He ended with these heartfelt words: “I come, then, gentlemen, to say to France, I have preferred a woman whom I love and respect to an unknown person, the advantages of an alliance with whom would be mingled with sacrifices. In placing independence, the qualities of the heart, family happiness above dynastic prejudices, I shall not be less strong, because I shall be more free. Very soon, in betaking myself to Nôtre Dame, I shall present the Empress to the people and the army; the confidence they have in me will assure their sympathy for her whom I have chosen, and you, gentlemen, in learning to know her, will be convinced that this time also I have been inspired by Providence.” As soon as the announcement was made Mme. de Montijo and her daughter were installed in the Elysée Palace, where they were to reside until the marriage should take place, and where the Emperor went every day to pay court to his betrothed and to carry her bouquets. He laid not only his crown, but his heart, at her feet. This man, daring in deeds and gentle in feeling, had undergone deep pangs of suffering. Venerating his father, devotedly loving his brother and idolizing his mother, he had, one by one, been bereft of all near and dear to him. He seemed to long to take in his protecting arms and in his loving heart a woman whom he could love and honor and cherish as his wife, one worthy to be at his side upon a throne. The Municipal Council of Paris had determined to offer to the Emperor’s betrothed a magnificent set of diamonds. The Prefect of the Seine received the following letter: M. Prefect: I am much affected on learning the generous decision of the Municipal Council of Paris, which thus displays its sympathetic adhesion to the union the Emperor is contracting. Nevertheless, I experience a painful sentiment when I think that the first public act attaching to my name at the moment of the marriage is to be a considerable expense for the city of Paris. Permit me then not to accept your gift, however flattering to me; you would make me happier by employing in charity the sum you have fixed upon for the purchase of the ornaments the Municipal Council wished to offer me. I desire that my marriage shall not be the occasion of any new expense to the country to which I belong henceforward; and the sole thing I aspire to is to share with the Emperor the love and esteem of the French people. I beg you, M. Prefect, to express all my gratitude to the Council, and to receive for yourself the assurance of my distinguished consideration. EUGENIE, COMTESSE DE TEBA. _Elysée Palace, January 26, 1855._