re perfectly
demoralised, and that the besieged dance for triumph each time an
Italian cannon is fired into the vague. On the other hand, I hear
regularly every morning from the Romans that Gaeta is taken,[96] with
the most minute particulars, which altogether is exasperating. The last
rumour is of typhus fever in the fortress, but I have grown sceptical,
and believe nothing on either side now. One thing is clear, that it
wasn't only the French fleet which prevented our triumph....

Robert came home this morning between three and four. A great ball at
Mrs. Hooker's--magnificent, he says. All the princes in Rome (and even
cardinals) present. The rooms are splendid, and the preparations were in
the best taste. The Princess Ruspoli (a Buonaparte) appeared in the
tricolor. She is most beautiful, Robert says.

So you see our Americans can dance even while the Republic goes to
pieces. I think I would not do it. Not that I despair of America--God
forbid! If the North will be faithful to its conscience there will be
only an increase of greatness after a few years, even though it may rain
blood betwixt then and now. Mr. Story takes it all very quietly. He
would be content to let the South go, and accept the isolation of the
North as final. 'We should do better without the South,' said he. I
don't agree in this. I think that the unity of the State should be
asserted with a strong hand, and the South forced to pay taxes and
submit to law.

Mdme. Swab [Schwabe] told me that a friend of hers had travelled with
Klapka from Constantinople, and that K. had said, 'there would not be
war till next year,--diplomacy would take its course for the present
year.' Perhaps he did not speak sincerely. I can't understand how the
Austrian provinces will hold out in mere talk for twelve months more. Do
you mark the tone of the 'Opinion Nationale' on Austria, and about
Hungary being a natural ally of France, and also what is said in the
'Morning Chronicle,' which always more or less reflects the face of the
French Government? Then it seems to me that the Emperor's speech is not
eminently pacific, though he 'desires peace.' I hear from rather good
authority what I hope is possible, that Teliki accepted as a condition
of his liberation, not simply that he would not personally act against
Austria, but that he would use his endeavours to prevent any action on
the part of his compatriots. Men are base.

Mr. Prinsep[97] is here. Last autumn he made a