rsations were in English, spoken by both
as well as their own language. It was reported to me that Talma had
said, "I prefer Louis XVIII.'s courtesy to Bonaparte's pension."

Courtesy, in fact, is the greatest charm of princes; it doubles the
value of the slightest favour. In this regard His Highness the Count
d'Artois was in no way behind his brother. By no means forgotten are
the innumerable apt sayings, bearing the corner-mark of kindness,
with which he won men's hearts. After his accession to the
throne--upon the death of Louis XVIII.--I chanced to be at the Louvre
the day he was giving medals to the painters and sculptors. Before
presenting them he said, in the most sympathetic manner, "They are not
encouragements, but rewards." All the artists were touched by the
delicate compliment implied in these words.

As for the Duke de Berri, if he had not quite the same courtesy as his
father, he was as clever, especially in that timely quickness of wit
so useful to princes. I select one example out of a thousand. The
first time he reviewed some troops he heard a few cries from the ranks
of "Long live the Emperor!" "Quite right, my friends," was his
immediate remark; "every one must live." Upon which the same soldiers
exclaimed, "Long live the Duke de Berri!"

His goodness of heart went so far that not only did he interest
himself in everything that concerned his friends, but behaved toward
the domestics of his household as the father of a family might have
done. He was worshipped by his servants, and employed his influence to
encourage them in good conduct and in making whatever savings they
could. One day, as he was about to enter his carriage, a little
kitchen scullion came running up to him with, "Your Highness, I have
saved fifteen francs this year!" "Well, my boy, that makes thirty,"
said the Duke, giving him the sum the boy had mentioned. The Duke de
Berri kept his revenues in good order; his heaviest expenses were
occasioned by his taste for the arts, a predilection shared by his
amiable wife. The Duchess de Berri was fond of encouraging young
artists; she would buy their pictures and often order more. Her
liberality in paying never made her forget the duty of politeness
incumbent upon rank. She showed model civility in all her dealings
with men of talent.

Of the Duchess d'Angouleme I would not venture to speak. What could I
say that would not fall short of the truth? The merits of this
Princess are known to