At this period, during summer, I had half the Sunday to myself.  I was, however, obliged to devote a portion of this precious leisure to pleasing Bonaparte by studying a new part as a surprise for him.  Occasionally, however, I passed the time at Ruel.  I recollect that one day, when I had hurried there from Malmaison, I lost a beautiful watch made by Breguet.  It was four o’clock in the afternoon, and the road was that day thronged with people.  I made my loss publicly known by means of the crier of Ruel.  An hour after, as I was sitting down to table, a young lad belonging to the village brought me my watch.  He had found it on the high road in a wheel rut.  I was pleased with the probity of this young man, and rewarded both him and his father, who accompanied him.  I reiterated the circumstance the same evening to the First Consul, who was so struck with this instance of honesty that he directed me to procure information respecting the young man and his family.  I learned that they were honest peasants.  Bonaparte gave employment to three brothers of this family; and, what was most difficult to persuade him to, he exempted the young man who brought me the watch from the conscription.

When a fact of this nature reached Bonaparte’s ear it was seldom that he did not give the principal actor in it some proof of his satisfaction.  Two qualities predominated in his character—­kindness and impatience.  Impatience, when he was under its influence, got the better of him; it was then impossible for him to control himself.  I had a remarkable proof of it about this very period.

Canova having arrived in Paris came to St. Cloud to model the figure of the First Consul, of whom he was about to make a colossal statue.  This great artist came often, in the hope of getting his model to stand in the proper attitude; but Bonaparte was so tired, disgusted, and fretted by the process, that he very seldom put himself in the required attitude, and then only for a short time.  Bonaparte notwithstanding had the highest regard for Canova.  Whenever he was announced the First Consul sent me to keep him company until he was at leisure to give him a sitting; but he would shrug up his shoulders and say, “More modeling!  Good Heavens, how vexatious!” Canova expressed great displeasure at not being able to study his model as he wished to do, and the little anxiety of Bonaparte on the subject damped the ardour of his imagination.  Everybody agrees in saying that he has not succeeded in the work, and I have explained the reason.  The Duke of Wellington afterwards possessed this colossal statue, which was about twice his own height.

CHAPTER XI.

1802.