ISABELLA OF VALOIS, êmn iïmrn nf Eirlutrît iljt inni. CHAPTEE I. Isabella of Valois, although a child, sought in marriage by Richard the Second— Her parentage—Birth—Beauty—Brothers and sisters—Accomplished mind— Interview with the English procurators—Her betrothment to Richard—Annoy» the Duke of Gloucester—Marriage of the Duke of Lancaster with Catherine Swynford—Richard and his train proceed to Calais—The King's uncles enter* tained by the French—Richard, after feasting with the French King, receives Isabella—Marries lier at Calais—Carries her to England—Her reception by the Londoners—Coronation—Marriage portion—Jewels—Residence—Governess—Life threatened by Gloucester—Eeath of Gloucester and Arundel—The King's remorse. ,EEPLY as Richard the Second deplored the death of his dearly-beloved consort, Anne of Bohemia, her remains had been consigned to the tomb little more than two years when négociations were entered into for his second marriage. But as he still clung with doting fondness to the memory of his departed one, and as her imago was so deeply graven on his heart, that nothing, save the hand of time, could erase it out, the bride he sought was no beautiful, blooming woman, but the French King's daughter, Isabella, a child who bad not yet completed her ninth year, and whose marriage was sought solely for the powerful aid her potent father might afford Richard in his projects of revenge. Many were the fair maidens proposed to Richard as his future partner, but to nopurposc ; for, wheninformedthatthere were daughters and sisters of the King of Navarre, and a daughter of the Duke of Gloucester, besides other less eligible ladies, all beautiful and marriageable, ho flewinto a rage, andvowed to marry the royal French girl, or for evermore remain a widower. Isabella of Yalois, the eldest daughter of Charles the Sixth of France, and his Queen, Isabella of Bavaria, was born on the ninth of November, 1387, in the Louvre Palace at Paris, and grew up one of the most accomplished and captivating brunettes of her age. lier countenance beamed with expression, her eyes were large and dark, her complexion was clear