according to the conditions under which the writer views the
matter, history will never be fixed.

"It is sad," was their reflection. However, one might take a subject,
exhaust the sources of information concerning it, make a good analysis
of them, then condense it into a narrative, which would be, as it were,
an epitome of the facts reflecting the entire truth.

"Do you wish that we should attempt to compose a history?"

"I ask for nothing better. But of what?"

"Suppose we write the life of the Duke of Angouleme?"

"But he was an idiot!" returned Bouvard.

"What matter? Personages of an inferior mould have sometimes an enormous
influence, and he may have controlled the machinery of public affairs."

The books would furnish them with information; and M. de Faverges, no
doubt, would have them himself, or could procure them from some elderly
gentleman of his acquaintance.

They thought over this project, discussed it, and finally determined to
spend a fortnight at the municipal library at Caen in making researches
there.

The librarian placed at their disposal some general histories and some
pamphlets with a coloured lithograph portrait representing at
three-quarters' length Monseigneur the Duke of Angouleme.

The blue cloth of his uniform disappeared under the epaulets, the stars,
and the large red ribbon of the Legion of Honour; a very high collar
surrounded his long neck; his pear-shaped head was framed by the curls
of his hair and by his scanty whiskers and heavy eyelashes; and a very
big nose and thick lips gave his face an expression of commonplace
good-nature.

When they had taken notes, they drew up a programme:

"Birth and childhood but slightly interesting. One of his tutors is the
Abbe Guenee, Voltaire's enemy. At Turin he is made to cast a cannon; and
he studies the campaigns of Charles VIII. Also he is nominated, despite
his youth, colonel of a regiment of noble guards.

"1797.--His marriage.

"1814.--The English take possession of Bordeaux. He runs up behind them
and shows his person to the inhabitants. Description of the prince's
person.

"1815.--Bonaparte surprises him. Immediately he appeals to the King of
Spain; and Toulon, were it not for Massena, would have been surrendered
to England.

"Operations in the South. He is beaten, but released under the promise
to restore the crown diamonds carried off at full gallop by the King,
his uncle.

"After the Hundred Days he returns with his