This alliance was in contravention of all their ideals.

He began to grow distrustful and cold toward them, leaning entirely upon Speranski, his prime minister, who was French in his sympathies and a profound admirer of Napoleon.

Alexander, no less zealous for reforms than before, hurt at the defection of his friends and trying to justify himself to himself, said "Does not this man represent the new forces in conflict with the old ?" But he was not at ease.

He and his minister worked laboriously; a systematic plan of reform was prepared.

Speranski considered the Code Napoleon the model of all progressive legislation.