bute to weakness what was merely
the result of moderation and strength. 'Rest assured,' I added, 'and
repeat to your associates, that while I hold the reins of authority
there will be neither chance nor salvation for those who dare to
conspire against me: How he conformed to this injunction the event has
shown. Real told me that when Moreau and Georges found themselves in
the presence of Pichegru they could not come to any understanding,
because Georges would not act against the Bourbons. Well, he had a
plan, but Moreau had none; he merely wished for my overthrow, without
having formed any ulterior views whatever. This showed that he was
destitute of even common sense. Apropos, Bourrienne, have you seen
Corvisart?"--"Yes, Sire."--"Well!" "He delivered to me the message with
which you entrusted him."--"And Desmaisons!--I wager that you have not
spoken to him in conformity to my wishes."--"Sire, the estimation in
which I hold Desmaisons deterred me from a course so injurious to him;
for in what other light could he have considered what I should have said
to him? I have never visited at his house since the commencement of the
trial."--"Well! well! Be prudent and discreet, I shall not forget you."
He then waved a very gracious salute with his hand, and withdrew into
his cabinet.

The Emperor had detained me more than an hour. On leaving the
audience-chamber I passed through the outer salon, where a number of
individuals were waiting; and I perceived that an observance of
etiquette was fast gaining ground, though the Emperor had not yet
adopted the admirable institution of Court Chamberlains.

I cannot deny that I was much gratified with my reception; besides I was
beginning to be weary of an inactive life, and was anxious to obtain a
place, of which I stood in great need, from the losses I had sustained
and the unjust resumption which Bonaparte had made of his gifts. Being
desirous to speak of Napoleon with the strictest impartiality, I prefer
drawing my conclusions from those actions in which I had no personal
concern. I shall therefore only relate here, even before giving an
account of my visit to the Empress on leaving the audience-chamber, the
former conduct of Napoleon towards myself and Madame de Bourrienne, which
will justify the momentary alarm with which I was seized when summoned to
the Tuileries, and the satisfaction I felt at my reception. I had a
proof of what Rapp said of the Emperor being in good-humour, and