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 THE FLIGHT OF EUGENIE. 293 tary possibilities," says the narrator, "that everything could be retrieved by a grand coup" She was by no means afraid to criticize, and expressed her opinion of certain generals with great freedom, placing all her faith in Marshal Bazaine. The minister of war, Count de Palikao, concealed from her the gravity of the situation, and kept from her all the disagreeable news that he could. But it was soon observed that her husband's sec- retary busied himself in collecting the most important papers of his office as if for removal, and not long after- ward her friends advised her to collect her own valuables and prepare for departure. Upon hearing this her confidence forsook her, and she was seized with terror. She feared a revolution ; she feared being murdered at midnight by a mob. Her mind ran continually upon that terrible night when the mob of Paris went to Versailles to fetch the King and Queen, and when several of the guard were killed in protecting Marie Antoinette. She seemed at one time resolved upon having Gambetta and other Republican leaders arrested ; yet when her friends wished the scheme to be carried into execution, she would permit nothing to be done. She passed her time in suspense, vacillation, and dread. " In a fortnight," records the observant attache", " Her fair face became haggard, and streaks of silver showed themselves in her hair." Meanwhile she was obliged as usual to give audiences and hold receptions, and to conduct herself as if all was going well. Once again, too, her hopes were raised by a despatch announcing as a victory an engagement which really resulted in defeat. On this occasion she was so overcome with joy that she ran from her apartments to the guard-room, and appeared suddenly among the soldiers who were lying upon camp-beds smoking or playing cards, waving the telegram in her hand and crying,