396 THE STORY OF THE KHEDIVATE.

representative in the State in question. Still, the position of Nubar, as Prime Minister of Egypt, was of an extremely exceptional character, and, as I have reason to know, though he had perfect confidence in the loyalty with which his communications were transmitted, he felt strongly about the inconveniences arising from the necessity of explaining to the British Government his objections to any policy, on which he might not be of the same mind as our Consul- General, through the medium of the very official with whose policy he happened to disagree.

What rendered Nubar's position in this respect even more irksome, was the fact that in France, and in Egypt, he was regarded as the trusted agent and instrument of the British Government. On the other hand, from a variety of causes, some personal, some public, he, in reality, never quite commanded the confidence, however much he might command the respect, of the British authorities in Egypt.

It was the same with the Khedive at this period. His Highness was surrounded by advisers, chiefly of French extraction, who assured him that England had not the will, even if she had the power, to restore order in Egypt; that his own authority was being undermined by his being identified in popular opinion with the policy dictated by England and executed by Nubar ; and that, in the interest of his dynasty, he ought to assert his] independence, dismiss Nubar, and trust to France to espouse his cause and protect his interests. This sort of idle talk was not