第7章

DuringoneofthecampaignsthatImadewhileintheserviceoftheEmperor，Iwrotetomywife，inquiringaboutthelifethathersisterledatMalmaison。Inheranswer，amongotherthings，shesaid(Icopyapassagefromoneofherletters):“SometimeswetakepartinperformancessuchasIhadneverdreamedof。Forinstance，oneeveningthesaloonwasdividedinhalfbyagauzecurtain，behindwhichwasabedarrangedinGreekstyle，onwhichamanlayasleep，clothedinlongwhitedrapery。

NearthesleeperMadameBonaparteandtheotherladiesbeatinunison(notinperfectaccord，however)onbronzevases，making，asyoumayimagine，aterriblekindofmusic。Duringthischarivari，oneofthegentlemenheldmearoundthewaist，andraisedmefromtheground，whileIshookmyarmsandlegsintimetothemusic。Theconcertoftheseladiesawokethesleeper，whostaredwildlyatme，frightenedatmygestures，thensprangupandranwithallhismight，followedbymybrother，whocreptonallfours，representingadog，Ithink，whichbelongedtothisstrangeperson。AsIwasthenamerechild，Ihaveonlyaconfusedideaofallthis；butthesocietyofMadameBonaparteseemedtobemuchoccupiedwithsimilaramusements。“

WhentheFirstConsulwenttoliveatSaint-Cloud，heexpressedhishighopinionofmyfather-in-lawinthemostflatteringmanner，andmadehimconciergeofthechateau，whichwasaconfidentialposition，thedutiesandresponsibilitiesofwhichwereconsiderable。

M。Charvetwaschargedwithorganizingthehousehold；and，byordersoftheFirstConsul，heselectedfromamongtheoldservantsofthequeenthosetowhomhegaveplacesasporters，scrubbers，andgroomsofthechateau，andhegavepensionstothoseunabletowork。

Whenthechateautookfirein1802，asIhaverelatedpreviously，MadameCharvet，beingseveralmonthspregnant，wasterriblyfrightened；andasitwasnotthoughtbesttobleedher，shebecameveryill，anddiedattheageofthirtyyears。Louisehadbeenataboarding-schoolforseveralyears；butherfathernowbroughtherhometokeephouseforhim，thoughshewasthenonlytwelveyearsold。OneofherfriendshaskindlyallowedmetoseealetterwhichLouiseaddressedtoherashorttimeafterourmarriage，andfromwhichIhavemadethefollowingextracts:

“Onmyreturnfromboarding-schoolIwenttoseeherMajestytheEmpress(thenMadameBonaparte)attheTuileries。Iwasindeepmourning。Shetookmeonherknee，andtriedtoconsoleme，sayingthatshewouldbeamothertome，andwouldfindmeahusband。I

wept，andsaidthatIdidnotwishtomarry。Notatpresent，\'

repliedherMajesty，Ibutthatwillcome；besureofit。Iwas，however，bynomeanspersuadedthatthiswouldbethecase。Shecaressedmeawhilelonger，andIwithdrew。WhentheFirstConsulwasatSaint-Cloud，allthechiefsofthedifferentdepartmentsofthehouseholdserviceassembledintheapartmentsofmyfather，whowasthemostpopular，aswellastheeldest，memberofthehousehold。M。Constant，whohadseenmeasachildatMalmaison，foundmesufficientlyattractiveatSaint-Cloudtoaskmeofmyfather，subjecttotheapprovaloftheirMajesties；anditwasdecidedthatweshouldbemarriedafterthecoronation。Iwasfourteenyearsoldfifteendaysafterourmarriage。

“BothmysisterandIarealwaysreceivedwithextremekindnessbyherMajestytheEmpress；andwhenever，forfearofannoyingher，weletsometimepasswithoutgoingtoseeher，shecomplainsofittomyfather。Shesometimesadmitsustohermorningtoilet，whichisconductedinourpresence，andtowhichareadmittedinherapartmentsonlyherwomen；andafewpersonsofherhousehold，who，likeus，countamongtheirhappiestmomentsthoseinwhichtheycanthusbeholdthisadoredprincess。Theconversationsarealmostalwaysdelightful，andherMajestyfrequentlyrelatesanecdoteswhichawordfromoneoranotherofusrecallstoher。“

HerMajestytheEmpresshadpromisedLouiseadowry；butthemoneywhichsheintendedforthatshespentotherwise，andconsequentlymywifehadonlyafewjewelsoflittlevalueandtwoorthreepiecesofstuff。

M。CharvetwastoorefinedtorecallthispromisetoherMajesty\'srecollection。However，thatwastheonlywaytogetanythingfromher；

forsheknewnobetterhowtoeconomizethanhowtorefuse。TheEmperoraskedmeashorttimeaftermymarriagewhattheEmpresshadgivenmywife，andonmyreplyshowedthegreatestpossiblevexation；nodoubtbecausethesumthathadbeendemandedofhimforLouise\'sdowryhadbeenspentotherwise。HisMajestytheEmperorhadthegoodness，whileonthissubject，toassuremethathehimselfwouldhereafterlookaftermyinterests，andthathewaswellsatisfiedwithmyservices，andwouldproveittome。

Ihavesaidabovethatmywife\'syoungersisterwasthefavoriteofherMajestytheEmpress；andyetshereceivedonhermarriagenoricherdowrythanLouise，nevertheless，theEmpressaskedtohavemysister-in-law\'shusbandpresentedtoher，andsaidtohiminthemostmaternaltone，“Monsieur，Irecommendmydaughtertoyou，andIentreatyoutomakeherhappy。Shedeservesit，andIearnestlyhopethatyouknowhowtoappreciateher！“Whenmysister-in-law，fleeingfromCompiegne，in1814，wentwithherhusband\'smothertoEvreuxforherconfinement，theEmpresssentbyherfirstvaletdechambreeverythingnecessaryforayoungwomaninthatcondition，and，evenreproachedherwithnothavingcometoNavarre。

Mysister-in-lawhadbeenrearedinthesameboarding-schoolasMademoiselleJosephineTallien，god-daughteroftheEmpress，whohassincemarriedM。PeletdelaLozere，andanotherdaughterofMadameTallien，MademoiselleClemenceCabarus。TheschoolwasconductedbyMadameVigogne，widowofthecolonelofthatname，andanoldfriendoftheEmpress，whohadadvisedhertotakeaboarding-school，andpromisedtoprocureforherasmanypupilsasshecould。Thisinstitutionprosperedunderthedirectionofthislady，whowasdistinguishedforherintelligenceandculture；andshefrequentlybroughttotheEmpresstheseprotegees，withotheryoungpersonswhobygoodconducthadearnedthisreward；andthiswasmadeapowerfulmeansofexcitingtheemulationofthesechildren，whomherMajestyoverwhelmedwithcaresses，andpresentedwithlittlegifts。

OnemorningjustasMadameVigognewasabouttovisittheEmpress，andwasdescendingthestaircasetoenterhercarriage，sheheardpiercingcriesinoneoftheschoolrooms，and，hasteningtothespot，sawayounggirlwithherclothingonfire。Withapresenceofmindworthyofamother，MadameVigognewrappedherpupilinthelongtrainofherdress，andthusextinguishedtheflames，not，however，untilthehandsofthecourageousinstructresshadbeenmostpainfullyburned。ShemadethevisittoherMajestyinthiscondition，andrelatedtoherthesadaccidentwhichhadoccurred；whileherMajesty，whowaseasilymovedbyeverythingnobleandgenerous，overwhelmedherwithpraisesforhercourage，andwassodeeplytouchedthatsheweptwithadmiration，andordered，herprivatephysiciantogivehisbestservicestoMadameVigogneandheryoungpupil。

CHAPTERXXIV。

TheEmpressJosephinewasofmediumheight，withanexquisitefigure；andinallhermovementstherewasanairinessandgracewhichgavetoherwalksomethingethereal，withoutdetractingfromthemajestyofthesovereign。Herexpressivecountenanceportrayedalltheemotionsofhersoul，whileretainingthecharmingsweetnesswhichwasitsrulingexpression。Inpleasure，asingrief，shewasbeautiful，andevenagainstyourwillyouwouldsmilewhenshesmiled；ifshewassad，youwouldbealso。Neverdidawomanjustifybetterthanshetheexpressionthattheeyesarethemirrorofthesoul。Herswereofadeepblue，andnearlyalwayshalfclosedbyherlonglids，whichwereslightlyarched，andfringedwiththemostbeautifullashesintheworld；inregardingheryoufeltyourselfdrawntoherbyanirresistiblepower。ItmusthavebeendifficultfortheEmpresstogiveseveritytothatseductivelook；

butshecoulddothis，andwellknewhowtorenderitimposingwhennecessary。Herhairwasverybeautiful，longandsilken，itsnut-browntintcontrastingexquisitelywiththedazzlingwhitenessofherfinefreshcomplexion。Atthecommencementofhersupremepower，theEmpressstilllikedtoadornherheadinthemorningwitharedmadrashandkerchief，whichgaveheramostpiquantCreoleair，andrenderedherstillmorecharming。

ButwhatmorethanallelseconstitutedtheinexpressiblecharmoftheEmpress\'spresenceweretheravishingtonesofhervoice。HowmanytimeshaveI，likemanyothers，stoppedsuddenlyonhearingthatvoice；simplytoenjoythepleasureoflisteningtoit。ItcannotperhapsbesaidthattheEmpresswasastrictlybeautifulwoman；butherlovelycountenance，expressingsweetnessandgoodnature，andtheangelicgracediffusedaroundherperson，madeherthemostattractiveofwomen。

DuringherstayatSaint-Cloud，theEmpressrosehabituallyatnineo\'clock，andmadeherfirsttoilet，whichlastedtillten；thenshepassedintoasaloon，whereshefoundassembledthosepersonswhohadsolicitedandobtainedthefavorofanaudience；andsometimesalsoatthishour，andinthesamesaloon，herMajestyreceivedhertradespeople；

andateleveno\'clock，whentheEmperorwasabsent，shebreakfastedwithherfirstladyofhonorandafewothers。MadamedelaRochefoucauld，firstladyofhonortotheEmpress，wasahunchback，andsosmallthatitwasnecessary，whenshewastohaveaplaceatthetable，toheightentheseatofherchairbyanotherverythickcushionmadeofvioletsatin。

