'44 THE STORY OF THE KHEDIVATE.

of the founders of 1855, as well as the second list of 1861.

Altogether, the more the story of the Suez Canal is studied, the less it redounds to the credit of its Xpromoters. Still, it is impossible not to make a J J distinction between Ferdinand de Lesseps and his y- (financial colleagues. An intense belief in himself was the dominant feature of his character, and the overwhelming confidence which led to his brilliant success in the Isthmus of Suez, led equally to his lamentable failure in the Isthmus of Panama. The greatness assigned to him by his fellow-countrymen in the days of his success was as little deserved as the obloquy passed upon him in the days of his failure. Personally, my recollections of him are of the kindliest nature. I spent three very pleasant days with him in his villa at Ismailia, shortly before the opening of the canal, and after doing so, I found it easy to understand the fascination he exercised over almost everybody who came into contact with him. He was then a man of well over sixty, with a spare, active figure, clear-cut features, snow-white hair and moustache, and a bronzed complexion. He had just got engaged to a singularly attractive young lady, who might well have been his granddaughter. The future bride and her parents were then staying with him on a visit ; and I think everybody will admit that there are few positions in life more difficult to fill with dignity than that of an elderly swain courting a young and pretty bride.