Rabourdin's success depended on the tranquil condition of political affairs, which up to this time were still unsettled.

He had not considered the government as permanently secure until three hundred deputies at least had the courage to form a compact majority systematically ministerial.

An administration founded on that basis had come into power since Rabourdin had finished his elaborate plan.

At this time the luxury of peace under the Bourbons had eclipsed the warlike luxury of the days when France shone like a vast encampment, prodigal and magnificent because it was victorious.

After the Spanish campaign, the administration seemed to enter upon an era of tranquillity in which some good might be accomplished; and three months before the opening of our story a new reign had begun without any apparent opposition; for the liberalism of the Left had welcomed Charles X.with as much enthusiasm as the Right.