that time one or two of his suite came regularly
every day to write to his dictation, and stayed to dinner. A tent, sent
by the Colonel of the 53d Regiment, was spread out so as to form a
prolongation of the pavillion. Their cook took up his abode at the
Briars. The table linen was taken from the trunks, the plate was set
forth, and the first dinner after these new arrangements was a sort of
fete.

One day at dinner Napoleon, casting his eye on one of the dishes of his
own campaign-service, on which the-arms of the King had been engraved,
"How they have spoiled that!" he exclaimed; and he could not refrain from
observing that the King was in great haste to take possession of the
Imperial plate, which certainly did not belong to him. Amongst the
baggage was also a cabinet in which were a number of medallions, given
him by the Pope and other potentates, some letters of Louis XVIII. which
he had left behind him on his writing-table in the suddenness of his
flight from the Tuileries on the 20th of March, and a number of other
letters found in the portfolio of Dia Blacas intended to calumniate
Napoleon.

The Emperor never dressed until about four o'clock he then walked in the
garden, which was particularly agreeable to him on account of its
solitude--the English soldiers having been removed at Mr. Balcombe's
request. A little arbour was covered with canvas; and a chair and table
placed in it, and here Napoleon dictated a great part of his Memoirs.
In the evening, when he did not go out, he generally contrived to prolong
the conversation till eleven or twelve o'clock.

Thus time passed with little variety or interruption. The weather in the
winter became delightful. One day, his usual task being done; Napoleon
strolled out towards the town, until he came within sight of the road and
shipping. On his return he met Mrs. Balcombe and a Mrs. Stuart, who was
on her way back from Bombay to England. The Emperor conversed with her on
the manners and customs of India, and on the inconveniences of a long
voyage at sea, particularly to ladies. He alluded to Scotland, Mrs.
Stuart's native country, expatiated on the genius of Ossian, and
congratulated his fair interlocutor on the preservation of her clear
northern complexion. While the parties were thus engaged some heavily
burdened slaves passed near to them. Mrs. Balcombe motioned them to make
a detour; but Napoleon interposed, exclaiming, "Respect the burden,
madam!" As he said thi