MadamedelaRochefoucauldknewwellhowtoefface，bymeansofherbrightandsparkling，thoughsomewhatcausticwit，herstrikingelegance，andherexquisitecourtmanners，anyunpleasantimpressionwhichmightbemadebyherphysicaldeformity。

BeforebreakfasttheEmpresshadagameofbilliards；or，whentheweatherwasgood，shewalkedinthegardensorintheinclosedpark，whichrecreationlastedonlyashortwhile，andherMajestysoonreturnedtoherapartments，andoccupiedherselfwithembroidery，whiletalkingwithherladies，likeherself，occupiedwithsomekindofneedlework。

Whenithappenedthattheywerenotinterruptedbyvisits，betweentwoandthreeo\'clockintheafternoontheEmpresstookadriveinanopenbarouche；andonherreturnfromthisthegrandtoilettookplace，atwhichtheEmperorwassometimespresent。

Nowandthen，also，hisMajestysurprisedtheEmpressinhersaloon；andweweresuretofindhim，onthoseoccasions，amusing，amiable，andinfinespirits。

Atsixo\'clockdinnerwasserved；thistheEmperorfrequentlyforgot，anddelayeditindefinitely，inconsequenceofwhichdinnerwasmorethanonceeatenatnineorteno\'clockintheevening。TheirMajestiesdinedtogetheralone，orinthecompanyofafewinvitedguests，princesoftheimperialfamily，orministers，afterwhichtherewasaconcert，reception，orthetheater；andatmidnighteveryoneretiredexcepttheEmpress，whogreatlyenjoyedsittinguplate，andthenplayedbackgammonwithoneofthechamberlains。TheCountdeBeaumontwasthushonoredmostfrequently。

OnthedaysofthechasetheEmpressandherladiesfollowedinthecoach。Theyhadaspecialcostumeforthisoccasion，consistingofakindofgreenriding-habit，andahatornamentedwithwhiteplumes。AlltheladieswhofollowedthechasedinedwiththeirMajesties。

WhentheEmpressspentthenightintheEmperor\'sapartment，Ienteredinthemorning，asusual，betweensevenandeighto\'clock，andnearlyalwaysfoundtheaugustspousesawake。TheEmperorusuallyorderedtea，oraninfusionoforangeflowers，androseimmediately，theEmpresssayingtohim，withalaugh，“What，risingalready？Restalittlelonger。“——“Well，youarenotasleep，then？“repliedhisMajesty，rollingheroverinthecovering，givingherlittleslapsonhercheeksandshoulders，laughing，andkissingher。

AttheendofafewmomentstheEmpressrosealso，putonawrapper，andreadthejournals，ordescendedbythelittlecommunicatingstairwaytoherownapartment，neverleavingtheEmperorwithoutafewwordsexpressingthemosttouchingaffectionandgood-will。

Elegantandsimpleinherdress，theEmpresssubmittedwithregrettothenecessityoftoiletsofstate。Jewels，however，weremuchtohertaste；

and，asshehadalwaysbeenfondofthem；theEmperorpresentedherwiththemoftenandingreatquantities；andshegreatlyenjoyedadorningherselfwiththem，andstillmoreexhibitingthemtotheadmirationofothers。

Onemorning，whenmywifewaspresentathertoilet，herMajestyrelatedthat，beingnewlymarriedtoM。deBeauharnais，andmuchdelightedwiththeornamentshehadgivenher，shewasinthehabitofcarryingthemaroundinherreticule(reticuleswerethenanessentialpartofawoman\'sdress)，andshowingthemtoheryoungfriends。

AstheEmpressspokeofherreticule，sheorderedoneofherladiestohuntforonetoshowmywife。TheladywhomtheEmpressaddressedcouldscarcelyrepressalaughatthissingularrequest，andassuredherMajestythattherewasnothingsimilartothatnowinherwardrobe；towhichtheEmpressreplied，withanairofregret，thatshewouldhavereallylikedtoseeagainoneofheroldreticules，andthattheyearshallbroughtgreatchanges。ThejewelsoftheEmpressJosephinecouldhardlyhavebeencontainedinthereticuleofMadamedeBeauharnais，howeverlongordeepitmighthavebeen；forthejewelcasewhichhadbelongedtoQueenMarieAntoinette，andwhichhadneverbeenquitefull，wastoosmallfortheEmpress。Oneday，whenshewishedtoexhibitallherornamentstoseveralladieswhoexpressedadesiretoseethem，itwasnecessarytopreparealargetableonwhichtoplacethecaskets；

and，asthistablewasnotsufficient，severalotherpiecesoffurniturewerealsocoveredwiththem。

Goodtoexcess，aseveryoneknows，sympatheticbeyondallexpression，generouseventoprodigality，theEmpressmadethehappinessofallwhosurroundedher；lovingherhusbandwithadevotionwhichnothingeverchanged，andwhichwasasdeepinherlastmomentsasattheperiodwhenMadameBeauharnaisandGeneralBonapartemadetoeachotheramutualavowaloftheirlove。JosephinewaslongtheonlywomanlovedbytheEmperor，asshewelldeservedtohaveeverbeen；andforseveralyearstheharmonyofthisimperialhouseholdwasmosttouching。Attentive，loving，andentirelydevotedtoJosephine，theEmperortookpleasureinembracingherneck，herfigure，givinghertaps，andcallingher\'magrossebete\'；allofwhichdidnotprevent，itistrue，hisbeingguiltyofsomeinfidelities，butwithoutfailingotherwiseinhisconjugalduties。OnhersidetheEmpressadoredhim，soughtbyeverymeanstopleasehim，todivinehiswishes，andtoforestallhisleastdesires。

Atfirstshegaveherhusbandcauseforjealousy。Havingbeenstronglyprejudicedagainstherbyindiscreetreports，duringthecampaignofEgypt，theEmperoronhisreturnhadexplanationswithher，whichdidnotalwaysendwithoutlamentationsandviolentscenes；butpeacewassoonrestored，andwasthereafterveryrarelybroken，fortheEmperorcouldnotfailtofeeltheinfluenceofsomanyattractionsandsuchloveliness。

TheEmpresshadaremarkablememory，ofwhichtheEmperoroftenavailedhimself；shewasalsoanexcellentmusician，playedwellontheharp，andsangwithtaste。Shehadperfecttact，anexquisiteperceptionofwhatwassuitable，thesoundest，mostinfalliblejudgmentimaginable，and，withadispositionalwayslovely，alwaysthesame，indulgenttoherenemiesastoherfriends，sherestoredpeacewherevertherewasquarrelordiscord。WhentheEmperorwasvexedwithhisbrothersorotherpersons，whichoftenhappened，theEmpressspokeafewwords，andeverythingwassettled。Ifshedemandedapardon，itwasveryrarethattheEmperordidnotgrantit，howevergravethecrimecommitted；andI

couldciteathousandexamplesofpardonsthussolicitedandobtained。

Oneoccurrencewhichisalmostpersonaltomewillsufficientlyprovehowall-powerfulwastheintercessionofthisgoodEmpress。

HerMajesty\'sheadvaletbeingonedayalittleaffectedbythewinehehadtakenatabreakfastwithsomefriends，wasobliged，fromthenatureofhisduties，tobepresentatthetimeoftheirMajesties\'dinner，andtostandbehindtheEmpressinordertotakeandhandhertheplates。

Excitedbythefumesofthechampagne，hehadthemisfortunetouttersomeimproperwords，which，thoughpronouncedinalowtone，theEmperorunfortunatelyoverheard。HisMajestycastlightningglancesatM。Frere，whothusperceivedthegravityofhisfault；and，whendinnerwasover，gaveorderstodischargetheimpudentvalet，inatonewhichleftnohopeandpermittednoreply。

MonsieurFrerewasanexcellentservant，agentle，good，andhonestman；

itwasthefirstfaultofthiskindofwhichhecouldbeaccused，andconsequentlyhedeservedindulgence。Applicationwasmadetothegrandmarshal，whorefusedtointercede，wellknowingtheinflexibilityoftheEmperor；andmanyotherpersonswhomthepoormanbeggedtointercedeforhimhavingrepliedasthegrandmarshalhaddone，M。Frerecameindespairtobidusadieu。Idaredtotakehiscauseinhand，withthehopethatbyseizingafavorablemomentImightsucceedinappeasinghisMajesty。TheorderofdischargerequiredM。Freretoleavethepalaceintwenty-fourhours；butIadvisedhimnottoobeyit，buttokeephimself，however，constantlyconcealedinhisroom，whichhedid。Thateveningonretiring，hisMajestyspoketomeofwhathadpassed，showingmuchanger，soIjudgedthatsilencewasthebestcoursetotake；andthereforewaited；butthenextdaytheEmpresshadthekindnesstotellmethatshewouldbepresentatherhusband\'stoilet，andthat，ifIthoughtpropertoopenthematter，shewouldsustainmewithallherinfluence。

Consequently，findingtheEmperorinagoodhumor，IspokeofM。Frere；

anddepictingtohisMajestythedespairofthispoorman，Ipointedouttohimthereasonswhichmightexcusetheimproprietyofhisconduct。

“Sire，“saidI，“heisagoodman，whohasnofortune，andsupportsanumerousfamily；andifhehastoquittheserviceofherMajestytheEmpress，itwillnotbebelievedthatitwasonaccountofafaultforwhichthewinewasmoretobeblamedthanhe，andhewillbeutterlyruined。“Tothesewords，aswellastomanyothersuggestions，theEmperoronlyrepliedbyinterruptions，madewitheveryappearanceofadecidedoppositiontothepardonwhichIhadrequested。FortunatelytheEmpresswasgoodenoughtocometomyassistance，andsaidtoherhusbandinherowngentletones，alwayssotouchingandfullofexpression，“Monami，ifyouarewillingtopardonhim，youwillbedoingmeafavor。“

