y drawing-room at Louveciennes. One fine
summer's morning, at four o'clock, while I was asleep, the Prince de
Crespy, the Baron de Feisthamel, M. de Riviere, and my niece, Eugenia
Lebrun, set silently to work. By ten o'clock each frame was filled. My
surprise may be imagined when, upon coming down to breakfast, I
entered the room and found it adorned with these delightful paintings
as well as with garlands of flowers. It was my birthday. Tears came
into my eyes--the only thanks I was able to offer.

In 1819 His Highness the Duke de Berri signified his wish to buy my
"Sibyl," which he had seen in my studio at London, and although I
perhaps prized this most of all my works, I speedily complied with his
request. Some years later I painted Her Highness the Duchess de Berri,
who gave me sittings at the Tuileries with the politest punctuality,
and besides showed me a friendliness than which none could have been
greater. I shall never forget how, while I was painting her one day,
she said, "Wait a moment." Then, getting up, she went to her library
for a book containing an article in my praise, which she was obliging
enough to read aloud from beginning to end. During one of these
sittings the Duke de Bordeaux brought his mother a copybook in which
his master had written "Very good." The Duchess gave the boy two
louis. The little Prince, who might have been about six, began to jump
for joy, shouting, "This will do for my poor--and for my old woman
first of all!" When he was gone the Duchess told me that her son
referred to a poor soul he often met when he went out and of whom he
was particularly fond.

While the Duchess sat for me I would become irritated at the number of
people who came to make calls. She took note of this and was so
considerate as to say, "Why did you not ask me to pose at your house?"
Which she did for the two final sittings. I confess that I never could
think of such affecting warmth of heart without comparing the time I
devoted to this genial Princess with the melancholy hours Mme. Murat
had made me spend. I painted two portraits of the Duchess de Berri. In
the first she is wearing a red velvet dress, and in the other one of
blue velvet. I have no idea what has become of these pictures.

I must now speak of the sad years of my life during which, in a brief
space, I saw the beings dearest to me depart this world. First, I lost
M. Lebrun. True that for a long time I had entertained no relations
whatever wi