Louis Philippe--king for eighteen years--was still alive, living in exile at Claremont.

Two years earlier, in the rush of the revolution of 1848, he had effected his escape to Newhaven.

The Orleans always seek a refuge in England, and always turn and abuse that country when they can go elsewhere in safety.

And England is not one penny the worse for their abuse, and no man or country was ever yet one penny the better for their friendship.
Louis Philippe had been called to the throne by the people of France.
His reign of eighteen years was marked by one great deed.

He threw open the Palace of Versailles--which was not his--to the public.