CHAPTER IV.

TO THE COUP D'ÉTAT (1851-52).

Early married life-Opposition between France and Germany-Attempts of Russia-Political and industrial stagnation-Waiting for the president's next move-Fear of the Rouges-Michelet-Germany should unite under one head-Horror of music-Expectation of a coup d'état-Haug and Kinkel— President at Dijon-Madame Mohl in London-Expedition to the Euphrates -Alarm in the Assembly-The coup d'état succeeds from fear of socialism -Indignation at Lord Palmerston's approval-Love for England-Recollections of the Rue du Bac during the Empire.

M. and Madame Mohl's letters give a delightful picture of their early married life. The contrast between their dispositions and pursuits seems to have been a source of amusement instead of irritation to them both. On politics they were entirely of one mind.

From Julius Mohl to Miss Bonham Carter.

MY DEAR MISS HILLY,

Rue du Bac, January, 1851.

Next Monday is one of these monster balls at the Hôtel de Ville. I have got an invitation, but only for myself, of course. I don't think of going to get a week's migraine; but I keep it a deep secret, as it would afflict Ida to hear of this fine occasion so nearly missed.

I am becoming quite mad with these people. It was the interest of the French in old times to keep Germany divided and weak, and they speak even now with great profundity on this fundamental root of French politics, just as if it were a law of nature, although circumstances have changed to such a degree that their greatest interest is to see Germany raised against Russia. Also Russia will

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