der, General Curial, gave the same
answers as Belliard. "In proceeding to Paris," said he, "you rush on
death or captivity." Perceiving at length that the hand of necessity was
on him, the Emperor then abandoned his design. He sank at once into
perfect composure; gave orders that the troops, as they arrived, should
draw up behind the little river Essonne; despatched Caulaincourt to
Paris, with authority to accept whatever terms the Allied Sovereigns
might be pleased to offer; and turned again towards Fontainebleau.

It was still dark when Napoleon reached once more that venerable castle.
He retired to rest immediately; not, however, in any of the state-rooms
which he had been accustomed to occupy, but in a smaller apartment, in a
different and more sequestered part of the building.

The Duke of Vicenza reached the Czar's quarters at Pantin early in the
morning of the 31st, while he was yet asleep; and recognised, amidst the
crowd in the ante-chamber, a deputation from the municipality of Paris,
who were waiting to present the keys of the city, and invoke the
protection of the conqueror. As soon as Alexander awoke, these
functionaries were admitted to his presence, and experienced a most
courteous reception. The Czar repeated his favourite expression, that he
had but one enemy in France: and promised that the capital, and all
within it, should be treated with perfect consideration. Caulaincourt
then found his way to Alexander--but he was dismissed immediately. The
countenance of the envoy announced, as he came out, that he considered
the fate of his master as decided; nor, if he had preserved any hope,
could it have failed to expire when he learned that Alexander had
already sent to Talleyrand, requesting him on no account to quit the
capital, and proposing to take up his own residence in his hotel.
Nesselrode, the Russian minister, who received the municipal deputation
ere the Czar awoke, entered freely into conversation with the gentleman
at their head, M. Laborde. That person, being questioned as to the state
of public feeling, answered that there were three parties: the army, who
still adhered to Buonaparte; the republicans, who wished for his
deposition, but would not object to the King of Rome being recognised as
Emperor, provided a liberal constitution were established, and the
regency placed in fit hands; and finally, the old nobility and the
saloons of Paris, who were united in desiring the restoration of the
B