CHAPTER IX.

The Vienna Conference--Literary Occupations--A Roman Catholic Privy Councillor--Negotiations at Vienna--The Emperor Napoleon in London--The Emperor's brilliant Reception--Russia refuses the Terms offered--The Sebastopol Committee--Debate on the War--Visit to Paris--Resignation of M. Drouyn de Lhuys--The Emperor's Journey to the Crimea--The Repulse at the Redan--Visit to Thiers--A Dinner at the Tuileries--Conversation with the Emperor--M. Guizot on the War--Death of Lord Raglan--A Dinner at Princess Lieven's--The Palace of Versailles--Revelations of Lord John Russell's Mission--Dinner with the Emperor at Villeneuve l'Étang--Lord John Russell's Conduct at Vienna--Excitement in London--Lord John's Resignation--Lord John's Conduct explained--'Whom shall we Hang?'--Prorogation of Parliament _page 253_