There was no expectation that Maximilian would ever come to a throne, and
so it seemed as if the young princess' talents were to be thrown away when
she settled down with her husband, and became the happiest young wife in
Europe.

For seven years these two young folks were a model happy couple; then, one
fatal day, Napoleon III. of France offered Maximilian the crown of Mexico.

Europe thought that Mexico needed a wise and clever ruler to straighten
out the tangle into which its affairs had fallen, and it was supposed that
Maximilian, backed by his beautiful and clever wife, would be just the man
for the post. As Mexican affairs were in a very turbulent state, Napoleon
promised Maximilian that he would keep a number of French troops in the
country, and support him with an armed force, until the people of Mexico
had learned to love and trust him, and he could rule them without danger.

Under these conditions Maximilian accepted, and the young couple became
Emperor and Empress of Mexico, and, setting forth to their new land, bade
farewell to Europe and happiness.

At that time Mexico was in the most terrible condition, as you will
understand when you learn that within a period of forty-seven years there
were three hundred revolutions, some successful, some the reverse. During
this time the government was changed ten times, and over fifty persons
succeeded each other as presidents, dictators, and emperors.

The throne of such an uneasy kingdom as this was by no means a pleasant
one to occupy.