CHAPTER XXVI.

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-Elysees—­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 Gerard—­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 Vendome—­Monsieur Mignet—­His varied Acquirements—­The celebrated General Peppe—­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.