ed at the mention of country and of glory; he alone
stood cold and unmoved. I addressed myself to his feelings, but in vain;
he was insensible to everything I said. At that period Georges appeared
to me little ambitious of power; his whole wishes seemed to centre in
commanding the Vendeans. It was not till I had exhausted every means of
conciliation that I assumed the tone and language of the first
magistrate. I dismissed him with a strong injunction to live
retired--to be peaceable and obedient--not to misinterpret the motives
of my conduct towards himself--nor attribute 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