Chapter 52

Rumour relative to the Son of Napoleon--Unsettled State of Affairs--Conflicting Rumours--The Duke of Orleans--Charms of a Crown--Aspect of the Champs-Elysées--Unsought popularity--Comte d'Orsay--Scene of Destruction--Shattered Trees--Pride of the People--Re-action after Excitement--Anecdote--The Jeweller's Wife--Passion of the French--Playing at Soldiers--Enthusiasm of the _Garde Nationale_--Return to Paris of the Duchesse de Guiche--Confidence of the Duc--Courage of the Duchesse--General Gèrard--The Duke of Orleans accepts the Crown--Popularity, an unstable Possession--Abilities of Louis-Philippe--Expectations formed of him--Person of Lafayette--Appearance in Public of the new Sovereign--The Queen--Her painful Position--The King of the French in the Place Vendôme--Monsieur Mignet--His varied Acquirements--The celebrated General Peppé--Strange Infatuation--Charles the Tenth embarks at Cherbourg--Devotion to the exiled Bourbons--The English Popular at Paris--Mr. Hamilton, Secretary of the Embassy--Brilliant conversation of M. Thiers--The Prince and Princesse Soutzo--Mr. Poulter--Lesson of Resignation--Departure for England--Leave-taking--Adieu to Paris, 294.