It is asserted that if the Empress’s mother left Paris several days ago it was because she had received a positive order to do so from the Emperor, who had been informed of the scandalous conduct, past and present, of his mother-in-law. The Empress is said to have been greatly annoyed at the compulsory departure of her mother. There had been a women’s quarrel; Princesse Mathilde said recently: “If the Emperor had wanted an Impératrice mère, he would have sought one elsewhere.”
The Empress’s condition is the subject of much sympathy. To profound ennui has succeeded an intense melancholy.
People continue to describe the Empress as being tired of everything. She cannot forget the complete freedom she enjoyed before her marriage. Sometimes she allows herself to play childish tricks upon the Emperor. The other day, when they were walking together in the garden, the Emperor stooped to examine some plants. The Empress thought it amusing to push him from behind, so that he fell on all fours.
It is believed that the Empress is enceinte.
The Duchesse d’Albe is coming to Paris. It is stated that the Comtesse de Montijo wished to accompany her, but, by a special order, the Emperor has forbidden her to do so.
Yesterday the Emperor went out without the Empress. The Empress is still ailing, and people continue to talk about it. Her sufferings are more mental than physical. She cannot accustom herself to the etiquette imposed upon her by the Emperor. He is suspicious and severe to excess. At the least infraction by the Empress of the rules imposed upon her she is reminded of it with a frigidity which, to her, is worse than harshness.
When the Emperor sees that some lady has the particular confidence of the Empress, he hastens to get rid of her. This is what happened to Mme. Aguado. This dame d’honneur is greatly beloved by the Empress, and the two often talk in Spanish. The Emperor does not know that language, so he gave Mme. Aguado her congé. The Empress’s supplications had no effect upon the Emperor. This has deeply wounded her. It is said to have been one of the causes of the fausses couches.
The Empress always occasions much talk. The following was said yesterday à propos of the announcements published by the _Moniteur_ concerning Her Majesty’s privileges: