saw you last, I have learned how deeply interested she became in
your fortunes. The letter you received in the Temple came from her, and
the enclosure also. And now, with your leave, we can do nothing better
than pay our respects to her, and make our acknowledgments for such
kindness. She receives at this hour, and will, I know, take your visit
in good part."

While I professed my readiness to comply with the suggestion, we drove
into the court of the Tuileries. It was so early that, except the
officers of the Consul's staff and some of those on guard, we were the
only persons visible.

"We are the first arrivals," said the general, as we drew up at the door
of the pavilion. "I am not sorry for it; we shall have our audience over
before the crowd assembles."

Giving our names to the usher, we mounted the stairs, and passed on
from room to room until we came to a large salon, in which seats were
formally arranged in a semicircle, an armchair somewhat higher than the
rest occupying the centre. Several full-length portraits of the generals
of the Revolutionary armies adorned the walls, and a striking likeness
of the Consul himself, on horseback, held the principal place. I had
but time to see thus much, when the two sides of the folding-doors were
flung open, and Madame Bonaparte, followed by Mademoiselle de Meudon,
entered. Scarcely were the doors closed, when she said, smiling,--

"I heard of your arrival. General, and guessed its purport, so came at
once. Monsieur Burke, I am happy to see you at liberty once more."

"That I owe it to you, Madame, makes it doubly dear to me," said I,
faltering.

"You must not overrate my exertions on your behalf," replied the
Consulesse, in a hurried voice. "There was an amende due to you for the
treatment you met with at Versailles,--all Savary's fault; and now I am
sincerely sorry I ever suffered myself to become a party to his schemes.
Indeed, I never guessed them, or I should not. General d'Auvergne has
made you his aide-decamp, he tells me."

"Yes, Madame; my good fortune has showered favors on me most suddenly.
Your kindness has been an augury of success in everything."

She smiled, as if pleased, and then said, "I have a piece of advice
to give you, and hope you 'll profit by it." Then, turning towards the
general, who all this time was deeply engaged in talking to Mademoiselle
de Meudon, she added, "Don't you think. General, that it were as well
Monsieur Burke should not