saying: "Read it."

Sir John cast his eyes over the document, with which he seemed to be
familiar, paused at the tenth paragraph, and read:

The best and surest means for peace and security, and for their
continuance, would be the restoration of that line of princes who
for so many centuries have preserved to the French nation its
internal prosperity and the respect and consideration of foreign
countries. Such an event would have removed, and at any time will
remove, the obstacles which are now in the way of negotiations
and peace; it would guarantee to France the tranquil possession
of her former territory, and procure for all the other nations of
Europe, through a like tranquillity and peace, that security which
they are now obliged to seek by other means.

"Well," said Bonaparte, impatiently, "I have read all that, and
perfectly understood it. Be Monk, labor for another man, and your
victories, your renown, your genius will be forgiven you; humble
yourself, and you shall be allowed to remain great!"

"Citizen First Consul," said Lord Tanlay, "no one knows better than
I the difference between you and Monk, and how far you surpass him in
genius and renown."

"Then why do you read me that?"

"I only read that paragraph," replied Sir John, "to lead you to give to
the one following its due significance."

"Let's hear it," said Bonaparte, with repressed impatience.

Sir John continued:

But, however desirable such an event may be for France and for
the world, it is not to this means alone that his Majesty
restricts the possibility of a safe and sure pacification.

Sir John emphasized the last words.

"Ah! ah!" exclaimed Bonaparte, stepping hastily to Sir John's side.

The Englishman continued:

His Majesty does not presume to prescribe to France her form
of government, nor the hands into which she may place the
necessary authority to conduct the affairs of a great and
powerful nation.

"Read that again, sir," said Bonaparte, eagerly.

"Read it yourself," replied Sir John.

He handed him the note, and Bonaparte re-read it.

"Was it you, sir," he asked, "who added that paragraph?"

"I certainly insisted on it."

Bonaparte reflected.

"You are right," he said; "a great step has been taken; the return of
the Bourbons is no longer a condition _sine qua non_. I am accepted, not
only as a military, but also as a political power." Then, holding out
his hand to Sir John,