Heartbroken at Napoleon's refusal, she determined to seek the Pope, and
see if he would not help her.

The Pope received her with the greatest kindness, but soon convinced her
that, no matter how good his will, he had no power to aid her.

When Charlotte realized this, and that her long journey had been of no
use, and that she had only separated herself from her beloved husband in
his hour of need, her mind gave way, and she became insane.

Poor Maximilian, waiting anxiously for news of her success, received word
that his troubles had driven his wife insane, and from that moment he
cared little what became of him or of Mexico.

A few months after Napoleon had so treacherously withdrawn his troops, the
people once more rose against their ruler.

The Emperor led his army of loyal Mexicans against the rebels, but after a
few weeks was defeated, taken prisoner, and condemned to be shot.

So ended the career of these two unfortunate young people.

It is thought that the Empress to this hour does not know the fate that
befell her husband.

The whole sad tragedy happened thirty years ago, and in all that time she
has never had a glimmering of reason. She is gentle, kindly, and
interested in the simple country life of the estate on which she lives.
Her madness has never taken a violent form, and it is said that she lives
in constant expectation of her husband's return.