de
Hausee (known as Robert Orange). It was considered by the
Government's advisers that this gentleman would use all his
influence to crush any foolish ambition on the part of the
Archduchess Marie-Brigitte. M. de Hausee was himself of too noble a
family to care in the least for high-sounding titles or empty
rights. M. de Hausee (whose mother was Scotch) had become a British
subject, and had been elected to the English Parliament. He was
under the protection of Mr. Disraeli, had every prospect of a
brilliant political career as a Commoner, and he had too much good
sense--in view of the very large fortune settled upon the
Archduchess--to diminish it by any imprudent insistence on a claim
which, extremely valuable as a ground for some advantageous
compromise, could only prove ruinous if pressed to any exact
recognition. The Government's advisers, therefore, approved most
highly of the marriage between M. de Hausee and the Archduchess
Marie-Brigitte-Henriette, and were disposed to hasten it on by
every means. On the news, _properly authenticated_, of Parflete's
suicide on Lord Soham's yacht, I visited England and had interviews
with the Archduchess herself, with M. de Hausee at Catesby, and
with Baron Zeuill at Claridge's Hotel. The _proofs_ of Parflete's
death were in perfect order, and the marriage between M. de Hausee
and H.I.H. took place in the Chapel of the Alberian Embassy.

As I had made all the arrangements, I engaged the servants for the
reception of the bride and groom at the Villa Miraflores. I was
able to retain a small room at the back of the house for my own
use. On the day of their arrival, I concealed myself, without
difficulty, in the apartment where Mr. Orange and the Archduchess
had their _dejeuner_. It was an unfortunate circumstance that I did
not destroy the telegram which I saw on the mantel-piece. But I
supposed it contained some ordinary congratulations. A more vulgar
prudence than mine would have read and burnt it in any case. My
fault is, unquestionably, a most inopportune delicacy of feeling. I
witnessed the whole scene between Mr. Orange and Her Imperial
Highness. It brought tears to my eyes, but as evidence it was
valueless for my purpose. She wept, stormed, and showed much
feeling. I was reminded in many ways of h