Emboldenedbythispowerfulpatronage，Irenewedmysolicitations；towhichtheEmperoratlastrepliedabruptly，addressinghimselftoboththeEmpressandmyself，“Inshort，youwishit；well，lethimstaythen。“

MonsieurFrerethankedmewithhiswholeheart，andcouldhardlybelievethegoodnewswhichIbroughthim；andasfortheEmpress，shewasmadehappybythejoyofthisfaithfulservant，whogaveherduringtheremainderofhislifeeveryproofofhisentiredevotion。Ihavebeenassuredthat，in1814，onthedepartureoftheEmperorfortheIslandofElba，MonsieurFrerewasbynomeansthelasttoblamemyconduct，themotiveofwhichhecouldnotpossiblyknow；butIamnotwillingtobelievethis，foritseemstomethatinhisplace，ifIthoughtIcouldnotdefendanabsentfriend，Ishouldatleasthavekeptsilence。

AsIhavesaid，theEmpresswasextremelygenerous，andbestowedmuchinalms，andwasmostingeniousinfindingoccasionsfortheirbestowal。

Manyemigreslivedsolelyonherbenefactions；shealsokeptupaveryactivecorrespondencewiththeSistersofCharitywhonursedthesick，andsentthemamultitudeofthings。Hervaletswereorderedtogoineverydirection，carryingtotheneedytheassistanceofherinexhaustiblebenevolence，whilenumerousotherpersonsalsoreceivedeachdaysimilarcommissions；andallthesealms，allthesemultipliedgiftswhichweresowidelydiffused，receivedaninestimablevaluefromthegracewithwhichtheywereoffered，andthegoodjudgmentwithwhichtheyweredistributed。Icouldciteathousandinstancesofthisdelicategenerosity。

MonsieurdeBeauharnaishadatthetimeofhismarriagetoJosephineanaturaldaughternamedAdele。TheEmpressrearedherasifshehadbeenherowndaughter，hadhercarefullyeducated，gaveheragenerousdowry，andmarriedhertoaprefectoftheEmpire。

IftheEmpressshowedsomuchtendernessforadaughterwhowasnotherown，itisimpossibletogiveanideaofherloveanddevotiontoQueenHortenseandPrinceEugene，whichdevotionherchildrenfullyreturned；

andtherewasneverabetterorhappiermother。Shewasveryproudofherchildren，andspokeofthemalwayswithanenthusiasmwhichseemedverynaturaltoallwhoknewtheQueenofHollandandtheVice-KingofItaly。Ihaverelatedhow，havingbeenleftanorphanataveryearlyagebytheRevolutionaryscaffold，youngBeauharnaishadgainedtheheartofGeneralBonapartebyaninterviewinwhichherequestedofhimhisfather\'ssword，andthatthisactioninspiredintheGeneralawishtobecomeacquaintedwithJosephine，andtheresultofthatinterview，allofwhicheventsaremattersofhistory。WhenMadamedeBeauharnaishadbecomethewifeofGeneralBonaparte，Eugeneenteredonamilitarycareer，andattachedhimselfimmediatelytothefortunesofhisstep-

father，whomheaccompaniedtoItalyinthecapacityofaide-de-camp。HewaschiefofsquadroninthechasseursoftheConsularGuard，andattheimmortalbattleofMarengosharedallthedangersoftheonewhotooksomuchpleasureincallinghimhisson。AfewyearslaterthechiefofsquadronhadbecomeVice-KingofItaly，thepresumptiveheiroftheimperialcrown(atitlewhich，intruth，hedidnotlongpreserve)，andhusbandofthedaughterofaking。

Thevice-queen(AugustaAmeliaofBavaria)washandsomeandgoodasanangel。IhappenedtobeatMalmaisononthedaytheEmpressreceivedtheportraitofherdaughter-in-law，surroundedbythreeorfourchildren，oneuponhershoulder，anotheratherfeet，andathirdinherarms，allofwhomhadmostlovelyfaces。TheEmpress，seeingme，deignedtocallmetoadmirewithherthiscollectionofcharmingheads；andIperceivedthat，whilespeaking，hereyeswerefulloftears。Theportraitswerewellpainted，andIhadoccasionlatertofindthattheywereperfectlikenesses。Fromthistimetheonlyquestionwasplaythingsandrarearticlesofallsortstobeboughtforthesedearchildren，theEmpressgoinginpersontoselectthepresentsshedesiredforthem，andhavingthempackedunderherowneyes。

Theprince\'svalethasassuredmethat，atthetimeofthedivorce，PrinceEugenewrotehiswifeaverydespondingletter，andperhapsexpressedinitsomeregretatnotbeinganadoptedsonoftheEmperor，towhichthePrincessrepliedmosttenderly，saying，amongotherthings，“ItisnottheheiroftheEmperorwhomImarriedandwhomIlove，butitisEugenedeBeauharnais。“ThePrincereadthissentenceandsomeothersinthepresenceofthepersonfromwhomIhavethesefacts，andwhowastouchedeventotears。Suchawomandeservedmorethanathrone。

Afterthatevent，sogrievoustotheheartoftheEmpress，andforwhichsheneverfoundconsolation，sheleftMalmaisonnomore，excepttomakeafewvisitstoNavarre。

EachtimethatIreturnedtoPariswiththeEmperor，IhadnosoonerarrivedthanmyfirstdutywastogotoMalmaison，thoughIwasrarelythebearerofaletterfromtheEmperor，ashewrotetoJosephineonlyonextraordinaryoccasions。“TelltheEmpressIamwell，andthatIwishhertobehappy，“werealmostinvariablythepartingwordsoftheEmperorasIsetout。ThemomentIarrivedtheEmpressquittedeverythingtospeaktome；andIfrequentlyremainedanhourandoftentwohourswithher；duringwhichtimetherewasnoquestionofanythingsavetheEmperor。Imusttellherallthathehadsufferedonthejourney，ifhehadbeensadorgay，sickorwell；whilesheweptoverthedetailsasI

repeatedthem，andgavemeathousanddirectionsregardinghishealth，andthecareswithwhichshedesiredIshouldsurroundhim。Afterthisshedeignedtoquestionmeaboutmyself，myprospects，thehealthofmywife，herformerprotegee；andatlastdismissedme，withaletterforhisMajesty，beggingmetosaytotheEmperorhowhappyshewouldbeifhewouldcometoseeher。

BeforehisdepartureforRussia，theEmpress，distressedatthiswar，ofwhichsheentirelydisapproved，againredoubledherrecommendationsconcerningtheEmperor，andmademeapresentofherportrait，sayingtome，“MygoodConstant，Irelyonyou；iftheEmperorweresick，youwouldinformmeofit，wouldyounot？Concealnothingfromme，Ilovehimsomuch。“

CertainlytheEmpresshadinnumerablemeansofhearingnewsofhisMajesty；butIampersuadedthat，hadshereceivedeachdayonehundredlettersfromthoseneartheEmperor，shewouldhavereadandrereadthemwiththesameavidity。

WhenIhadreturnedfromSaint-CloudtotheTuileries，theEmperoraskedmehowJosephinewas，andifIfoundheringoodspirits；hereceivedwithpleasurethelettersIbrought，andhastenedtoopenthem。AllthetimeIwastraveling，oronthecampaigninthesuiteofhisMajesty，inwritingtomywife，IspokeoftheEmperor，andthegoodprincesswasdelightedthatsheshowedmyletterstoher。Infact，everythinghavingtheleastconnectionwithherhusbandinterestedtheEmpresstoadegreewhichprovedwellthesingulardevotionthatshestillfeltforhimafter，asbefore，theirseparation。Toogenerous，andunabletokeepherexpenseswithinherincome，itoftenhappenedthattheEmpresswasobligedtosendawayherfurnishersunpaidtheverydayshehadherselffixedforthesettlementoftheirbills；andasthisreachedtheearsoftheEmperorononeoccasion，thereensuedaveryunpleasantscenebetweentheEmpressandhimself，endinginadecision，thatinfuturenomerchantorfurnishershouldcometothechateauwithoutaletterfromtheladyofattireorsecretaryoforders；andthisplan，oncedecidedupon，wasfollowedverycloselyuntilthedivorce。DuringthisexplanationtheEmpressweptfreely，andpromisedtobemoreeconomical，uponwhichtheEmperorpardonedandembracedher，andpeacewasmade，thisbeing，I

think，thelastquarrelofthisnaturewhichdisturbedtheimperialhousehold。

Ihaveheardthatafterthedivorce，theallowanceoftheEmpresshavingbeenexceeded，theEmperorreproachedthesuperintendentofMalmaisonwiththisfact，whointurninformedJosephine。Hiskind-heartedmistress，muchdistressedattheannoyancewhichherstewardhadexperienced，andnotknowinghowtoestablishabetterorderofthings，assembledacouncilofherhousehold，overwhichshepresidedinalinendresswithoutornament；thisdresshadbeenmadeingreathaste，andwasusedonlythisonce。TheEmpress，whomthenecessityforarefusalalwaysreducedtodespair，wascontinuallybesiegedbymerchants，whoassuredherthattheyhadmadesuchorsuchathingexpresslyforherownuse，begginghernottoreturnitbecausetheywouldnotbeabletodisposeofit；inconsequenceofwhichtheEmpresskepteverythingtheybrought，thoughtheyafterwardshadtobepaidfor。

TheEmpresswasalwaysextremelypoliteinherintercoursewiththeladiesofherhousehold；andareproachnevercamefromthoselipswhichseemedformedtosayonlypleasantthings；andifanyofherladiesgavehercauseofdissatisfaction，theonlypunishmentsheinflictedwasanabsolutesilenceonherpart，whichlastedone，two，three，oreveneightdays，thetimebeinglongerorshorteraccordingtothegravityofthefault。Andindeedthispenalty，apparentlysomild，wasreallyverycrueltomany，sowelldidtheEmpressknowhowtomakeherselfadoredbythosearoundher。

