disclosed his plan that there should be a confidential understanding between him and Her Majesty’s government.  He said in substance:  “England and Russia must be friends.  Never was the necessity greater.  If we agree, I have no solicitude about Europe.  What others think is really of small consequence.  I am as desirous as you for the continued existence of the Turkish Empire.  But we have on our hands a sick man—­a very sick man:  he may suddenly die.  Is it not the part of prudence for us to come to an understanding regarding what should be done in case of such a catastrophe?  It may as well be understood at once that I should never permit an attempt to reconstruct a Byzantine Empire, and still less should I allow the partition of Turkey into small republics—­ready-made asylums for Kossuths and Mazzinis and European revolutionists; and I also tell you very frankly that I should never permit England or any of the Powers to have a foothold in Constantinople.  I am willing to bind myself also not to occupy it—­except, perhaps, as a guardian.  But I should have no objection to your occupying Egypt.  I quite understand its importance to your government—­and perhaps the island of Candia might suit you.  I see no objection to that island becoming also an English possession.  I do not ask for a treaty—­only an understanding; between gentlemen that is sufficient.  I have no desire to increase my empire.  It is large enough; but I repeat—­the sick man is dying; and if we are taken by surprise, if proper precautions are not taken in advance, circumstances may arise which will make it necessary for me to occupy Constantinople.”

It was a bribe, followed by a threat.  England coldly declined entering into any stipulations without the concurrence of the other Powers.  Her Majesty’s government could not be a party to a confidential arrangement from which it was to derive a benefit.  The negotiations had failed.  Nicholas was deeply incensed and disappointed.  He could rely, however, upon Austria and Prussia.  He now thought of Louis Napoleon, the new French Emperor, who was looking for recognition in Europe.  The English ambassador was coldly received, and for the first time since the abdication of Charles X., the representative of France received a cordial greeting, and was intrusted with a flattering message to the Emperor.  But France had not forgotten the retreat from Moscow, nor the presence of Alexander in Paris, nor her attempted ostracism in Europe by Nicholas himself; and, further, although Louis Napoleon was pleased with the overtures made to win his friendship, he was not yet quite sure which cause would best promote his own ends.