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As a result of the elections which had just taken place, the ministry, contrary to expectation, maintained a majority in the Chamber, -- a doubtful and provisional majority which would give it an uncertain and struggling existence. But, at any rate, it had obtained that merely numerical success which parties seek at any price to prolong their power. The Te Deum was sung in all its camps, -- a paean which serves as well to celebrate victorious defeats as honest victories.
On the evening of the day when Colonel Franchessini received the visit from Maxime de Trailles, the general result of the elections was made known. The ministers of the left bank, whose wives received on that day, found their salons crowded, particularly the Comte de Rastignac, the minister of Public Works.