Alarmed for her children—­for this noble-minded woman is a stranger to personal fear—­she sought refuge with them in the Forest of St.-Germain, in the Chateau du Val, the abode of the Princesse de Poix, where she experiences all the kindness and hospitality which her amiable hostess can practise, in order to soothe the anxiety of her guest.

What a change in the position of the Duchesse, and in so brief a space!  A fugitive in that forest where, every year during the Fete des Loges, she dispensed kindness to the poor, and amiability to all, doing the honours of the Duc de Gramont’s house, where her condescension and goodness were the themes of every tongue!  And now, harassed in mind and body, terrified for the safety of her husband, who is with the royal family, and for her two eldest sons, who are in their college, in the Rue St.-Marceau, which is rendered inaccessible, owing to the barricades.

31st.—­Lafayette is now said to be the oracle of the provisional government, and the idol of the populace.  Advanced far in the vale of life, his energies and vigour are gone, and his name serves the party more than his counsel can; for with the republicans, at least, it is a guarantee for honest motives.  What a strange destiny has his been—­called on to perform so conspicuous a part in two revolutions!

——­ has just been here, and announced that the Duc d’Orleans is named Lieutenant-general of France.  It is asserted, that this appointment has been effected by the influence of General Lafayette over the provisional government; but how little in accordance is this measure with the well-known Utopian scheme of a republic, which has for years been the favourite dream of this venerable visionary?

August 1st. ——­ now has brought the intelligence that Charles the Tenth has nominated the Duc d’Orleans Lieutenant-general, so that his Royal Highness has been chosen by both sides—­a flattering proof of the confidence reposed in him by each.  Were he ambitious, here is an opportunity of indulging this “infirmity of noble minds,” though at the expense of the elder branch of his family; but he will not, I am sure, betray the trust they have confided to him.  Order seems now to be in a great measure restored; the people appear in good-humour; but there is a consciousness of power evident in their hilarity that too forcibly reminds one of their victory.

The Duc of Orleans has been to the Hotel-de-Ville, where he presented himself to the people from the balcony; embraced General Lafayette, who stood by his side; and was applauded with enthusiasm by the immense multitude who witnessed the accolade.

2nd.—­The news of the day is, that Charles the Tenth has abdicated the crown in favour of the Duc de Bordeaux, who is now styled Henri V. This act might, four or five days ago, have produced some salutary effect; but it now comes too late—­at least, so think those who profess to know more on the subject than I do.  The position of the Lieutenant-general, in this case, reminds me of that of a confidante in a quarrel between lovers, in which the interest of the absent is too often sacrificed, owing to the dangerous opportunity furnished for forwarding that of the supposed friend.