A Chronicle of the Times of Charles the Ninth by Prosper Merimee. Short summary

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In the year 1572, there are religious wars in France. Bernard’s family consists of Protestants, and his brother holds Catholic views, for which he is considered an apostate.

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In 1572, there are religious wars in France in which the interests of 3 parties collide: the Protestants, the king’s party, and the ultra-royalist party. The ruler is in the business of fomenting war between the two extreme parties. Most of the people are unwittingly drawn into it. There are skirmishes in the streets and public places.

A young nobleman, Bernard de Mergie, is sent to Paris. He is to enter the service of Admiral Coligneur. His brother Georges lives in the city. Bernard’s family consists of staunch Protestants. Georges, on the other hand, is of a Catholic persuasion and is considered an apostate.

Bernard loses his horse and his savings on the road. He meets his brother, whom he cannot regard as an enemy. Georges invites his brother to dinner. A masked woman rides down the street on a mule. She turns out to be the Comtesse de Turgis.

When he brings Bernard home, his brother tells him that he has become an apostate because of the improper behaviour of the Prince of Conde, who has cruelly humiliated him. Admiral Coligneur takes well to Bernard and makes him his cornet.