CHAPTER IX

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)