CHAPTER XXXIII

THE AMBASSADOR In the early days of December of that dreadful year, the young Countess in her duress in the house in Blackfriars was joylessly delivered of a daughter. She had vowed that she would not survive the event; she had even taken steps to destroy herself, together with the child before its birth; but in this she had been frustrated by those who watched over her. The King, being informed of her intentions and attempts, had with a kindness that was almost cruel sent physicians to take charge of her and nurse…