170 Ten Years of my Life. 



Madame Bazaine, who was in a far-advanced interesting 

 state, made the journey in a splendid palanquin, built for the 

 purpose, which was carried by Indians and under a strong 

 escort to Vera Cruz. 



We heard for some days absolutely nothing positive about 

 the plans of the Emperor, until on the 12th of February the 

 report ran through Mexico that he would place himself at the 

 head of the army and join Miramon in Queretaro, in order to 

 hinder the enemy from concentrating his troops and marching 

 against Mexico. This report was true, and the Emperor was 

 to marcli next morning, leaving all German troops and officers 

 behind, as Marquez and the other Mexicans had persuaded 

 Maximilian to rely entirely and solely on his new subjects. 



Salm \yas beside himself when he heard that he should be 

 left behind. It was an idea he could not realise, that there 

 should at last be serious fighting and he idling away his time 

 in Mexico. He ran at once tc Baron Magnus, and prevailed 

 upon him to take some steps with the Emperor in order to pro- 

 cure for my husband permission to accompany the army. 

 Magnus's endeavours were, however, in vain, but he found 

 some other means to satisfy the pugnacious longings of my 

 impetuous Felix. It was arranged with General Don Santiago 

 Vidaurri, a highly respectable and most influential man, that he 

 should enter his staff, the Secretary of War permitting. This 

 permission was granted, and Salm jumped nearly out of his 

 skin for pleasure. The General, who had to take with him 

 money, was to join the Emperor at Quincliclan, and left with 

 Salm on the 13th of February in the afternoon. 



I of course expected to go with Salm as usual, but for once 

 he refused in a most determined manner and remained deaf to all 

 my entreaties. Now it was my turn to become mad. I cried 

 and screamed so as to be heard two blocks off; and Jim.my, 

 who felt for his mistress, howled and barked ; but Salm stole 

 away and took a street where he could not hear me and I not 

 see him. I believe I hated him at that moment, and felt very 

 unhappy, for I knew he would come to grief, having never any 

 luck without me. 



All my anger and grief, however, availed nothing. I had to 

 become reconciled to my situation. After all I think he was 

 right, and, moreover, he had taken care that I should be left 

 well protected and in an agreeable position. 



