a discussion, I merely observed that I regretted that matters
should be in such a state, but that His Majesty must be aware that
there was quite as great irritation on this side the water. The
Emperor enquired sharply whether this was to be wondered at,
considering the terms and imputations applied to himself, and to the
French nation, in England? They were only defending themselves against
unfair attacks, His Majesty said. It was really too bad, he continued;
he had done all in his power to maintain a good understanding with
England, but the conduct of England rendered it impossible. What had
England to do with Savoy? And why was she not to be satisfied with the
declaration that His Majesty had made to me, that he had no intention
to annex Savoy to France without having previously obtained the
consent of the Great Powers.

"Pardon me, Sire," I said, "for interrupting your Majesty, but it
is just what you did not say. Had you permitted me to convey that
assurance to Her Majesty's Government, I will answer for it that all
those interpellations in Parliament would long since have ceased, and
that Her Majesty's Government and the country would at all events have
awaited the decision at which the Great Powers might have arrived."

"But I told you," continued the Emperor, "that I would consult the
Great Powers."

"Yes, Sire," I replied, "but your Majesty did not add that you would
abide by their decision."

This conversation had taken place, not only within the hearing of the
Russian Ambassador, but the Emperor's remarks were addressed almost
as much to my colleague as to myself. Turning then entirely towards
General Kisseleff, the Emperor continued: "The conduct of England is
inexplicable. I have done all in my power to keep on the best terms
with her; but I am at my wits' end _(je n'en puis plus)._ What," His
Majesty exclaimed again, "has England to do with Savoy? What would
have been the consequence if, when she took possession of the Island
of Perim[13] for the safety of her Eastern dominions, I had raised the
same objections that she has now raised to the annexation of Savoy,
which I want as much for the safety of France?"

His Majesty continued to speak for a few seconds in the same strain,
and I felt my position to be most awkward. With the remembrance of
His Majesty's intemperate words to M. de Huebner on New Year's Day,
1859,[14] in my mind, I did not like to leave unnoticed observations
of the tendency I hav