conversed with the same
cheerfulness as usual. It has been asserted that he was acting a part
all the time he was on board the ship; but still, even allowing that
to be the case, nothing but great command of temper could have enabled
him to have sustained such a part for so many days, in his situation.

[Footnote 11: [I do entreat and conjure that the natural and
sailor-like speech of Lord Keith be not tampered with. It is
really a sin to knock the spirit out of a work by such
over-delicacy.--SCOTT.]]

I shall here relate a circumstance that occurred during the passage to
England, which will show in a strong point of view the freedom that
subsisted between him and those of his attendants in whom he had
confidence. A conversation took place respecting the relative state of
cultivation in France and in England. My opinion being asked, I said,
that though the climate of France was much superior to that of
England, I believed that agriculture had arrived at a greater state of
perfection with us than in France. Most of the Frenchmen treated the
idea with ridicule; upon which I said, let us refer to Monsieur Las
Cases, who has lived several years in England. "You are right," said
he; "there can be no doubt, that agriculture has arrived to much
greater perfection in England than in France; but what I admire most
in England, are the country-seats of your noblemen and gentlemen;
there you surpass France very much." General Bertrand then took up the
conversation, and said, that he was assured, that thirty thousand
pounds sterling was annually expended on the park and grounds of
Blenheim. Buonaparte immediately reduced that sum into livres; and
observed, "The thing is impossible: the English people are not fools;
they know the value of money, and no individual either could or would
expend such a sum for such a purpose." He then spoke of the expense of
keeping up Malmaison, one of the country palaces in France; stating
the sum it cost annually, which did not exceed five thousand pounds.
Bertrand still persisted in his statement, and made a reference to me.
I, however, could give no information further than saying, that from
what I had heard of the Duke of Marlborough's finances, he could not
possibly lay out any such sum on Blenheim. Monsieur Bertrand would not
give up the point, but repeated his assertion. On which Buonaparte
said, with quickness, "Bah! c'est impossible." "Oh!" said Bertrand,