It was evidently not intended for our eyes; it contained a description of the _dejeuner fort embetant_, with some unflattering remarks about me.
Queen Marie never lost her hope in a final victory.

She did not perhaps agree with Bratianu in all his tactics, but a declaration of war on us was always an item on her programme.

Even in the distressing days of their disastrous defeat she always kept her head above water.
One of the Queen's friends told me afterwards that when our armies, from south, north and west, were nearing Bucharest, when day and night the earth shook with the ceaseless thunder of the guns, the Queen quietly went on with her preparations for departure, and was firmly persuaded that she would return as "Empress of all the Roumanians." I have been told that after the taking of Bucharest Bratianu collapsed altogether, and it was Queen Marie who comforted and encouraged him.
Her English blood always asserted itself.

After we had occupied Wallachia, I received absolutely reliable information from England, according to which she had telegraphed to King George from Jassy, recommending "her little but courageous people" to his further protection.

After the Peace of Bucharest strong pressure was brought to bear on me to effect the abdication of the King and Queen.