InthetimeoftheConsulate，MadameBonaparteoftenreceivedfromcitieswhichhadbeenconqueredbyherhusband，orfromthosepersonswhodesiredtoobtainherintercessionwiththeFirstConsul，quantitiesofvaluablefurniture，curiositiesofallkinds，pictures，stuffs，etc。AtfirstthesepresentsdelightedMadameBonapartegreatly；andshetookachildishpleasureinhavingthecasesopenedtofindwhatwasinside，personallyassistinginunpackingthem，andrummagingthroughalltheseprettythings。Butsoontheseconsignmentsbecamesoconsiderable，andweresooftenrepeated，thatitwasfoundnecessarytoplacetheminanapartment，ofwhichmyfather-in-lawkeptthekey，andwheretheboxesremaineduntoucheduntilitpleasedMadameBonapartetohavethemopened。

WhentheFirst。ConsuldecidedthathewouldtakeuphisresidenceatSaint-Cloud，myfather-in-lawwasobligedtoleaveMalmaison，andinstallhimselfinthenewpalace，asthemasterwishedhimtotakechargethere。

BeforeleavingMalmaison，myfather-in-lawrenderedanaccounttoMadameBonaparteofeverythingcommittedtohiscare，andallthecaseswhichwerepiledupfromfloortoceilingintworoomswereopenedinherpresence。MadameBonapartewasastonishedatsuchmarvelousriches，comprisingmarbles，bronzes，andmagnificentpictures，ofwhichEugene，Hortense，andthesistersoftheFirstConsulreceivedalargepart，andtheremainderwasusedindecoratingtheapartmentsofMalmaison。

TheEmpress\'sloveofornamentsincludedforawhileantiquecuriosities，cutstones，andmedals。M。Denonflatteredthiswhim，andendedbypersuadingthegoodJosephinethatshewasaperfectconnoisseurinantiques，andthatsheshouldhaveatMalmaisonacabinet，akeeperforit，etc。Thisproposition，whichflatteredtheself-loveoftheEmpress，wasfavorablyreceived；theroomwasselected，M。deM——madekeeper，andthenewcabinetenrichedbydiminishinginthesameproportiontherichfurnitureoftheapartmentsofthechateau。M。Denon，whohadoriginatedthisidea，tookuponhimselftomakeacollectionofmedals；

butthisidea，whichcamesosuddenly，vanishedassuddenly；thecabinetwaschangedintoasaloonforguests，andtheantiquesrelegatedtotheantechamberofthebathinghall，whileM。deM——，havingnolongeranythingtokeep，remainedconstantlyinParis。

Ashorttimeafterthis，twoladiesofthepalacetookafancytopersuadetheEmpressthatnothingcouldbehandsomerormoreworthyofherthananecklaceofGreekandRomanantiquestonesperfectlymatched。

Severalchamberlainsapprovedtheidea，which，ofcourse，pleasedtheEmpress，forshewasveryfondofanythingunique；andconsequentlyonemorning，asIwasdressingtheEmperor，theEmpressentered，and，afteralittleconversation，said，“Bonaparte，someladieshaveadvisedmetohaveanecklacemadeofantiquestones，andIcametoaskyoutourgeM。

Denontoselectonlyveryhandsomeones。“TheEmperorburstoutlaughing，andrefusedflatlyatfirst；butjustthenthegrandmarshalofthepalacearrived，andtheEmperorinformedhimofthisrequestoftheEmpress，askinghisopinion。M。leduedeFrioulthoughtitveryreasonable，andjoinedhisentreatiestothoseoftheEmpress。“Itisanegregiousfolly，“saidtheEmperor；“butweareobligedtograntit，becausethewomenwishit，so，Duroc，gotothecabinetofantiques，andchoosewhateverisnecessary。“

M。leduedeFrioulsoonreturnedwiththefineststonesinthecollection，whichthecrownjewelermountedmagnificently；butthisornamentwasofsuchenormousweightthattheEmpressneverworeit。

ThoughImaybeaccusedofmakingtiresomerepetitions，ImustsaythattheEmpressseized，withaneagernesswhichcannotbedescribed，onalloccasionsofmakingbenefactions。Forinstance，onemorningwhenshewasbreakfastingalonewithhisMajesty，thecriesofaninfantweresuddenlyheardproceedingfromaprivatestaircase。TheEmperorwasannoyedatthis，andwithafrown，askedsharplywhatthatmeant。Iwenttoinvestigate，andfoundanew-bornchild，carefullyandneatlydressed，asleepinakindofcradle，witharibbonarounditsbodyfromwhichhungafoldedpaper。IreturnedtotellwhatIhadseen；andtheEmpressatonceexclaimed，“OConstant！bringmethecradle。“TheEmperorwouldnotpermitthisatfirst，andexpressedhissurpriseanddisapprobationthatitshouldhavebeenthusintroducedintotheinteriorofhisapartments，whereuponherMajesty，havingpointedouttohimthatitmusthavebeendonebysomeoneofthehousehold，heturnedtowardsme，andgavemeasearchinglook，asiftoaskifitwasIwhohadoriginatedthisidea。Ishookmyheadindenial。Atthatmomentthebabybegantocry，andtheEmperorcouldnotkeepfromsmiling，stillgrowling，andsaying，“Josephine，sendawaythatmonkey！“

TheEmpress，wishingtoprofitbythisreturnofgoodhumor，sentmeforthecradle，whichIbroughttoher。Shecaressedthelittlenew-bornbabe，quietedit，andreadthepaperattachedtowhichwasapetitionfromitsparents。ThensheapproachedtheEmperor，insistingonhiscaressingtheinfanthimself，andpinchingitsfatlittlecheeks；whichhedidwithoutmuchurging，fortheEmperorhimselflovedtoplaywithchildren。AtlastherMajestytheEmpress，havingplacedarollofnapoleonsinthecradle，hadthelittlebundleinswaddlingclothescarriedtotheconciergeofthepalace，inorderthathemightrestoreittoitsparents。

IwillnowgiveanotherinstanceofthekindnessofheartofherMajestytheEmpress，ofwhichIhadthehonortobeawitness，aswellasofthepreceding。

Afewdaysbeforethecoronation，alittlegirlfourandahalfyearsoldhadbeenrescuedfromtheSeine；andacharitablelady，MadameFabienPillet，wasmuchinterestedinprovidingahomeforthepoororphan。Atthetimeofthecoronation，theEmpress，whohadbeeninformedofthisoccurrence，askedtoseethischild，andhavingregardeditafewmomentswithmuchemotion，offeredherprotectionmostgracefullyandsincerelytoMadamePilletandherhusband，andannouncedtothemthatshewouldtakeuponherselfthecareofthelittlegirl\'sfuture；then，withherusualdelicacyandintheaffectionatetonewhichwassonaturaltoher，theEmpressadded，“Yourgoodactionhasgivenyoutoomanyclaimsoverthepoorlittlegirlformetodepriveyouofthepleasureofcompletingyourwork，Ithereforebegyourpermissiontofurnishtheexpensesofhereducation。Youhavetheprivilegeofputtingherinboarding-school，andwatchingoverher；，andIwishtotakeonlyasecondaryposition，asherbenefactress。“ItwasthemosttouchingsightimaginabletoseeherMajesty，whileutteringthesedelicateandgenerouswords，passherhandsthroughthehairofthepoorlittlegirl，asshehadjustcalledher，andkissherbrowwiththetendernessofamother。M。andMadamePilletwithdrew，fortheycouldnolongerbearthistouchingscene。

CHAPTERXXV。

TheappointmentofGeneralJunotasambassadortoPortugalrecalledtomyrecollectionalaughableanecdoteconcerninghim，whichgreatlyamusedtheEmperor。WhileincampatBoulogne，theEmperorhadpublishedintheorderofthedaythateverysoldiershoulddiscardpowder，andarrangehishair\'alaTitus\'，onwhichtherewasmuchmurmuring；butatlastallsubmittedtotheorderofthechief，exceptoneoldgrenadierbelongingtothecorpscommandedbyGeneralJunot。Notbeingabletodecideonthesacrificeofhisoilytressesorhisqueue，theoldsoldiersworehewouldsubmittoitonlyincasehisgeneralwouldhimselfcutoffthefirstlock；andalltheofficersinterestedinthisaffairhavingsucceededingettingnootherreply，atlastreportedhimtothegeneral。

“Thatcanbemanaged；bringtheidiottome！“repliedhe。Thegrenadierwascalled，andGeneralJunothimselfappliedthescissorstoanoiledandpowderedlock；afterwhichhegavetwentyfrancstothegrumbler，whowentawaysatisfiedtoletthebarberoftheregimentfinishtheoperation。

TheEmperorhavingbeeninformedofthisadventure，laughedmostheartily，andpraisedJunot，complimentinghimonhiscondescension。

IcouldciteathousandsimilarinstancesofthekindnessofheartjoinedtomilitarybrusquenesswhichcharacterizedGeneralJunot，andcouldalsocitethoseofanotherkind，whichwoulddolesshonortohisname。Theslightcontrolhehadoverhimselfoftenthrewhimintotransportsofrage，themostordinaryeffectofwhichwasforgetfulnessofhisrankandthedignityofdemeanorwhichitdemandedofhim。Everyonehasheardtheadventureofthegambling-house，whenhetoreupthecards，upsetthefurniture，andbeatbothbankersandcroupiers，toindemnifyhimselfforthelossofhismoney；andtheworstofitwas，hewasatthatverytimeGovernorofParis。TheEmperor，informedofthisscandal，sentforhim，anddemandedofhim(hewasstillveryangry)，ifhehadsworntoliveanddiemad。Thismighthavebeen，fromthesequel，takenasaprediction；fortheunfortunategeneraldiedatlastinafitofmentalaberration。HerepliedinsuchimpropertermstothereprimandsoftheEmperorthathewassent，perhapsinorderthathemighthavetimetocalmhimself，tothearmyofEngland。Itwasnotonlyingaming-houses，however，thatthegovernorthuscompromisedhisdignity；forIhaveheardotherstoriesabouthimofastillmoreshockingcharacter，whichIwillnotallowmyselftorepeat。Thetruthis，GeneralJunotpridedhimselfmuchlessonrespectingtheproprietiesthanonbeingoneofthebestpistol-shotsinthearmy。Whileridinginthecountry，hewouldoftenputhishorseintoagallop，andwithapistolineachhand，neverfailtocutoff，inpassing，theheadsoftheducksorchickenswhichhetookashistarget。Hecouldcutoffasmalltwigfromatreeattwenty-fivepaces；andIhaveevenhearditsaid(Iamfarfromguaranteeingthetruthofthis)thatononeoccasion，withtheconsentofthepartywhoseimprudencethusputhislifeinperil，hecuthalfintwothestemofaclaypipe，hardlythreeincheslong，whichasoldierheldbetweenhisteeth。

