always took refuge behind the promise he had given to his Allies to approve whatever measures they might adopt.  The Duke was not to leave the Emperor’s headquarters that evening, and, in the hope that his Majesty might yet reflect on the critical situation of his daughter, he asked permission to take leave next morning.  He accordingly presented himself to the Emperor’s levee, when he renewed his efforts in support of the claims of Maria Louisa.  “I have a great affection for my daughter, and also for my son-in law,” said the Emperor.  “I bear them both in my heart, and would shed my blood for them”—­“Ah, Sire!” exclaimed M. de Champagny, “such a sacrifice is not necessary.”—­“Yes, Duke, I say again I would shed my blood, I would resign my life for them, but I have given my Allies a promise not to treat without them, and to approve all that they may do.  Besides,” added the Emperor, “my Minister, M. de Metternich, has gone to their headquarters, and I will ratify whatever he may sign.”

When the Duc de Cadore related to me the particulars of his mission, in which zeal could not work an impossibility, I remarked that he regarded as a circumstance fatal to Napoleon the absence of M. de Metternich and the presence of M. Stadion at the headquarters of the Emperor of Austria.  Though in all probability nothing could have arrested the course of events, yet it is certain that the personal sentiments of the two Austrian Ministers towards Napoleon were widely different.  I am not going too far when I affirm that, policy apart, M. de Metternich was much attached to Napoleon.  In support of this assertion I may quote a fact of which I can guarantee the authenticity: 

When M. de Metternich was complimented on the occasion of Maria Louisa’s marriage he replied, “To have contributed to a measure which has received the approbation of 80,000,000 men is indeed a just subject of congratulation.”  Such a remark openly made by the intelligent Minister of the Cabinet of Vienna was well calculated to gratify the ears of Napoleon, from whom, however, M. de Metternich in his personal relations did not conceal the truth.  I recollect a reply which was made by M. de Metternich at Dresden after a little hesitation.  “As to you,” said the Emperor, “you will not go to war with me.  It is impossible that you can declare yourself against me.  That can never be.”—­“Sire, we are not now quite allies, and some time hence we may become enemies.”  This hint was the last which Napoleon received from Metternich, and Napoleon must have been blind indeed not to have profited by it.  As to M. Stadion, he entertained a profound dislike of the Emperor.  That Minister knew and could not forget that his preceding exclusion from the Cabinet of Vienna had been due to the all-powerful influence of Napoleon.

Whether or not the absence of Metternich influenced the resolution of Francis ii., it is certain that that monarch yielded nothing to the urgent solicitations of a Minister who conscientiously fulfilled the delicate mission consigned to him.  M. de Champagny rejoined the Empress at Orleans, whither she had repaired on leaving Blois.  He found Maria Louisa almost deserted, all the Grand Dignitaries of the Empire having successively returned to Paris after sending in their submissions to the Provisional Government.