could
not reason myself out of the notion but that there, in that great pile,
the fate of my whole life was to be decided.

My entire day was passed in this way; and evening found me seated on
one of the benches near the windows of the pavilion, where I watched the
lustres in the long gallery as one by one they burst into light, and saw
the gilt candelabras twinkling as each taper was illuminated. It was an
evening reception of the Emperor, and I could mark the vast assemblage,
in every variety of uniform, that filled the salons. At length the drums
beat for strangers to leave the gardens; the patrols passed on; and
gradually the crowded walks became thinner and thinner; the sounds of
the drum grew fainter; and finally the whole space became still and
noiseless,--not a voice was to be heard, not a step moved on the gravel.
I knew that the gates were now locked; and yet I stayed on, glad to be
alone, and at leisure to dream away among the fancies that kept ever
rising to my mind, and to follow out the trains of thought that ever and
anon opened before me.

As the hour grew later, and the salons filled more and more, the
windows were opened along the terrace to give air, and I could hear the
continued murmur of hundreds of voices conversing, while at times the
sound of laughter rose above the rest. What a rush of thoughts came on
me as I sat! how did I picture to myself the dark intrigues, the subtle
plots of wily diplomatists, the bold and daring aspirations of the
brave soldiers, the high hopes and the ambitious yearnings that were
all commingled there, grouped around him whose dreams were of universal
empire! While I mused, the night glided on, and the solemn sound of the
bell of Notre Dame proclaimed midnight. I now could mark that the salons
were thinning, and the unceasing din of carriages in the Place announced
the departure of the guests. In little more than half an hour the great
gallery was empty, and but a few groups remained in the apartments
adjoining. Even they soon departed; and then I could see the servants
passing from room to room extinguishing the lights, and soon the great
facade of the palace wac wrapped in darkness. A twinkling light appeared
here and there for some time, but it too went out. The night was calm
and still and sultry; not a leaf stirred; and the heavy tread of the
sentinels as they paced the marble vestibule was heard plainly where I
stood.

How full of thought to me was that vast p