InthefirstjourneywhichMadameBonapartemadeintoItalytorejoinherhusband，sheremainedsometimeatMilan。Shehadatthattimeinherservicea\'femmedechambre\'namedLouise，alargeandverybeautifulwoman，andwhoshowedfavors，wellremuneratedhowever，tothebraveJunot。Assoonasherdutieswereended，Louise，farmoregorgeouslyattiredthanMadameBonaparte，enteredanelegantcarriage，androdethroughthecityandtheprincipalpromenades，ofteneclipsingthewifeoftheGeneral-in-chief。OnhisreturntoParis，thelatterobligedhiswifetodismissthebeautifulLouise，who，abandonedbyherinconstantlover，fellintogreatdestitution；andIoftensawherafterwardsattheresidenceofJosephinebeggingaid，whichwasalwaysmostkindlygranted。

Thisyoungwoman，whohaddaredtorivalMadameBonaparteinelegance，endedbymarrying，Ithink，anEnglishjockey，ledamostunhappylife，anddiedinamiserablecondition。

TheFirstConsuloftheFrenchRepublic，nowbecomeEmperoroftheFrench，couldnolongerbesatisfiedwiththetitleofPresidentofItaly。Therefore，whennewdeputiesoftheCisalpineRepublicpassedoverthemountains，andgatheredatParisforconsultation，theyconferredonhisMajestythetitleofKingofItaly，whichheaccepted，andafewdaysafterhisacceptancehesetoutforMilan，wherehewastobecrowned。

Ireturnedwiththegreatestpleasuretothatbeautifulcountry，ofwhich，notwithstandingthefatiguesanddangersofwar，Iretainedthemostdelightfulrecollections。Howdifferentthecircumstancesnow！AsasovereigntheEmperorwasnowabouttocrosstheAlps，Piedmont，andLombardy，eachgorge，eachstream，eachdefileofwhichwehadbeenobligedinaformervisittocarrybyforceofarms。In1800theescortoftheFirstConsulwasawarlikearmy；in1805itwasapeacefulprocessionofchamberlains，pages，maidsofhonor，andofficersofthepalace。

BeforehisdeparturetheEmperorheldinhisarmsatthebaptismalfont，incompanywithMadamehismother，PrinceNapoleonLouis，secondsonofhisbrotherPrinceLouis——[ThethirdsonlivedtobecomeNapoleonIII。]-

ThethreesonsofQueenHortensehad，ifIamnotmuchmistaken，theEmperorasgodfather；buthelovedmosttenderlytheeldestofthethree，PrinceNapoleonCharles，whodiedattheageoffiveyears，PrinceRoyalofHolland。Ishallspeakafterwardsofthislovelychild，whosedeaththrewhisfatherandmotherintothemostoverwhelminggrief，wasthecauseofgreatsorrowtotheEmperor，andmaybeconsideredasthesourceofthegravestevents。

AfterthebaptismalfeteswesetoutforItaly，accompaniedbytheEmpressJosephine。WheneveritwasconvenienttheEmperorlikedtotakeherwithhim；butshealwaysdesiredtoaccompanyherhusband，whetherornotthiswasthecase。

TheEmperorusuallykepthisjourneyaprofoundsecretuptothemomentofhisdeparture，andorderedatmidnighthorsesforhisdeparturetoMayenceorMilan，exactlyasifahuntatSaint-CloudorRambouilletwasinquestion。

Ononeofhisjourneys(Idonotrememberwhich)，hisMajestyhaddecidednottotaketheEmpressJosephine。TheEmperorwaslessdisturbedbythiscompanyofladiesandwomenwhoformedherMajesty\'ssuite，thanhewasbytheannoyanceofthebandboxesandbundleswithwhichtheywereusuallyencumbered，andwishedonthisoccasiontotravelrapidly，andwithoutostentation，andsparethetownsonhisrouteanenormousincreaseofexpense。

Hethereforeorderedeverythingtobeinreadinessforhisdeparture，atoneo\'clockinthemorning，atwhichhourtheEmpresswasgenerallyasleep；but，inspiteofallprecautions，someslightnoisewarnedtheEmpressofwhatwastakingplace。TheEmperorhadpromisedherthatsheshouldaccompanyhimonhisfirstjourney；buthehaddeceivedher，nevertheless，andwasabouttosetoutwithouther！Sheinstantlycalledherwomen；butvexedattheirslowness，herMajestysprangoutofbed，threwonthefirstclothingshefoundathand，andranoutofherroominslippersandwithoutstockings。Weepinglikealittlechildthatisbeingtakenbacktoboarding-school，shecrossedtheapartments，flewdownthestaircase，andthrewherselfintothearmsoftheEmperor，ashewasenteringhiscarriage，barelyintime，however，foramomentlaterhesetout。Asalmostalwayshappenedatthesightofhiswife\'stears，theEmperor\'sheartwassoftened；andshe，seeingthis，hadalreadyenteredthecarriage，andwascoweringdowninthefoot，fortheEmpresswasscantilyclad。TheEmperorcoveredherwithhiscloak，andbeforestartinggavetheorderinpersonthat，withthefirstrelay，hiswifeshouldreceiveallsheneeded。

TheEmperor，leavinghiswifeatFontainebleau，repairedtoBrienne，wherehearrivedatsixo\'clockintheevening，andfoundMesdamesdeBrienneandLomenie，withseveralladiesofthecity，awaitinghimatthefootofthestaircasetothechateau。Heenteredthesaloon，andreceivedmostgraciouslyallpersonswhowerepresentedtohim，andthenpassedintothegarden，conversingfamiliarlywithMesdamesBrienneandLomenie，andrecallingwithsurprisingaccuracythesmallestparticularsofthestaywhichhemadeduringhischildhoodatthemilitaryschoolofBrienne。

HisMajestyinvitedtohistableatdinnerhishostessesandafewoftheirfriends，andafterwardsmadeapartyatagameofwhistwithMesdamesdeBrienne，deVandeuvre，anddeNolivres。Duringthisgame，asalsoatthetable，hisconversationwasanimatedandmostinteresting，andhedisplayedsuchlivelinessandaffabilitythateveryonewasdelighted。

HisMajestypassedthenightatthechateauofBrienne，androseearlytovisitthefieldoflaRothiere，oneofhisfavoritewalksinformerdays。

Herevisitedwiththegreatestpleasurethosespotswherehisearlyyouthhadbeenpassed，andpointedthemoutwithakindofpride，allhismovements，allhisreflections，seemingtosay，“SeewhenceIsetout，andwhereIhavearrived。“

HisMajestywalkedinadvanceofthepersonswhoaccompaniedhim，andtookmuchpleasureinbeingfirsttocallbytheirnamesthevariouslocalitieshepassed。Apeasant，seeinghimthussomedistancefromhissuite，criedouttohimfamiliarly，“Oh，citizen，istheEmperorgoingtopasssoon？“——“Yes，“repliedtheEmperor，“havepatience。“

TheEmperorhadinquiredtheeveningbefore，ofMadameBrienne，newsofMotherMarguerite。Thuswasstyledagoodwomanwhodweltinacottage，inthemidstoftheforest，andonwhomthe，pupilsofthemilitaryacademywereaccustomedtomakefrequentvisits。Hehadnotforgottenhername，andlearning，withasmuchjoyassurprise，thatshestilllived，theEmperor，extendedhismorningride，andgallopinguptothedoorofthecottage，alightedfromhishorse，andenteredthehomeofthegoodoldpeasant。Hersightwasimpairedbyage；andbesides，theEmperorhadchangedsomuchsinceshehadseenhimthatitwouldhavebeendifficultevenforthebesteyestorecognizehim。“Good-day，MotherMarguerite，“saidhisMajesty，salutingtheoldwoman；“soyouarenotcurioustoseetheEmperor？“——“Yes，indeed，mygoodsir；Iamverycurioustoseehim；somuchso，thathereisalittlebasketoffresheggsthatIamgoingtocarrytoMadame；andIshallthenremainatthechateau，andendeavortoseetheEmperor。Butthetroubleis，Ishallnotbeabletoseehimsowellto-dayasformerly，whenhecamewithhiscomradestodrinkmilkatMotherMarguerite\'s。HewasnotEmperorthen；

butthatwasnothing，hemadetheotherssteparound！Indeed，youshouldhaveseenhim！Themilk，theeggs，thebrownbread，thebrokendishesthoughhetookcaretohavemepaidforeverything，andbeganbypayinghisownbill。“——“What！MotherMarguerite，“repliedhisMajesty，smiling，“youhavenotforgottenBonaparte！“——“Forgotten！mygoodsir；youthinkthatanyonewouldforgetsuchayoungmanashe，whowaswise，serious，andsometimesevensad，butalwaysgoodtopoorpeople？Iamonlyapoorpeasantwoman，butIcouldhavepredictedthatthisyoungmanwouldmakehisway。Hehasnotdoneitverybadly，hashe？Ah，no，indeed！“

