Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/251

Rh message announcing the mental condition of his consort. With trembling voice and tear-dimmed eyes he consulted with his intimate associates, what best to do, and his health and nerves requiring in any case a change, he was advised to proceed to Orizaba, there to await developments, while benefiting from the balmy temperature of the tierra templada. A strong reason for leaving is said to have been the hope of succeeding to the sceptre of his brother, on the strength of his own popularity as the once liberal governor of Lombardy, and of the discontent evoked by the late humiliating war with Prussia.

On learning of the intended journey, the public in general immediately suspected the truth, and the fate of the empire was freely discussed with voice and