in describing the flourishing condition of France, was only replying to the General, who had drawn a very opposite picture of the state of things.  You know, my dear Bourrienne, that Bonaparte is not always very prudent.  I fear he has said too much to Bernadotte about the necessity of changes in the Government.”  Josephine had not yet recovered from the agitation into which this violent scene had thrown her.  After I took leave of her; I made notes of what she had told me.

A few days after, when Bonaparte, Josephine, Hortense, Eugene, and I were together in the drawing-room, Bernadotte unexpectedly entered.  His appearance, after what had passed, was calculated to surprise us.  He was accompanied by a person whom he requested permission to introduce to Bonaparte.  I have forgotten his name, but he was, I think, secretary-general while Bernadotte was in office.  Bonaparte betrayed no appearance of astonishment.  He received Bernadotte with perfect ease, and they soon entered into conversation.  Bonaparte, who seemed to acquire confidence from the presence of those who were about him, said a great deal about the agitation which prevailed among the republicans, and expressed himself in very decided terms against the Manege Club.’

—­[The Manege Club, the last resort of the Jacobins, formed in 1799, and closed seven or eight months afterwards.  Joseph Bonaparte (Erreurs, time i. p. 251) denies that he or Lucien—­for whom the allusion is meant—­were members of this club, and he disputes this conversation ever having taken place.  Lucien (tome i. p. 219) treats this club as opposed to his party.]—­

I seconded him by observing that M. Moreau de Worms of my department, who was a member of that club, had himself complained to me of the violence that prevailed in it.  “But, General,” said Bernadotte, “your brothers were its most active originators.  Yet,” added he in a tone of firmness, “you accuse me of having favoured that club, and I repel the charge.  It cannot be otherwise than false.  When I came into office I found everything in the greatest disorder.  I had no leisure to think about any club to which my duties did not call me.  You know well that your friend Salicetti, and that your brother, who is in your confidence, are both leading men in the Manege Club.  To the instructions of I know not whom is to be attributed the violence of which you complain.”  At these words, and especially the tone in which Bernadotte uttered ‘I know not whom,’ Bonaparte could no longer restrain himself.  “Well, General,” exclaimed he furiously, “I tell you plainly, I would rather live wild in the woods than in a state of society which affords no security.”  Bernadotte then said, with great dignity of manner, “Good God!  General, what security would you have?” From the warmth evinced by Bonaparte I saw plainly that the conversation would soon be converted into a dispute, and in a whisper I requested Madame Bonaparte to change the conversation, which she immediately did by addressing a question to some one present.  Bernadotte, observing Madame Bonaparte’s design, checked his warmth.  The subject of conversation was changed, and it became general Bernadotte soon took up his hat and departed.