Duringthisshortdialogue，theEmperorhadatfirstturnedhisbacktothedoor，andconsequentlytothelight，whichenteredthecottageonlybythatmeans。But，bydegrees；theEmperorapproachedthegoodwoman；

andwhenhewasquitenearher，withthelightshiningfullonhisfacefromthedoor，hebegantorubhishandsandsay，tryingtorecallthetoneandmannerofthedaysofhisearlyyouth，whenhecametothepeasant\'shouse，“Come，MotherMarguerite，somemilkandfresheggs；wearefamishing。“Thegoodoldwomanseemedtryingtorevivehermemories，andbegantoobservetheEmperorwiththeclosestattention。“Oh，yes，Mother，youweresosureawhileagoofknowingBonaparteagain。Arewenotoldacquaintances，wetwo？“Thepeasant，whiletheEmperorwasaddressingtheselastwordstoher，hadfallenathisfeet；butheraisedherwiththemosttouchingkindness，andsaidtoher，“Thetruthis，MotherMarguerite，Ihavestillaschoolboy\'sappetite。Haveyounothingtogiveme？“Thegoodwoman，almostbesideherselfwithhappiness，servedhisMajestywitheggsandmilk；andwhenthissimplerepastwasended，hisMajestygavehisagedhostessapursefullofgold，sayingtoher，“Youknow，MotherMarguerite，thatIbelieveinpayingmybills。

Adieu，Ishallnotforgetyou。“AndwhiletheEmperorremountedhishorse，thegoodoldwoman，standingonthethresholdofherdoor，promisedhim，withtearsofjoy，topraytothegoodGodforhim。

Onemorning，whenheawoke，hisMajestywasspeakingofthepossibilityoffindingsomeofhisoldacquaintances；andananecdoteconcerningGeneralJunotwasrelatedtohim，whichamusedhimgreatly。TheGeneralfindinghimself，onhisreturnfromEgypt，atMontbard，wherehehadpassedseveralyearsofhischildhood，hadsoughtwiththegreatestcareforhiscompanionsinschoolandmischief，andhadfoundseveral，withwhomhehadtalkedgaylyandfreelyofhisearlyfrolicsandhisschoolboyexcursions。Astheywenttogethertorevisitthedifferentlocalities，eachofwhichawakenedinthemsomememoryoftheiryouth，thegeneralsawanoldmanmajesticallypromenadingonthepublicsquarewithalargecaneinhishand。Heimmediatelyranuptohim，threwhisarmsaroundhim，andembracedhimmanytimes，almostsuffocatinghim。

Thepromenaderdisengagedhimselfwithgreatdifficultyfromhiswarmembraces，regardedGeneralJunotwithanamazedair，andremarkedthathewasignoranttowhathecouldattributesuchexcessivetendernessfromasoldierwearingtheuniformofasuperiorofficer，andalltheindicationsofhighrank。“What，“criedhe，“doyounotrecognizeme？“——

“CitizenGeneral，Iprayyoutoexcuseme，butIhavenoidea“——

“Ah，morbleu，mydearmaster，haveyouforgottenthemostidle，themostlawless，themostincorrigibleofyourscholars？“——“Athousandpardons，youareMonsieurJunot。“——“Himself！“repliedJunot，renewinghisembraces，andlaughingwithhisfriendsatthesingularcharacteristicsbywhichhehadcausedhimselftoberecognized。AsforhisMajestytheEmperor，ifanyofhisoldmastershadfailedtorecognizehim，itcouldnotbebyreminiscencesofthiskindthathecouldhaverecalledhimselftothem；foreveryoneknowsthathewasdistinguishedatthemilitaryschoolforhisapplicationtowork，andtheregularityandsobrietyofhislife。

Ameetingofthesamenature，savingthedifferenceinrecollections，awaitedtheEmperoratBrienne。Whilehewasvisitingtheoldmilitaryschool，nowfallingtoruin，andpointingouttothepersonswhosurroundedhimthesituationofthestudyhalls，dormitories，refectories，etc。，anecclesiasticwhohadbeentutorofoneoftheclassesintheschoolwaspresentedtohim。TheEmperorrecognizedhimimmediately；and，utteringanexclamationofsurprise，hisMajestyconversedmorethantwentyminuteswiththisgentleman，leavinghimfullofgratitude。

TheEmperor，beforeleavingBriennetoreturntoFontainebleau，requiredthemayortogivehimawrittenaccountofthemostpressingneedsofthecommune，andleftonhisdepartureaconsiderablesumforthepoorandthehospitals。

PassingthroughTroyes，theEmperorleftthere，aseverywhereelse，souvenirsofhisgenerosity。Thewidowofageneralofficer，livinginretirementatJoinville(IregretthatIhaveforgottenthenameofthisvenerablelady，whowasmorethananoctogenarian)，cametoTroyes，notwithstandinghergreatage，toaskaidfromhisMajesty。HerhusbandhavingservedonlybeforetheRevolution，thepensionwhichshehadenjoyedhadbeentakenfromherundertheRepublic，andshewasinthegreatestdestitution。ThebrotherofGeneralVouittemont，mayorofacommuneinthesuburbsofTroyes，waskindenoughtoconsultmeastowhatshouldbedoneinordertopresentthisladytotheEmperor；andI

advisedhimtohavehernameplacedonthelistofhisMajesty\'sprivateaudiences。ImyselftookthelibertyofspeakingofMadamedetotheEmperor；andtheaudiencewasgranted，thoughIdonotpretendtoattributethemeritofittomyself，forintravelingtheEmperorwasalwaysveryaccessible。

WhenthegoodladycametoattendtheaudiencewithM。deVouittemont，towhomhismunicipalscarfgavetherightofentrance，Ihappenedtomeetthem，andshestoppedtothankmeforthelittleservicewhichsheinsistedIhadrenderedher，andmentionedthatshehadbeenobligedtopawnthesixsilverplateswhichaloneremainedtoher，inordertopaytheexpensesofherjourney；that，havingarrivedatTroyesinapoorfarmwagon，coveredwithacloththrownoverahoop，andwhichhadshakenherterribly，shecouldfindnoplaceintheinns，allofwhichwerefilledonaccountofthearrivaloftheirMajesties；andshewouldhavebeenobligedtosleepinherwagonhaditnotbeenforthekindconsiderationofM。deVouittemont，whohadgivenuphisroomtoher，andofferedhisservices。Inspiteofhermorethaneightyyears，andherdistress，thisrespectableladyrelatedherstorywithanairofgentlegayety，andattheclosethrewagratefulglanceatherguide，onwhosearmshewasleaning。

Atthatmomenttheushercametoannouncethatherturnhadcome，andsheenteredthesaloonofaudience。M。deVouittemontawaitedherreturnwhileconversingwithme；andonherreturnsherelatedtous，scarcelyabletocontrolheremotion，thattheEmperorhadinthekindestmannerreceivedthememorialshepresentedtohim，hadreaditattentively，andpassedittoaministerwhowasnearhim，withtheordertodoherjusticethisveryday。

Thenextdayshereceivedthewarrantforapensionofthreethousandfrancs，thefirstyear\'spaybeinghandedheratonce。

AtLyons，ofwhichCardinalFeschwasarchbishop，theEmperorlodgedinthearchiepiscopalpalace——[JosephFesch，borninCorsica，1763，washalf-brothertoNapoleon\'smother。ArchbishopofLyons1801，cardinal1803，died1839]——

DuringthestayoftheirMajestiesthecardinalexertedhimselftotheutmosttogratifyeverywishofhisnephew；andinhiseagernesstoplease，monseigneurappliedtomemanytimeseachdaytobeassuredthatnothingwaslacking；soeverythingpassedoffadmirably。Thezealofthecardinalwasremarkedbyallthehousehold；butformypartIthoughtI

perceivedthatthezealdisplayedbymonseigneurinthereceptionoftheirMajestiestookonanaddedstrengthwhenevertherewasaquestionofalltheexpensesincurredbythisvisit，whichwereconsiderable，beingpaidbythem。Hiseminence，Ithought，drewveryfineinterestonhisinvestment，andhisgeneroushospitalitywashandsomelycompensatedbytheliberalityofhisguests。

ThepassageofMontCeniswasbynomeanssodifficultashadbeenthatofMontSt。Bernard；althoughtheroad，whichhassincebeenmadebytheEmperor\'sorders，wasnotthencommenced。Atthefootofthemountaintheywereobligedtotakethecarriagetopieces，andtransportitonthebacksofmules；andtheirMajestiescrossedthemountainpartlyonfoot，partlyinveryhandsomesedanchairswhichhadbeenmadeatTurin，thatoftheEmperorlinedwithcrimsonsatin，andornamentedwithgoldlaceandfringes，andthatoftheEmpressinbluesatin，withsilverlaceandfringes。Thesnowhadbeencarefullysweptoffandremoved。Ontheirarrivalattheconventtheyweremostwarmlyreceivedbythegoodmonks；andtheEmperor，whohadasingularaffectionforthem，heldalongconversationwiththem，anddidnotdepartwithoutleavingrichandnumeroustokensofhisliberality。AssoonashearrivedatTurinhegaveordersfortheimprovementoftheirhospice，whichhecontinuedtosupporttillhisfall。

TheirMajestiesremainedseveraldaysatTurin，wheretheyoccupiedtheformerpalaceofthekingsofSardinia，constitutedtheimperialresidencebyadecreeoftheEmperorduringourstay，aswasalsothecastleofStupinigi，situatedashortdistancefromthetown。

ThePoperejoinedtheirMajestiesatStupinigi；theHolyFatherhadleftParisalmostatthesametimeasourselves，andbeforehisdeparturehadreceivedfromtheEmperormagnificentpresents。Amongthesewasagoldenaltarwithchandeliers，andholyvesselsoftherichestworkmanship，asuperbtiara，Gobelintapestries，andcarpetsfromtheSavonnerie，withastatueoftheEmperorinSevresporcelain。TheEmpressalsomadetohisHolinessapresentofavaseofthesamemanufacture，adornedwithpaintingsbythebestartists。Thismasterpiecewasatleastfourfeetinheight，andtwofeetandahalfindiameteratthemouth，andwasmadeexpresslytobeofferedtotheHolyFather，thepaintingrepresenting，ifmymemoryiscorrect，theceremonyofthecoronation。

