Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/506

 486 OF ELIZABETH. [en. 6i. question of the interview remained, and here both sides were obstinate. Alencon did not like the prospect of being looked at, and then rejected. Simier said so in sufficiently icy language. 1 His visit, if it was to be at all, he wished to be attended with public form and cere- mony, that his refusal afterwards might be the more difficult. The Queen for the opposite reason desired it to be private. She wrote to him at last, suggesting that he should make his appearance unexpectedly at her Court, and she hinted at infinite favours, with which his compliance should be rewarded. On the whole, Walsingham now thought that she really intended business. 'The affair of Monsieur/ he wrote, ' takes greater foot than was looked for. She thinks it the best means to provide for her safety that can be offered, and, it is thought, she will in the end consent to the match, though otherwise not greatly to her liking.' 2 Mendoza, who was watching her with a keenness sharpened by alarm, was of opinion that if Alencon came, she would really marry him. 3 And so too Simier inclined to be- lieve, though he could not venture to feel sure. He was charmed with his reception, and delighted with his mistress. He described her to the chancellor of Alen- con's household, as the best and most attractive of women. Beams of paper, he said, would not suffice to dilate upon her virtues. The Duke, could he but secure the prize, would be the most fortunate of men. ' But I 1 ' Avec des motz assez gelez.' Elizabeth to Alencon, March 9. 2 Walsingham to Davison, Feb- ruary 27 : MSS. Holland. 3 Mendoza to Cay as, March 21, 1579 : MSS. Simancas.