The articles duly arrived, were accepted, and published. They
dealt with a great variety of subjects--art, literature,
theatricals, and general criticism. When the editor at length
recovered from her illness, the writer of the articles disclosed
himself: it was M. Guizot. An intimacy sprang up between them,
which ripened into mutual affection, and before long Mademoiselle
de Meulan became his wife.
From that time forward, she shared in all her husband's joys and
sorrows, as well as in many of his labours. Before they became
united, he asked her if she thought she should ever become
dismayed at the vicissitudes of his destiny, which he then saw
looming before him. She replied that he might assure himself that
she would always passionately enjoy his triumphs, but never heave
a sigh over his defeats. When M. Guizot became first minister of
Louis Philippe, she wrote to a friend: "I now see my husband much
less than I desire, but still I see him.... If God spares us to
each other, I shall always be, in the midst of every trial and
apprehension, the happiest of beings." Little more than six
months after these words were written, the devoted wife was laid
in her grave; and her sorrowing husband was left thenceforth to
tread the journey of life alone.
Burke was especially happy in his union with Miss Nugent, a
beautiful, affectionate, and highminded woman.
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