EachofthecardinalsinthesuiteofthePopehadreceivedaboxofbeautifulworkmanship，withtheportraitoftheEmperorsetindiamonds；

andallthepersonsattachedtotheserviceofPiusVII。hadpresentsmoreorlessconsiderable，allthesevariousarticlesbeingbroughtbythefurnisherstotheapartmentsofhisMajesty，whereItookalistofthem，byorderofhisMajesty，astheyarrived。

TheHolyFatheralsomadeinreturnveryhandsomepresentstotheofficersoftheEmperor\'shouseholdwhosedutieshadbroughtthemnearhispersonduringhisstayatParis。

FromStupinigiwewenttoAlexandria。TheEmperor，thenextdayafterhisarrival，roseearly，visitedthefortificationsofthetown，reviewedallthepositionsofthebattlefieldofMarengo，andreturnedonlyatseveno\'clock，andafterhavingbrokendownfivehorses。AfewdaysafterhewishedtheEmpresstoseethisfamousplain，andbyhisordersanarmyoftwenty-fiveorthirtythousandmenwasassembled。Themorningofthedayfixedforthereviewofthesetroops，theEmperorlefthisapartmentdressedinabluecoatwithlongskirts，muchworn，andevenwithholesinsomeplaces。Theseholesweretheworkofmothsandnotofballs，ashasbeensaidincertainmemoirs。OnhisheadhisMajestyworeanoldhatedgedwithgoldlace，tarnishedandfrayed，andathissideacavalrysaber，suchasthegeneralsoftheRepublicwore；thiswasthecoat，hat，andswordthathehadwornonthedayofthebattleofMarengo。IafterwardslentthesearticlestoMonsieurDavid，firstpaintertohisMajesty，forhispictureofthepassageofMontSt。

Bernard。AvastamphitheaterhadbeenraisedonthisplainfortheEmpressandthesuiteoftheirMajesties；thedaywasperfect，asiseachdayofthemonthofMayinItaly。Afterridingalongtheranks，theEmperortookhisseatbythesideoftheEmpress，andmadetothetroopsadistributionofthecrossoftheLegionofHonor，afterwhichhelaidthecornerstoneofamonument，whichhehaddirectedtoberaisedontheplaintothememoryofthesoldierswhohadfallenonthebattlefield。

WhenhisMajesty，intheshortaddresswhichhemadetothearmyonthisoccasion，pronouncedinastrongvoice，vibratingwithemotion，thenameofDesaix，whoherediedgloriouslyforhiscountry，amurmurofgriefranthroughtheranksofthesoldiers。Asforme，Iwasmovedtotears；

andasmyeyesfellonthisarmy，onitsbanners，onthecostumeoftheEmperor，IwasobligedtoturnfromtimetotimetowardsthethroneofherMajestytheEmpress，torealizethatthiswasnotthe14thofJuneintheyear1800。

IthinkitwasduringthisstayatAlexandria，thatPrinceJeromeBonapartehadaninterviewwiththeEmperor，inwhichthelatterseriouslyandearnestlyremonstratedwithhisbrother，andPrinceJeromeleftthecabinetvisiblyagitated。ThisdispleasureoftheEmperorarosefromthemarriagecontractedbyhisbrother，attheageofnineteen，withthedaughterofanAmericanmerchant。

HisMajestyhadthisunionannulledonthepleaofminority，andmadeadecreeforbiddingtheofficersofthecivilstatetoreceive，ontheirregisters，therecordofthecertificateofthecelebrationofthemarriageofMonsieurJeromewithMademoisellePatterson。ForsometimetheEmperortreatedhimwithgreatcoolness，andkepthimatadistance；

butafewdaysaftertheinterviewatAlexandria，hesenthimtoAlgierstoclaimassubjectsoftheEmpiretwohundredGenoeseheldasslaves。

Theyoungprinceacquittedhimselfhandsomelyofthismissionofhumanity，andreturnedinthemonthofAugusttotheportofGenoa，withthecaptiveswhomhehadjustreleased。TheEmperorwaswellsatisfiedwiththemannerinwhichhisbrotherhadcarriedouthisinstructions，andsaidonthisoccasion，that“PrinceJeromewasveryyoungandverythoughtless，thatheneededmoreweightinhishead，butthat，nevertheless，hehopedtomakesomethingofhim。“

ThisbrotherofhisMajestywasoneamongthefewpersonswhomhereallyloved，althoughhehadoftengivenhimjustcauseforanger。

CHAPTERXXVI。

TheirMajestiesremainedmorethanamonthatMilan，andIhadampleleisuretoacquaintmyselfwiththisbeautifulcapitalofLombardy。Thisvisitwasacontinualsuccessionoffetesandgayeties；anditseemedthattheEmperoralonehadtimetogivetowork，forheshuthimselfup，aswashiscustom，withhisministers，whileallthepersonsofhissuiteandofhishousehold，whosedutiesdidnotdetainthemnearhisMajesty，wereeagerlytakingpartinthesportsanddiversionsoftheMilanese。I

willenterintonodetailsofthecoronation，asitwasalmostarepetitionofwhathadtakenplaceatParisafewmonthsbefore；andasallsolemnitiesofthissortarealike，everyoneisfamiliarwiththeleastdetails。Amidallthesefetedaystherewasonedayofrealhappinesstome:itwasthatonwhichPrinceEugene，whosekindnesstomeIhaveneverforgotten，wasproclaimedviceroyofItaly。Truly，noonecouldbemoreworthythanheofaranksoelevated，iftoattainitonlynobility，generosity，courage，andskillintheartofgoverning，wereneeded；forneverdidprincemoresincerelydesiretheprosperityofthepeopleconfidedtohiscare。Ihaveoftenobservedhowtrulyhappyhewas，andwhatgenuinedelightbeamedfromhiscountenancewhenhehadshedhappinessaroundhim。

TheEmperorandEmpresswentonedaytobreakfastintheenvironsofMilan，onalittleislandcalledOlona。Whilewalkingoverit，theEmperormetapoorwoman，whosecottagewasneartheplacewheretheirMajesties\'tablehadbeenset，andheaddressedtoheranumberofquestions。“Monsieur，“repliedshe(notknowingtheEmperor)，“Iamverypoor，andthemotherofthreechildren，whomIhavegreatdifficultyinsupporting，becausemyhusband，whoisadaylaborer，hasnotalwayswork。“——“Howmuchwouldittake，“repliedhisMajesty，“tomakeyouperfectlyhappy？“——“OSire，itwouldtakeagreatdealofmoney。“——“Buthowmuch，mygoodwoman，howmuchwouldbenecessary？“——“Ah，Monsieur，unlesswehadtwentylouis，wewouldnotbeabovewant；butwhatchanceisthereofoureverhavingtwentylouis？“

TheEmperorgaveher，onthespot，thesumofthreethousandfrancsingold，andorderedmetountietherollsandpourthemallintothegoodwoman\'slap。

Atthesightofsomuchgoldthelattergrewpale，reeled，andIsawshewasfainting。“All，thatistoomuch，Monsieur，thatisindeedtoomuch。

Surelyyoucouldnotbemakingsportofapoorwoman！“

TheEmperorassuredherthatitwasindeedallhers，andthatwiththismoneyshecouldbuyalittlefield，aflockofgoats，andraiseherchildrenwell。

HisMajestydidnotmakehimselfknown；forheliked，indispensinghisbenefits，topreservehisincognito，andIknew，duringhislife，alargenumberofinstancessimilartotheforegoing。Itseemsthathistorianshavemadeitapointtopassthemoverinsilence；andyetitis，I

think，bytherehearsalofjustsuchdeedsthatacorrectideaoftheEmperor\'scharactercanandshouldbeformed。

DeputationsfromtheLigurianRepublic，withtheDogeattheirhead，hadcometoMilantoentreattheEmperortoannexGenoaanditsterritorytotheEmpire，whichdemandhisMajestytookcarenottorefuse，andbyadecreeformedoftheGenoesestatesthreedepartmentsofhisItaliankingdom。TheEmperorandEmpresssetoutfromMilantovisitthesedepartmentsandsomeothers。

WehadbeenatMantuaashorttime，whenoneevening，aboutsixo\'clock，GrandMarshalDurocgavemeanordertoremainaloneinalittleroomadjoiningthatoftheEmperor，andinformedmethatCountLucienBonapartewouldarrivesoon。Hecameinafewmoments；andassoonasheannouncedhimself，Iintroducedhiminto，theEmperor\'sbedroom，andthenknockedatthedooroftheEmperor\'scabinet，toinformhimofhisarrival。Aftersalutingeachother，thetwobrothersshutthemselvesupintheroom，andtheresoonarosebetweenthemaveryanimateddiscussion；andbeingcompelledtoremaininthelittlesaloon，muchagainstmywill，Ioverheardagreatpartoftheconversation。TheEmperorwasurginghisbrothertogetadivorce，andpromisedhimacrownifhewoulddothis；butLucienrepliedthathewouldneverabandonthemotherofhischildren，whichrefusalirritatedtheEmperorsogreatly，thathisexpressionsbecameharshandeveninsulting。Whenthisaltercationhadlastedmorethananhour，M。Luciencameoutfromitinadeplorablecondition，paleanddisheveled，hiseyesredandfilledwithtears；andwedidnotseehimagain，for，onquittinghisbrother，hereturnedtoRome。

