In returning to France, he had stolen a march on his enemies, for nothing seemed to indicate that his presence in the country was known to them.
"I tell you," the Marquis explained, "that he has his hands full--that man in Paris.

It is only a month since he changed his ministry.

Who is this St.Arnaud, his Minister of War?
Who is Maupas, his Prefect of Police?
Does Monsieur Maupas know that we are nearly ready for our coup?
Bah! Tell me nothing of that sort, gentlemen." And this was the universally accepted opinion at this time, of Louis Bonaparte the President of a tottering Republic, divided against itself; a dull man, at his wits' end.

For months, all Europe had been turning an inquiring and watchful eye on France.

Socialism was rampant.