d shed
bitter tears together over the early grave of their little favorite; and
there was now not even a nominal heir to the throne. The machinations of
the designing were in active motion. Lucien introduced the subject, and
said to Josephine that it was absolutely necessary for the satisfaction
of the nation that Napoleon should have a son, and asked whether she
would pass off an illegitimate one as her own. This proposal she refused
with the utmost indignation, preferring any alternative to one so
disgraceful.

On Napoleon's return from the battle of Wagram, Josephine hastened to
welcome him. After the first warm greetings and tender embraces, she
perceived that something weighed upon his mind. The restraint and
embarrassment of his manner filled her with dread. For fifteen days she
was a prey to the most cruel suspense, yet she dreaded its termination
by a disclosure fatal to her happiness. Napoleon, who loved her so much,
and who had hitherto looked to her alone for all his domestic felicity,
himself felt all the severity of the blow, which he was about to
inflict. The day at length came, and it is thus affectingly described by
Mr. Alison:

"They dined together as usual, but neither spoke a word
during the repast; their eyes were averted as soon as they
met, but the countenance of both revealed the mortal anguish
of their minds. When it was over, he dismissed the
attendants, and approaching the Empress with a trembling
step, took her hand, and laid it upon his heart.
'Josephine,' said he, 'my good Josephine, you know how I
have loved you; it is to you alone that I owe the few
moments of happiness I have known in the world. Josephine,
my destiny is more powerful than my will; my dearest
affections must yield to the interests of France.'

"'Say no more,' cried the Empress, 'I expected this; I
understand and feel for you, but the stroke is not the less
mortal.' With these words, she uttered piercing shrieks, and
fell down in a swoon.

"Doctor Corvisart was at hand to render assistance, and she
was restored to a sense of her wretchedness in her own
apartment. The Emperor came to see her in the evening, but
she could hardly bear the emotion occasioned by his
appearance."

Little did Napoleon think, when he was making a sacrifice of all the
'happiness which he had known in the world,' that the ambitious views
for w