TheEmperorwasgreatlytroubledbythisrefusalofhisbrother，anddidnotopenhismouthonretiring。IthasbeenmaintainedthatthedisagreementbetweenthebrotherswascausedbytheelevationoftheFirstConsultotheEmpire，andLucien\'sdisapprovalofthisstep；butthatisamistake。ItisindeedtruethatthelatterhadproposedtocontinuetheRepublicunderthegovernmentoftwoconsuls，whoweretobeNapoleonandLucien，onetobeattheheadofthedepartmentofwarandforeignrelations，theotherofeverythingconnectedwiththeaffairsoftheinterior；butalthoughthefailureofthisplanmusthavedisappointedLucien，theaviditywithwhichheacceptedthetitlesofsenatorandcountoftheEmpireprovedthathecaredverylittleforarepublicofwhichhewasnottobeoneoftheheads。IamsurethatthemarriageofMonsieurLucientoMadameJouberthonwastheonlycauseofthisdisagreement。TheEmperordisapprovedofthisunionbecausethelady\'sreputationwassomewhatdoubtful，andshewasalsodivorcedfromherhusband，whohadbecomeinsolvent，andhadfledtoAmerica。Thisinsolvency，andthedivorceespecially，offendedNapoleondeeply，whoalwaysfeltagreatrepugnancefordivorcedpeople。

Beforethis，theEmperorhadwishedtoraisehisbrothertotherankofsovereign，bymakinghimmarrytheQueenofEtruria，whohadlostherhusband。Lucienhadrefusedthisallianceonseveraldifferentoccasions；andatlasttheEmperorbecameangry，andsaidtohim，“Youseehowfaryouarecarryingyourinfatuationandyourfoolishloveforafemmegalante。“——“Atleast，“repliedLucien，“mineisyoungandpretty，“

alludingtotheEmpressJosephine，whohadbeenboththeoneandtheother。

TheboldnessofthisreplyexcitedtheEmperor\'sangerbeyondallbounds。

Atthatmomentheheldinhishandshiswatch，whichhedashedwithallhismightonthefloor，cryingout，“Sinceyouwilllistentonothing，see，Iwillbreakyoulikethiswatch。“

DifferenceshadarisenbetweenthebrothersbeforetheestablishmentoftheEmpire；andamongtheactswhichcausedthedisgraceofLucien，I

haveoftenheardthefollowingcited。

Lucien，beingministeroftheinterior，receivedtheorderoftheFirstConsultoletnowheatgooutoftheterritoryoftheRepublic。Ourwarehouseswerefilled，andFranceabundantlysupplied；butthiswasnotthecaseinEngland，andthescarcityofitwasbeginningtobefeltthere。Itwasneverknownhowithappened；butthelargerpartofthisgrainpassedtheStraitofCalais，anditwasstatedpositivelythatthesumoftwentymillionswasreceivedforit。Onlearningthis，theFirstConsultookawaytheportfoliooftheinteriorfromhisbrother，andappointedhimambassadortoSpain。

AtMadrid，MonsieurLucienwaswellreceivedbythekingandtheroyalfamily，andbecametheintimatefriendofDonManuelGodoy，PrincedelaPaix。Itwasduringthismission，andbyagreementwiththePrincedelaPaix，thatthetreatyofBadajoswasconcluded，inordertoprocurewhichitissaidthatPortugalgavethirtymillions。Ithasbeenalsodeclaredthatmorethanthissum，paidingoldanddiamonds，wasdividedbetweenthetwoplenipotentiaries，whodidnotthinkitnecessarytorenderanaccountofthistransactiontotheirrespectivecourts。

CharlesIV。lovedLucientenderly，andfeltfortheFirstConsulthegreatestveneration。AfterexaminingcarefullyseveralSpanishhorseswhichheintendedfortheFirstConsul，hesaidtohisheadgroom:“Howfortunateyouare，andhowIenvyyourhappiness！youaregoingtoseethegreatman，andyouwillspeaktohim；howIshouldliketotakeyourplace！“

DuringhisembassageLucienhadpaidhiscourttoapersonofmostelevatedrank，andhadreceivedherportraitinamedallionsurroundedwithveryfinebrilliants。Ihaveseenahundredtimesthisportraitwhichheworesuspendedfromhisneckbyachainofmostbeautifulblackhair；andfarfrommakingamysteryofit，heendeavored，onthecontrary，toshowit，andbentoversothattherichmedallioncouldbeseenhangingonhisbreast。

BeforehisdeparturefromMadrid，thekinglikewisemadehimapresentofhisownportraitinminiature，alsosetindiamonds。

Thesestones，remountedandsetintheformofahatbuckle，passedtothesecondwifeofLucien。IwillnowgiveanaccountofhismarriagewithMadameJouberthon，asrelatedtomebyapersonwhoresidedinthesamehouse。

TheFirstConsulwasinformedeachday，andverypromptly，ofallthattookplaceintheinteriorofthehomesofhisbrothers，acircumstantialaccountbeingrendered，evenastothesmallestparticularsandtheslightestdetails。Lucien，wishingtomarryMadameJouberthon，whomhehadmetatthehouseoftheCountdeL——，anintimatefriendofhis，wrotebetweentwoandthreeo\'clockintheafternoontoDuquesnoy，mayorofthetentharrondissement，requestinghimtocometohisresidence，RueSaintDominique，abouteighto\'clockintheevening，andbringthemarriageregister。

Betweenfiveandsixo\'clockMonsieurDuquesnoy，mayorofthetentharrondissement，receivedfromthechateauoftheTuileriesanordernottotaketheregisteroutofthemunicipality，andaboveallnottocelebrateanymarriagewhatever，unless，inaccordancewiththelaw，thenamesofthepartiestheretohadbeenpublishedforeightdays。

AtthehourindicatedDuquesnoyarrivedattheresidence，andaskedtospeakinprivatetothecount，towhomhecommunicatedtheorderemanatingfromthechateau。

Besidehimselfwithanger，Lucienimmediatelyhiredahundredpost-horsesforhimselfandfriends；andwithoutdelayheandMadameJouberthon，withthesefriendsandthepeopleofhishousehold，tookcarriagesforthechateauofPlessis-Chamant，apleasure-househalfaleaguebeyondSenlis。

Thecureoftheplace，whowasalsoassociatemayor，wassummoned，andatmidnightpronouncedthecivilmarriage；then，puttingonhissacerdotalrobesoverthescarfheworeasanofficerofthecivilstate，hebestowedonthefugitivesthenuptialbenediction。Agoodsupperwasthenserved，atwhichtheassistantandcurewerepresent；but，ashereturnedtohisvicarageaboutsixo\'clockinthemorning，hesawathisgateapost-chaise，guardedbytwosoldiers，andonenteringhishouse，foundthereanofficerofthearmedpolice，whoinvitedhimpolitelytobekindenoughtoaccompanyhimtoParis。Thepoorcuratethoughthimselflost；buthewascompelledtoobey，underpenaltyofbeingcarriedtoParisfromoneguard-housetoanotherbythepolice。

Nothingwasleftforhimbuttoenterthefatalchaise，whichwasdrawnatagallopbytwogoodhorses，andsoonarrivedattheTuileries，wherehewasbroughtintothecabinetoftheFirstConsul，whosaidtohiminavoiceofthunder，“Itisyou，then，Monsieur，whomarrymembersofmyfamilywithoutmyconsent，andwithouthavingpublishedthebans，asisyourdutyinyourdoublecharacterofcureandassistantmayor。Youwellknowthatyoudeservetobedeprivedofyouroffice，excommunicated，andtriedbeforethecourts。“Theunfortunatepriestbelievedhimselfalreadyinprison；butafteraseverelecturehewassentbacktohiscuracy，andthetwobrotherswereneverreconciled。

Inspiteofallthesedifferences，Lucienalwayscountedontheaffectionofhisbrothertoobtainhimakingdom。Iguaranteetheauthenticityofthefollowingincident，whichwasrelatedtomebyareliableperson:

Lucienhadinchargeofhisestablishmentafriendofhisearlyyouth，thesameageashimself，andlikehimborninCorsica，whowasnamedCampi，andenjoyedthemostconfidentialrelationsinthecount\'shousehold。Onthedaythatthe\'Moniteur\'gavealistofthenewFrenchprinces，CampiwaspromenadinginthehandsomegalleryofpicturescollectedbyLucien，withthelatter\'syoungsecretary，whenthefollowingconversationoccurredbetweenthem。“Youhavenodoubtreadthe\'Moniteur\'ofto-day？“——“Yes。“——“YouhaveseenthatallthemembersofthefamilyhavehadthetitleofFrenchprincesbestowedonthem，andthenameofmonsieurlecountaloneiswantingtothelist。“——“Whatmattersthat？Therearekingdoms。“——“Consideringthecarethatsovereignstaketokeepthem，therewillhardlybeanyvacancy。“——

“Ah，well，theywillbemade。AlltheroyalfamiliesofEuropearewornout，andwemusthavenewones。“ThereuponCampiwassilent，andadvisedtheyoungmantoholdhistongue，ifhewishedtopreservethefavorofthecount。However，itwasnotlongafterthisbeforetheyoungsecretaryrepeatedthisconfidentialconversation，which，withoutbeingsingularlystriking，gives，however，anideaoftheamountofconfidencewhichshouldbeplacedinthepretendedmoderationofCountLucien，andintheepigramsagainsthisbrotherandhisfamilywhichhavebeenattributedtohim。

NooneinthechateauwasignorantofthehostilitywhichexistedbetweenLucienBonaparteandtheEmpressJosephine；andtomaketheircourttothelattertheformerhabituesofMalmaison，nowbecomethecourtiersoftheTuileries；wereinthehabitofrelatingtoherthemostpiquantanecdotestheycouldcollectrelativetotheyoungerbrotheroftheEmperor。ThusithappenedthatbychanceonedayIheardadignifiedpersonandasenatoroftheEmpiregivetheEmpress，inthegayestmannerimaginable，veryminutedetailsastooneofthetemporaryliaisonsofCountLucien。Idonotguaranteetheauthenticityoftheanecdote，andI

experienceinwritingitmoreembarrassmentthanthesenatordisplayedinrelatingit，andomit，indeed，amassofdetailswhichthenarratorgavewithoutblushing，andwithoutdrivingoffhisaudience；formyobjectistothrowlightuponthefamilysecretsoftheimperialhousehold，andonthehabitsofthepersonswhowerenearesttheEmperor，andnottopublishscandal，thoughIcouldjustifymyselfbytheexampleofadignitaryoftheEmpire。