CHAPTER II.

A Royal Commission on Reform--M. de Flahault on the Emperor Napoleon--Lord John's Blunder--Disraeli's Negotiation with the Irish Members--Lord Beauvale's Death--Lady Beauvale's Grief--Napoleon III. and Mdlle. de Montijo--Parliament meets--The Emperor's Marriage--Disraeli's Attack on Sir C. Wood--Dislike of Mr. Disraeli--Lord John Russell leaves the Foreign Office--Lord Stanley's Liberal Votes--Disraeli's Opinion of his Colleagues--The Government in Smooth Water--England unpopular abroad--Massimo d'Azeglio--The Austrians in Italy--The Bishop of Lincoln--The Duke of Bedford's Papers--Lord Palmerston leads the House--Social Amenities--Rancour of Northern Powers against England--Friendly Resolution of the Emperor Napoleon III.--Difficulties at Home--The India Bill--The Eastern Question--The Czar's Proposals--Russian Assurances--The Royal Family _page 30_