[79] In 1843 the existence of Guizot's Ministry was endangered by the question of the secret service funds. M. Molé, whose Ministry had been overthrown in 1839 by the Thiers-Guizot coalition, thought that the moment was advisable to organise a league against his two adversaries. He went to work secretly by means of conversations in drawing-rooms and passages, and entered into relations with MM. Dufaure and Passy, who abandoned him at the critical moment. The debate on the secret service funds began in the Chamber on March 1 and turned in favour of the Cabinet, M. Guizot gaining one of his most brilliant successes on this occasion.
_Paris, March 18, 1843._--The King has shown himself greatly touched by the eulogy which M. Guizot delivered upon him in his last speech in the Chamber of Deputies, during the discussion upon the secret service fund. The same evening he wrote to M. Guizot that he would have come to thank him in person if he had not been prevented. The next day M. Guizot called upon the King at an early hour and the Queen came in with all the Royal Family, and many warm words of thanks were addressed to the triumphant Minister.
_Paris, March 20, 1843._--M. Molé has declared that he will retire from politics and will have nothing more to do with them, as he is an unacceptable minister to the King. He speaks of withdrawing into private life and devoting himself to the pleasures of friendship and of the intellect. Two months earlier this project would not have been undignified; to-day it seems to be dictated by spleen and will deceive no one.
The extreme calm of the Duchesse d'Orléans has caused some surprise, as also has the improvement in her health in the midst of her grief. She devotes herself ardently to the education of her children, makes this the chief object of her life and is not careful to hide the fact. The Queen, after a heartrending and passionate outburst of grief, has recovered her calm and the approaching marriage of Princesse Clémentine[80] is a useful means of diverting her attention. Princesse Clémentine is simply delighted, not so much because of her husband, who is said to be an ordinary and insignificant character, as with the idea of becoming independent, gaining full liberty and escaping from the round table in the family room at the Tuileries, which has been the despair of the King's children from all time. Princesse Clémentine is to be married immediately after Easter at Saint-Cloud. She will then start upon a tour to Lisbon, England, Brussels and Gotha, and return to Paris where she will live in the Tuileries. She is to receive an income of only sixty thousand francs, while the Prince her husband will have only a hundred and eight thousand, a very moderate income. The Duchesse de Nemours, a pretty and docile child, obedient to the Queen in all respects, is her special favourite. The Duc de Nemours is said to have relapsed into his taciturnity.