Thus there would be no appearance of inferiority on the part of the Duchess of Vendome.
The Count protested that he would have his eyes torn out of his head rather than submit to an arrangement which would do him so much shame.

He went to the Queen and urged upon her that to do this would likewise be an injury to her children, the Dukes of Orleans and of Anjou.

He refused flatly to appear or allow his wife to appear except in the costume befitting their station.

The King on his part was determined not to abandon his purpose.

He tried to gain over the Count by the most splendid proposals, offering him the command of the advance-guard of the army, or the lieutenancy-general of France in the absence of the King, 30,000 crowns for his equipment and an increase of his pension if he would cause his wife to give up the fleurs-de-lys on this occasion.