After the historic day of September 29, 1868, when Prim made his successful coup at Cadiz, the Royal Family fled to San Sebastian.
The haste with which the flight was made could be seen in the collections of jewels and money which had been thrust into bags which were after all left behind.
In the Hôtel d’Angleterre of the seaside resort Isabella still seemed to expect a miracle to take place in her favour. A throne does not fall every day, and a crowd hovered about the hotel to see how the Queen would accept her overthrow.
A murmur of satisfaction broke out among the bystanders when the loyal-hearted Marquis de Beramendi was seen entering the hotel. “That is a good thing,” they said, “for Isabella will listen to his advice, which is certain to be wise.”
The courtier’s remarks to the Lady-in-Waiting were short and to the point.
“I have come to tell you,” he said, “that, if the Queen keeps to the good idea of abdicating, certain infatuated people ought to be kept from opposing it. I have had direct news from Serrano, and he says that, if Doña Isabella will abdicate in favour of Don Alfonso, he will save the dynasty, and she herself will be saved. The Duke of Torres will not put obstacles in the way of this course.”
“Better than that,” returned the Lady-in-Waiting, in a voice which a cold rendered almost inaudible, “I thought that Her Majesty had the same idea, ‘that she had better go to Logroño, and abdicate in favour of the Prince of Asturias in the presence of Espartero.’”
“That’s admirable!” said Beramendi.
“And then, after abdicating, the Queen will depart immediately for France, leaving the new King in the power of the Regent Espartero.”
“Admirable! splendid!” cried Beramendi; “but there is not a minute to lose.”