At this time the Emperor--for this was in the fall of '62--was busy
about his Mexican venture, and our legations were disturbed by vague
rumors of efforts to combine the great powers in an agreement to bring
about a perilous intervention in our affairs, which at home were going
badly enough, with one disaster after another. No one at the legation
knew how deep the Emperor was in the matter, but there was a chill of
expectation in the air, and yet no distinct evidence of the trouble
which was brewing.
It was, as I have said, an essential part of my work to frequent the
best houses and in every way to learn what was the tone of feeling. It
was, in fact, so hostile that it was now and then hard to avoid
personal quarrels. In England it was, if possible, worse. Mr.
Gladstone had spoken in public, and with warm praise of Mr. Jefferson
Davis and the confederation. Roebuck had described our army as the
"scum of Europe." We had few important friends in England or France.
The English premier was, to say the least, unfriendly, and Lord John
Russell in their Foreign Office was not much better.
Meanwhile I came to know and like the Count le Moyne, who was a warm
Napoleonist, and whom I had to see often, either on our impossible
duel or on diplomatic business. During this familiar intercourse, I
began to notice that he was distracted and, I thought, worried.
When I spoke of it to Merton, he said, "That's the woman." He had no
reason to think so, but he was one of the rare men whose intuitions
are apt to be correct. This business of the duel went on for a week.
To go back a little, I should have said that at the end of his two
days' leave Alphonse appeared and asked for three days more. He had no
report to make, and went away again.
On the next day but one I was writing letters in my salon, and Merton
was growling over the unpleasant news our papers were bringing us.
Suddenly Alphonse appeared. He waited without a word until I said,
"You have found her."
"Yes; it was all that there is of simple. Monsieur had said she is an
American--I went to the American church."
Merton looked at me, smiling, as he remarked, "Like all the great
things, it was simple."
"I saw the lady come out after the morning service. When I began to
follow her at a distance I saw that she was also followed by one of
the best men of the police. I know him well. I also perceived that, as
it seemed to me, the lady was uneasy, and, I think, aware that she
was watched."
Here Merton stopped him. "You are sure that is the same woman you saw
in the carriage."
"Monsieur, when once this lady has been seen, she is not to be
forgotten."
"Ha!" exclaimed the captain; "I told you so, Greville. But go on,
Alphonse."
"And cut it short," said I, impatient.
Alphonse paused. "Circumstances, monsieur, oblige me to speak in some
detail. I was two years in the service. Those who watch and follow
madame are of the best. I know them. Therefore there is something
serious."
"And her name?" I asked.
"Mme. Bellegarde, Rue de St. Victor, No. 31--a small private hotel. I
regret not to be able to report more fully, but I am well known as
monsieur's valet. To appear too curious would be unwise."
I regarded my valet with increasing respect, while Merton ejaculated,
"Damn such a country!" and I asked:
"Is that all?"
"Yes, monsieur; but circumstances--"
"Oh, that will do," I said. "You may go."