t,
that if your majesty could have a really correct likeness of Napoleon
brought to the young lady's notice, her ideas of him would be somewhat
changed."

"But I have no good likeness of Bonaparte," said the emperor, somewhat
embarrassed.

"Marshal Berthier brought one, which he is to present to the archduchess
on solemnly applying for her hand. It is very costly and correct. The
frame consists of twenty very large diamonds, for which one might buy a
whole principality. I requested the marshal to let me have it an hour,
when he permitted me to see it during the visit I paid to him. I told
him frankly I wished to take it to the emperor, who would show it to the
archduchess, that she might have some notion of the real emperor, and
receive his suit. The marshal granted my request, and intrusted the
miniature to me."

"Did you bring it with you?"

"I did, your majesty. Here it is." Metternich drew a morocco case from
his bosom and handed it to the emperor.

Francis opened it hastily, and contemplated the precious locket a good
while. "These are splendid diamonds, indeed," he said, "and I am
convinced Bonaparte did not inherit them of his father. Not the
slightest blemish, not a single imperfection in them; I believe I have
no more beautiful diamonds in my crown!"

"And the resemblance?" asked Metternich. "Does not your majesty think
that it is excellent?"

"Yes, yes," exclaimed Francis, laughing. "I had almost forgotten that,
in admiring the precious stones. Yes, it is a good likeness; he looks
precisely like that, but you must admit it is a revolting face, looking
as though there were but one man in the world, and he were that man."

"But the expression of so much haughtiness impresses the ladies very
favorably," said Metternich. "They like the man who loves to consider
himself a god, and he is one in their eyes. I really believe it would be
a good idea for your majesty to show this to the archduchess, and tell
her afterward that it is the likeness of her future husband. If your
majesty has no objection, I will, in the mean time, request an audience
of the Empress Ludovica, and try to convince her majesty of the
necessity of this marriage."

"Do so," exclaimed the emperor, joyously, "it will be very agreeable to
me, and as soon as possible. In the mean time I will go to the
archduchess, show her the miniature, and tell her plainly that it is
that of her future husband. It is better to tell her so without
circu