chance, and the inclination she had for him might
produce to his advantage. He resolved also not to reproach the
Viscount de Chartres for his unfaithfulness, for fear of confirming his
suspicions.

The preparations for the espousals and marriage of Madame on the next
day so entirely took up the thoughts of the Court, that Madam de Cleves
and the Duke de Nemours easily concealed from the public their grief
and uneasiness. The Queen-Dauphin spoke but slightly to Madam de
Cleves of the conversation they had had with the Duke de Nemours; and
Monsieur de Cleves industriously shunned speaking to his wife of what
was past; so that she did not find herself under so much embarrassment
as she had imagined.

The espousals were solemnised at the Louvre; and after the feast and
ball all the Royal family went to lie at the Bishop's Palace, according
to custom. In the morning, the Duke of Alva, who always had appeared
very plainly dressed, put on a habit of cloth of gold, mixed with
flame-colour, yellow and black, all covered over with jewels, and wore
a close crown on his head. The Prince of Orange very richly dressed
also, with his liveries, and all the Spaniards with theirs, came to
attend the Duke of Alva from the Hotel de Villeroy where he lodged, and
set out, marching four by four, till they came to the Bishop's Palace.
As soon as he was arrived, they went in order to the Church; the King
led Madame, who wore also a close crown, her train being borne by
Mademoiselles de Montpensier and Longueville; the Queen came next, but
without a crown; after her followed the Queen-Dau