CHAPTER IX. 1840

1840

Letters to Prince Albert--Opening of Parliament--The Prince's grant --The Prince at Brussels--Marriage of the Queen and Prince--Public enthusiasm--Plays in Lent--Debate on the Corn Laws--England and China --Disturbance at the Opera--Murder of Lord William Russell--Mrs Norton --Character of Princess Charlotte--English manners--Oxford's attempt on the Queen's life--Egypt and the Four Powers--Prince Louis Napoleon --King Leopold at Wiesbaden--A threatened crisis--France and the East --A difficult question--Serious measures--Palmerston and France--Views of King Louis Philippe--Propositions for settlement--Attitude of France--Pacific instructions--The Porte and Mehemet Ali--Bombardment of Beyrout--Guizot and Thiers--Differing views--The Queen's influence --An anxious time--Attempt on life of King Louis Philippe--Negotiation with France advised--Thiers more moderate--Death of Lord Holland --Change of Ministry in France--Importance of conciliation--The Prince's name in the Prayer-book--King Leopold on Lord Palmerston --Birth of the Princess Royal--Settlement of Eastern Question (pages 209-252)