But the next day we were no longer mad, and as the days past, we took up hope again, and the more thoughtful among our politicians began to understand the situation.

There was, however, a painful change.

Before, difference of opinion was unknown, and there was no sort of anxiety (a doubt of the result of the war never crossing anyone's mind).

Napoleon in the thickest of the fire, with one epaulette shot off, was a symbol intelligible to the whole population.

But when he disappeared from the field and entered the region of spirits and diplomats--when he walked under the earth instead of on the surface--though he walked with equal loyalty and uprightness, then people were sanguine or fearful according to their temperament, and the English and Austrian newspapers, attributing the worst motives and designs, troubled the thoughts of many.